How to Apply: MBA

No. The Knauss School of Business at the University of San Diego has implemented a test-optional policy for all MBA and specialized master’s degree applications. While all students are encouraged to take the GMAT or GRE, it is not a requirement to apply to any of our MBA* or specialized master's programs.

However, you may submit GMAT or GRE scores if you would like. If you plan on submitting scores, the exam must be taken within the last 5 years. If you plan to submit a GRE score, leave the GMAT information blank on the application and request that ETS submit your official score report to USD.

• GMAT School Code: 29B-Q2-68
• GRE School Code: 4849

If you have not yet taken the GMAT or GRE but plan to do so, you can still submit your application. On your application, indicate the date that you are scheduled to take the exam. Note that the admissions committee will hold off on a final review of your application until your GMAT or GRE test score has arrived.

*In lieu of GMAT/GRE scores, all applicants are required to complete MBA Math prior to beginning your program. It is an online course that will prepare you for the MBA program and is not used to determine admissions eligibility. For more information, contact mba@sandiego.edu. MBA Math can be waived.

Yes, MBA applicants may be able to waive MBA Math. Please book a meeting with an admissions advisor to learn more. Students are assessed holistically to determine if they qualify to waive MBA Math.

MBA Math is a self-paced online course that takes 15-30 hours to complete. For more information, contact mba@sandiego.edu.

Two+ years of work experience is preferred, but there is no minimum requirement to apply.

We assess all applications holistically, which means we do not solely focus on standardized test scores, work experience or your undergraduate record.

Accepted students typically have two years of full-time, post-undergraduate professional experience. However, the Knauss School of Business does not have a minimum work experience requirement for admission to the Full-Time MBA program. We review applications to see how candidates will enhance the classroom experience via their personal and professional background. If you feel that you can present a strong overall application, we encourage you to apply.

The Knauss School of Business Graduate Admission team will take internships and cooperative education assignments into account, but those experiences are usually considered supplementary. Military experience and non-traditional backgrounds will strongly be considered when evaluating applications. To see the average years of work experience and work experience ranges for our current classes, please review the MBA class profile.

Yes, the Part-Time MBA and Flex MBA programs require at least 2 years of professional work experience.

We assess all applications holistically, which means we do not solely focus on standardized test scores, work experience or your undergraduate record. Applications are reviewed to see how candidates will enhance the classroom experience via their personal and professional background.

The Knauss School of Business Graduate Admissions team will take internships and cooperative education assignments into account, but those experiences are usually considered supplementary. Military experience and non-traditional backgrounds will strongly be considered when evaluating applications. To see the average years of work experience and work experience ranges for our current classes, please review the MBA class profile.

No. The Office of Graduate Admissions will automatically pull your USD undergraduate transcript after your MBA application has been submitted. Please note they are not able to pull transcripts from USD’s School of Law or Continuing Education.

Transfer students may apply to the Knauss MBA program. However, transfer candidates may only transfer 6 approved credits from another MBA program. If you are a student currently enrolled in a fellow Jesuit MBA Network and are in good standing, you may be able to transfer all credits to our MBA program.

In addition to the application requirements listed above, international students must also:

• Submit an official international transcript evaluation (also called a foreign credential evaluation) from an approved evaluation service
• Submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English exam scores
• If admitted, you will need to submit additional documents to receive an I-20, which you can use to apply for an F1 student visa

Review USD’s complete application checklist for international students.

If you earned a degree from an institution outside of the United States, you are required to submit an official international transcript evaluation (also called a foreign credential evaluation) as part of your application. Please note that the evaluation must be a course-by-course evaluation. You must order your official evaluation from one of the following evaluation services:

• World Education Services, Inc. (WES)
• Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)
• International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (IERF)
• Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. (JSA)
• SpanTran: The Evaluation Company (SpanTran)
• Foreign Academic Credential Service (FACS)

Applicants educated in India: Typically, three-year bachelor's degrees earned in Division I and II at institutions accredited by the NAAC with a minimum grade of A are viewed by WES as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree. Applicants with a three-year degree from India that does not meet the requirements above can complete a one-year post-graduate certificate program or a master's program in India to meet the MBA academic entrance requirements.

Tuition for the MBA program is based on a per unit fee. There are no additional fees for international students or non-California residents, since we are a private, tuition-based institution. USD and the Knauss School of Business offer many resources to help pay for tuition including scholarships and financial aid. These include low-interest loans to admitted students, thanks to agreements with our partner, Prodigy Finance.

You can visit our tuition page for the estimated cost of this school year and to find additional information on financial support.

Students admitted to the Part-Time MBA or Flex MBA programs may waive up to 14 units of MBA coursework if you meet select criteria. A minimum of 30 units must be completed at the University of San Diego to earn the MBA degree.

Applicants must submit a request to have classes waived as soon as possible during the admission process. Once admitted, an admission advisor will let you know what documentation and/or assignments may be required to fulfill the course waiver.

To be considered for one or more course waivers, you must have:

• Completed related courses within 7 years of your MBA application AND
• An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher AND
• At least 2 years of work experience

Learn more about MBA course waivers.

Students cannot switch between program formats in the first year of the MBA program. However, full-time MBA students CAN switch to the part-time MBA in their second year.

Part-time MBA students cannot switch to the full-time format after beginning the program.

You can request to defer admission to the MBA program for one academic term. Requests must be made in writing and are granted on a case-by-case basis by the admissions committee.

Scholarship recipients who defer admission will be guaranteed a scholarship for the following academic year. However, the total amount of your original scholarship award may change depending on scholarship funds available the year you begin your program.

It’s recommended that full-time MBA students do not work off campus during year one of the program. In your first year, you will mostly take core classes which are scheduled in the daytime during regular business hours.

The MBA program also requires you to learn in teams and work on group projects. Full-time students are expected to be available during daytime hours to conduct group work. However, you can apply to on-campus jobs or graduate assistantships to help fund your graduate studies. These jobs offer flexible schedules that can be easily balanced with schoolwork.

In year two of the MBA program, MBA students are able to take more elective courses, which are mostly offered in the evening. Therefore, you will have more flexibility at that time to pursue internships or part-time employment off campus that require you to work during the day.

The Knauss Full-Time MBA program now officially offers an optional STEM-designated MBA. Read the announcement. When starting your application, select the Full-Time MBA in Management Science (STEM) program. Enrolled students must then earn a concentration in business analytics, finance or supply chain management.

To excel in your MBA admission interview, consider these key strategies:

• Research: Familiarize yourself with our school's values, culture, and the specifics of the MBA program to align your responses with what the program offers.
• Review Your Application: Be well-acquainted with your application materials, including essays and resume, to provide consistent and detailed responses during the interview.
• Practice Common Questions: Prepare answers for typical questions like "Tell me about yourself," "What are your career goals?" and "Why are you interested in our MBA program?"
• Highlight Strengths: Be ready to discuss your unique skills, achievements, leadership experiences, and how you've handled challenges.
• Prepare Questions: Bring thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest and how our program aligns with your future goals.
• Professional Demeanor: Dress professionally and come prepared.

Due to the significant online portion of this program, the Flex MBA program is unable to enroll students on F or J student visas. However, international applicants who reside in the United States under an employment-based or another type of visa may be eligible to enroll. If you hold a visa other than the F or J and are interested in this program, please email us at gradbiz@sandiego.edu so that we can advise you on your enrollment options.

For international students who cannot join the Flex program, we recommend pursuing our Part-Time or Full-Time MBA program.