Frequently Asked Questions

MBA Program Information

What are the differences between the Accelerated MBA program and the Flexible MBA program?

• Course schedule:
  
  Accelerated MBA – This cohort- based class meets twice a week (two week nights or one week night and one Saturday morning) for 4 hours each session. Students take one six-week course at a time.
  
  Flexible MBA – Each course meets one night a week from 6:00-9:00pm for 16 weeks during the Fall and Spring semesters. Summer classes generally meet two nights per week from 5:00-10:00pm for four weeks. Classes are held Monday through Thursday nights on the UTEP Campus. Students can enroll in up to four classes per week.
  
  
• Degree completion:
  
  Accelerated MBA – Two years
  
  Flexible MBA – Two years on a full time basis; Three years or more on a part-time basis. Students have up to 6 years to complete the program at their own pace.
  
  
• Location:
  
  AMBA – Classes are held at various off-campus corporate locations. For Fall 2009, the off-campus location will be in Downtown El Paso.
  
  Flexible MBA - On campus
  
  
• Cost:
  
  The Accelerated MBA costs approximately $3500.00 more in tuition and fees than the Flexible MBA over the course of the entire program. Estimated Tuition & Fees for the AMBA - $1050 per three credit course, $16,800.00 for the 48 credit hour program (based on in-state Fall 08 tuition and fees; subject to change every Fall semester)
  
  
• Applications to the programs:
  
  Flexible MBA applications are accepted every semester. Admitted students can begin classes in the fall, spring or summer semesters. AMBA applications are accepted throughout the year, but new students can begin classes only in the fall and spring semesters.
  

Are the classes held in the evenings or on weekends?

In the Flexible MBA program, the classes are held in the evenings, Monday to Thursday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The Accelerated MBA cohorts attend classes on one of the following schedules: Monday and Thursday evenings from 5:30-9:30pm; or Tuesday evening from 5:30-9:30pm and Saturday morning from 8:00am to 12:00pm.

Can I take classes in both the Accelerated MBA and Flexible MBA programs?

We generally do not allow students to switch between the two programs because of the cohort structure of the Accelerated MBA. You may request to transfer from the Accelerated MBA to the Flexible MBA program, but you may not transfer from the Flexible MBA to the Accelerated MBA program.

My work requires me to travel. Should I apply for the Accelerated MBA program or the Flexible MBA Program?

Our faculty understands that most of our MBA students are working professionals and they make every effort to work with our students to make up for absences due to work-related travel. Given the six week duration of the AMBA classes, frequent travel may make the program impractical. You should consult with the MBA program office about your particular circumstances.

Do you offer online MBA courses?

We no longer offer any MBA courses online.

Can I request for a course waiver?

Students are not allowed to waiver classes, but they can substitute courses. Courses in the MBA Core may be substituted for other graduate courses in the same academic discipline if the MBA student has shown an appropriate understanding of the subject matter in previous undergraduate or graduate coursework.

Are transfer credits accepted?

We may accept transfer credits up to 6 credit hours from an AACSB accredited institution. Requests for transfer credits should be directed to the MBA program office.

Application Information

What is the required GMAT score?

We do not require a minimum GMAT score to be admitted into the MBA program. The GMAT score is one element that is considered in the admission process, along with the undergraduate grade point average, employment history, and other elements of the application.

What is the required Grade Point Average (GPA)?

We do not have a minimum GPA to be admitted into the MBA program. The undergraduate GPA is one element that is considered in the admission process, along with GMAT scores, employment history, and other elements of the application.

Can the GMAT requirement be waived?

This requirement can only be waived if the applicant has a conferred graduate degree (Master or Doctorate) from an accredited institution. Applicants must submit their graduate program transcript in order to be considered for a GMAT waiver.

I just graduated last semester and have limited professional work experience. Would I be considered for admission to the MBA program for the upcoming semester?

Yes. We welcome early career applicants with limited work experience who exhibit strong academic and professional potential. We encourage you to highlight your skills and accomplishments in your resume and statement of purpose.

How long does it take for an applicant to receive an admission decision after he/she has submitted an application?

We are able to provide a decision within two weeks of receiving a complete application.

How will I be notified of the decision?

You will be notified via email as soon as a recommendation is made. If admitted, you will receive a hard copy of your admission letter and orientation information via U.S. Postal Service.

I have a non-business undergraduate degree. Will my application be at a disadvantage in the admission process?

The MBA program is designed for students from a wide range of backgrounds. Current students represent a whole spectrum of academic and professional fields, including engineering, healthcare, education, public policy/government and business. The College of Business Administration strives to attract a diverse student body in the MBA program.

Can I request a deferral after I have been admitted to the program?

We do allow admitted applicants to defer admission for one year. The request to defer admission must be made in writing.

Does the application process include an interview?

We do not require an interview as part of the application process.

I am an international student with an undergraduate degree from the U.S. Do I still need to sit for TOEFL?

International students may be exempted from the TOEFL exam if they have earned an undergraduate or master's degree in the U.S. or if their undergraduate degree was earned in a TOEFL-exempt country.

I am currently enrolled as an undergraduate in UTEP. Can I still apply?

You are welcome to apply for admission to the MBA program during your final semester of undergraduate coursework. Admission to the program is contingent upon successful completion of your undergraduate degree.

I am currently enrolled as a graduate student in another program at UTEP. Can I transfer to the MBA program?

We welcome applications from graduate students in other programs at UTEP. You will need to submit an application for the MBA program. Graduate students who are close to completing their current program may be allowed to attend up to two courses in the MBA program prior to being admitted.

Can I enroll in MBA courses before applying to the program?

You may apply to the UTEP Graduate School as a non-degree seeking student and take up to two MBA courses in our Flexible MBA program before being admitted. Your coursework will count toward the completion of your MBA degree once admitted, provided that the courses meet the MBA degree requirements in place when you are admitted to the program. You cannot take classes in the AMBA program as a non-degree seeking student.

How do I apply for the PASE program and inquire about student VISA requirements?

The Office of International Programs (OIP) can help you with that process. Please visit the OIP website for more information: www.utep.edu/OIP.

Tuition and Fees/Paying for School

How do I apply for financial aid?

Please refer to our UTEP website, http://academics.utep.edu/payingforcollege. For more information, please call the Office of Student Financial Aid at 915-747-5204 or email your questions to financial@utep.edu.

How can I pay for the tuition?

At UTEP, we have several tools to help you pay your tuition. For more information on student loans, payment plans and other options, go to http://academics.utep.edu/payingforcollege.

Will the tuition rates increase?

Tuition and fees provided are those in place at the time of publication. Tuition and fees are subject to change based on the determination of the university administration and the University of Texas System Board of Regents. Increases are generally enacted once a year in the fall.

Academics

What GPA do I need to maintain in the MBA program?

Our program requires that students maintain a GPA of 3.0 in order to be in good academic standing. If a student’s GPA falls below, he/she will be placed on academic probation and given 9 credit hours to raise their GPA back up to a 3.0. Failure to attain the required GPA within the period of academic probation will result in the student’s dismissal from the program.

What if I fail a class?

You are allowed to retake the course but that will not remove or replace the failing grade on your transcript. If your GPA drops below 3.0 as a result of the failing grade, you will be placed on academic probation. You will then be given 9 credit hours to raise you GPA back up to a 3.0. Failure to attain the required GPA within the period of academic probation will result in the student’s dismissal from the program. You will have to raise your GPA to remain in good academic standing.

Employment and Career Services

Will UTEP provide job placement assistance once I am ready to graduate from the MBA program?

UTEP’s Career Services Office offers a full array of resources that will help you to meet your personal and professional goals. For more information, go to www.utep.edu/careers.

Have UTEP College of Business graduates been successful in finding employment in today’s competitive marketplace?

Our graduates have found great employment opportunities with corporations around the country and internationally. Below is a list of companies that have hired our graduates recently.

 
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