Degree Specific Admissions Details

To be considered for admission to the MBA program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete a graduate application,
• Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution,
• Have a working knowledge of algebra and statistics,
• Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work,
• Submit scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) (GMAT preferred),
• Submit a personal statement, and
• Submit a current resume.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL or IELTS exams. A minimum score of 88 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS exams is required (requirements on sub-scores on each component of the TOEFL or IELTS may also apply). The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.

Applications are accepted for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students may complete their studies on a full- or part-time basis.

For further information about program specific GMAT/GRE waiver opportunities, tips on personal statements, and additional guidance on how to submit a successful application, please visit Saunders College of Business Admissions Requirements.

Completed applications for admission should be on file in the Office of Graduate and Part-time Enrollment at least four weeks prior to registration for the next academic semester for students from the United States, and up to 10 weeks prior for international students applying for student visas.

Non-degree course enrollment

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B grade) or better may be eligible to apply to take up to two approved graduate courses before being fully admitted to the MBA Program. Students can complete the required non-degree application through Saunders. Graduate credits earned as a non-degree student may be applied to the student's degree program.

Waiver policy/transfer credit

The MBA normally requires 48 credit hours, however, students may be able to waive some MBA foundation courses. Prior academic preparation must be from an institution accredited by AACSB International or partner institution and the course work must be equivalent to RIT's MBA foundation courses. Prior course work must be completed within the last five years, with a grade of B (3.0) or better. Foundation courses may be waived either outright or through an examination.

A maximum of 9 credit hours may be awarded as transfer credit from other graduate programs. The courses must be relevant to the MBA program, taken within the last five years at an institution accredited by AACSB International, and the student must have earned a grade of B (3.0) or better.

Credits for waiver, transfer, or undergraduate courses are not counted in the GPA computation. Students must request transfer/waiver credit.

Deferment

Accepted students can defer enrollment for up to one year. After one year, a new application must be submitted and will be re-evaluated based on the most current admission standards.

To be considered for admission to the business administration-accounting MBA, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete a graduate application. 
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
• Have working knowledge of algebra and statistics.
• Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
• Submit scores from the GMAT or GRE. (GMAT preferred for international applicants and those applying for scholarships.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL or IELTS exams. A minimum score of 88 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS exams is required (requirements on sub-scores on each component of the TOEFL or IELTS may also apply). The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.
• Completed applications for admission should be on file with Graduate Admissions at least four weeks prior to registration for the next academic semester for students from the United States, and up to 10 weeks prior for international students applying for student visas.

For further information about specific GMAT/GRE waiver opportunities, tips on personal statements, and additional guidance on how to submit a successful application, please visit Saunders College of Business Admissions Requirements.

Deferment

Accepted students can defer enrollment for up to one year. After one year, a new application must be submitted and will be re-evaluated based on the most current admission standards.

To be considered for admission to the MS program in business analytics, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete a graduate application.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
• Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) (GMAT preferred).
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL or IELTS exams. A minimum score of 88 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS exams is required (requirements on sub-scores on each component of the TOEFL or IELTS may also apply). The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.

For further information about tips on personal statements and additional guidance on how to submit a successful application, please visit Saunders College of Business Admissions Requirements.

To be considered for admission to the MS program in entrepreneurship and innovative ventures, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete a graduate application. 
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
• Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 to have GMAT requirement waived*.
• Submit scores from GMAT or GRE (GMAT preferred). Scores cannot be more than five years old.
• Submit an essay based on one of the following topics: (1) describe an ethical dilemma you have faced and how you resolved it; (2) explain what you have learned from a managerial, leadership, or team experience that was not completely successfully; or (3) describe your greatest professional achievement and how you added value to your organization. The essay should be typed, double-spaced, and two pages in length.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL or IELTS exams. A minimum score of 88 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS exams is required (requirements on sub-scores on each component of the TOEFL or IELTS may also apply). The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.

* The GMAT may be waived if an applicant has a GPA of 3.25 or higher, or they can present evidence of professional work experience of six or more years. Students who cannot submit a GMAT, GRE, or one of the two waiver requirements may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

For further information about program specific GMAT/GRE waiver opportunities, tips on personal statements, and additional guidance on how to submit a successful application, please visit Saunders College of Business Admissions Requirements.

To be considered for admission to the MS program in global supply chain management, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete a graduate application.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
• Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 for GMAT waiver*.
• Submit scores from GMAT or GRE (GMAT preferred). Scores cannot be more than five years old.
• Submit a personal statement: Please submit a typed, double-spaced, two-page statement about why this Saunders graduate program is a good fit for your future career. Include information on what draws you to the program and how you will leverage your past academic and professional work experience to be an active, engaged, and successful student in our college.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL or IELTS exams. A minimum score of 88 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS exams is required (requirements on sub-scores on each component of the TOEFL or IELTS may also apply). The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.

* The GMAT may be waived if an applicant has a GPA of 3.25 or higher, or they can present evidence of professional work experience of six or more years. Students who cannot submit a GMAT, GRE, or one of the two waiver requirements may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

For further information about program specific GMAT/GRE waiver opportunities, tips on personal statements, and additional guidance on how to submit a successful application, please see Saunders College of Business Admissions Requirements.

To be considered for admission to the MS program in human resource development, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete a graduate application.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university.
• Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) (or evidence of relevant professional performance).
• Submit two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
• Submit a writing sample designated by the department.
• Participate in an interview with a faculty member (when required by department).
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL or IELTS exams. A minimum score of 88 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS exams is required (requirements on sub-scores on each component of the TOEFL or IELTS may also apply). The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.
• All required admission materials must be submitted and reviewed by faculty prior to the completion of 9 credit hours of graduate work in the program.

To be considered for admission to the MS in service leadership and innovation, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete a graduate application.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
• Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent), or evidence of relevant professional performance.
• Submit two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
• Submit a writing sample designated by the department.
• Participate in an interview with a faculty member (when required by department).
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL or IELTS exams. A minimum score of 88 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS exams is required (requirements on sub-scores on each component of the TOEFL or IELTS may also apply). The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.
• Upon arrival at RIT, international students may be asked to take an English language proficiency exam. Those who do not meet the minimum standard will be required to take additional English language courses.
• All required admission materials must be submitted and reviewed by faculty prior to the completion of 9 semester credit hours of graduate course work in the program.

To be considered for admission to the advanced certificate in organizational learning, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete a graduate application.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
• Submit transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. A minimum TOEFL score of 88 (internet-based) is required. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required. The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.