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"Welcome to the University
of Tennessee MBA web page. I
appreciate your interest in our program, and hope that you will find the
information to be both useful and exciting."
Dr. Sarah Gardial,
Associate Professor and Assistant Dean UTK College of Business |
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MBA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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| The
UTK MBA program is an intensive 17-month program. Students complete
an internship during the summer between the second and third semesters.
For more information, please see the program structure portion of our website. |
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| The
program begins only in the Fall. |
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| While
it is not required, it is strongly recommended that you schedule
an interview with a program representative. This is another opportunity
for you to discuss your candidacy, and differentiate your application
from the other applicants. |
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| We
would prefer to meet you in person, and ask that you make every
attempt to schedule a visit to our campus. But, if this is not an
option, we can arrange for a phone interview. |
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| Contact
the UTK MBA Office to schedule an interview appointment at (865)
974-5033. You must also schedule an appointment if you are planning
a phone interview. |
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We welcome everyone to our campus and encourage you to contact us if you are going to be in the area. We can arrange for you to meet current students in order to learn more about life in the UT MBA Program, sit in on a class, plus schedule an interview with a program representative. Just use the Campus Visit link to contact us! We ask that you contact us several weeks in advance of your planned visit, in case of holidays or other events that might interfere. |
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In addition to the full-time MBA program, there are additional options if you are seeking a different program format.
1. Professional MBA - 16 month program with all classes occurring on weekends. Additional requirement of 5 years work experience. Contact: Michael McIntyre, PhD, Director (865) 974-1664 More
2.Senior Executive MBA - 1 year program for business executives. Additional requirement of 10 years work experience. Contact: (865) 974-8081 More
3. Physicians MBA - 1 year program for physicians. Contact: Dr. Mike Stahl (865) 974-1772 More
4. Aerospace MBA - 1 year program for Aerospace Engineers. Contact: Dr. Andrew White Toll Free: (866) AEROMBA (237-6622) E-mail: amba@utk.edu
More
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There are several ways to finance your graduate education at The University of Tennessee.
1. The MBA Program has available several assistantships that extend a university tuition waver and a stipend in exchange for 12 hours of weekly work. Additionally, the MBA Program also offers fellowships. These awards are merit based, with consideration given to GPA, GMAT scores, and employment history. In general, for merit-based monies, we consider candidates who have a minimum GMAT score of 650 and a minimum GPA of 3.5. This is the baseline for consideration, not a guarantee of an award. Upon entering the program, often other graduate assistantship opportunities arise which are not merit based.
2. Federal Student loans are need-based awards available through the Financial Aid Office. Loan types include Stafford Loans, FPLUS and the UTK Work Study Program. Application is through the Financial Aid Office.
3. For University sources of funding (fellowships, assistantships, other), please go to this link on the University of Tennessee website.
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| Federal
student loans are limited to U.S. citizens. International students
are eligible for graduate assistantships and fellowships. |
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The MBA application is now online and linked from the front page of our website - http://mba.utk.edu.
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1. The assistantship/fellowship application form is part of the MBA application. Deadline for applying is February 1.
2. Federal Loans and Work Study Program applications can be obtained by contacting the Financial Aid Office.
3. University sponsored fellowships and assistantships.
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The
UTK MBA Admissions Office must receive all materials by February
1.
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MBA
Program
College of Business Administration
527 Stokely Management Center
The University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-0552
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The application is now submitted electronically through our website - http://mba.utk.edu. Additional information and transcripts should be sent directly to the MBA Program Office, College of Business Administration, 527 Stokely Management Center, Knoxville, TN 37996-0552. However, the TOEFL score (and GRE if you are applying to the MS/MBA dual degree program with the College of Engineering) should be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies.
1. MBA Program Application - general information and essay questions. Submit electronically through our website.
2. $35 Application Fee - Can be paid by credit card through our online application or send check or money order (in U.S. funds) payable to The University of Tennessee to our office address.
3. Transcripts - One official (sealed) transcript from the registrar of each college/university attended. The transcript must be sent directly from the college/university registrar in a sealed envelope.
4. TOEFL - If your native language is not English, this test must be taken and scores submitted.
5. GMAT Score Report - An official report from ETS/PearsonVUE, taken within the past 5 years. (See GMAT).
6. GRE Score Report - An official report from ETS, taken within the past 5 years. (Take this test only if you are applying to the MS/MBA dual degree program with Engineering.)
7. Letters of Recommendation - two recommendations, to be completed by those who know you well on an academic and/or professional basis. These are submitted through our online application.
8. Essays - 4 essays (or 5 if you choose to submit an optional essay) covering the topics listed on the online application.
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In
general, due to the unique structure of our program, transfer credit
is not awarded. However, successful completion of graduate classes
that are equivalent to one of our concentration elective courses
may be considered for transfer credit. |
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There is no required length for the essays. Your essays should take as much space as necessary for you to convey your message clearly and completely. Please keep in mind this may be your only communication with the Admissions Committee. |
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The essays are your opportunity to showcase your experiences, talents and successes. We use the essays to learn more about you, both personally and professionally. They are also used in evaluating your communication skills, through both your intended message and your writing style. Put on your "marketing hat"! |
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We are seeking well-rounded students, who have knowledge and experiences to bring to the classroom. A large part of the learning process comes from sharing information with other classmates. We are seeking students who have:
- Prior professional work experiences (3+ years preferred)
- Demonstrated leadership
- Instances of teamwork
- Effective communication skills
- International or diverse cultural experiences
Also, your letters of recommendation weigh heavily in the admissions process. Be sure to select individuals who know you well, and those who can discuss your talents, skills and successes. You can further communicate the strengths of your candidacy by scheduling an interview with a program representative.
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Actually, it may enhance your application to our program. In the UT MBA Program, we love diversity! We welcome candidates from all walks of life, ethic backgrounds, life and work experiences, geographic locations, international experience, and academic backgrounds. In terms of your academic background, our only requirement is that you have completed a 4-year degree, at an accredited institution and meet the minimum GPA requirement of the University. These are just some of the elements that may enhance your candidacy and make you a competitive candidate. |
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| After
your application is complete, it is generally 4-6 weeks before you
are notified with a decision. |
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MBA Program Office must receive all materials before your application
can be reviewed. |
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All applicants of the UT MBA Program must meet the minimum criteria as mandated by the University of Tennessee. GPA is based on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants to the University of Tennessee must have a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.70 in order to be considered as a degree-seeking candidate by the MBA Program.
If graduate level coursework has been previously taken, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required of the graduate level work.
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An
applicant whose GPA falls between a 2.5 and 2.7 may be admitted
on probation, upon recommendation of the MBA Admissions Committee.
The probationary status will be removed after 9 hours of graduate
credit, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. International students cannot
be admitted on probation. |
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Historically, our average GPA has been a 3.34 on a 4.0
scale. |
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The University of Tennessee evaluates your application using the overall GPA. Their 2.70 minimum requirement must be met before the MBA Admissions Committee can review an application.
The MBA Admissions Committee reviews both the overall GPA as well as the GPA within the major or Junior/Senior years. We understand that sometimes a student may have trouble in a course/semester, or may not have been ready for the challenges of college life at the Freshman/Sophomore level. A higher GPA within the major or Junior/Senior years shows the student made a strong effort to overcome these obstacles, and has knowledge of the major subject material.
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The
Office of Graduate Studies reviews all coursework in
its determination of admissions
status. Contact The Office of Graduate Studies at (865) 974-3251
for more information.
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Contact
The Office of Graduate Studies for an evaluation of your
GPA. They may require a copy of your transcript to perform
this calculation. |
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The GMAT is given by PearsonVUE.
International and domestic candidates can research information on the web at http://www.mba.com
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Times
and locations vary by testing center. A list of test centers is on the web at
http://www.mba.com.
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There are many ways to prepare for the GMAT. You should carefully research all options to determine the method of study that is best for you. Check the Test Prep section of your local bookstore to find many books on preparing for the test. You may also contact a local college or university to determine if they offer a formal prep course. Other suggestions may be present on the web at http://www.mba.com.
If you are in the Knoxville, TN area, courses are available through:
Testprep Experts
Contact Michael K. Smith
(865) 694-4108 or (865) 584-0171
Group classes and private tutoring are offered through the Knoxville office of this national franchise.
Kaplan Education Center
Kaplan Center
2118 Cumberland Ave
Knoxville, TN 37916
1-800-KAP-TEST
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Plenty! Where do we start? Our program is a challenging, compressed 17-month transformational learning experience! Via our integrated, team-based curriculum, we have developed a hands-on, experiential learning environment that will help you grow both personally as well as professionally . We also have a team of trained professionals who will help you develop a clearly focused career plan, enhance your team building and leadership skills, refine your communication skills, teach you how to be an “out-of-the-box, big picture” thinker, become a creative problem solver, and introduce you to the latest in cutting-edge technologies.
You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with a myriad of business professionals throughout the program, apply what you learn in the classroom to multiple real-world environments, etc.
You’ll be able to accomplish all of this, and more, through:
*Multi-modal learning *Leadership Development Program *Career Services class (required of all students) *Summer Internship *Optional international experience *Concentration options (5) *Dual degree programs (3 options) *Capstone course
However, this educational experience is not all about hard work. It’s about developing new friendships and networks, learning about yourself, and preparing for a successful future! Finally, according to previous BusinessWeek and Financial Times rankings. Our ROI reputation for being a “quality education value for money” is an educational opportunity that you can afford!! |
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We do not have any coursework prerequisites.
If you do not have a business background, we highly recommend that you take one or all of the following undergraduate classes: finance, accounting and statistics.
If you are unable to take these classes in a full-semester or mini-term, you have the option of taking one or all of them in a pre-MBA prep class. We offer one and one-half day review sessions in each area the week before our fall classes begin. |
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GENERAL
What
is the duration of the program?
Can I
begin classes in either the Spring or the Fall?
What are the Program costs?
What is unique about the UTK MBA program?
Do you have any prerequisites?
I have taken graduate classes elsewhere. Can I transfer the credits to UTK?
Is there
an interview requirement for admission to the program?
I am unable
to come to campus for an interview. Can I interview over the phone?
How
do I schedule an interview?
I am
going to be in the area and would like to visit the program. How can I
arrange a campus visit?
Are there
any other UTK MBA program options?
APPLICATION & ADMISSIONS
How can I apply on-line?
How can I receive an application?
What is the mailing address for submitting application material?
Please briefly describe the materials I need to submit.
What is the required length of the essays?
How are the essays used in the evaluation process?
How can I differentiate my application from all the rest?
I do not have a business background. Will this affect the admissions decision?
I do not have a great deal of professional work experience. How will this impact my application?
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Please use this link to apply on-line. More
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When the MBA Admissions Committee makes their decision, they base it first, and foremost, on the quantity and quality of the professional work experience reflected in your application. Therefore, we strongly recommend that all candidates have professional work experience prior to entering our MBA program.
What are the benefits of having prior work experience? 1) You’ll be more competitive for admission to our program. Why is that? Half of what you’ll learn in our dynamically interactive MBA Program, you will learn from each other…your classmates! Those students with work experience bring a different level of contributions and insights to the learning environment of our program, therefore, enhancing the learning experience. 2) Work experience will enhance your personal educational experience by providing you with a “foundation of experiences” from which you may draw. You’ll have a better understanding of what you “do know” as well as what you “need to know”. This will also enable you to make better decisions while a student in our program. 3) We know that your ultimate goal is to have a successful and fulfilling future…a lifetime of successful career management. By having relevant, professional work experience prior to entering our program, it will help you to be more marketable to the companies who hire MBA graduates. (Hint: you will also be in a position to negotiate a higher salary than your less experienced counterparts.) |
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GPA
Is there a
minimum GPA requirement for the UTK MBA program?
Is there
a probation option if my GPA does not meet the Graduate School requirements?
What
is the average GPA of the UTK MBA class?
Do
you use my overall GPA or major GPA when evaluating my application?
I
completed more than one undergraduate degree. Which will you use in determining
my GPA?
My undergraduate
institution does not use the 4.0 scale. How can I determine if my GPA
meets the minimum requirement?
GMAT
Where
can I gain information concerning the GMAT?
At what times and
locations are the GMAT offered?
How can I prepare
for the GMAT?
TOEFL and IELTS (International applicants only)
What is the TOEFL/IELTS requirement?
How long is the TOEFL/IELTS score valid?
Do I need to take the TOEFL/IELTS?
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The MBA program requires a score of 100ibt (250cbt and 600 paper test) or higher on the TOEFL. A score of 8 or higher is required for the IELTS. |
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The TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years. |
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You must take either the TOEFL or IELTS if your native language is not English and you do not have a degree from a US college/university dated less than two years prior to entering the UTK MBA program.
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FINANCIAL AID
What types of financial aid are available?
I am an international student. Am I eligible for any financial aid?
How do I apply for the assistance options listed above? |