Prerequisites

Because the MBA Programs are open to professionals who have an undergraduate degree in any field, prior courses in business are not required. However, all applicants accepted into the programs must complete the following prerequisites.

  • Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Applicants must take the GMAT for either MBA Program. See the GMAT information below for more detail.
  • English Language Proficiency Requirement  Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency on one of the following ways to have a completed application: a) successfully complete the TOEFL or IELTS; b) earn a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or from an institution in specific English-speaking countries (noted below); or c) documentation verifying that the applicant’s undergraduate degree is from an institution where all instruction is in English. See the English Language Proficiency Exam information below for more detail.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

Applicants must take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for either MBA Program. Select "UW Bothell Evening MBA Program" (or school code, Q33-NZ-47) just before you begin the exam so your official scores will be sent directly to UW Bothell within two weeks. Unofficial scores may be recorded online with your MBA application.

The GMAT may be taken at the following regional locations:

  • Seattle (Northgate)
  • Renton
  • Victoria, British Columbia
  • Yakima
  • Vancouver, British Columbia
  • Spokane

For test reservations, you may apply on-line through the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), 1-800-717-GMAT (4628), 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Central Time. If you have disabilities, then accommodations may be made – please see the GMAC Website for more information.Because of the demand for testing, applicants should schedule a test 6 to 8 weeks in advance.

GMAT tutorials may be downloaded through GMAC. In addition, there are a number of GMAT preparation options available online and in book stores. Classes are offered by organizations such as Princeton Review and Kaplan.

English Language Proficiency Exam (TOEFL, MLT or IELTS)

Due to the demands of the MBA Programs, it is important that all students have a thorough understanding of the English language. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Proficiency can be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

  1. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or from an institution in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, or the United Kingdom.
  2. Documentation verifying that the applicant’s undergraduate degree is from an institution (in a country other than those listed in #1 above) where all instruction is in English. Documentation on institutional letterhead from the equivalent of the Registrar or higher position is required. Documentation must be sent directly to: Joan Abe, Director of Admissions, UW Graduate School, Box 352191, Seattle, WA 98195-2191.
  3. A minimum English language proficiency test score of:
  • 100 on the TOEFLiBT (internet)
  • 250 on the TOEFLC (computer)
  • 600 on the TOEFL (paper)
  • 8.0 on the IELTS
  • 93 on the MLT

The TOEFL score or alternative IELTS or MLT score is evaluated along with the verbal and written portion of the GMAT to determine whether a candidate is prepared to attend classes conducted in English.

Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the TOEFL once a month at locations worldwide, and scores are mailed approximately three to four weeks after each test date. International applicants must submit a photocopy of the score report in their application packet. Official scores will be sent to the University of Washington when you provide ETS with our school code: 4854. TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date.

Alternatives to the TOEFL include:

  1. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an alternative to the TOEFL and has a minimum score requirement of 8.0. Official scores must be sent to the MBA Program, University of Washington Bothell. The IELTS is offered at the UW Seattle Office of Educational Assessment.
  2. The Michigan Language Test (MLT) with a minimum score of 93. MLT scores from exams on or before September 2009 are good until September 2011.

If your score is slightly below the minimum required scores in any category, please contact Kathryn Chester, MBA Admissions Coordinator, 425-352-3275, kchester@uwb.edu, to discuss your options.