MBA Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

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Admissions Information

Would you please send me an application?

Katz applicants apply to our programs using our online application. You may edit your application at any time prior to submission by using your designated username and password. . If you have any questions, you may contact the MBA Admissions Office at 412-648-1700, or via email at mba@katz.pitt.edu.

When can I start the MBA program?

All full-time MBA and dual degree programs begin in early- to mid- August. The Part-Time MBA Program has three start dates: August, January, and April. See the application deadline page for more information.

What is the deadline for applying to the MBA Program?

Visit the application deadlines and decision notification dates page for complete list.

Have you received my application?

Applications are processed in the order that they are received. Once you submit your application online, you will receive a confirmation via e-mail.

Have you received the documents that will make my application complete?

It is incumbent upon the applicant to ensure that the MBA Admissions Office receives all required documents. All application materials should be mailed together in one envelope if possible. Applications are processed in the order that they are received. Within three to four weeks following the receipt of your application, you will receive an e-mail indicating that your application is either complete or that some part(s) is missing. Details of any missing items will be itemized in the e-mail. Due to the quantity of documents received in our office, we are unable to verify our receipt of individual documents.

How will I be notified of the admission decision?

The MBA Admissions Office will send decisions via email on the decision notification dates. An admission packet will be mailed within one week after the decision date.

Can I transfer into your MBA program? Can I transfer credits from other MBA programs?

To transfer into our program you need to go through the normal application process. Following your admission to the program, you may apply to have your credits transferred through the Office of Student Services at 412-648-1666. We will consider transfer credits from MBA programs accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. Any credits you wish to transfer will be subject to review by a Katz faculty member. Check to see if your MBA program is accredited by the AACSB International.

Can I transfer from the Part-Time MBA Program into the Full-Time MBA Program?

A part-time student must apply for admission to the full-time MBA program. Due to the structure of the full-time program relative to the credits already earned by a part-time student, admission is not always possible. After completing the first term, part-time students must gain the approval of part-time student advisor in order to increase their credit load to full-time. Students who register for nine credits or more during the fall or spring terms will pay the full-time tuition rate. All students, full-time and part-time, pay a per-credit rate during the summer term.

If I am accepted into the MBA program, is it possible to defer admission to a future date?

For the Full-Time MBA Program:

We do not defer admissions and request that you reapply for a subsequent year. We will, however, keep your application on file for two years. When you are ready to reapply, contact the MBA Admissions Office to request reapplication materials. The process is relatively simple and will require you to update some of your information that we have on file. At the point that you reapply, the admissions committee will have the benefit of knowing that you were previously admitted. Your application, however, will be assessed in the context of the current application pool.

For the Part-Time MBA Program:

On formal approval by the Director of Admissions, deferrals may be granted for a maximum of two start dates beyond the original term of acceptance. Requests for deferrals should be submitted in writing. Applicants who wish to defer admission beyond two start dates will be required to follow the reapplication procedure outlined for the Full-Time MBA Program.

What is the class size of the Full-Time MBA Program?

125-130 new students and approximately 75 second year students are enrolled each year.

Admissions Process and Requirements

How do you assess candidates for admission? What are the most important criteria? Is work experience required?

We assess a candidate by reviewing his or her entire application. Undergraduate performance, GMAT score, and years of full-time, post-undergraduate work experience are the quantitative criteria that we consider. Also important are the qualitative components of the application, including career goals, letters of recommendation, personal essays, management potential, demonstrated examples of leadership, community service, and the evaluative interview.

Work experience can be an important differentiator for you during the admissions process. Moreover, it is important as you seek post-MBA employment. Although work experience is not an absolute requirement for admission to the two year MBA and dual degree programs, it helps us distinguish one applicant from another.

We will consider significant internship experience in addition to full-time and part-time work experience. However, we ask that you clearly identify your work experience as one of these three categories on your résumé.

Prior work experience in addition to the transformation process (including both academic and experiential components) undertaken at the Katz School make an MBA student more desirable in a highly competitive job market. Recruiters look for you to connect your past work experience and MBA skill set to the job for which you are applying.

Will you provide a preliminary assessment of my qualifications?

Because we make admission decisions on the entirety of the application, we cannot provide a preliminary assessment of a candidate's qualifications. Once we receive all the required application materials, your complete application will be submitted to the Admissions Committee for review.

What are the requirements for the Full-Time MBA Program?

Students entering the One-Year MBA Program must meet the following requirements:

A bachelor's degree in business from an accredited U.S. university, or the non-U.S. equivalent, or a bachelor's degree in an ancillary field (e.g., economics, engineering) with some exposure to business courses, to be reviewed by the admissions committee
TOEFL score, if applicable. Please refer to TOEFL requirements listed in the Academics and Test Scores section of the FAQ's
Satisfactory GMAT score or other strong evidence of academic ability in the areas above, to be reviewed by the admissions committee
At least two years of relevant work experience

Students entering the Two-Year MBA and Dual Degree Programs must meet the following criteria:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. university, or the non-U.S. equivalent
Satisfactory GMAT score
TOEFL score, if applicable. Please refer to TOEFL requirements listed in the Academics and Test Scores section of the FAQ's

Work experience can be an important differentiator for you during the admissions process. Moreover, it is important as you seek post-MBA employment. Although work experience is not an absolute requirement for admission to the two-year and dual degree programs, it helps us distinguish one applicant from another.

Prior work experience in addition to the transformation process (including both academic and experiential components) undertaken at the Katz School make an MBA student more desirable in a highly-competitive job market. Recruiters look for you to connect your past work experience and MBA skill set to the job for which you are applying.

What are the requirements for the Part-Time MBA Program?

Students entering the Part-Time MBA Program must meet the following requirements:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. university, or the non-U.S. equivalent
Satisfactory GMAT score
TOEFL score, if applicable. Please refer to TOEFL requirements listed in the Academics and Test Scores section of the FAQ's
Evidence of work experience and demonstrated responsibility and leadership.

Solid communication and interpersonal skills—evaluated through written essays and recommendations are also highly desirable qualities in a part-time MBA student. After initial review of the application, the admissions committee may invite select applicants to conduct a formal evaluative interview.

Do you require transcripts from all schools I previously attended or just the school from which I graduated? Should I have my transcripts sent directly to you, or should I send them with my other application materials?

Official Transcripts/Academic Documents from U.S. Institutions: We require current official transcripts from each college or university attended. Please submit documents from all academic work, undergraduate and graduate. You are responsible for obtaining all transcripts, including those from the University of Pittsburgh. Official transcripts or credentials are those that bear the original signature of the registrar and the seal of the issuing institution. The envelopes containing your official transcripts must be sealed and signed across the envelope flap by the institution's Registrar and arrive in our office unopened.

Official Transcripts/Academic Documents from non-U.S. Institutions: We require current official transcripts/mark sheets from each university attended. Official documents are defined as original academic records issued by the institution attended that bear the actual-not photocopied-signature of the registrar or appropriate official and the seal/stamp of the issuing institution.

Please submit documents from all academic work - undergraduate (Bachelor's level) and graduate (Master's level and above). Please do not send secondary educational documents. These documents must be for EACH YEAR of university-level study, must list the course names, and must list the grades received. The official grading scale/system from each university attended must also be submitted.

You are also required to submit certified copies of your degree certificate(s)/diploma(s) which were issued to you at the convocation.

If your university issues the academic documents and diploma degree certificate in a language other than English, you must submit a certified copy of the original document in the original language PLUS a certified English translation. Do not submit a translation only. All translations must be complete and literal translations of the original records. We will not accept self-translated academic documents.

You must obtain properly certified copies. Records issued only once by institutions should be photocopied and certified as official copies by either school officials or legal authorities. Do not send originals of academic documents that cannot be replaced. If admitted, you will be required to bring the original academic documents with you for verification.

Official transcripts/academic documents should be mailed with all other application materials in one envelope. If necessary, transcripts may be sent directly from your school to the MBA Admissions Office.

University of Pittsburgh
Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
301 Mervis Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Attention: Application Materials

Do you need to receive all the materials for my application at the same time?

In addition to the online portion, please submit all remaining materials (transcripts, etc.) at the same time. If it is not possible to send everything at once we will hold your application until we receive all the materials necessary to make it complete. Once your application is complete, it will be forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review.

Academics and Test Scores

Does my international academic background meet the requirements for the Katz MBA?

The University of Pittsburgh's Office of Admissions reviews the academic qualifications of all international applicants (or U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or refugees who have studied outside the United States) and determines the comparability of the applicant's academic qualifications to those of a bachelor's degree earned at a U.S. regionally-accredited institution. Because we make admission decisions on the entirety of the application, we cannot provide a preliminary assessment of a candidate's qualifications. Once we receive all the required application materials, your complete application will be submitted to the Admissions Committee for review.

Can I waive the GMAT?

All applicants to the full- and part-time MBA programs are required to take the GMAT - it cannot be waived. To ensure delivery of your official GMAT score to Katz, make sure you use the correct Pearson Vue school code: DPZ-M5-46 for the Full-Time MBA Program and DPZ-M5-66 for the Part-Time MBA Program. Please be advised that it is required that all sections of the GMAT exam be completed, including the Analytical Writing section.

What is the cut-off score for the GMAT?

For the Full-Time, One-Year MBA Program, a minimum GMAT score of 600 is required. However, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, evidence of strong academic ability may compensate for a score slightly below the minimum requirement. For the Full-Time, Two-Year MBA Programs, Full-Time Dual Degree Programs and Part-Time MBA Program, the Admission Committee does not employ the use of a cut-off score.

Do I have to take the TOEFL or IELTS?

We require the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for all applicants whose citizenship is in a country where the only official language is not English, even if English has been the medium of instruction. In cases where the applicant has earned an undergraduate or another graduate degree in the United States, the tests may be waived at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Please be advised that there are several admissions offices within Katz and MBA Admissions will not receive your TOEFL score unless Institution Code 2927-02 is used. Please DO NOT use Institution Code 2998. For our office to receive your IELTS score, you must contact your testing center and request that an official score report be sent to:

University of Pittsburgh
Katz Graduate School of Business
MBA Admissions
301 Mervis Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

What is the minimum TOEFL or IELTS score you accept?

The admission committee requires a minimum total score of 600 on the non-computer-adaptive TOEFL test or a minimum total score of 100 on the internet-based TOEFL. A minimum score of 7.0 is required for the IELTS exam. Please note that both the TOEFL score and IELTS score are valid for two years.

Are there any deadlines associated with taking the GMAT or TOEFL?

The exams should be taken at least one month prior to the deadline for which you are submitting your application. A copy of your unofficial test scores should be mailed to the MBA Admissions Office along with any supplemental documents (official transcripts, professional recommendations in paper form, etc.) We will make an admission decision only when your application is complete with all supporting documents, including official exam scores. We will not make any conditional admission decisions dependent upon our receipt of official scores.

Where can I find more information about the GMAT and exam registration?

You can find information on the GMAT at MBA.com. Test tutorials, general tips and guidelines, as well as a complete list of test centers are available on this site.

Do you offer any GMAT preparation courses?

Several GMAT preparation courses are offered in the Pittsburgh area, including

Community College of Allegheny County, Downtown Center:

625 Stanwix St., Downtown; 412-391-1210; 10-week course

Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions:

130 N. Bellefield Ave. Ste. 310, Oakland; 1-800-KAP-TEST; nine sessions

Princeton Review:

201 S. Craig St., Oakland; 800-273-8439; eight-week course

Veritas Test Prep Center at Sheraton Station Square:

300 W. Station Square Dr, Pittsburgh; 800-925-7737; seven-week course

Curriculum

What are the credit requirements for Katz MBA programs?

Full-Time, One-Year MBA Program: 48 credits
Full-Time, Two-Year MBA Program: 57 credits
Full-Time, Dual Degree Programs: Vary slightly by program
Part-Time MBA Program: 52.5 credits

What are your required (core) courses?

Full-time students (one-year, two-year, and dual degree) must take the following 25.5 credits:

Organizational Behavior Leadership and Group Effectiveness (3 credits)
Economic Analysis for Managerial Decisions (3 credits)
Statistical Analysis: Uncertainty, Prediction, and Quality Improvement (3 credits)
Financial Accounting (3 credits)
Strategic Management (3 credits)
Financial Management (3 credits)
Marketing Management (3 credits)
Information Systems (3 credits)
Decision Technologies in Manufacturing and Operations Management (1.5 credits)

Students must then choose 1.5 credits from the following:

Global Macro Economics (1.5 credits)
Human Resources for a Competitive Environment (1.5 credits)
Managerial Accounting (1.5 credits)

Students must also take a series of professional workshops (3 credits).

Students can choose 18 credits (One-Year MBA Program), or 27 credits (Two-Year MBA Program) from the available menu of elective courses. Dual degree elective options vary by individual program.

Part-time students must take the following required courses for a total of 31.5 credits (not necessarily in the order listed):

Business Ethics and Social Performance (1.5 credits)
Decision Technologies in Manufacturing and Operations Management
(3 credits)
Economic Analysis for Managerial Decisions (3 credits)
Financial Accounting (3 credits)
Financial Management (3 credits)
Human Resources for a Competitive Environment (3 credits)
Information Systems (3 credits)
Marketing Management (3 credits)
Organizational Behavior Leadership and Group Effectiveness (3 credits)
Statistical Analysis: Uncertainty, Prediction and Quality Improvement (3 credits)
Strategic Management (3 credits)

Students can choose 21 credits from the available menu of elective choices.

What concentrations, specializations, or majors do you offer?

You may choose to pursue a concentration in one of our interest groups, including:

Accounting
Doctoral Studies
Economics
Finance
Management of Information Systems
Marketing
Operations, Decision Sciences, and Artificial Intelligence
Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
Strategy, Environment, and Organizations.

Does Katz offer any dual degrees?

The following dual-degrees programs are offered on both full- and part-time bases:

MBA/MS-MIS (master's in Management of Information Systems)
MBA/MS-Engineering (master's in all types of Engineering offered at the Swanson School)
MBA/MIB (master's in International Business)
MBA/MPIA (master's in Public and International Affairs)
MBA/MID (master's in International Development)

The following dual-degree program is offered only on a full-time basis:

MBA/JD (Juris Doctor)

How are courses graded in the MBA program?

Most of our classes include group projects, case studies, and quizzes, as well as mid-term and final exams. Although the Katz School does have an overall grading policy, each faculty member determines his/her own weight for quizzes, exams, projects, and case studies as well as for attendance and class participation.

Does Katz offer classes on a non-degree basis?

Students may apply as a "special student" through the Katz School's Office of Student Records, 412-648-1666. You may already be eligible if you hold a masters or PhD degree, or if you are currently enrolled in another masters or PhD program at the University of Pittsburgh. Students may take a maximum of up to nine credits as nondegree student.

Visits and Interviews

May I schedule a campus tour or class observation?

Those interested in the Full-Time MBA Programs are encouraged to attend one of our MBA For a Day sessions, held throughout the year. Those interested in the Part-Time MBA Program are encouraged to attend our regularly scheduled information sessions. You can register for any of these events on our web site or by sending an e-mail request to MBA@katz.pitt.edu.

Is an interview required? How do I schedule one?

Interviews are conducted on campus, or by telephone or Skype if is not possible to meet in person.

For applicants to the Full-Time MBA Program:

While not a strict requirement of every prospective candidate, evaluative interviews are conducted regularly during the admissions cycle. Interviews are arranged by invitation from the Katz School. Last year, 97 percent of applicants to the Full-Time MBA Program were interviewed.

For applicants to the Part-Time MBA Program:

Interviews are arranged by invitation and take place after the admissions committee's initial review of a candidate's application.

Can I meet with Katz representatives off-site? Are interviews conducted off-campus?

Interviews are conducted on campus, off campus, or by telephone if is not possible to meet in person.

Representatives from the Katz School's MBA programs will be in select locations during the current recruiting year to provide information and meet with prospective MBA candidates.

Where are hotels or other places I can find accommodations when I visit?

The University of Pittsburgh's Housing Resource Center keeps updated lists of hotels in the area. The center, located at 127 N. Bellefield Ave., also has supplies of Apartment Rental Guide Magazine, Apartment Source, the Rental Guide of Greater Pittsburgh, and commercial publications that list privately owned rental housing. They can provide you with information on specialized rentals, home buying, and relocation information, as well as maps of Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. Contact the center by telephone at 412-624-6998.

Student Life

Where do students live? Do you have on campus housing for MBA students?

Finding housing in the Pittsburgh/Oakland area is relatively easy and inexpensive. Most students live within walking distance or a short bus ride from the campus (transportation by bus is free when you present a valid Pitt student identification card). The University of Pittsburgh's Housing Resource Center will assist graduate students in identifying, renting, leasing, or purchasing suitable living accommodations.

What information is available for incoming students with regard to apartments or general housing questions?

The best place to begin your housing search is the University of Pittsburgh's Housing Resource Center, located at 127 North Bellefield Avenue. The center has supplies of Apartment Rental Guide Magazine, Apartment Source, the Rental Guide of Greater Pittsburgh, and commercial publications of privately-owned rental housing. They can provide you with information on specialized rentals, home buying, and relocation information, as well as maps of Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. Contact the center by telephone at 412-624-6998.

What clubs or student organizations exist at Katz?

There are a variety of student clubs and organizations at the Katz School, including the American Production and Inventory Control Society, the Entrepreneurs' Society, the Finance Club, a chapter of the National Association of Women MBAs, the Marketing Club, the MIS Club, the Operations Club, a Toastmasters International club, the Golf Club, the Ski Club, and the Katz Rowing Team.

For more information on student clubs and organizations, including student government organizations, visit the Student Life section of our Web site.

Are there any organizations, clubs, or activities for the spouses of International students?

Spouses of international students may contact Global Pittsburgh, an independent, nonprofit community organization located in downtown Pittsburgh at 425 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1130, by telephone at 412-392-4513 or by e-mail at info@pciv.org. The organization's mission is to promote cultural, educational, and commercial ties between Western Pennsylvanians and other peoples of the world. Global Pittsburgh serves visitors sponsored by the U.S. Information Agency and other governmental agencies, as well as those sponsored by regional businesses, universities, and medical centers. Global Pittsburgh arranges for international visitors to interact with their regional peers on professional and informal levels using a network of more than 2,500 volunteers annually.

Where can full-time and part-time students park their cars when attending classes?

Students can obtain parking information and permit options by contacting the University's Parking Services Office, located in 204 Brackenridge Hall. The privately operated Joncaire and Boundary Lot located below Mervis Hall on Joncaire Street charges a flat rate of $4 per day and is typically not staffed after 5 p.m. The University's Panther Hollow parking lot charges a flat rate of $5 per day. Students in need of daytime parking can request other designated parking lots ranging from $160-$368 per semester. Leases for part-time students can be purchased for $62/term.

Is a laptop computer required in your program?

For the Full-Time MBA Programs, students are required to have access to a Windows laptop computer.

For the Part-Time MBA Program, students are not required to have a laptop computer. However, faculty members may require a laptop for specific courses; these requirements will be determined prior to course registration.

Katz students are eligible for discounts when purchasing certain laptop brands and models. For more information visit StudentNet.

Financial Aid

What financial aid or scholarships are available?

All full-time applications (both international and domestic) are reviewed for scholarship awards. Scholarships are primarily based on merit. Applications are automatically reviewed for scholarship; no additional application is required. Scholarships available through the Katz School range from $3,000 to full tuition with the average award being $10,000–$12,000. Approximately one-third of our current MBA class has received scholarship funds. For other types of financial aid, such as educational loans or private, third-party scholarships, Katz students should work with the University of Pittsburgh Office of Admission and Financial Aid (note this Office also services undergraduate students)

For more information about financial aid, please visit the University of Pittsburgh's Office of Admission and Financial Aid.

Are there part-time jobs or work-study positions available for MBA students?

Various offices throughout the Katz School hire full-time students. The Career Development Office also has part-time jobs posted on its Web site. These include positions throughout the University and the Pittsburgh community. In addition, the University's Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence hires MBA students as consultants. Finally, students may work for faculty members as graders.

Career Opportunities

What are some examples of job titles or career opportunities for MBA graduates?

Because the MBA is designed as a general management degree, the career path an MBA graduate takes is dependent upon his or her career goals and skills. Students graduate from an MBA program with a specialized business tool kit designed to help them excel in critical business areas such as problem analysis, strategic thinking, and conflict resolution. Many top employers representing major industries find our graduates attractive candidates for key positions, such as:

Finance/Consulting	Marketing	Information Technology (IT)	Operations
Valuation Associate	Assistant Brand Manager	Business Analyst	Supply Chain Analyst
Financial Analyst	Marketing Analyst	Technology Consultant	Cost Analyst
Senior Auditor	Product Development Coordinator	IT Associate	Materials Analyst
Transfer Pricing Associate	Category Buyer	Software Engineer	Warehouse Planning
Consultant	Market Research Coordinator	Interactive Marketing Manager	Logistics Project Manager

Pitt Business: Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business

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