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Online MBA admissions at the KU School of Business

The KU School of Business is proud to welcome students from all over the world to this engaging program. Our passionate and experienced faculty are preparing the next generation of business leaders through our engaging online MBA program.

We want to help simplify your admissions process. Admissions outreach advisors are here to answer any questions regarding the application or the admissions process.

Before starting your application, please review the online MBA application checklist.

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Admission requirements

To be eligible for acceptance into the KU School of Business online MBA program, prospective students must provide:

  • Completed online application
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (3.0 GPA or higher preferred)
  • Essentials Skills Assessment score or waiver
  • Resume or CV (two years or more work experience preferred)
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal Statement
  • Application fee: $65 ($85 for international students)

Note: Provisional admission may be offered to applicants who meet all requirements for admission but have a bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) with a 2.0-3.0 cumulative GPA from an accredited university. Provisional admission affords one semester of enrollment in the MBA program, at the conclusion of which a 3.0 GPA must be earned or the student is subject to dismissal.

No GMAT required: A modern approach to admissions

Designed for motivated, career-focused professionals, KU's No. 7 Best Online MBA program1 takes a holistic approach to admissions. We've replaced the traditional GMAT requirement with an Essential Skills Assessment. Emphasizing your professional potential over test scores, we believe the assessment better aligns with the skills and knowledge needed in today's business world.

We seek candidates who:

  • Value KU's reputation for excellence
  • Want to elevate their careers with practical leadership skills
  • Are ready to make real impact in their organizations
  • Demonstrate potential through professional experience
AACSB Accredited

AACSB accreditation ensures MBA quality

Accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) assures you that the KU online MBA meets or exceeds rigorous standards for curricula, faculty quality, and student satisfaction.

It’s a good time to become a Jayhawk

Ready to join the next cohort of business leaders? The KU online MBA offers three starts per year, so there’s always an opportunity for you to begin the next chapter of your career journey.

Start an application

Aug
1
Application Deadline
August 1
Fall 2025 Term
Aug
18
Next Start
August 18
Fall 2025 Term

Not sure where to start?

Ready to apply to KU's online MBA but feeling a little overwhelmed? Jeremiah and Tatiana, our knowledgeable admissions outreach advisors, are your go-to resources. Both of them understand the key steps to applying and can help you get organized for submitting your application. They’ll also help you understand what’s needed for eligibility and can tell you more about the Essential Skills Assessment. With Jeremiah or Tatiana’s assistance, your application to KU's online MBA program can be smooth and stress-free.

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Headshots of Tatiana and Jeremiah, Admissions Outreach Advisors

How to Apply

Before starting your application, download our handy one-page application checklist for easy reference. This guide lists all requirements for the University of Kansas online master's degrees in business administration.

Download the Application Checklist
Start Your Application

Step 1: Create your account

For students that have never submitted an application to KU, register a new account in the application portal. After you fill out the information requested, it will send a temporary PIN to the email address provided and you will use that to confirm the creation of your account.

Click on Start New Application in the middle of the screen.

Select Lawrence/Edwards Graduate Application 2025 from the drop down on the pop up and then click “Create Application.”

Click “Open Application” on the pop up that shows up next.

Step 2: Fill out the basic information

On the Personal Background page, fill out all the required fields with your corresponding correct current information. Click continue.

On the Student Details page, fill out at least all the required fields, notated by the red asterisk, and click continue at the bottom of the page.

On the Graduate Program Info page:

  • Check “Yes” where you are asked if you are applying for a fully online program.
  • In the Academic Intention drop down select “Degree-Seeking.” 
  • In the Academic Area of Interest select “Business” 
  • Under “Academic Program” select Business Administration (Online)(MBA). 

Click Continue.

From the drop-down menu on the Entry Term page, select the semester that you would like to apply for, then click continue.

Step 3: Consider the Business Supplement and fill out your academic history

On the Business Supplement Questions page, select yes to the prompt if you are planning on applying for an Executive Assessment Waiver. If you select yes, answer the questions that populate on this page concerning your academic/professional history.

Click Continue.

On the Academic History page, start typing the name of your undergraduate institution and select it as soon as it shows up as a suggested option.

If you have copies of your official transcripts, attach them to this page. Repeat for each school where you’ve earned a degree.

Click Continue.

Step 4: Add contact info for your recommenders

Two letters of recommendation are required but you can request more than that if you think it would strengthen your application. 

On the Recommendations page, click Add Recommender.

  • Select whether they are academic, colleague or supervisor.
  • Fill out each recommender’s contact information accordingly, including an email address. 
    • NOTE: As soon as you complete this information, an email will be sent to the recommender asking for them to submit their letter of reference on your behalf. 
At the bottom of the window you will be asked whether you will waive your right to read the letters. Type your full legal name in place of your signature.

Click Continue.

Step 5: Add additional information

In the Additional Information tab you must fill out all information with a red asterisk, denoting a required field.

Click Continue.

Step 6: Upload a statement of purpose

Your statement of purpose should be between 600 and 1000 words and declare your interest in the program and why you would be a good fit at KU.

Type up your statement in a word processor and attach it on this page as a Word document or PDF.

Click Continue.

Step 7: Upload your resume, review and submit

On the Resume/CV page upload a copy of your current resume or CV in a Word document or PDF.

Click Continue.

On the Signature Page, read the entire statement. Type your full name in place of your signature to indicate that you have read and understood the statement.

Click Confirm.

On the Review Page, look for any sections highlighted in red. This indicates required fields that are missing information. Update any sections as needed.

When there are no red fields/missing information in the application, you can click Submit to turn in your application.

Congrats, you’ve officially applied to KU!

Reach out to your admissions outreach advisor for next steps and information on current processing times or testing requirements.

Paying for your degree

The team at KU knows that even when pursuing an affordable degree with great career possibilities, advanced education is a major investment. Visit our tuition page to explore detailed information about payment options, scholarships, and other financial resources available to help fund your degree.

Review your options

Make your ascent with the online MBA community


The University of Kansas has mastered the art of building meaningful connections in the digital space. Through interactive learning tools, collaborative projects, and virtual networking events, you'll forge lasting relationships with your online MBA cohort of ambitious professionals, expert faculty, and more than 25,000 KU School of Business alumni, some of whom work at Fortune 500 companies and serve as global industry leaders.* Plus, they're ready to help fellow Jayhawks succeed. Through the KU School of Business network, you'll gain access to:

  • ✓ Virtual networking events
  • ✓ Mentorship opportunities
  • ✓ Career development resources
  • ✓ Industry insights and connections

*Based on a limited sample of self-reported data from alumni of the University of Kansas School of Business online MBA program from 2019-2022 graduating cohorts

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Online MBA Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

Application Deadlines

Does your office need to receive all application materials by the application deadline?
It’s best to submit your application and all required documentation before the deadline. Please note that classes fill up quickly, so the sooner your application is complete, the better.

Transcripts

What are the transcript requirements for admission?
Please upload official copies of transcripts to the application. If you are offered admission, you will then be required to provide official transcripts prior to the second semester of enrollment.

Where should I send my transcripts?
Official transcripts should be mailed directly from the degree-granting institution via the U.S. Postal Service to:


KU Visitor Center Graduate Admissions
1502 Iowa St.
Lawrence, KS 66045

Do you accept secure electronic transcript delivery service sent directly from the issuing institution?
Yes. Please have a secure electronic transcript delivery service sent directly from the issuing university to graduateadm@ku.edu.

Can I scan and submit a physical transcript document? If so, what email address should I use?
Copies of official transcripts can be scanned and submitted during the application process for initial review. Documents uploaded with your application are not considered official. KU does not consider transcripts that come from applicants or that have been in the applicant's possession as official. Official e-transcripts must be sent from the issuing institution and can be sent to graduateadm@ku.edu If you’re unsure of how to upload the document, feel free to send it to your admissions outreach advisor.

Do I need to obtain copies of all my transcripts, even if I only took one course at an institution?
No. In this case, transcripts from the institution(s) that issued your degree(s) should be prioritized.

I do not have a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. What official documents does KU require?

You must follow the same application checklist as U.S. degree holders in the school’s primary language, and it must be translated into English. Graduate Admissions will complete a transcript evaluation for GPA and academic credential verification.

Test Scores

How do I send my scores to KU?
When registering for the exam, select KU in the dropdown for where you would like to send your scores. Your unofficial scores will be presented immediately following the completion of the assessment and emailed to you. The school you selected will receive your official scores within seven business days.

Will my application still be considered if my test scores do not arrive by the specified deadline?
No. Your admissions application will not be considered complete without test scores.

Do you accept the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for International Students?
Yes. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students, for more information you can consult the English proficiency requirements for graduate study at KU. If you have any further questions regarding test scores or testing options, please contact your admissions outreach advisor.

Do I have to submit IELTS/TOEFL scores if I have earned a degree from a U.S. institution?
No, we don't require TOEFL or IELTS scores if you received a baccalaureate degree (or higher) from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education, or from an institution whose medium of instruction is English. This does not apply to previous degrees earned online.

General Admissions Questions

How long does my personal statement need to be?
Your application must include a personal statement of between 600 and 1,000 words that addresses how this program is going to enhance your career and why you chose the University of Kansas.

When will I be notified of an admission decision?
Most admissions decisions will be posted within 7-10 days of receiving a completed application.

Who should write my letters of recommendation?
Three professional and/or academic letters of recommendation are required from individuals who are well-qualified to judge your character, scholarship, and professional abilities. These individuals can be colleagues, immediate supervisors, or former professors. If possible, we recommend that at least one of the three letters come from an academic person.

Is the application deadline flexible?
The application deadline is firm, although exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis if absolutely necessary.

Can I meet with a program faculty member during the application process?
Not at this time.

How does KU’s cohort model allow for unplanned breaks in the program? Am I able to take a leave of absence if necessary?
The online MBA program structure allows students more flexibility to take breaks than many on-ground MBA programs, but not every course is offered every semester. This means that taking unplanned breaks can extend your timeline for completion of the program. All necessary breaks can be discussed with your student success coordinator, or sometimes even directly with your instructors who may be able to accommodate your request.

Students may take a leave of absence for up to one year and still stay active in the program.

What if I’m a non-native English speaker?
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proof of English proficiency before gaining admission to a graduate program.

Online Application Questions

How do I start my online application?
You can begin your online application on KU’s graduate admissions application page.

What if I forget my password?
Please click “Forgot Password” to reset it.

What if I have problems while completing the application?
If you are having issues with our online application system, please contact your admissions outreach advisor.

What if I cannot find my school listed on the application?
If you cannot find your school, attempt a different search, taking into consideration the following:

  • Searching within a city or state will return a list of all schools in that selection
  • Searches of three or less characters will only return exact matches
  • If you still cannot find your school after several attempts, click on "none of the above," and enter your school information manually into your application
If you attended a school outside the U.S. or Canada, please follow this link and enter your school name and other information directly into the application.

What if I cannot upload a file?
Ensure that there are no special characters in the file name. Please adhere to the following suggestions when saving your files for upload:

  • Save and upload your file as a Word doc or PDF. This is the best option for getting past the ASCII character options
  • Avoid using special characters ( ~, #, %, & , *, {, }, \, :, , ?, /, |,) in the file name
  • Use the icon beside the "Upload File" field to remove existing files. If you cannot remove a file that was uploaded in error, contact your admissions outreach advisor for assistance
If this does not resolve the issue, send the file directly to your admissions outreach advisor.

Can I save my application and work on it later?
Yes. You can manually save your application at any point during the online application process and return to it at a later time. You will need your username (email) and password to log back in and complete the application.

What if I need to resend the email reference request to my recommender?
You can send a reminder to any recommender who has not responded to your request. Locate your application dashboard and click on “References”, then click on “Manage your recommendations.” From this screen you can see the list of your recommenders and choose an action for each. Select "Send Reminder" from the drop down menu next to the recommender you want to remind.

Schedule Planning

What kind of weekly time commitment does this program require?
The online MBA program is considered part time and generally requires only 15-20 hours of work per week, including time spent with lectures, research and coursework.

Is it possible to complete this program while also working a full-time job?
Yes. The online MBA program has been designed specifically with the goals of working professionals in mind. Students can log in, view lectures and assignments, and submit required class work as their schedules allow.

Approximately how many courses should I expect to complete each year?
You are required to complete two courses during each fall, spring, and summer term, for a total of six (6) classes per year.
Sources
  1. Retrieved on February 24, 2025, from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317

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