General Admission Criteria
(Refer to the Executive M.B.A. Program and the Global eManagement (GEM) Executive M.B.A Program later in this chapter for information about admission criteria for those programs.)

The Master's Admissions Committee determines the eligibility of each person who applies for master's-level admission. Admission is competitive. Each applicant is evaluated individually and among the current group of candidates. In this evaluation, primary consideration is given to the applicant's academic record, educational background and  test scores.  Secondary consideration is given to the applicant's educational objectives, narrative information, experience in business or government, professional activities, and character. Though it is not required for most master's programs, the Master's Admissions Committee prefers that applicants have some meaningful full-time work experience. These elements together must indicate a favorable prospect of success in graduate study for an offer of admission to be made. The college is also aware of the appropriate provisions of its accrediting agency, the AACSB International-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, in making admission decisions.

A bachelor's degree in any field of study from a regionally accredited college or university is required for admission to all of the degree programs, to the certificate program, and to nondegree status in the Robinson College of Business. Only coursework from institutions with accreditation equivalent to that granted by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is considered in evaluating an applicant for admission.

In reviewing the past academic work of applicants, the Master's Admissions Committee evaluates both the overall undergraduate GPA and the junior/senior GPA. In evaluating scores on the GMAT, the committee looks for a balance between verbal and quantitative scores in addition to considering the total score and the analytical writing score, because all of the master's programs require strong communication skills and quantitative ability. Similar evaluations are made when GRE scores are submitted for applications to eligible programs. 
 

In cases where the applicant has done additional accredited undergraduate work beyond the bachelor's degree or has done accredited graduate work, a "most recent two-year GPA" will be calculated. This is defined as the most recent ninety quarter hours or sixty semester hours of coursework (to the nearest whole term). If this GPA shows more academic promise than the junior/senior GPA, it will be given more weight in the admission consideration.

Transcripts, test scores, and other materials are received and evaluated by the Office of Academic Assistance and Master's Admissions. In addition, applications to the following programs also are reviewed by faculty representative(s) of the programs: Master of Actuarial Science, M.B.A./Master of Health Administration joint programs, M.B.A. major or concentration in human resource management, Master of Science in Health Administration and Master of Science with majors in finance, in human resource management, and in risk management and insurance. Compliance with any special requirements of a particular program or major is a part of this review.

Applicants are not required to submit a general certification of their state of health but are required to submit proof of immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella (see preceding heading). Forms for providing this certification are available from the OAA. Also, the college reserves the right to investigate the health, character, and personality of each applicant.

Admission decisions are communicated in writing to applicants as soon as practical after all application materials have been received and evaluated. Admission decisions cannot be given by telephone or e-mail, nor can they be given to any person other than the applicant without a written release from the applicant to do so.