MBA Admission Requirements

As you have probably noticed, our MBA program is not like the others in many ways, including our admissions criteria. Once your application file is marked “complete” by the Graduate School, we aim to have a decision back to you within 24 hours. We can do this because we have a very efficient, streamlined admissions process.

Letters of recommendation aren’t required. You won’t need to stress about writing a statement of purpose. Prior professional business experience is not required. We also don’t require admissions interviews. 

The MBA degree program is open to students with baccalaureate degrees in any discipline from institutions accredited by a CHEA-recognized institutional accrediting agency who present evidence of their ability to pursue graduate study.

Online Entrance Exam Testing

ECU College of Business has no plans to remove entrance exam score requirements for admission to our graduate degree programs. We continue to offer 7 opportunities to waive the entrance exam requirement.

Students should have their official test scores sent directly to ECU’s Graduate School from the testing portal. East Carolina University’s codes: GMAT-MBA (HF3-LV-16), GRE (5180)

Minimum GPA and Test Scores

The admission decision is based on a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, satisfying minimum GPA and entrance exam scores as noted below:

  • undergraduate GPA of 2.7 AND
  • GMAT* score of 450^ or greater or approved entrance exam waiver AND
  • At least 950** points in this formula: (200 x GPA) + GMAT . The minimum GMAT score that will be considered is 450^.

A GMAT score of 450 is required. Applicants may submit a GRE score in-lieu of a GMAT score. Only GRE scores from the Revised GRE Exam (August 2011 or newer) will be accepted. GRE scores will be converted to GMAT scores using ETS’s GRE Business School Comparison Tool. This comparison tool provides a predicted GMAT total score. For a given GRE score, the predicted GMAT  total score will be used to determine a student’s eligibility for admission. Usually a 149 on the verbal component and 149 on the analytical component converts to a 450 on the GMAT.

^Applicants who score between a 400 and 440 should contact our office to speak with an advisor regarding possible admissions routes. Applicants whose cumulative GPA is less than 2.7 and/or score less than 450 on the GMAT may be subject to strict minimum GPA requirements upon admission.

**International students must earn 1000 points in the admission formula with a minimum 500 on the GMAT. 

See our Application Process page for a complete listing of admissions requirements and more information. Previously admitted students should visit our Returning Students page for information on how to reapply.

Note: Applicants should NOT pay the application fee for their Graduate Admissions application until they receive their test scores and have confirmation from a COB advisor that the scores are acceptable, or their GMAT waiver application has been approved. The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.