Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is the MBA program?

MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. The MBA program prepares one to be a professional manager in the same way a law or medical program prepares one to be a lawyer or doctor. Individuals generally pursue an MBA degree to gain the skills to enter upper-level management of an organization or to own their own business.

How long does it take to complete the degree?

The BYU MBA program requires two full academic years to complete (fall and winter semesters for two years). Students may begin the program in fall semester only. No MBA courses are taught spring and summer terms—students are encouraged to complete internships during this time.

MBA programs generally follow either a “lockstep” or “cafeteria” format. The BYU MBA program is a lockstep program, which means that it is very structured.ý The lockstep format is followed by many of the outstanding MBA programs in the country, including Harvard and Wharton. The cafeteria format, in contrast, allows you to select from a menu of courses to suit your particular background. This format is obviously more flexible than the lockstep format, thus it is popular with schools offering part-time and executive programs. The disadvantage is that it is impossible to create the strong collegial learning atmosphere found in lockstep programs. Although some excellent schools use the cafeteria format, we feel that the lockstep format leads to a more complete educational experience.

May I work while I am in the MBA program?

The MBA program has a policy that students may NOT have any kind of outside employment (including managing their own business) during the first year of the program. A combination of factors encountered in the first year (including course load and time spent with study groups) can seriously hinder the ability of students to learn and perform effectively in the program if they have outside employment. Admitted applicants are required to sign a commitment that they will not have any outside employment during the first year of the MBA Program.
Generally the second year of the program allows a lighter course load; therefore, students may work part-time during the second year. A number of research and teaching assistantships are available to second-year MBA students.

Does BYU offer an online MBA program?

No, BYU only offers traditional on-site programs. Due to the emphasis the BYU MBA program places on teamwork and class participation, it is unlikely that an online program will be offered at BYU.

Is it possible to transfer from another MBA program?

Yes, it is possible to transfer to the BYU MBA program from another MBA program. In order to transfer, you would apply as a regular applicant. You should include in your statement of intent your desire to transfer and why. If you are admitted to the BYU MBA program, the admissions committee will evaluate your transcripts from your previous MBA program and choose a maximum of 15 credit hours to accept. The 15 credits that are transferred will count as elective credits and you will still be required to complete the MBA core class, even if you have previously completed a similar class.

Is it detrimental to get your undergraduate and graduate degrees from the same university?

No, it is not detrimental for a student to receive both their undergraduate and graduate degree from the same university. In regards to admission to the BYU MBA program, we are only concerned that you graduated from an accredited university. Many BYU MBA students also attended BYU for their undergraduate degree; there has been no disadvantage in placement after graduation in these cases.

If I have a question not covered in Frequently Asked Questions, how do I get an answer?

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