Part-Time MBA Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I receive the same MBA degree regardless of the program I choose?
2. How can I learn more before I apply?
3. What is a hybrid course?
4. What are the admissions requirements?
5. Is financial aid available?
6. Do I have to have an undergraduate degree in business?
7. Does a particular academic or professional background give me any advantage in the admissions process?
8. What kind of work experience does the admissions committee consider?
9. Will my application be considered if I have little or no work experience?
10. If my GMAT or GPA is below the average, should I still apply?
11. Does Drexel LeBow consider GMAT or GRE waivers for part-time programs?
12. Does Drexel LeBow require calculus, statistics or other quantitative courses as prerequisites?
13. If I am admitted this year, may I defer my enrollment until next year?
14. When are the admission decisions made?
15. How do I choose my recommenders?
16. What is Drexel LeBow’s policy on interviews?
17. What is the financial aid timeline?

Yes. No matter the format, we are proud that the Drexel LeBow MBA is one of the most comprehensive and widely respected programs in the Philadelphia area.

You are encouraged to attend an Open House or participate in one of our online program information sessions to find out more about the program. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact our admissions office prior to starting the application process at 215.895.6804 or mba@drexel.edu. Our staff members are available to answer questions and discuss the program.

LeBow courses can be delivered face-to-face, online, or as hybrid classes. A hybrid course is one in which students meet face-to-face with the instructor for part of the course but are required to participate online in between class sessions to complete other coursework. In general, hybrid courses are designed so that the use of face-to-face class time is maximized by placing secondary activities online.

• Completed Application Form – additional items will be submitted on separate sheets.
• Transcripts – must be provided for every institution attended.
• Referrals – two letters are required.
• Standardized Test Scores – GMAT or GRE and TOEFL (if applicable)
  Applicants to the LEAD MBA and MBA Anywhere programs may be considered for a GMAT waiver based on years of professional experience and demonstrated quantitative skill set. Please contact the admissions office for additional information at 215-895-6804 or at mba@drexel.edu.
• Professional Resume
• I-20/DS-2019 (if applicable)
• Admissions guidelines and requirements

Depending on the specific MBA program, a mix of scholarships and aid may be available. Visit Financing Resources for more information on Drexel programs. Additional information can be found at FAFSA.gov and StudentLoans.gov.

No, applicants must only have received a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Degrees earned abroad will be evaluated and must be deemed equivalent.

The majority of students enrolling in Drexel LeBow MBA programs do not have an undergraduate degree in Business. Our foundation courses in Accounting, Finance and Economics have been developed to provide our students with the basic knowledge and theories necessary to advance in the program.

Possibly. Drexel LeBow seeks students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Diversity in all forms – academic, professional, cultural, ethnic, gender, geographic, socioeconomic, etc. – is an important component of the Drexel LeBow MBA experience.

All kinds, but only full-time post-baccalaureate work experience is counted in the official statistics reported. In the evaluation of an application, the admissions committee considers all full-time work, military experience, part-time work, internships, co-op experiences, summer jobs, and volunteer work.

The admissions committee reviews every application received, regardless of the amount of experience, and admits candidates with little or no experience as long as other areas of the application are exceptionally strong. However, applicants with a greater number of years of full-time post-baccalaureate experience, who have shown a consistent career progression and have clearly defined short-term and long-terms goals, are generally more competitive.

Yes. The admissions committee evaluates a number of factors in evaluating an application. Applicants’ overall academic record, the quality of the undergraduate institution, the difficulty of the course of study, and the consistency of academic performance are also indicators of potential for success. Candidates who are weak in one area of the application should have strengths in other areas of the application.

Our admissions committee encourages all applicants to take the GMAT or GRE. Applicants to the LEAD MBA, MBA Anywhere, MBA in Pharmaceutical Management / Healthcare MBA, and Executive MBA programs may petition for a GMAT or GRE waiver if:

1. they have a minimum of five years of professional experience in a management or management-track position;
2. have demonstrated consistent career progression throughout their career;
3. can demonstrate strong quantitative skills;

To be considered for a test score waiver, prospective students should speak with a representative from the Admissions Office.

No. However, the Admissions Committee does pay particular attention to a candidate’s potential to succeed in quantitative-based courses. Our admissions committee also looks for a variety of abilities in all applicants, including critical thinking, analytical, and interpersonal communication and leadership skills.

In general, we do offer students the opportunity to defer their admission from one year to the next. Admitted applicants that have been awarded merit scholarships will have their awards reevaluated in the context of the applicant pool for the following admission year.

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Generally, admission decisions are made within one week after the application is complete. Available spaces as well as merit scholarships are limited so candidates are encouraged to apply early in the process.

While academic references are permitted, professional references are preferred. As the MBA is a professional degree, the admissions committee is interested in evaluating the applicant’s professional accomplishments and ability to work in a professional setting. Applicants who do not feel they can ask current supervisors to submit a letter of reference are encouraged to seek out former supervisors, clients, customers, or individuals who can discuss their professional experiences and accomplishments.

Informational Interviews are offered through the Campus Visitation program. Evaluative interviews are conducted by invitation only. If required for admission, a member of the admissions committee will contact the applicant. Evaluative interviews can be conducted in-person or via telephone.

In order to qualify for the Federal Stafford Loan program, it is required that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is completed. Students can complete this form online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Title IV code for Drexel University is 003256. To assure timely processing, a priority deadline for filing the FAFSA is May 1st. Financial aid is always determined by the federal income tax information filed for the prior year. Filing of the FAFSA is the first step in applying for federal financial aid. The FAFSA should be completed as early as February, but no later than June to assure timely processing. Four to six weeks after filling the FAFSA, students will be sent the resulting Student Aid Report (SAR) for verification.