Admission Requirements

Our graduate programs offer an accessible and flexible path to advanced business education. Our admissions process focuses primarily on academic achievement while also considering professional experience, ensuring students are prepared for the challenges of graduate-level business coursework. With a streamlined review process, most applicants receive an admission decision within a week of completing their application.

Ways to Qualify for Admission

You can be admitted through one of the following paths:

GPA Admission Path

  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher for MBA applicants
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher for MSA applicants
  • Undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher for Certificate applicants
  • ECU Honors College Student
  • Beta Gamma Sigma membership

Experience Admission Path

If your GPA is below 3.2 for MBA applicants, 3.0 for MSA applicants, or 2.5 for Certificate applicants, you may qualify with:

  • At least 5 years of full-time professional work experience
  • Advanced Degree (MA, MBA, MS, JD, MD, PhD, etc.)
  • Licensed CPA for MSA Applicants

Alternate Admission Paths

If you don’t meet the GPA or experience requirements for the MBA or MSA, you can still qualify through one of these options:

Graduate Certificate:
Take the GMAT (or GRE):
  • You must earn at least 950 points using the formula: (200 × GPA) + GMAT score
  • The minimum GMAT score considered is 450.
  • GRE scores may be submitted instead and will be converted to a GMAT‑equivalent score using ETS’s conversion tool.

Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 2.7 or a GMAT score below 450 may be admitted with additional academic requirements.  Please speak with an advisor to discuss your possible options.

International Applicants – view your admission requirements on our International Students page

Before You Apply
  • Visit our Application Process page for complete details.
  • Please note: the application fee is non‑refundable and non‑transferable.
  • You will NOT need: letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, or an admissions interview.
  • Former students should see our Returning Students page for reapplication steps.
  • We strongly encourage you to speak with an advisor before submitting your application.