PROFESSIONAL MBA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Q: When do students matriculate each year?
A: The Tulane PMBA program begins each Fall (early August) and Spring (mid-January).
Q: How long will it take to complete the Tulane MBA program?
A: The New Orleans PMBA program is held primarily on weekday evenings. Students complete 54 credit hours over three years (Summer, Fall, and Spring) and earn a Tulane MBA degree.
Q: Does the Tulane PMBA accept transfer students or transfer credits?
A: The Tulane MBA does not accept transfer students or transfer credits from any other institution. When we promote our programs to employment recruiters, we want to ensure that all Freeman graduate business students have acquired certain fundamentals skill sets.
Q: Can I start the part-time PMBA program first and then switch to the Full-time MBA program?
A: No, once a student begins the PMBA program, they can never switch to the Full-time MBA program.
Q: When will I attend classes?
A: The Tulane PMBA is designed to meet the schedule of full-time working professionals. Classes are primarily held on weekday evenings from 6:30 to 9:15 pm.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
Q: What factors does the Admissions Committee consider when evaluating my application?
A: The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically, which includes all required application materials (application form, essay, resume, academic background, recommendations, and test scores), to assess an applicant's motivation, maturity and ability to successfully complete a graduate business degree.
Q: How can I gauge my chances of being admitted to the Tulane PMBA program?
A: It is impossible for the Admissions Committee to access your suitability to the PMBA program without reviewing a complete application. Please refer to the Class Profile (link PDF) to compare your credentials with successful candidates to the program.
Q: Does the Admissions Committee require specific courses prerequisites?
A: The Tulane MBA does not require any specific course or major prerequisites. The Tulane MBA seeks candidates from a range of academic backgrounds from engineering to humanities.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Q: What are your application deadlines?
A: Applications to the PMBA program are processed on a rolling basis. Applicants should submit a complete application no later than December 1 for Spring enrollment and July 1 for Fall enrollment.
Q: What credentials should I submit to complete my application?
A: In order to complete an application for review, we require the following application materials:
- Online application form
- Current resume
- Post-secondary transcript(s)
- One essay
- Two letters of recommendation
- GMAT score
TEST SCORES/TRANSCRIPTS
Q: Can I apply if I haven't taken the GMAT yet?
A: You may start the online application at any time; however, you will not be able to submit your application until you have provided all required application materials including test scores.
Q: If I take the GMAT more than once, will the Admissions Committee average the scores or take the highest one?
A: The Admissions Committee utilizes the highest total score for review. Please self-report your highest score information in the online application.
Q: Can my GRE score replace the GMAT requirement?
A: No, the GMAT is a requirement to apply to the Tulane PMBA program. The GMAT is considered the benchmark test for MBA programs.
Q: What is the GMAT reporting code for the Tulane PMBA program?
A: The PMBA GMAT reporting code is XVC-SG-36.
Q: Is there a minimum GPA or GMAT score required for admission?
A: We do not have a minimum GMAT or GPA requirement. Please refer to the Class Profile (linked to PDF) to compare your competitiveness against successful applicants to the program.
Q: If my GMAT or GPA is below the average, should I still apply?
A: The Admission Committee reviews applications holistically. Therefore, a below average GMAT or GPA is not an automatic disqualification to apply. However, the ranges are useful indicators of admissible standards.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Q: Who should I choose to write my recommendation letters?
A: References should be limited to those people who can speak to your skills and abilities in a professional or academic setting. There is a preference for recommendations from people who can comment substantially on your professional experience.
Q: Can my recommenders submit their letters of recommendation once I have submitted my online application?
A: Yes, the recommenders can submit their recommendation letters either before or after your application has been submitted. However, your application will not be completed for review until both recommendation letters have been received. Recommendations are the only part of the application process that is not under applicants' direct control, so we advise applicants to request recommendations very early in the process.
ADMISSIONS INTERVIEW
Q: Are admissions interviews required?
A: PMBA admissions interviews are by invitation only. Not all applicants will be invited to interview.
Q: Can I do my PMBA admissions interview in person?
A: Yes, if you are invited for a PMBA Admissions Interview and prefer to do the interview in person you are welcome to do so. The Admissions Committee does not have a preference for interviews done in person versus over the phone or by Skype. The choice of an in person interview or phone interview is yours.
Q: What can I expect during the interview?
A: Applicants can expect to talk about themselves, their experiences and aspirations, their academic background, their leadership and group activities, and their motivation for pursuing a graduate degree at the Freeman School. The interview is also an opportunity for applicants to ask the school representative questions about the program.
MERIT BASED AWARDS AND FINANCIAL AID
Q: What are the tuition, fees and program costs?
A: Please see the Cost of Attendance budget. - Add link to PDF
Q: Do you offer fellowships in the PMBA program?
A: There are no merit-based fellowship awards available for the PMBA program.
Q: What types of financial aid (student loans and work study) are available to students?
A: U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply for federal need-based financial aid in the form of student loans and work study to cover all educational expenses (tuition, fees, room, board, books, travel and miscellaneous expenses) up to the cost of education. In order to be considered for federal financial aid as a graduate student (no parental data required), students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov and request that their information be sent to Tulane University.