MBA FAQ: Learn more about Sellinger's graduate admissions process
Q: Do you require the GMAT or GRE for admission? What is the waiver request policy?
A: The admissions team prefers that you take the GMAT for the Professional's MBA and the Emerging Leaders MBA; however, if you have already taken the GRE, it will be accepted. If you take the GRE, your score will be converted to a predicted GMAT score. The GMAT may be waived for those who meet certain academic or professional requirements. Please refer to the Sellinger School’s GMAT/GRE Waiver Request Policy.
Q: Who should write my letter of recommendation and what should it say?
A: According to the Princeton Review, “Business schools prefer professional recommendations to academic recommendations.” At least one letter should ideally be from an immediate supervisor. The MBA admissions team looks for evidence of leadership achievements and potential. Therefore, the ideal recommender should discuss your professional achievements and career progression, as well as important personal characteristics that may contribute to your success in an MBA program such as team leadership skills, drive, and determination. Those applying to the Emerging Leaders MBA program are required to have two letters of recommendation, and at least one must be an academic recommendation from a professor.
Q: How long does it typically take to complete the Professional’s MBA program?
A: The Professional’s MBA program is a part-time program designed for working professionals to earn their MBA degree on their time. The program is self-paced, and course load can be as heavy or as light as needed. Classes meet in the evenings from 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM during the Fall and Spring semesters. Classes meet in the evenings from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM during our two Summer sessions. Additionally, there are some hybrid and online course offerings. Students work with a program advisor to decide the best pace for them to be successful in the program. Students have up to six years to complete the program; on average, the program is completed in 2.5 to 3 years. Our part-time MBA admissions team can help answer more program-specific questions.
Q: Where do graduates work after completing the MBA program?
A: Graduates have many options after completing their MBA program. Many go on to work for local companies such as McCormick & Company, Brown Advisory, Constellation Energy, Stanley Black & Decker, Under Armour, or T. Rowe Price. Others advance their careers within their current place of business. Actual job functions and job placements of our graduates vary widely and depend on the students’ interests, knowledge, and skills. Some even use their MBA skills and knowledge to start their own businesses.
Sellinger’s extensive alumni network means graduates have access to connections and opportunities all over the region, the country and the world. Students in Sellinger’s MBA programs are regularly invited to networking events and can participate in the alumni mentoring program. In addition, the Career Center at Loyola University Maryland is dedicated to helping students and alumni discover fulfilling career paths.
Q: Can I be successful in the MBA program even if I don’t have a business undergraduate degree or strong math background?
A: Yes! The Sellinger School welcomes students from all academic backgrounds into both the Professional’s MBA and the Emerging Leaders MBA programs. The Professional's MBA curriculum offers elective courses that align with students’ career goals while providing an accessible, broad business education designed to help students further their career regardless of their background. The Emerging Leaders MBA curriculum includes core courses, an internship, a domestic and international study tour, and many opportunities for experiential learning.
Q: How many classes are traditional in-person, and how many are hybrid or online?
A: For the Professional’s MBA program, the majority of classes offered are traditional in-person courses, however, there are hybrid and online course offerings each semester for those who want a bit more flexibility. Please contact an admissions representative to discuss program and schedule specifics.
Q: How detail-oriented/long should my resume be?
A: Your resume should be a clear, concise summary of your relevant experience and accomplishments. Poets and Quants suggests you start with your most important accomplishments and quantify everything that you can to give an impactful, positive first impression. The Admissions Committee does not require a specific resume length.
Q: Can I work while pursuing the ELMBA?
A: The ELMBA is designed to be a full-time, 12-month program with daytime classes taking place Monday through Thursday on our Baltimore Evergreen campus, and site visits to area companies on the first Friday of every month. Those who are interested in holding a traditional full-time job while pursuing their MBA degree should consider the Professional’s MBA program, which is designed specifically with working professionals in mind.
Q: Can I transfer credits?
A: Only courses from another AACSB-accredited school will be considered for transfer credit. Mode of course delivery is not a consideration in transfer decisions. No more than six credits from advanced standing and/or transfer will be accepted from another institution toward the Loyola degree. A grade of at least a B (3.000) must be received for each course transferred to Loyola. Under exceptional circumstances, and only with prior written approval of the assistant dean, may courses be transferred in after beginning degree work.
Didn’t see your question on this MBA FAQ list or on the Sellinger Business School FAQs? Help us develop our MBA FAQ list and direct any further questions to our MBA admissions team. Interested in learning more? Attend an upcoming info session or test drive.