Best Online MBA Programs with no GMAT Requirement
Students earning an MBA gain knowledge in business strategy, organizational performance, and operations. Professionals with an MBA often qualify for career advancement and higher salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2013, marketing and sales managers with a master’s degree earned a median annual salary $30,000 higher than those with a bachelor’s degree.
Some MBA programs require applicants to submit GMAT scores. In some cases, GMAT requirements can present a barrier for prospective MBA students. Busy professionals may not have time to study for the exam, and GMAT scores do not always accurately reflect learners’ academic and professional abilities. Fortunately, many online MBA programs offer application processes with no GMAT requirement.
This guide ranks the best online MBA programs with no GMAT requirement. The sections below explore MBA programs and related career options to help prospective applicants choose the best program for their academic and career goals.
What Can I Do With an Online MBA?
An MBA degree can prepare professionals for advancement opportunities in their current field or careers in a new field. While earning an MBA, graduate students explore topics in operations management, organizational behavior, and strategic leadership. Core classes in marketing, finance, human resources, and management train learners for advanced roles in business. Many programs offer specializations in areas such as healthcare, information technology, and entrepreneurship.
Many career paths available to MBA-holders deliver average salaries of more than $100,000 per year. For example, marketing managers earn a median annual salary of nearly $137,000, according to the BLS. Financial managers earn a median salary of nearly $130,000 per year. Top executives, such as general managers and operations managers, often earn even higher salaries. Chief executives earn a median salary of more than $184,000 per year, according to the BLS. For many professionals, earning an MBA can lead to additional responsibilities and higher earning potential.
What Is the GMAT?
Many business schools require applicants to submit GMAT scores. The GMAT exam measures test takers’ analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills. The GMAT includes four sections. The analytical writing assessment tests critical thinking and communication abilities. The integrated reasoning section requires skills in data analysis and evaluation. The quantitative reasoning section measures analytical and reasoning abilities with numerical data, and the verbal reasoning section tests written reasoning and evaluation skills.
The GMAT exam takes about 3.5 hours to complete, and test takers receive a score between 200 and 800. Average scores fall between 400 and 600, but many of the most competitive MBA programs require scores of 700 or higher. Most test takers spend several weeks or months preparing for the exam.
However, many schools offer an online MBA with no GMAT requirement. Many programs reject the assumption that GMAT scores reflect an applicant’s ability to succeed in business school. These programs evaluate each applicant based on their professional experience and academic record.
Accreditation for an Online MBA Program
Prospective students should research each school’s accreditation status before applying to online MBA programs. Accredited schools and programs meet the highest academic standards. Regional accreditation is the most prestigious type of institutional accreditation in the United States. Regional accrediting agencies evaluate colleges and universities based on factors including student learning outcomes and faculty qualifications.
Specialized accrediting agencies evaluate MBA programs to make sure they follow the best practices in the field. Three main agencies grant accreditation to MBA programs: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
Earning a degree from an accredited program can help learners qualify for professional certifications and licenses. Credits earned from accredited schools are more likely to transfer to other institutions, and only graduate students at accredited schools can qualify for federal student aid. Learners can use the U.S. Department of Education database to find the accreditation status of prospective schools and programs.
What Are the Requirements for an MBA Program?
Prospective MBA students must generally hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. Applicants must submit undergraduate transcripts, and some programs require prerequisite coursework in areas such as math and statistics.
While many MBA programs require standardized test scores, students can apply to MBA programs with no GMAT requirement. These programs consider factors such as the applicant’s academic record and work history. Applicants often submit letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume.
Courses in an Online MBA Program Program
MBA students receive training in strategic leadership, marketing, finance, and organizational behavior. Learners strengthen their research and analytical skills, and they learn to apply data analytics to their decision-making process. MBA programs typically include an internship during which learners gain hands-on experience and build their professional network. Many programs also require a capstone or thesis project.
The following courses are common to many online MBA programs. However, exact courses vary by program, so learners should research the courses and specializations available from their prospective school.
Certifications and Licensure for MBA Students
Professional certification can help MBA-holders demonstrate specialized expertise to stand out on the job market. For example, finance professionals often pursue the chartered financial analyst and certified management accountant credentials. In addition to the following certifications, MBA-holders can pursue credentials in their concentration area.
Professional Organizations for MBA Students
Professional associations can help MBA students build their network and prepare for the job market. These organizations typically offer professional development opportunities, annual meetings, and career resources such as job boards. Joining professional organizations in their field can help MBA graduates access specialized support related to their career path.
American Finance Association
The AFA represents academics and practitioners in the field of financial economics. The association hosts local, national, and virtual events to help finance professionals connect and build their professional network. Members can also use the AFA career center to find job openings and career advice.American Marketing Association
This professional association for marketing specialists and managers offers professional development and networking opportunities. Members can participate in virtual training sessions, attend webinars, and enhance their skills through marketing career resources. The AMA publishes scholarly journals and marketing-related news.Society for Human Resource Management
SHRM represents human resources professionals. The organization offers professional certifications, including the SHRM-CP credential, and helps members stay current in the field. The society provides resources on HR topics such as benefits, compensation, and employee relations. Members can access the benefits broker directory and the compensation data center.Entrepreneurs Organization
EO connects entrepreneurs and business leaders. Members can share experiences and participate in collaborative learning opportunities. The organization offers forums through which members can discuss their challenges and goals, maintains local chapters that allow members to network with professionals in their area, and hosts events to help professionals improve business performance.
Scholarships for MBA Students
Online MBA students can qualify for a variety of scholarship opportunities. Many professional organizations, private foundations, and universities award scholarships to support graduate students in business. In addition to the following scholarships, prospective students can research opportunities specific to their concentration area, business school, and career goals.
Best Online MBA Programs With No GMAT Requirement
Amberton's 36-credit online MBA program covers topics like statistical analysis, ethics for decision-making, and finance. Students can customize the program by selecting five, three-credit electives from different academic departments. Learners must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to remain in good academic standing.
Students gain access to an online networking tool that allows them to network with alumni throughout the nation. They can also access advisors who specialize in learners' unique needs, such as advisors for veterans and international degree-seekers.
In addition to not requiring GMAT scores, Amberton does not ask applicants to submit recommendation letters or a resume. All students pay the same per-credit tuition rate regardless of residency. Financial aid options include private loans and the university's tuition payment plan.
Situated in Hobbs, New Mexico, USW offers an online MBA with no GMAT requirement. The program features 13 specializations in areas including accounting, finance, and healthcare administration. Courses start every eight weeks, and accelerated learners can graduate in 12 months. Students gain access to textbooks and other course materials at no additional charge.
The school's Career and Academic Services website offers many resources, including a career exploration guide, networking tips, and resume and cover letter critiques. The website also offers online toolkits covering interview preparation and professional writing. Additionally, the USW Job Board features career opportunities throughout the nation.
Prospective students can fill out the online application in just a few minutes, and USW charges a flat per-program tuition rate to all learners. Financial aid opportunities include federal Pell Grants and state grants. The latter applies only to New Mexico residents and awards $200-$2,500 per year.
Cumberlands' MBA with no GMAT requirement features networking opportunities and instructors with extensive business experience. The degree also offers six concentrations, including strategic management and healthcare administration.
Online learners can take advantage of Cumberlands' job-hunting resources, such as webinars covering how to stand out as a job applicant. Advisors also publish articles on topics such as career transitions, salary negotiation, and transferable skills.
Application requirements include a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. The university charges an affordable per-credit tuition rate, and online learners pay a small technology fee each term. Qualifying students can finance their degree with a mix of federal and state grants.
UWA's online MBA with no GMAT requirement features 11 concentration options and accelerated eight-week courses. Typical students can graduate in one year. The program possesses accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
As learners prepare for a business career, they can research major employers on the career services website. The school's Career Expo hosts more than 50 employers twice per year, allowing students to explore job opportunities. Students can also use Vault software to learn about different industries and receive personalized career advice.
Applicants need a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Although the university does not require GMAT scores, it excuses new students with a high GMAT score from one introductory course. Out-of-state learners pay 60% more in tuition than in-state students. Approximately 80% of UWA degree-seekers receive some form of financial aid.
CUC's online MBA program with no GMAT requirement features multiple specializations, including finance, healthcare management, and sports management.
Although the school's advisors work in Chicago, they serve students all over the nation by posting job and internship opportunities, critiquing resumes, and planning virtual career fairs. Students can also take advantage of Quick Tips, brief informational guides covering resume samples, networking, and soft skills.
Applicants must submit undergraduate transcripts, two recommendation letters, and a professional resume. New students receive a tuition guarantee; tuition does not rise as long as degree-seekers do not take a leave of absence.
Situated in Troy, Michigan, Walsh offers many online degrees, including an online MBA program. Students can learn fully online or in a hybrid format, and full-time degree-seekers can graduate in 18 months. Motivated learners can combine the degree with an MS in finance, information technology leadership, management, or marketing.
Current students and alumni can take advantage of career fairs, internship opportunities, and the over 1,000 companies that recruit Walsh graduates. The Career Services Student Guide details these and other resources that learners can use to find a fulfilling position.
Online learners pay the same tuition rate as on-campus students. Incoming learners can research the latest institutional scholarships on Walsh's website.
UMGC's online MBA with no GMAT requirement accepts six transfer credits and allows full-time students to graduate in approximately 18 months. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning. Students must pass each course with at least a B grade to graduate.
Students can take advantage of career services, such as CareerQuest software, a job and internship board, and federal job search tips. Students can also access UMGC's mentoring program, which offers advice from alumni who earned the same degree.
All UMGC graduate programs use the same application form, and new students can start taking courses before submitting official undergraduate transcripts. Learners who live outside of Maryland pay approximately 25% more in tuition. The university awards more than 100 institutional scholarships each year to eligible students.
WilmU's online MBA program with no GMAT requirement employs professors with extensive experience in the business field. Students select from 13 concentrations, including business communication, management information systems, and nonprofit management. Courses span seven weeks.
Students gain access to Handshake and seminars detailing how to seamlessly transfer from school to a career. New MBA degree-seekers can take a Focus 2 Career assessment to learn more about which concentration best meets their interests and goals.
The MBA program requires specific undergraduate prerequisites with a minimum C grade. A private university, WilmU charges the same per-credit tuition rate to all graduate learners regardless of residency. Students can reduce their tuition bill by applying to one of the university's 19 institutional scholarship programs.
Located in Thomasville, Georgia, TU offers an online MBA with no GMAT requirement. The program includes case study analyses, readings, and research. Full-time students can earn the degree in 12 months. Courses cover topics like business law, financial management, and business strategy and policy.
The Thomas Career Center offers online workshops for degree-seekers that cover topics like cover letters, resumes, salary negotiation, and how to create an attractive LinkedIn profile.
Application requirements include a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, a statement of purpose, a resume, and a graduate reference form. Most university financial aid programs benefit Georgia residents. However, out-of-state learners may still qualify for federal and private financial aid opportunities.
CSP's MBA program with no GMAT requirement features a mentorship program that pairs students with an industry insider. Learners study topics like organizational leadership and development, global economics, and the legal environment for managers. The rigorous curriculum results in 95% of graduates receiving a job offer within one year of graduation.
Advisors provide individualized support and assist learners with honing interviewing and resume skills. Students can also access resources such as internships for academic credit and LinkedIn tips.
CSP requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and a 400-1,000-word essay for admission. The university does not charge out-of-state tuition, and active-duty service members receive an automatic tuition discount. Incoming students can access a specialized search tool to research institutional and private scholarships.
