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Admissions

Start on your path to more effective leadership with the Wisconsin Executive MBA.


What do I need to qualify?

1
At least 10 years of work experience, five in a leadership role
2
Desire to enhance your leadership skills
3
Bachelor’s degree

Application Deadlines

Applications to start your MBA in Fall 2024 are now open.

Application due:

  • Rolling admissions
  • May 1, 2024
  • July 12, 2024

*Merit aid priority deadline: May 1

To be considered for merit aid, complete the merit essay portion as part of your application.

Questions regarding the application can be sent to mba@wsb.wisc.edu.

Connect with the admissions team

Schedule an informal, 30-minute consultation with a member of the admissions team via phone or video chat. You’ll have the chance to:

  • Learn the ins and outs of the program.
  • Walk through the application process.
  • Ask questions about the program or the application.

How We Review Applications

The school employs a holistic admissions process where the admissions committee considers every application based on merit. There is no one “perfect candidate profile.” We seek a diverse mix of backgrounds, interests, and professional experience, which elevates classroom discussion, enlivens team projects, and adds meaning to experiential learning.

What You’ll Need for Your Application

Résumé

Submit a résumé outlining your academic achievements and professional experience. Your résumé may include personal achievements, community involvement, global experiences, and other areas of interest.

Required essay questions

The short answer questions are required and are an opportunity for you to share more information about your career goals. Please answer the questions in full.

  1. Why have you chosen to apply the Wisconsin Executive MBA Program? How will earning your MBA align with your career goals and influence your development as a leader?
  2. How have you helped to foster an inclusive work environment and give one specific example of the impact it had on your organization.

Essays responses are limited to 600 words each.

Optional essay question

Please use this optional essay to communicate additional information about yourself that is not otherwise represented in the application and that you feel would benefit the admissions committee.

Essays responses are limited to 600 words each

Merit scholarship essay questions

  1. The Wisconsin Executive MBA program is a team-based learning environment. Explain three traits you will bring to this learning environment and examples of how you have professionally demonstrated those traits.  What traits would you want your future teammates to possess that you do not? Why?
  2. An ally is any person who supports, empowers, or stands up for another person or a group of people.  Provide at least one example of how you have been an ally at work and what impact did your allyship have.

Essays responses are limited to 600 words each.

One professional recommendation

Ideal recommenders are current/former supervisors or those who best know your professional skill set. You may submit up to two recommendations.

A bachelor’s degree from an approved (accredited) institution is required.

  • International applicants are required to have the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. View the minimum degree equivalents for different countries. You may wish to have your transcript evaluated by World Education Services (WES) to ensure you meet the four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalency requirements.
  • You are able to submit your application with unofficial transcripts; certified copies of transcripts from the institution where the degree was conferred are required for all admitted students.
  • The preferred method to receive official transcripts is electronically from your institution. Please access the Parchment website or contact your institution to make this request and send to masters@wsb.wisc.edu. Official transcripts may also be mailed directly from your undergraduate institution in a sealed and stamped envelope sent to:

Wisconsin MBA Program Office
Wisconsin School of Business
2450 Grainger Hall
975 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53706

Application fee

  • $75 for both domestic and international students (additional $6 processing fee for international students)
  • Fee waivers available if you have been on active duty in the U.S. military within three years of applying
  • Payment by credit or debit card through the online application system; receipt required to learn of the admissions decision

Interview

Admissions interviews are by invitation only, with invitations extended after applications have been reviewed. Interviews will be with a member of the admissions committee.

Standardized test score (optional)

No GMAT Focus/GMAT or GRE is required to apply; the Executive Assessment is optional. The Executive Assessment is a standardized test specifically designed to evaluate the business school readiness of seasoned professionals. The assessment focuses on skills that are critical both at work and in the classroom: higher-order reasoning, critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving. Learn more about the Executive Assessment by visiting gmac.com/ea.

If you have below a 3.0 GPA or below, you are strongly encouraged to provide a test assessment to show the admissions committee you have the academic ability to handle the rigors of the MBA program.

Executive MBA Class Profile

17

average years of professional work experience

13

average years in leadership positions

41

average age

Find More Information

Webinars and Podcasts

Learn more about the admissions process and get tips for your application in our webinars and podcasts. Explore episodes on:

  • Program delivery
  • Curriculum
  • Executive coaching

MBA Preparatory Courses

Be ready to hit the ground running in your MBA program. MBA preparatory courses, like GMAC Business Fundamentals and MBA Math, can be a useful tool for brushing up on your quantitative skills, especially if you aren’t planning to take an entrance exam.

Events and Visits

Attend an admissions event to learn more about advancing your career with the Wisconsin Executive MBA Program.

Mar 20

Virtual Forté Forum

Wednesday, March 20 | 4:00pm-7:00pm
Apr 16

Executive MBA Virtual Information Session

Tuesday, April 16 | 8:30am-9:00am
View all admissions events

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