Prospective Student Admissions FAQ
Below are frequent questions prospective students ask about the SDSU Graduate Business Programs. If you still have questions after reading through the information below, please feel free to email or call the Graduate Business Programs office for assistance (sdsumba@mail.sdsu.edu or 619-594-8073).
Testing (GMAT/TOEFL or IELTS)
Degree Programs
Application Process
Admissions
Preparing for your MBA
Testing (GMAT / TOEFL or IELTS)
What is the average GMAT score?
The average GMAT of admitted students to SDSU’s graduate business programs is a 602.
How does the Admissions Committee evaluate my GMAT score if I have taken the test more than once?
The highest GMAT score will be evaluated.
Can I be conditionally admitted into the program if I plan to take/re-take the GMAT after the application period has ended?
We do not offer conditional admittance. You must take the GMAT and receive an acceptable score to be admitted to the program.
What are the minimum TOEFL and/or IELTS scores?
TOEFL: Minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer based), or 80 (Internet based).
IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5.
What is the correct TOEFL institution number for SDSU?
The correct TOEFL institution number for SDSU is 4682.
I am a U.S. citizen who completed my schooling outside of the U.S. at an institution where I was instructed in a language other than English. Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS?
Yes. All students, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must take either the TOEFL or IELTS to demonstrate competence of the English language.
I earned my undergraduate degree at an institution outside of the U.S., but I was instructed in English. Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS?
No. Students who possess a bachelor's degree from a post secondary institution where English is the principal language do NOT need to take the TOEFL or IELTS.
Can the TOEFL/IELTS requirement be waived?
Students who earned their undergraduate degree at an institution where the primary language of instruction was a language other than English may request to have the TOEFL/IELTS requirement waived if they have had extensive exposure to the English language outside of their undergraduate education. Waivers for the TOEFL/IELTS should be made in writing to the Graduate Admissions office and should be mailed to the address below. The Graduate Admissions office does not grant waivers frequently and thoroughly assesses each student’s capabilities.
Degree Programs
Does SDSU offer part-time graduate business programs to accommodate working professionals?
Yes. Students may choose to attend the SDSU on either a part-time or full-time basis. Part-time students generally take two classes each semester. Class schedules are arranged in order to meet the needs of students who can only attend courses during the evening hours. Previous class schedules can be found at: www.sdsu.edu/schedule. The degree program can be completed in two to four years on a part-time basis depending on the previous coursework of the individual student.
When do the SDSU graduate business programs begin? Can students begin their studies in any semester?
The application period for the Fall 2010 semester begins October 1 and ends February 1. Because of an unprecedented reduction in the 2009-2010 support budget, San Diego State University and other California State University campuses will not accept any admission applications for the 2010 and 2011 Spring semesters.
Is it possible to transfer to a graduate business program at SDSU from another institution?
Yes, however transfer students may only transfer up to twelve semester units from an AACSB-accredited institution when they enter the SDSU business program. Any additional coursework that may have been completed at the previous institution will not be credited toward the degree program at SDSU. Also, any coursework completed at a non-AACSB accredited institution will not transfer to SDSU’s graduate business programs. Please note transfer credit is subject to review by the Graduate Business Programs office at SDSU and may require you to provide full course descriptions and/or syllabi before credit is given for previous coursework. Credit for previous coursework is not guaranteed.
How do employers view the MBA vs. MSBA?
Both programs are considered graduate level business degrees. The MSBA is a more specialized degree whereas the MBA is a more general degree.
Does SDSU offer online or distance learning graduate business programs?
No. SDSU does not offer distance or online learning for the graduate business programs.
Does SDSU School of Business offer PhD programs?
No, the SDSU School of Business does not currently offer any PhD programs.
How do students waive out of core classes?
After students are admitted to SDSU, they may request that one or more core course requirements for their degree program be waived. Core course waivers for the MBA and MSBA programs are granted if an equivalent course was taken at an AACSB-accredited institution in the last five years and the student received a grade of ‘B’ or better. For the MBA and MSBA programs, equivalent courses taken at non-AACSB accredited institutions are reviewed on a case by case basis. Core courses for the MSA program are reviewed on a case by case basis and students must have successfully passed an equivalent course in order for the requirement to be waived.
Do students have to choose a concentration, specialization or track?
MBA students may pursue a specialization but are not required to do so. MSBA students are required to choose a concentration and work with their faculty advisor to develop a program of study. MSA students must choose one of the tracks and work with their faculty advisor to develop a program of study under the chosen track.
What specializations, concentrations, and tracks exist?
MBA specializations (MBA specializations are NOT listed on the diploma,
but are areas students may choose to focus their studies):
Accounting
Athletics & Fitness Mgt.
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Health Services Admin.
Information Systems |
International Business
Management
Marketing
Project Management
Supply Chain Management
Real Estate |
MSBA Concentrations:
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Financial & Tax Planning
Information Systems
International Business |
Management
Marketing
Supply Chain Management
Real Estate |
MSA Tracks (MSA tracks are NOT listed on the diploma,
but are areas students may choose to focus their studies):
Accounting Information Systems Track
Corporate Track
Professional Track
Tax Track
Can I take classes outside of the College of Business Administration?
Students may take up to six units (or two courses) outside of the School of Business, however pre-approval of these classes by the Graduate Business Programs office is required in order for the course to be included in the student’s official program of study. Students should submit a request for approval of any courses outside of the College of Business Administration before registering for the course.
Application Process
When should I apply?
The application period for the Fall 2010 semester begins October 1 and ends February 1. Because of an unprecedented reduction in the 2009-2010 support budget, San Diego State University and other California State University campuses will not accept any admission applications for the 2010 and 2011 Spring semesters.
Do I have a better chance of being admitted if I apply early in the application period?
You should apply as early as you can. The MBA program, in particular, often reaches capacity prior to the end of the application period. Please plan accordingly and submit your completed application materials well ahead of the application deadline.
Does SDSU require applicants to have work experience before applying?
SDSU does not require applicants to have work experience before they apply. However, graduate business studies are enhanced for students who have real-world experiences to apply course concepts to.
I earned my undergraduate degree from SDSU. Does this enhance my chances for being accepted?
No preference is given to students who graduated from SDSU. All students are assessed on the same basis.
Does SDSU have a minimum GPA? What is the average GPA?
The minimum cumulative GPA to be considered for admittance is 2.85 for domestic students and 3.0 for international students. The average GPA for students admitted to our programs is 3.3. If a domestic student’s cumulative GPA is deficient, SDSU will calculate the GPA for the student’s last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units. There are no exceptions to the GPA minimum for international students. Note that students who meet the minimum GPA requirements are not guaranteed admittance.
Do I need to submit community college transcripts and/or transcripts from other institutions I attended, even though they are indicated on the University transcripts I graduated from?
Yes. You need to submit transcripts from all institutions that you have attended. The exception is that if you graduated from SDSU, you do not need to submit transcripts.
How do I find out the status of my application?
You can check the status of your application accessing the web portal (www.sdsu.edu/e-services). After all of an applicant’s materials have been received by SDSU, an admissions decision can take in excess of two months to complete.
Can I submit materials, such as GMAT and TOEFL scores, after the application deadline?
You must have taken the GMAT and TOEFL exams prior to the application deadline. GMAT and TOEFL scores will be accepted after the application deadline only if the test(s) were taken before the deadline. In addition, late applications will not be evaluated.
Does SDSU conduct admission interviews?
No. SDSU does not interview prospective students for any of our graduate business programs.
May I submit my supplemental materials via email or fax?
No. SDSU does not accept faxed or emailed materials from students. All supplemental materials should be mailed to the address provided below.
Graduate Business Programs Office
Supplemental Application Information
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-8228
I earned a three-year undergraduate degree. Am I eligible to apply to SDSU graduate business programs?
Three-year undergraduate degrees (including three-year undergraduate degrees with one year of graduate study) are reviewed on a case by case basis by the Graduate Admissions office. Students should contact the Graduate Admissions office for assistance in determining if their studies are sufficient for application. Graduate Admissions may be reached at 619-594-6336 or admissions@sdsu.edu.
Admissions
What are the factors that will determine my admittance?
GMAT and GPA scores serve as significant factors influencing the admittance or denial of an application. Work experience is not required, but at least two years of professional work experience will increase an applicant’s chances of admittance.
If I am admitted to SDSU, can I defer my enrollment?
No. SDSU does not allow students to defer enrollment. If you need to delay your enrollment for any reason, you will need to re-apply for the semester that you are able to attend classes at SDSU.
I am currently a graduate business student at another school. Can I transfer into the SDSU graduate business programs?
Students may transfer up to 9 units (in some cases 12 units) of coursework from an AACSB-accredited institution. The courses must be similar in curriculum to those required by the SDSU graduate business program.
Preparing for your MBA
I plan on applying to the program, but want to start classes before I am officially admitted. Can I do that?
You can take classes through Open University, which is a program facilitated by the College of Extended Studies. Open University is for students who are not matriculated. You can transfer up to 9 credits (in some cases 12 units) into the program upon admittance. If you do transfer 9 units from Open University, you will not be allowed to transfer any additional units. To register for Open University, you must go to the first class and request permission from the instructor to enroll in the class. Classes with a BA prefix are not open to non-matriculated students. Below is a link to the Open University website: http://www.neverstoplearning.net Applicants can only take classes for which the prerequisites have been met.
How do I arrange a campus tour?
Campus tours are conducted daily during the academic year and on a reduced schedule during the summer. Reservations are not required however they are recommended and can be made on the Prospective Students website. The 40-to-60 minute walking tour encompasses the main part of the campus and includes narration on the history and traditions of the University. Campus information packets are provided prior to starting the tour. Tours are conducted by the SDSU Ambassadors. The Ambassadors, current students specially trained to provide tours, welcome the opportunity to share their university experience with prospective students and their guests. For more information, contact the SDSU Ambassadors at (619) 594-6868, or by e-mail at ambassad@mail.sdsu.edu. All walk-in tours depart from the Prospective Student Center in the Student Services building, located at the base of the clock tower.
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