Full-Time Formats: FAQ's

• Is previous coursework in business required to apply to the Willamette University MBA?
• Is work experience required for admission?
• Is an admission interview required?
• What is the general application timeline for the full-time formats?
• Should I take the GMAT or the GRE?
• What is the Willamette University code for the GMAT, GRE and TOEFL?
• Which Willamette MBA format is for me?
• What are the benefits of the Willamette MBA for students interested in business?
• What are the benefits of the Willamette MBA for students interested in government, public administration or not-for-profit management?
• How do others view the Willamette MBA program?
• How can I get more information about the Willamette MBA program?

Want to know what our students think? Click to save a PDF copy of Vault's 2009 Business Buzz Book's survey of Willamette MBA students and recent graduates.

Still have questions? Email us at mba-admission@willamette.edu

Is previous coursework in business required to apply to the Willamette University MBA?

Previous course work in business is not required for the Early Career MBA, MBA for Career Change, MBA/JD or BA/MBA options.

Our core curriculum develops a comprehensive and hands-on understanding of the fundamental "core principles" of management - the basics needed to succeed in any management position. The elective curriculum provides the in-depth functional knowledge in a variety of areas of interest. The curriculum and emphasis on "learning by doing" provide the knowledge and experience needed for successful careers.

Students with a strong academic background in business and economics may qualify to waive selected core courses.

The Accelerated MBA requires a bachelor degree in business from a program accredited by AACSB International or completion of the first year of either a full-time MBA or MPA program accredited by AACSB International or NASPAA.

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Is work experience required for admission?

Previous work experience is not required for the Early Career MBA, MBA/JD or BA/MBA options.

The MBA for Career Change and the Accelerated MBA require a minimum of two years of post-bachelor degree professional work experience in a management or functional area.

The MBA for Professionals, which is an evening format of the Willamette MBA, requires a minimum of three years of post-bachelor degree professional work experience in a management or functional area.

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Is an admission interview required?

An interview is part of the applicant selection process. Applicants eligible to complete the interview process will be invited to interview by the admission office after all the applicant's documents have been received. Applicants invited to interview will be given instructions for arranging a telephone or on-campus interview.

All applicants are encouraged to visit us on campus. To make an appointment for an individual visit, call the Willamette MBA Admission Office at 503-370-6l67 (toll free within the U.S. at 1-866-MBA-AGSM) or email mba-admission@willamette.edu .

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What is the application timeline for the full-time formats for Fall 2012?

We are currently reviewing applications for admission and merit-based scholarship assistance for fall semester 2012.

Applicants for fall semester 2012 are encouraged to apply early. Early Action applicants receive full consideration for admission and merit-based scholarships awards. An early application also ensures early notification of our admission decision and promotes a smooth transition to your MBA experience. Application deadlines for Fall Semester 2012 are:

Apply Online for Fall Semester 2012

Applicants who meet the Early Action 1, 2 or 3 deadlines receive full consideration for admission, merit-based scholarships and graduate assistantship awards. An early application also ensures early notification of our admission decision and promotes a smooth transition to your MBA experience.

A special opportunity is available to applicants who complete their application by the Early Action 1 deadline. Early Action 1 applicants who are admitted to the Willamette MBA program will be invited to a special invitation-only "Dinner with the Dean" scheduled for our Winter Preview Day.

Applicants who complete their application between March 2nd and May 1st will receive full consideration for admission. However, merit-based scholarship and graduate assistantship awards will be awarded on a funds available basis for qualified applicants.

Applications received after the May 1st deadline may be considered for admission on a space available basis and should contact the MBA admission office for information.

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Should I take the GMAT or the GRE?

The full-time formats of the Willamette MBA are dually accredited for business and public management. Therefore, applicants to the Early Career MBA, MBA for Career Change, Accelerated MBA, JD/MBA or BA/MBA programs may take either the GMAT or the General GRE.

The GMAT exam is the typical test for students interested in MBA programs. The General GRE is the typical exam for students interested in public and not-for-profit management programs. You can take either exam, but you must take either the GMAT or the General GRE.

Information about the GMAT and is available at http://www.mba.com.

Information about the General GRE is available at http://www.gre.org.

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What is the Willamette University code for the GMAT, GRE and TOEFL?

GMAT
The GMAT code for the full-time formats of the Willamette University MBA is 3MZ-PZ-27

GRE
The GRE code for Willamette MBA programs is 4954.

TOEFL
The TOEFL code for Willamette MBA programs is 4954

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Note: The GMAT code for the evening MBA for Professionals program is 3MZ-PA-34

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Which Willamette MBA format is for me?
The Willamette MBA comes in five full-time formats. Each format is designed to meet the needs of specific groups of students. All formats include the distinctive Willamette MBA curriculum and a hands-on learning experience. All Willamette MBA programs are accredited for business AACSB International.

• Early Career MBA - The Early Career MBA is designed for recent college graduates and applicants with limited work experience who are seeking their first professional position orcareer change. Previous work experience is not required. {learn more}
  
• MBA for Career Change - MBA for Career Change is designed for people with at least two years of post bachelor degree professional work experience with management or functional responsibilities, who are seeking career change or career advancement. {learn more}
  
  
• Accelerated MBA - The Accelerated MBA is designed for students who have completed an AACSB accredited bachelor degree in business (or the first year of an AACSB or NASPAA accredited full-time MBA, MPA or MPP program), and at least two years of post bachelor degree professional work experience with management or functional responsibilities. The program is an option of the MBA for Career Change and is customized for each student. {learn more}
  
• MBA/JD Joint Degree - The Joint Degree is designed for students seeking both the MBA and Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Willamette University. The program is four years in length and can be part of the Early Career MBA or the MBA for Career Change, depending on the level of previous work experience. {learn more}
  
• BA/MBA - The Willamette University Bachelor of Arts and MBA Combined Degree (BA/MBA) is a fast track option of the Early Career MBA program. It is designed for a select group of advanced students from Willamette University's College of Liberal Arts. {learn more}

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What are the benefits of the Willamette MBA for students interested in business?

There are several major benefits. Here are a few for you to consider.

You will earn an MBA accredited by the most prestigious professional organization evaluating management education -- AACSB International (business administration); and you will participate in a program profiled by Business Week , U.S. News & World Report, Beyond Grey Pinstripes, Princeton Review, and Vault.com

You will thrive in an educational environment characterized by experiential learning, excellent teaching, and a high degree of interaction with faculty and student colleagues.

You will develop cross-functional problem-solving and decision-making skills, as well as communication, leadership and teamwork abilities.

You will build the professional experience you need to make the next step in your career through class consulting projects, internships and the unique PACE project where you will be part of a team that creates and operates a real business.

You will have the opportunity to pursue your individual career goals in general management or one or more of the areas of interest listed below.

You will develop a multi-sector understanding of management that provides an essential perspective for decision-making in business and consulting careers.

You will graduate with a degree that provides professional recognition in all sectors and you will have the flexibility to pursue your interests in business, consulting, public service and not-for-profit organizations.

You will study in Salem, Oregon - one of the nation's most livable cities located in a state renowned for its quality of life, friendly people and commercial icons like Nike, Intel, Tektronix and Hewlett Packard.

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What are the benefits of the Willamette MBA for students interested in government, public administration or not-for-profit management?

There are several major benefits. Here are a few for you to consider.

You will earn an MBA degree accredited by AACSB International (the most prestigious professional organization evaluating management education) and committed to the understanding that successful public service careers require an understanding of both government and business.

In addition to accreditation, the Willamette MBA is a member of NASPAA (the membership association of graduate programs in public administration, public policy and public affairs), and has been profiled by Business Week and U.S. News and World Report, Beyond Grey Pinstripes, Princeton Review and Vault. Com as one of the "best" business schools.

You will build a strong foundation in the political, regulatory and fiscal issues of the public sector through the core curriculum and elective courses in public management.

You will develop a strong background in the areas of finance, accounting, marketing, quantitative, computer, teamwork, and negotiation skills --- areas often missing in MPA programs but clearly needed in today's public and not-for-profit organizations.

You will build the professional experience you need to make the next step in your career through projects, internships, consulting courses, and the activities of the Willamette University Center for Governance and Public Policy Research.

You will thrive in an educational environment characterized by experiential learning, excellent teaching, and a high degree of interaction with faculty and student colleagues

You will have the opportunity to pursue your individual career goals in general management or one or more of the areas of interest listed below.

You will develop a multi-sector understanding of management that provides an essential perspective for decision-making in business and consulting careers.

You will graduate with a degree that provides professional recognition in all sectors, and you will have the flexibility to pursue a career in public service, not-for-profit organizations or business administration.

You will study in Salem -- the capital city of Oregon -- a location that provides an array of opportunities for experience in state, county and city government, as well as the lifestyle advantages of the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

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How do others view the Willamette MBA program?

The MBA is accredited for business administration by AACSB International, the leading accreditation agency for MBA programs.

In addition to accreditation, the Willamette MBA is a member of NASPAA (the membership association of graduate programs in public administration, public policy and public affairs), and has been profiled by Forbes, Business Week and U.S. News and World Report, Beyond Grey Pinstripes, Princeton Review and Vault. Com as one of the "best" business schools.

Employers generally praise the maturity, academic and workplace skills, and general values and ethics of Atkinson graduates. In fact, surveys show employers of Atkinson alumni view the quality of the work of our graduates to be superior.

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How can I get more information about the Willamette University MBA program?

We invite you to contact us with your questions and information needs. We are here to help you explore Willamette University's MBA programs. Email mba-admission@willamette.edu , call 503-370-6167 (toll free in the U.S. 866-MBA-AGSM), participate in our online chats, visit us on campus or meet our representatives at MBA events around the world.

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