MBA Program Admissions
MBA Program Admissions
The George Washington University School of Business applies the same rigorous, competitive admissions standards across all MBA programs. Our Admissions Committee conducts a holistic review of each application, considering academic preparation, professional experience, recommendations, essays, and interview performance. While the GRE or GMAT is not required, you are welcome to submit scores if you believe they will strengthen your application.
Before you get started, explore our MBA programs and review tuition, funding, and financial aid options. Once you’ve selected the program that’s right for you, follow the application checklist below to begin your application.
We understand that applying to business school can feel overwhelming, and our admissions team is here to support you throughout the process. While we cannot provide evaluative feedback, we are happy to answer questions and offer general guidance as you prepare your materials. Connect with us at (202) 994-1212 or business
gwu [dot] edu (business[at]gwu[dot]edu).
MBA Admissions Process
Learn About Graduate Admissions at GW Business
Start by reviewing our application guide, including application requirements, deadlines, international student guidance, and general FAQs. This page will guide you through the full list of materials you'll need.
Once you’ve reviewed the checklist, begin your online application and upload all supporting documents. Additional MBA requirements and FAQs are detailed below.
Attend an Interview
Some applicants will be invited to an interview. Interviews are offered by invitation only after an initial review of your submitted application.
The Admissions Committee selects candidates throughout each round and may contact you at any point to schedule an interview. Typically lasting 30–40 minutes, the interview is conducted by a member of the Admissions Committee and serves as a key evaluative step, offering an opportunity to further assess your qualifications and fit for the program.
MBA Admissions FAQs
Application Process & Requirements
- Can I apply to both the full-time and part-time programs?
Since we want you to identify the program that will best suit your academic and career goals, you need not submit more than one application but are allowed to do so if you feel strongly. We encourage you to join us for one of our many on-campus and online information sessions to explore our programmatic options prior to applying.
If at any point in the application process, you would like to change the program to which you have applied, please email the admissions team at business
gwu [dot] edu (business[at]gwu[dot]edu).- Is work experience required for any of your MBA programs?
With few exceptions, accepted students generally have at least two years of full-time, post-undergraduate professional experience at the time of entry to the program. However, GW does not have a minimum work experience requirement for admission.
The Admissions Committee takes internships and cooperative education assignments into account, but those experiences are usually considered supplementary. Military experience and non-traditional backgrounds will strongly be considered when evaluating applications.
MBA Program Details
- When do classes start?
Global MBA: Classes begin in early August, ahead of the standard university start date, so students can take part in the Global MBA’s C-Suite Runway—an intensive onboarding program that includes case competitions, sessions with tenured faculty, quantitative skill-building workshops, and an early introduction to the expectations of the MBA classroom.
Accelerated & Flex MBA: The Flex MBA admit for the fall and spring terms. The first day of class is defined by the University's academic calendar.
Online and Online Healthcare MBA: These programs admit for the fall, spring and summer terms. The first day of class is defined by the University's academic calendar.
- How long does it take to complete the Global MBA program?
Our Global MBA students complete 53 credits over the course of four semesters (21 months) beginning in August of each year. The 21-month time frame provides enough time to complete a strongly recommended internship in the summer between the two years of study.
- How many credits are required in the Part-Time Flex MBA program?
Our part-time Flex MBA, Accelerated MBA, Online MBA, and Online Healthcare MBA are all 46.5-credit programs. Students take a total of 31.5 credits of required coursework and 15 credits of general electives.
- Does GW offer online courses?
Yes, we offer our part-time Flex MBA degree in a fully online format — our Online MBA, as well as the Online Healthcare MBA. Online courses are also open to our on-campus, part-time Flex MBA students, allowing them to complete a hybrid program. All core courses and select electives are available online. Please consult with your advisor about online options.
- Which programs are international students eligible to enroll in?
The Accelerated, Global, Online and Online Healthcare programs are open to international students. Only the Flex MBA is not. Please note, international students enrolled in an online program will not be issued a visa.
- Can I take elective courses at other GW schools, i.e. the Elliott School of International Affairs?
For the elective courses in your program, you may choose from our 6000-level electives from any department within the School of Business. Additionally, you may take up to six graduate level credit hours outside of the School of Business after matriculating into the MBA program.
- What are my options if I would like to study abroad?
There are a myriad of opportunities for international education at GWSB. The Global & Experiential Education office supports global business education through a broad portfolio of short-term and long-term global study programs, experiential education courses, and international student services. Global opportunities are available for Global MBA, Flex MBA, Accelerated MBA and Online MBA students.
- What if I need to take a semester off?
A student who must interrupt active pursuit of the MBA degree for a semester or more may petition the program director for a leave of absence for up to two full semesters. A student who discontinues active enrollment in the academic program without being granted a leave of absence must apply for readmission and will be subject to the new regulations and requirements in force. The five-year limit to complete the MBA program is extended by the number of semesters of official personal leave taken.
Tuition & Financial Aid
- How much does the program cost?
Tuition rates can be found on the GW Student Accounts page.
- What if I have questions regarding financial aid?
Information on financial aid and federal loans is handled by the GW Office of Student Financial Assistance. Representatives are available by phone at 202-994-9000 or by email at finaid
gwu [dot] edu (finaid[at]gwu[dot]edu). If you prefer to meet with someone in person, counselors are available on the ground floor of the University Student Center during walk-in hours.- Are there scholarships, fellowships or other financial aid opportunities available?
While the benefits of the MBA student experience at the GW School of Business are immeasurable, we understand that pursuing a graduate degree is a significant financial investment that requires careful planning. Our office, along with our individual, alumni corporate and foundation donors and partners, are proud to offer additional scholarship and fellowship opportunities for exceptional students.
We cannot emphasize enough that our awards are completely merit-based. Primary factors considered in evaluating a candidate for a merit-based award include academic performance, standardized test scores, professional experience, and an evaluative interview. Applicants to all MBA programs are notified of an award at the time of admission and no separate financial aid application is required.