Admissions FAQs

You will find answers to many admissions questions right here. If you need additional information, please contact our MBA team.

Admissions

What is the average profile of a student admitted to the MBA program?

The average credentials for students who were admitted to the Charlotte Professional MBA program for Fall 2022 are listed below. Please be aware that these numbers represent averages and that the MBA program reviews each application individually and holistically. A candidate's credentials are NOT required to match this profile exactly to be competitive for admission.  

Average GMAT: 546
Average GRE: 304 (verbal and quantitative sections combined)
Average GPA: 3.3
Average Professional Experience: 8 years

Am I required to have a certain bachelor’s degree to apply to the MBA program?

Candidates are not required to possess a bachelor’s degree from any particular field of study to qualify for admission to the MBA program. Diversity of academic background is one of the factors that enriches the MBA classroom experience.

Does the Charlotte Professional MBA offer a fully online program option?

The Belk College has a fully Online MBA program available with specializations in Digital Marketing and in Business Analytics.  More information: https://onlinemba.charlotte.edu/

I am a graduate student at another university, am I able to transfer credits to the Charlotte Professional MBA program?

Students from AACSB-accredited institutions may transfer up to 6 graduate credit hours into the Professional MBA program, with the permission of the MBA faculty director and the UNC Charlotte Graduate School.

I am an MBA student at another university, can I take classes at UNC Charlotte to transfer back to my program?

Students from other universities may enroll at UNC Charlotte as "transient" students. Transient students must apply and be admitted as post-baccalaureate students through Graduate Admissions. Additionally, the MBA Admissions Committee requires a letter of good standing from the student’s current university.

Permission to enroll in MBA classes will be given on a space-available basis after Charlotte Professional MBA students have completed registration. To request permission to enroll, please email Vidya Prabhakar.

If I am denied admission, can I reapply for a future term?

Candidates who are denied admission are able to submit an application for a future semester. However, the candidate should first address the area(s) of their application (e.g., GMAT or GRE score) that caused it to be denied initially.

Is work experience a requirement for admission?

While work experience is not currently required for admission, it is highly recommended. Employers recognize that an MBA degree is most useful when combined with the practical knowledge gained through professional experience.  

What are the requirements to be considered an in-state resident for tuition purposes?

The North Carolina Residency Determination Service is the centralized service for determining residency classifications for all graduate and post-baccalaureate students. Candidates should refer to their website for specific information on residency requirements.

What is rolling admission?

Rolling admission means that the MBA program evaluates applications as they are received versus waiting to evaluate all applications after a hard deadline. Applications will be accepted and reviewed as long as space remains in the program. However, candidates should plan to allow a minimum of 30 days for their application to clear the review process.

What is the application process for transfer students?

Transfer students follow the same procedures as other applicants, including submitting all application documents and an official GMAT or GRE score.

What type of return is typical for the investment?

According to post-graduate survey data, the Charlotte Professional MBA investment pays for itself, on average, within two years through salary increases. By offering a top-quality program at such a competitive price point, the Professional MBA is able to deliver immense value to students, allowing you to maximize your earning potential while minimizing your debt.

Will work experience make up for a weak academic record or test score?

Applications are evaluated on a number of factors, including previous academic performance, GMAT/GRE scores, work experience and recommendations. A weakness in one of these factors will not necessarily result in an applicant being denied. Likewise, excelling in one factor will not guarantee admission.

GMAT/GRE

Can I be considered for a GMAT/GRE waiver if I previously took one of the exams and reported my scores to UNC Charlotte?

Candidates are only eligible to be considered for a waiver if they have not yet taken the GMAT or GRE and had their official test scores reported to UNC Charlotte.

Do UNC Charlotte or Belk College alumni automatically qualify for a GMAT/GRE waiver?

Candidates are not able to receive a GMAT/GRE waiver on the basis of their alumni status. Each candidate must fully satisfy the waiver requirements to qualify.

Do you place special emphasis on any particular section of the GMAT or GRE?

The MBA Admissions Committee gives primary consideration to the verbal and quantitative sections of the GMAT and GRE. However, this does not mean that a candidate may ignore the analytical writing section, as a satisfactory score should be earned for each section of the exam.

How do I apply for a GMAT/GRE waiver?

Please visit the MBA GMAT/GRE waiver page to review the eligibility requirements and instructions for applying for a waiver.

How long are GMAT and GRE scores valid?

GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years.

Is the GMAT or GRE required for admission?

The GMAT or GRE is required of all applicants for admission to the MBA program. However, candidates with five or more years of professional or U.S. military experience and a strong academic record may qualify for a GMAT/GRE waiver.

What happens if my first attempt on the GMAT or GRE is not competitive enough for admission?

If you receive a GMAT or GRE score that falls considerably below the program’s average, you will either be asked to retake the exam or your application will be denied.

Admission to the program is competitive. Most accepted students score in the upper-500's or higher on the GMAT and in the 50th percentile (on both the quantitative and verbal sections) or higher on the GRE. Very few candidates are admitted with scores below 550 on the GMAT and none are admitted, regardless of the strength of their other credentials with scores below 500.

If you plan to retake the exam and would like to have your application placed on hold until the new scores arrive, please contact your MBA recruiter. They can also help determine if your new scores will be received in time to be reconsidered for the same term, or if you will need to reapply for a future term.

Remember, the GMAT and GRE are tests of preparation. You MUST prepare to be successful.

Prerequisite Coursework

Are prerequisite courses required for the MBA program?

There are currently no prerequisite course requirements for the MBA program. Previous students have found to be more successful if they have a background in the following courses:

  • Accounting: Financial and Managerial

  • Economics: Micro and Macro

  • Information Systems: Intro to Business Computing OR Management Information Systems

  • Quantitative Analysis: Statistics and Calculus

If you are interested in gaining more experience with these subject areas, the MBA advising team can provide time and cost efficient modules to assist with course preparation.