Is the MBA at the School of Business right for me?
If you are looking for an accredited, high-quality MBA program in the Shenandoah Valley with close proximity to Northern Virginia and offering courses in two flexible formats to meet your schedule needs, that can be completed in 18 months for a competitive cost in comparison to other programs in the region, then the MBA may be right for you.
Is the MBA program accredited?
Yes. The School of Business is accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Also, Shenandoah University is regionally accredited by SACS, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
In which formats are the classes offered?
All classes in the MBA program are taught in a flex-format from Zoom enabled classrooms. Students have the option to attend face-to-face classes at our Winchester or Loudoun locations or attend virtually via Zoom.
Classes are offered evenings and weekends. Evening classes meet once a week on a weeknight (Monday thru Thursday) either from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. or from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Weekend classes meet on Friday nights and Saturdays of every other weekend. Friday night class is from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., Saturday morning class from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Saturday afternoon class from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
How long does it take to complete the MBA?
Full-time students typically finish the core of the program in four semesters, however it is possible to complete the program in three semesters (1 calendar year). Part-time students typically finish in six semesters. Full-time course plans are available here. These plans are suggested only. Students may choose the number of courses to take each semester depending on work and/or travel schedules and how soon the student wishes to complete the MBA. For example, a student may choose to take courses in the fall and spring semesters only. It is also possible to mix evening and weekend courses to best accommodate personal schedules. Once admitted to the program, students will work with the MBA Advisor to plan a course sequence and re-plan in following semesters as necessary.
How much does the School of Business MBA cost?
View the current Graduate Tuition & Fees.
Is financial aid available to MBA students?
Yes, MBA students can apply for financial aid. You can contact the Office of Financial Aid for detailed information (Phone: 540-665-4538 or 800-432-2266, Email: finaid@su.edu).
Does the School of Business offer graduate assistantships?
Yes, the School of Business offers both full and half graduate assistantships. These are only available for the Fall and Spring semesters. A full assistantship requires 20 hours of work per week and covers full tuition (9 credit hours). Similarly, a half assistantship requires 10 hours of work per week and covers half of the tuition (4.5 credit hours). There is also a stipend paid to graduate assistants over the course of the semester.
- Application for graduate assistantships
Can I take MBA courses without applying to the program?
Yes, you can take up to 15 credits as a visiting student. Register as a visiting or non-degree seeking student.
Can I apply online?
Yes, you can apply online here. For general application FAQs, please visit this page.
Is it possible to be admitted for the Spring Semester?
Yes, we admit students for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Please note: The MBA Essentials Certificate, or for MBA applicants without a business background, any foundations courses can only be completed at the Winchester campus in spring and fall. These courses are available online during the summer.
Are there application deadlines?
Yes. Please check the application page here for the latest deadlines:
What are the admission requirements?
To be considered for admission, candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution. In addition, the following are required:
- Shenandoah University graduate application and the $30 application fee.
- Transcript(s) from ALL post-secondary schools where applicants earned (or will earn) a degree or took courses that relate to the graduate area of study. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted for initial admission and official transcripts will be required upon enrollment.
- Course-by-course academic evaluation of any non-US transcripts.
- A cover letter of intent statement of no more than one page describing your aspiration, career goals and reasons for wanting to pursue an MBA.
- Resume.
- Official language proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or DET) if necessary. See our full policy for more details.
Must I submit GMAT score?
No, the GMAT is not a requirement for admission to the School of Business.
Where do I send my application materials?
Application documents must be sent to the below address. Graduate Admissions accepts official electronic transcripts as well, which can be emailed to adprocessing@su.edu.
Shenandoah University
Office of Graduate Admissions
1460 University Drive
Winchester, VA 22601
What are the additional admission requirements for international students?
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Proof of English Language Proficiency. See our full policy for details.
- Course-by-course credential evaluation of transcripts. Any of the services listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (www.naces.org) website.
I have lived in the U.S. for many years. Must I take the TOEFL or IELTS?
Residency alone does not waive the English proficiency requirement. If you have successfully completed at least two years of full-time study at a post-secondary educational institution in a country where English is the language of instruction, then you do not have to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score.
What are the minimum passing scores on these tests?
For regular (unconditional) admission, test scores must be as follows:
- TOEFL: Internet-based = 79 or higher; Computer-based = 213 or higher; Paper-exam = 550 or higher
- IELTS: Overall score = 6.5 or higher with no subset less than 5.5
Is it possible to be admitted if test scores are below the minimum?
Yes, we conditionally accept international applicants who do not meet the English proficiency requirement but are otherwise well qualified. They then can fulfill the language requirement by either successfully completing academic ESL courses at Shenandoah University or by retaking the TOEFL/IELTS test and obtaining a passing score before matriculating into the MBA program as a full-time student. Please note that you must submit a score in order to be considered for conditional admission. No program at Shenandoah University (including ESL) admits students without a TOEFL or IELTS score.
I have an outside scholarship and I need a conditional admission immediately. Can I receive a conditional acceptance letter now and complete my application packet later?
No. All of the documents mentioned must be received in the Office of Admissions before your application can be reviewed for eligibility. Please note that submission of all documents does not guarantee an automatic “conditional admission”. The MBA Admission Committee will give full consideration to your entire application packet, but admission to the program is competitive.
Is there an admission interview?
Yes. When your complete application is received, MBA Program Director evaluates it and determines your eligibility. If you are found eligible, an interview with the MBA Admissions Committee is scheduled. If you cannot come to the interview in person a phone or video-conference interview will be scheduled.
I don’t have an undergraduate degree in business, can I still be accepted?
Yes. We have students with various undergraduate degrees ranging from biology to electrical engineering in our program.
I have taken some MBA courses at another university; can I transfer them into your program?
Yes. MBA courses completed at other universities may be used towards the foundation or core courses in our program. Up to six credits of MBA courses successfully completed at other AACSB-accredited schools may be transferred towards the core.
What is MBA Essentials Certificate?
MBA Essentials is a certificate program designed for working professionals with a non-business background and desire to advance in management but do not have time to commit to the MBA program at this time. The certificate program gives you the foundation for MBA and introduces you to various business sub-disciplines via a case-study based capstone course. The 15 credits you complete in the certificate program will count towards the MBA should you decide to continue. Application to the MBA program will be required upon completion of the certificate.
How long does it take to complete the MBA Essentials?
Typically three semesters (12 months). This can be shorter or longer depending on the individual.
Are the application requirements the same for the MBA Essential Certificate Program?
Yes, the same materials that are required for application to the MBA program are required for application to the MBA Essentials Certificate program.
When do classes begin?
Fall classes begin in late August, Spring classes in early January and Summer classes in early May. For exact dates see the academic calendar.
Whom should I contact for further information?
Contact us by phone: 540-665-4581 or 800-432-2266, or email: mba@su.edu.