FAQs

Is work experience required to be accepted into the program?

No, though we do ask about your work experience as part of the application. This is to help us get to know you better as a potential student.

Are there any education prerequisites for the program?

Yes, a bachelor's degree is required. We welcome applicants with accredited four-year bachelor's degrees from all academic backgrounds.

I have not taken any undergraduate courses in business. Will that affect my chances of admission?

No. The M.S. Major in Management Online program welcomes students from non-business and business backgrounds. The program is meant to provide business knowledge and skills to a diverse population, including those with liberal arts, humanities, STEM, and other degrees and industry experience.

What are the application deadlines for the program?

Fall semester:

• Standard deadline: April 1
• Final deadline: May 15

Spring semester: 

• Standard deadline: August 1
• Final deadline: October 1

How do I apply?

Submit the online application. The online application enables you to create a username and password to save your work and return at a later time to complete. Follow the instructions for the Georgia Tech graduate application process.

Can international students apply to the program?

Yes. International applicants are encouraged to apply by the standard deadline.

What materials must be received before the application is considered complete and can be evaluated?

A completed online application includes the following:

• Academic transcripts: Scanned copies of official academic documents may serve as a placeholder for initial application review, but official transcripts will be required before an admission invitation is extended.
• Resume
• Essays (two)
• Letters of recommendation (two)
• Application fee

What are the application essays?

There are two required essays and one optional essay:

1.  Why do you want to pursue an M.S. Major in Management and why the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business? (2,000 character maximum, including spaces)
2. Describe your professional aspirations? (2,000 character maximum, including spaces)

Is an admissions interview required? 

No. Admissions interviews are not required.

How are applications to the program evaluated?

Considered in the admission decision are undergraduate academic performance, essays, letters of recommendation, leadership potential, and other documentation supporting the application. We look at each applicant, and application, in a holistic manner when making an admission decision.

GMAT and GRE scores are not required for admission, but can be submitted if you feel they strengthen your application. Your application will not be adversely affected if you do not have GMAT and GRE scores. 

What makes an application stand out among others?

At Georgia Tech, admission is a competitive process. We carefully review all facets of your application. The information you include in your application assists our admissions committee in evaluating your potential for success in the program. 

What should I do if I can't submit all application materials by the deadline?

Your application will not be reviewed until all of your supporting documents have been submitted, including unofficial transcripts, TOEFL scores (if applicable), and letters of recommendation. Documents submitted after the application deadline will not be reviewed.

How can I check the status of my application?

You can check the status of your admission through the Georgia Tech Graduate Studies website.

At Georgia Tech, you are considered an international applicant if you are: 

• Living outside of the United States and will require an F-1 or J-1 visa to study in the United States
• Living in the United States on a nonimmigrant visa
• Going through the process of becoming a United States permanent resident
• Living outside of the U.S. and planning to apply to an online master's degree program as a non-U.S. citizen or non-U.S. permanent resident

For complete details on the admissions process for International Applicants, please review the Admissions Checklist for International Applicants provided by Graduate Education.

Can I complete the program on a part-time or distance-learning basis?

Yes. The program is completely online. Courses are typically taught asynchronously, which means learners access and study content anytime, anywhere.

However, there may be synchronous virtual office hours with faculty and teaching assistants or for group project meetings, which students may need to attend in real time. These sessions are often recorded for later access.

Exams, in general, are open for a period of time, during which students take the exam in a shorter time period. For example, you would have two hours within a 48-hour period to take the exam.  

Is the program STEM-designated? 

No. The M.S. Major in Management Onlne program is not currently STEM designated. There are plans in place to work towards STEM designation in the future.

Is this a heavily quantitative program?

The core curriculum of the M.S. Major in Management Online degree is quantitative in nature. We look for students who can demonstrate quantitative aptitude through past academic performance. Students may customize electives to meet their unique interests and goals, which may or may not be quantitatively focused.

How will students with non-technical backgrounds perform in the program?

Applicants are not expected to have a technical background, degree, or work experience in order to be considered for admission. Students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds will excel in our program and go on to very successful careers in a variety of functional areas and industries. 

Core courses expose students to all functional areas of business, preparing them for elective coursework. Students may choose from a variety of electives across multiple academic areas. 

Will I be at a disadvantage in my classes if I haven't taken any business courses previously?

No. While the core courses move at a fast pace, they do not assume knowledge from previous business coursework. Our curriculum is designed for you to build a solid foundation in all the functional areas of business.

Core courses give you an opportunity to explore new concepts, identify new strengths and skills, and prepare you to get the most out of our electives, while providing knowledge you'll reference throughout your career. 

My undergraduate degree is in business administration, and I have taken some of the core courses already. Can I waive courses in the program curriculum?

No, all core courses are required and cannot be waived. For students who have taken undergraduate business courses, M.S. Major in Management Online core courses offer a refresher to business concepts that are necessary for success in elective courses.

Also, while you may have completed business courses at the undergraduate level, the graduate versions of those courses are more rigorous and application-based. M.S. Major in Management Online courses are further enhanced by classmates who will share professional experiences, making class discussions more applicable and dynamic.

What is the typical student profile in the program?

We will admit a wide variety of students with different academic and professional backgrounds from early, mid, and late points of career journeys.

Can I start the program in the spring semester?

Yes. The M.S. Major in Management program enrolls twice per year with classes starting every January and August. Students can register for classes across Georgia Tech's three semesters: Fall, spring, and summer.

Does the program follow Georgia Tech's academic calendar?

The program calendar is, for the most part, synchronous with the Georgia Tech registrar calendar.

Some seven week courses have a modified calendar, which will alter the drop date, pushing it to after the first seven week course ends.

How many credit hours are required to earn the degree?

30 credit hours are required. Students will take eight core courses (12 credit hours) and choose six elective courses (18 credit hours).

What are the tuition and fees for the program?

The M.S. Major in Management Online program is a flexible graduate program. Current tuition and fees will depend on the course load per semester. View current tuition and fees.

Do students qualify for loans? 

M.S. Major in Management Online students may be eligible for education loans. To learn more about graduate financial aid and loan programs, visit Georgia Tech's Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid website.

Is the program eligible for military education benefits? 

Yes. Effective August 1, 2011, qualified U.S. veterans may be eligible to receive financial support for tuition, mandatory fees, books, and housing. Yellow Ribbon is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, and slots are limited. Visit the Registrar's website for more information.

Additional information is available through the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill website, or you may contact us with questions.

Is the program Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) eligible? 

TAP-eligible employees may receive tuition assistance benefits for up to nine academic credit hours each semester. The M.S. Major in Management Online degree is a flexible program. As such, credit hours of coursework will vary for each student per each semester. 

For more information, visit the Georgia Tech Human Resources page. 

Are there opportunities for scholarship/fellowship funding or financial assistance?

Not at this time.