Best MBA No GMAT Degree Programs of 2023
The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is a traditional admissions requirement for most Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programs. As more schools move away from this test, though, there is an increasing number of MBA programs with more flexible admissions criteria.
Why This Matters
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WORK IN AT LEAST TWO DOZEN DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES
Management and business skills have broad use, and an MBA degree can be taken into at least two dozen different industries. Work in sales, finance, construction, or one of many other industries.
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OVER A HALF-MILLION NEW MANAGER JOBS ARE COMING
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects management jobs to grow faster than average, increasing by 5% from 2019 to 2029. This will create another 505,000 positions.
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THE MEDIAN MANAGER SALARY IS SIX FIGURES
Managers make good money for the work they do. The median annual salary of management occupations is 105,660, and managers in some fields earn substantially more.
Our Research
We reviewed many MBA degree programs that don’t require the GMAT for admission. These schools use other criteria when evaluating admissions, often looking at letters of recommendation, undergraduate GPA, and professional experience.
Our list of programs includes online, traditional, and hybrid options. Online programs sometimes still have an in-person requirement, such as an internship.
All of the programs listed are accredited regionally, and many also have programmatic accreditation through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Accreditation helps ensure quality.
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 63 hours to write this article
- 185 universities and colleges we assessed
- 274 education programs we compared
The Top 45 MBA No GMAT Degree Programs
What You Should Know About This Degree
MBA degree programs that don’t consider the GMAT for admissions purposes rely heavily on other criteria. These other criteria commonly include professional experience, undergraduate GPA, and educational background. Before applying to this type of program, carefully review what the program considers and make sure your credentials meet minimum eligibility requirements.
An alternative to an MBA is a Master of Science (MS) degree that’s focused on a business topic. These degrees aren’t as expansive as MBA programs, but MS degrees also don’t require as much time to complete. Consider your situation and career goals as you evaluate which type of degree is right for you.
Applicants who have at least five years of professional experience might want to enroll in an executive MBA program. These are usually accelerated programs for experienced professionals, and they offer advanced coursework on a range of business subjects.
Because business involves a lot of hands-on work, programs frequently have an in-person component. Check whether a program has any in-person requirement, and be sure that you have the time necessary to meet that requirement prior to enrolling.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to help you further evaluate different no-GMAT MBA programs:
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most MBA programs range from 36 to 45 credits, although there are shorter and longer options. In general, expect to spend two to three years on an MBA if enrolled full-time.
- Am I eligible for this program? Although the MBA programs listed don’t require a GMAT, they have other requirements. Check with individual programs to find out whether you meet undergraduate degree, undergraduate GPA, and professional experience eligibility requirements.
When you have a list of potential programs, get the admissions details from program officers or the schools’ websites. Pay close attention to what admissions materials are required as well as the required application deadlines.
Also give thought to the cost of a degree. Discuss financial aid and scholarship options with programs, and check with your employer to see if it offers tuition reimbursement.