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What Are the Requirements to Get Into Business School Graduate Program?

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An instructor lectures during a business school class.


Business school is the most popular option for graduate students. In the 2021-22 school year, business programs awarded 23 percent of all master’s degrees, representing nearly 1 in 4 master’s degrees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Exactly what is the business school admissions process like? Also, what are the requirements to get into business school? 

The A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University offers MBA and specialized business-focused master’s programs. Individuals who are interested in advancing their education with a master’s degree can benefit from learning more about the benefits of graduate business school, common admissions requirements, and how to choose an MBA program. 

What Are the Benefits of Graduate Business School?

A graduate degree in business can lead to new career opportunities, a higher salary, and more responsibilities at work. Here are some of the key benefits of graduate business school. 

  • Develop in-demand skills. Earning a graduate degree in business develops in-demand analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Business graduate students can customize their degree by focusing on areas such as business analytics, marketing, finance, and accounting. All of the master’s programs at Tulane’s business school are designated as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, highlighting future-ready skills. 
  • Increase earning potential. With a master’s degree in business, graduates can qualify for higher-paying roles with greater responsibilities. Many organizations, for example, prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree for management-level roles. In 2024, graduates from Tulane’s full-time MBA program reported an average salary of over $100,000. 
  • Improve career advancement opportunities. Enrolling in a graduate business program can help professionals advance in their current field or move into a new field. Tulane’s graduate business programs report a strong job placement record, with 100 percent of graduates from the full-time MBA program gaining full-time employment within six months of graduation. 

Admission Requirements

What are the requirements for business school admissions? The application process and admission requirements can vary depending on the program, so applicants need to research specific requirements for their program. Learn more about applying to Tulane’s graduate business programs. 

Undergraduate Degree

Graduate business school applicants need a bachelor’s degree, and many business programs set a minimum GPA for admission. As part of the application process, prospective business students must submit official transcripts. 

Is a bachelor’s degree in business required to get into business school? Some programs may require or recommend prerequisite courses. However, most business schools, like the Freeman School of Business, admit candidates with diverse undergraduate majors. 

Standardized Test Scores

Depending on the program, business school applicants may need to submit standardized test scores. The GMAT is the most common standardized test for MBA and other graduate business programs. Applicants can also submit GRE scores. 

Programs may also grant a GMAT/GRE waiver for applicants who meet certain requirements. For example, most applicants with a STEM-designated bachelor’s degree qualify for a waiver at Tulane. 

Personal Statement

Business schools look for applicants who bring academic and professional strengths to their programs. The personal statement allows applicants to explain their goals in earning a graduate business degree and how they will contribute to the learning environment. Personal statements are also an opportunity to showcase challenges in the applicant’s academic or professional career and how they plan to apply the lessons learned in the past. 

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation from mentors, supervisors, and faculty help business programs identify strong candidates for their programs. These letters should speak to the applicant’s strengths and achievements, including why the applicant is a good candidate for business school. Graduate business programs typically require between one and three letters of recommendation, depending on the program. 

Resume

Professional experience helps prepare candidates for business school. Business programs typically ask for a resume that highlights work experience, including internships or volunteer experiences that developed key skills. Some programs may prefer candidates with two to five years of work experience. Most specialized master’s programs are designed for students with little to no professional work experience.

Which Graduate Business Program Should I Choose?

Business schools offer several different programs. While an MBA is one of the most popular business degrees, graduate students can also earn specialized business master’s degrees. Applicants should consider their strengths, availability, and professional focus when choosing a graduate business program.

Master of Business Administration

An MBA builds strong foundational business and managerial skills, with the option to specialize or choose from multiple formats. The Freeman School of Business at Tulane University, for example, offers Full-Time MBA, Professional MBA, Online MBA, and Executive MBA programs. Concentrations in areas such as analytics, strategy, finance, and marketing help MBA students specialize their skills. MBA programs typically take two years for full-time students to complete.

Master of Finance

A Master of Finance strengthens advanced financial management, asset management, and data analytics skills. Master’s students prepare for careers in investment banking, corporate finance, and financial management. At Tulane, graduate students can complete a master’s in finance in as little as two semesters. 

Master of Business Analytics

Across sectors, businesses increasingly rely on analytics to make data-driven decisions. A Master of Business Analytics develops specialized expertise with focuses in areas such as risk management, marketing, and strategic planning. 

Master of Accounting

A Master of Accounting can prepare graduates for their certified public accountant (CPA) credential or advanced careers in accounting. During an accounting master’s program, graduate students explore public accounting, taxation, and structured finance while strengthening their data analytics skills. 

Master of Management in Energy

The energy sector relies on experts in the energy markets, strategy, and technology. A Master of Management in Energy blends analytics, finance, strategy, and business courses with a focus on the energy industry. At Tulane, graduate students can specialize in electric power, energy trading, renewable and sustainable energy, or analytics. 

Take the Next Step in the Graduate School Admissions Process at Tulane University

Ready to take the next step in applying to graduate school? The Freeman School of Business at Tulane University offers the following diverse graduate business programs to help you reach your academic and professional goals:

Tulane’s STEM-designated programs emphasize real-world knowledge and skills, including expertise in strategic analysis, risk management, and problem-solving. The university has a strong track record for graduate placement, with notable employers including Deloitte, PwC, Dell, Goldman Sachs, and ExxonMobil. The Freeman School of Business holds AACSB accreditation, the highest standard for business accreditation. Reach out today to learn more about graduate school admissions at Tulane’s Freeman School of Business. 

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