Admissions Questions
When is the deadline for applications?
Term 1 beginning in August: July 15
Term 2 beginning in October: September 15
Term 3 beginning in January: December 1
Term 4 beginning in March: February 1
Term 5 beginning in June: May 1
What are the prerequisites to the Mount Mary MBA program?
College Algebra (or a comparable course deemed appropriate by the MBA Program Director) is an admission requirement and must be taken prior to enrolling in the Mount Mary MBA. Undergraduate coursework in accounting and statistics are program prerequisite requirements. These two undergraduate courses are offered in an accelerated format, and do not need to be completed before being admitted to and taking graduate courses. They must only be completed before taking the two advanced graduate-level courses in these areas (i.e. BUS 640 and BUS 680).
Why is the GMAT not required for applying to Mount Mary’s MBA program?
Research finds that standardized exams do not directly reflect the ability of potential graduate and adult students. Students are assessed by their undergraduate transcript(s), career goals statement and if necessary, an interview with the MBA program director.
Who can earn a professional development certificate?
All students who hold a bachelor's degree are welcome to earn a standalone professional development certificate. Interested students can submit a Graduate Special Student Application.
Accelerated Course Format Questions
What is the format of my classes?
Students have the option to either attend class in-person or remotely join the live class online.
When does my accelerated course start?
The start date of your course is listed on your class schedule in MyMountMary. If your course begins in August (Term 1) or January (Term 3), it begins before the regular semester.
How often do courses meet?
Core courses meet in five, eight-week terms each year. These courses meet one night a week on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. Elective courses (also called professional development certificate courses) meet eight times for two hours over a 12-week term (two weeks on, one week off).
The MBA accelerated course content is the same as a traditional 15-week semester course, meaning the time spent in class is reduced, but the material you are expected to learn is not reduced. You are responsible for independent learning outside of the classroom.
Do I need to do anything before an accelerated course starts?
Before an accelerated course starts, you should review the course syllabus in Canvas and purchase or rent the required course materials.
How much time will I need to spend on coursework?
The typical rule of thumb is to spend at least four hours on coursework for every 1 credit of class per week. Because Mount Mary MBA core courses are three credits, you should expect to devote 12 hours to studying and coursework per week. You are spending less time in the classroom, so more responsibility is put on you to handle the independent study workload.
Will there be group work?
Group work may be part of the course, but it will not comprise the majority of the coursework.
Do I need to attend all classes?
Yes. Condensing the full course material to a shorter term requires you to make a strong commitment to attending every class in its entirety. If you are unable to attend a class, you must contact the instructor ahead of time, as you are responsible for making up missed work, obtaining class notes and arranging if you will be missing an exam.
The accelerated attendance policy is consistent across the MBA program: If you incur two absences, the instructor, at a minimum, is required to lower your grade one letter grade (e.g. from a B to a BC). If you incur three absences, you will automatically fail the course unless you withdraw from it before the published deadline. Attending classes for half the time can add up to full absences, meaning attending two half classes constitutes one absence.
What is the latest that I can drop a class and not receive an F?
You may drop the course anytime prior to the start of the second class session and it will not appear on your transcript. If you withdraw after the second class has begun, but before the seventh class, you will receive a “W” on your transcript. A student may not withdraw once the seventh class session has begun.
What happens if a class is canceled due to the school closing or instructor illness?
If a class is canceled, the class time must be made up. Your instructor will determine a makeup night or Saturday with the students on the first night of class.
Tuition & Financial Aid Questions
How much is tuition?
View graduate tuition and fees information.
How can I finance my MBA at Mount Mary?
Graduate students are eligible for federal loans. To apply, you will need to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, many employers offer tuition reimbursement and students employed at Mount Mary’s corporate partners may receive a 5 percent tuition discount. See more financial aid information.
Is financial aid available for certificate-only students?
Federal financial aid is available for students who commit to two consecutive or simultaneous professional development certificates. Students taking only one certificate are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Other Common Questions
Do I take classes in a cohort?
No, although you likely will develop relationships with other students as you progress through the program. Typically, two or three courses are offered each term. You can enroll in courses in a sequence that fits your needs and preferences.
Who are Mount Mary MBA students?
Mount Mary is proud to educate a diverse group of women and men with relevant business experience. Our students are motivated to earn their MBA in order to seek promotion at their current employer, change employers or careers, or better operate their own small business.
What is the average class size?
Classes range from 6 to 18 students, with the average around 12 to 15 students.
How long does it take the average MBA student to graduate?
Students typically graduate from the program in 2-2.5 years. Of course, prerequisite courses lengthen the time to graduation, and taking two courses in one term shortens the time to graduation.
Can I take two courses in one term?
Yes, however given the accelerated nature of the MBA program, this is a challenging option for most students. Students are encouraged to contact the MBA Director before enrolling in two courses per term.