Requirements and Eligibility Criteria for Enrolling in an MBA

Last Updated on June 29, 2025

By Mark Fiebert

Key Takeaways

• MBA programs offer broad career value: An MBA enhances marketability and opens up leadership roles across industries, even for non-business majors.
• GMAT scores are commonly required; most business schools expect competitive GMAT scores, although a few programs offer admission without them.
• Work experience is essential: Two to five years of professional experience strengthens your application and enriches your MBA learning experience.
• Personal documents matter: A strong resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation are crucial for standing out during the admissions process.
• Flexible learning formats are available: MBA programs are offered in full-time, part-time, on-campus, and online formats, making it easier to pursue while working.

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a widely recognized degree in management. Many students around the world pursue this degree because it enhances the marketability of degree holders and provides exciting career opportunities. Most companies offer lucrative salaries and other benefits to individuals with an MBA degree.

Students from non-business backgrounds can also pursue an MBA program. Various universities in the US offer MBA degree programs on campus and online. Moreover, you can study full-time or part-time based on your circumstances. Your mode of study can determine the number of years it will take you to complete your MBA. On average, students complete their MBA degree in two to three years.

An MBA degree is versatile and teaches you a great deal about various fields, including economics, sociology, marketing, and many other disciplines. All that knowledge helps you understand the basic management principles and business models of any industry. Thus, providing you with plenty of job opportunities.

If you’re wondering how to enroll in an accredited MBA program, we will discuss the set requirements and eligibility criteria.

The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business

$20.04

Getting an MBA is an expensive choice-one almost impossible to justify regardless of the state of the economy. Josh Kaufman founded PersonalMBA.com as an alternative to the business school boondoggle.

Learn More

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

07/04/2025 10:00 pm GMT

1.   GMAT Score

Most universities in the US require a GMAT score from all their prospective students (domestic or international). A Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is compulsory to secure admission to an MBA program in most US universities. However, some universities, such as Suffolk University in Boston, also offer an MBA online with no GMAT requirement.

The universities offering admissions without a GMAT score are few. Therefore, you must apply here before all spots are filled. However, if you want to diversify your options, you can take the three-hour GMAT and apply to more places.

A GMAT score of 733 or higher is essential for applying to top business schools, such as Stanford. However, it is necessary to secure an average GMAT score of 564 to be eligible to apply to most business schools in the United States.

2.   A Bachelor’s Degree

A four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is necessary to apply to an MBA program offered by a US college. A bachelor’s degree in business, like BBA (Bachelor in Business Administration) is preferred by business schools. However, students with a non-business background are also eligible to apply.

Students with a business background are already familiar with many business, management, and related concepts. Students with non-business backgrounds can struggle to understand several of those concepts. Therefore, students with a non-business background are encouraged to take extra introductory classes to grasp the basics.

3.   Work Experience

Work experience is a core requirement for admission to an MBA program in the US. Most American business schools expect you to have worked for at least two to three years after graduating with your bachelor’s degree or before applying to their MBA degree program. Some top business schools may require more years (five to seven) of work experience.

According to U.S. News and World Report, most students applying to an MBA program have an average of four years and one month of work experience. For executive MBA programs, a minimum of ten years of work experience is required.

Overall, work experience before enrolling in an MBA program is crucial because this degree helps you understand and nurture the skills you learn on the job. Moreover, it enables you to build more skills based on your previous experience. Therefore, along with years of work experience, the nature of the job is also taken into consideration.

4.   Resume

Most MBA programs require you to submit a resume, which is a summary of your qualifications, work experience, skills, and achievements. Your resume is your introduction to the admissions officer or committee and is a crucial part of your application.

Some tips that can help your resume stand out are as follows;

• Limit it to a single page.
• List your most recent experiences first (in reverse chronological order).
• Don’t include a photo or personal details.
• List your work experience with a summary of your job role.
• List your educational qualifications and highlight your achievements.
• Don’t forget to list your skills.
• Always proofread, edit, and revise before submitting.

5.   Personal Statement

Most business schools in the United States require a personal statement from prospective students applying to their MBA programs. A personal statement is a cover letter written as an essay detailing your reason for pursuing an MBA. Moreover, your statement should also answer why you are applying to your chosen business schools and what you plan to do after graduating with an MBA degree.

Here are some tips for writing an impactful personal statement;

• Stay authentic, and don’t try to please
• Mention the main objectives of your career
• Write the process or motivation behind selecting a specific school
• Don’t shy away from sharing the struggles and setbacks in your career
• Share the stories of when you used your leadership qualities
• Finally, write about how an MBA program will help you achieve your career goals

6.   Letter of recommendation

A letter of recommendation is also a crucial requirement for enrolling in an MBA program. Most business schools prefer a professional recommendation letter over an academic recommendation letter. Some schools may ask for two letters of recommendation.

It is best to ask your supervisor at your current workplace to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. If two recommendation letters are required, try to get one from your previous senior or supervisor.

A letter of recommendation can significantly affect your chances of securing admission. Your letter of recommendation effectively highlights your best qualities and provides an accurate summary of what it is like to work with you.

The Portable MBA in Entrepreneurship Case Studies

$61.00 $20.05

Explore real-world case studies of entrepreneurs applying business concepts to launch and grow ventures across industries like tech, retail, consulting, and franchising.

Learn More

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

07/04/2025 04:01 am GMT

Next Steps

• Assess Your Readiness: Evaluate your academic background, career goals, and current work experience to determine if now is the right time to pursue an MBA.
• Research MBA Programs: Compare accredited schools based on format, specialization, admission requirements, and whether they offer GMAT waivers or online flexibility.
• Prepare Key Documents: Begin drafting your resume, personal statement, and identifying professional contacts for recommendation letters well in advance of application deadlines.
• Take or Plan for the GMAT: Register for the GMAT early, or research schools that do not require it if taking the test poses a barrier to your timeline.
• Build Relevant Experience: Strengthen your work experience with leadership or project-based roles that align with your future business goals, thereby enhancing your application.

Final Words

MBA is the most sought-after management degree in the world. Many students pursue it to increase their earning potential, career opportunities, and overall marketability. Several schools across the US offer MBA degree programs to equip students with expert-level knowledge of economics, finance, marketing, and related disciplines.

If you plan to pursue an MBA degree, the basic requirements or eligibility criteria to enroll in an MBA program are a bachelor’s degree in business or non-business discipline, a good GMAT score, a letter(s) of recommendation preferably from professional supervisors, a concise resume, an impactful personal statement, and at least two years of work experience. Hopefully, this article will help you understand the requirements and eligibility criteria for enrolling in an MBA program.

Your MBA Game Plan, Proven Strategies for Getting Into the Top Business Schools

$22.95

This third edition of Your MBA Game Plan includes even more sample essays and resumes from successful applicants, fresh insight into 35 leading business schools from around the world, and advice specifically tailored to international applicants.

Buy on Amazon.com Buy on Walmart.com

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

07/04/2025 07:01 am GMT