Admission Requirements

What You Need to Apply

Please view our class profile to understand what the current class looks like. When you are ready to apply, you will complete the entire process online.

The documents outlined below are required components of the application. A file is not complete until all documents have been submitted by the student and processed by the university.

Submit the online application and application fee.

Create an account in the application portal and select the School of Business Graduate Application. You do not need to complete the form in one sitting. The One-Year MBA offers one entry term per year, the Fall semester.

Upload required materials into the application.

  1. Transcript(s) with university-level coursework
    1. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for consideration of admission.*
  2. Standardized test scores (optional)
    1. Standardized test scores are not required. If a student chooses to submit scores, the GMAT exam is preferred.
    2. Self-reported test scores must be accompanied with an unofficial student score report submitted in the application or an official score report sent directly to the university.*
  3. One-page resume
    1. An updated copy of your resume outlining educational and professional experience is required. For current undergraduate students, please also list internships, community involvement and leadership, if applicable.
  4. Cover letter
    1. Use this opportunity to write a well-crafted, brief review of your background, why you plan to pursue an MBA at the College and your career goals post-graduation. There is no word limit.
    2. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) content is prohibited. Applicants may use AI for grammar, style, and formatting support but must ensure the core content reflects their own thoughts and experiences. The Admissions Committee will review cover letters for authenticity, and overuse of AI may lead to further review or denial of admission. All AI assistance must be disclosed in the application.
  5. Reference list
    1. Three professional and/or academic references must be provided including their full name and contact information. References may be contacted by the program during the admissions process.
    2. While not required, a recommendation letter can be submitted directly from the recommender to the program by emailing mba@cofc.edu with the applicant's name in the subject line.

Submit all required materials as early as possible to allow time for documents to be received and processed by the deadline.

*If admitted, you will be required to provide all official transcripts and test scores directly from the university or test agency.

Received documents are not returnable or transferable.

 

When to Apply

The MBA program’s admission cycle has three deadlines. Qualified students will be invited to interview with the director of admissions and other members of the MBA program staff. Students are encouraged to apply when their application is strongest. Only completed applications with all required documents will be considered for interviews.

Round Application Deadline Decision By
Priority/Round 1 October 1 December 1
Round 2 February 1 March 1
Round 3 March 1 Rolling

For a student to be considered for merit-based aid and graduate assistantships, the application must be submitted by the Round 2, February 1 deadline. Round 3 applicants are reviewed on a rolling admissions basis based on space availability.

What We Look For

We accept candidates with diverse undergraduate degrees including business, humanities, social sciences, the arts and engineering. The program looks for talented, motivated individuals who will succeed academically. Our MBA cohort members are expected to contribute to a dynamic classroom with team-based learning and participate fully in the program. While professional work experience is encouraged, it is not a requirement for admission.
  • Transcripts

    College of Charleston requires all students to have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution at the time of matriculation of the applied start term. A competitive GPA with an A/B average is expected. Official transcripts will be required if admitted.

  • GMAT or GRE

    Standardized test scores are not required. If a student chooses to submit scores, the GMAT exam is preferred.

    Test prep is available free of charge for current College of Charleston students through the LearningExpress Library. 

  • Resume

    Please submit a business resume that includes your employment and educational history in reverse chronological order (most recent first). For your work experience, include titles, dates and whether you worked part-time or full-time. Your educational record should indicate dates of attendance and degree(s) earned. Other information appropriate to a business resume is encouraged, especially as it quantifies your experience and puts your achievements into context.

  • Cover Letter

    Use this opportunity to write a well-crafted, brief review of your academic and professional background, why you plan to pursue an MBA at the College and your career goals post-graduation. There is no word limit.

    Guidance Regarding the Use of Generative AI: The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) content is prohibited. Applicants may use AI for grammar, style, and formatting support but must ensure the core content reflects their own thoughts and experiences. The Admissions Committee will review cover letters for authenticity, and overuse of AI may lead to further review or denial of admission. All AI assistance must be disclosed in the application.

  • Interviews

    Interviews are by invitation only. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in an online video assessment. Video responses to the questions are recorded by the applicant and reviewed by members of the admissions committee. This gives us the opportunity to virtually meet you, get a sense of your personality and potential, and understand how well you think on your feet. Assessments should only take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete and can be done on your own time.

    The assessment platform is full accessible in accordance with WCAG 2.0 AA standards. If you require additional accommodations, please contact us at mba@cofc.edu .