Online MBA No GMAT or GRE Required

An online MBA with no GMAT requirement offers an opportunity for students from many different backgrounds to advance their education and grow their careers.

Whether you are a working professional or recently completed your bachelor’s degree, an MBA online no GRE or GMAT required program can help you develop new skills and knowledge in a flexible format. MBA graduates are highly desirable to employers looking to improve their operations.

If you have a passion for business but would prefer not to submit test scores with your application, it’s possible to earn an MBA online without GMAT or GRE scores.

Online MBA No GMAT or GRE Programs

The primary goal of an MBA program is to help students become effective leaders. With a focus on both theoretical and practical skills, an online MBA with no GMAT required can help build a path toward a long and fulfilling career.

Although all MBA programs focus on topics related to business, there are variations in the specific curriculum. In general, some of the subjects that students explore during MBA programs include:

• Project management
• Sales
• Accounting
• Business development
• Account management
• Strategic planning
• Operations management
• Analytics

In addition to these core subjects, you will likely be given the opportunity to choose from a catalog of electives that can help tailor your degree to your interests. This is especially true if you decide to focus on a specialization, which can help better prepare you for a future career.

Many MBA programs also require a final capstone project. Others may have a thesis or internship requirement that must be completed before they can graduate. The areas of study covered by an MBA program are broad enough that they help prepare students to work in various fields. The critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills that students develop can help strengthen their professional qualifications.

Potential employers of MBA graduates include:

• Technology companies
• Manufacturers
• Retail companies
• Government agencies
• Nonprofits
• Universities
• Healthcare facilities
• Research labs
• Marketing agencies

Many MBA graduates become managers, analysts, and specialists for existing businesses. Some go on to teach business courses at colleges and universities.

An MBA is also a logical academic path for students who hope to work independently or on a freelance basis. There are opportunities available for business professionals to work as writers and content creators who focus on developing business practices, trends, and technologies.

Earning an online MBA can also help you develop the skills necessary to start your own business or serve as a consultant for organizations all over the world.

Types of Graduate Degrees Without a GRE or GMAT

Here are some examples of graduate programs that are most likely to omit the GRE or GMAT requirement:

• Master’s of Fine Arts programs: To get into an MFA program, you will likely need a strong portfolio. Often the GRE is not required, and when it is, it doesn’t hold significant weight in the admission process.
• Executive programs: These programs are designed for working professionals who may not have the resources or time to prepare for the GRE. The test requirements are frequently waived due to an applicant’s extensive work experience.
• Online programs: Online programs cost schools less, so they can afford to have more program participants and be less restrictive in their admission process. Many online programs do not require GRE or GMAT scores.

These are just a few examples of programs that may not have GRE or GMAT requirements. Check with the schools you are interested in to learn about their specific admission requirements.

Common Online MBA No GRE or GMAT Specializations

If you have specific career goals in mind, a specialized MBA can help you become better qualified for positions with prospective employers. These are some of the most popular MBA specializations available.

• Business Analytics: Analytics, or gathering and analyzing data, is a critical skill, and specializing in business analytics can help prepare graduates for leadership and analyst careers.
• Health Care Management: Students who want to pursue leadership roles in healthcare can benefit from a health care management specialization, which focuses on the unique challenges, policies, and regulations related to the industry.
• Entrepreneurship: Building a business requires extensive knowledge of innovation, product development, and funding acquisition, and all of these points are included in an MBA with an entrepreneurship specialization.
• International Business: An international business specialization teaches students about global economics, foreign markets, and multinational corporations.
• Environmental: With a focus on sustainability and environmental compliance, you can prepare for a career in growing fields like renewable energy.

An MBA specialization offers the opportunity to gain more in-depth knowledge and skills in the subjects that are most intriguing and appealing to you.

MBA Careers & Salaries

Earning an MBA can create many opportunities for business professionals hoping to advance their careers. With an emphasis on analytical, leadership, and communication skills, completing an MBA program may help prove your strengths and abilities to prospective employers.

MBA graduates are in high demand in a number of industries, including healthcare, energy, government, manufacturing, and technology. Many of these positions pay above-average salaries and provide strong opportunities for growth.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these are some of the most lucrative careers that appeal to MBA graduates.

The BLS also projects that careers for MBAs are likely to grow at above-average rates over the next several years. For example, medical and health services managers and operations research analysts are projected to have growth rates of 28% and 23% over the next decade.

Other areas of employment, such as management analysts (11%), advertising, promotions, and marketing managers (10%), and financial analysts (9%) are also projected to grow at rates well above the average for all occupations over the same time period, which is 5%.

No GMAT Online MBA Curriculum & Courses

The curriculum for an online MBA no GMAT required typically focuses on core subjects like finance, marketing, and leadership. While no two programs are exactly the same, these are the types of courses that you can expect to encounter.

• Business Analytics: This course is foundational for MBA students and involves learning how to use data to improve decision-making.
• Business Communications: Students learn how to effectively communicate with stakeholders in written and oral formats.
• Marketing Management: This class focuses on the relationship between customers and businesses, with an emphasis on pricing, promotion, and distribution.
• Financial Accounting Principles and Analysis: In this course, students learn how to use accounting systems to produce financial statements and analyze economic events.
• Ethics in Business and Society: The focus of this class is becoming an ethical leader who is guided by moral principles.
• Leadership Strategies: In this class, you will explore different approaches to leadership and how they can affect the effectiveness of an organization.
• Economics: Students learn about microeconomic and macroeconomic principles, including resource allocation, supply and demand, and profit maximization.
• Designing, Improving, and Implementing Processes: This course examines the skills necessary to develop high-performance business processes.
• Strategic Human Resource Management: Students in this class examine human resource management theories and practices, including compensation, recruitment, and training.
• Measurement and Decision Making: This course centers on the role that information plays in business operations and different approaches to making decisions.

If you choose a concentration, you can also expect to take more specific courses, such as health policy, global operations, and employment law.

How to Choose an Online MBA Program without GMAT

Deciding to pursue an online MBA is only the first step. Next is the critical decision of which program to attend. As you research different schools, it may help to consider these key points:

• Specializations: Not every school offers the same MBA specializations, so it’s important to seek out a program with the particular concentration that you have in mind.
• Format: Some programs are exclusively online, while others may require that you attend occasional lectures or events on campus. Even fully online programs sometimes require students to take courses synchronously, which means that you must attend virtual lectures at specific times.
• Cost: Schools differ widely in terms of cost based on several factors, including whether they are private or public and whether you will be paying in-state or out-of-state tuition.
• Accreditation: Ensure that the program you choose has been granted accreditation status by at least one accrediting body.
• Graduation Rates: If graduation rates are low, that may indicate that many students transfer to other programs due to a lack of satisfaction with their experiences.

It may also be helpful to speak with other groups or individuals who are familiar with the program, such as current faculty, alumni, and admissions counselors.

Online MBAs without GMAT Admissions Requirements

MBA programs are generally competitive, and gaining acceptance without a GRE or GMAT score adds an additional challenge. Some of the criteria an online MBA with no GMAT may consider include:

• Professional Experience: Without a GMAT, you will likely need to have several years of work experience. The field of your work may not matter as long as it shows that you have leadership skills and can collaborate effectively with coworkers.
• Advanced Degree: In lieu of a GMAT score, you may be able to prove your qualifications with a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. or J.S.D.
• High GPA: When you submit your undergraduate transcripts, it will be important to show that you had excellent grades in advanced courses, particularly those that are relevant to an MBA, such as accounting or economics.
• Professional Licensure: A combination of work experience and relevant professional licensures, such as certification in Six Sigma, CPA, or CFA, may strengthen your MBA application.
• Recommendations: Seek recommendations from former professors and supervisors who are familiar with your strengths and accomplishments. Ask them to highlight the skills that are necessary to succeed in an MBA program, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
• Personal Statement: Your MBA application may require a personal statement or essay that describes your goals and explains why you want to enroll in the program. Be specific about your interests and how they align with the focus of this particular degree program.

As you work through the application process, keep in mind that the admissions office will consider the full measure of your qualifications.

Online MBA Programs No GMAT Accreditation

When you research no GMAT online MBA programs, it’s essential that you determine which ones are accredited.

To receive national or regional accreditation, a program must pass a rigorous assessment that evaluates academic quality. Regional accreditation is especially beneficial. The standards that regional accrediting bodies use to evaluate MBA programs are very high, which helps ensure that you will receive a reputable education experience.

Courses from regionally accredited programs are also generally easier to transfer. Additionally, many employers look more favorably on credentials that were received from programs with regional accreditation status.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The cost of completing an online MBA program can deter some students from enrolling. Fortunately, there are aid options available that can help bring the cost of your degree within your budget.

You can start by filing a FAFSA to determine whether you are eligible for federal aid. Your state government may also offer grant or loan programs to help finance your education. If you are currently working, consider speaking with your supervisor or human resources department about any available tuition reimbursement or assistance programs. Some employers offer this benefit as a form of professional development.

Researching scholarship programs is another important step. Look for scholarships designed specifically for MBA students or people in your circumstances, such as if you are a first-generation college student.

What is the GMAT?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a multiple-choice, computer-based exam that is often required for admission to graduate programs. The test takes around 3.5 hours to complete, and scores are valid for 5 years.

This test has four main sections:

• Quantitative
• Verbal
• Integrated Reasoning
• Analytical Writing

The GMAT is almost exclusively used for business school admission. You can take the test up to 5 times in a 12-month period and 8 times over the course of your lifetime.

What is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is also a multiple-choice, computer-based exam but it tends to be a more generalized, standardized test for those at the graduate level. The test is often required for admission to graduate programs. The test takes the same time as the GMAT and is also valid for 5 years.

In contrast to the GMAT, the GRE is broken down into three subjects, which are further broken down into six sections:

• Analytical Writing
• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning

Students can take the GRE up to 5 times within a 12-month period. Keep in mind, the requirements state that there must be at least 21 days between each test attempt.

What are the Drawbacks of the GRE and/or GMAT?

While the point of the GRE and GMAT is to put everyone on a level playing field, many argue that certain applicants still have an advantage.

Wealthier students are able to take advantage of pricey test-prep programs and go into the exams knowing what to expect so they may perform well, which can lead to better chances of being admitted to top grad schools.

Students fresh from undergraduate programs also have an advantage when it comes to GRE and GMAT testing. The knowledge is fresh and they’re comfortable taking important exams. Plus, they may have access to test prep programs through their college or university.

Working professionals, on the other hand, may be out of practice. While their work experience makes them excellent candidates for graduate programs, they simply may not perform well on the GRE or GMAT exams. Trends show that schools are starting to recognize this and either weigh the test scores less heavily, waive the requirement for some applicants, or omit the requirement altogether.

Can I Get an Online MBA Without GMAT or GRE Requirements?

Yes! While the GRE and GMAT used to be required for admission into all graduate school programs, that’s no longer the case.

There are two ways you can get into a graduate program without GRE or GMAT scores:

• Choosing a school with no GRE / GMAT requirement
• Obtaining a GRE / GMAT waiver

More and more graduate programs, especially online programs, no longer require GRE or GMAT tests at all. You can research online MBA no GMAT programs or grad school no GRE programs. These schools understand that some applicants simply don’t perform well on standardized tests, can’t afford pricy test prep programs, or are working adults who don’t have the time to prepare for or take a lengthy exam.

If the school does require GRE or GMAT test scores, it may be possible to obtain a waiver. These are granted to some students based on qualifying work and/or educational experience.

What Can You Do With an Online MBA Degree?

An online MBA degree can help prepare students to work in a wide range of positions. It establishes a foundation for a career in analytics, technology, and healthcare, for instance.

The skills that you develop while earning your MBA may help you start a new business, better manage the business you own, work as a freelance consultant, or serve as a leader for an existing organization. Many careers for MBA graduates pay excellent salaries.

According to the BLS, the median salaries for top executives and managers in finance, computer information, and medical services are significantly above average.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online MBA With No GMAT?

If it’s a 36-credit hour program with no thesis required, it can be completed in one year with full-time enrollment (including the summer). A thesis will add some additional time to completion as will attending only part-time.

Most full-time students, without attending school in the summer, can complete an online MBA in approximately two years. For students who are employed or who have family obligations, part-time enrollment or a flex-time program may be a better fit. In this scenario, it could take four to six years to graduate with an MBA.

Why Do Some Colleges Require GRE and/or GMAT Scores?

The GRE and GMAT tests are designed to provide admissions officials with an objective, side-by-side comparison of applicants’ skills. The GRE, for example, is designed to show that a student is prepared for grad school and offers potential for academic success.

Because these tests place the focus solely on aptitude, students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, who may not have impressive achievements, accolades, or opportunities, should have the same ability to gain admission to top schools. Schools look at these tests as a way to gauge every student on a level playing field.

If I Go to an Online School that Doesn’t Require the GRE or GMAT, Will My Degree Be Less Valuable?

No. Future employers will have no way of knowing whether you took the GRE or GMAT unless you tell them. They also won’t be able to tell that you attended an online program (unless, of course, it’s a fully online school).

To ensure your graduate degree is legitimate and valuable, make sure you choose an institution that is accredited.

Why Are Business Schools Waiving or Not Requiring the GMAT?

Schools have typically used the GMAT to determine whether students are invested in pursuing an advanced degree and whether they have the essential skills necessary to succeed. Some MBA programs now recognize that there are alternate means of assessing potential students.

A test like the GMAT is also incapable of evaluating more abstract qualities like leadership and collaboration. In addition, eliminating the GMAT requirement can help broaden the pool of applicants to include working professionals who have been out of school for several years.

How Do I Get a GRE or GMAT Waiver?

To earn your online MBA with no GMAT required or another graduate-level degree without GRE, you may need to obtain a waiver from the school.

The requirements to receive this waiver vary from program to program, but here are a few examples of reasons one may be granted:

• You already have a master’s or doctoral degree
• You already have a professional credential (such as Certified Public Accountant)
• You have 3-10 years of full-time work experience
• You have exceptional undergraduate grades, especially in advanced-level courses
• You have compelling letters of recommendation from previous professors or supervisors and/or a compelling personal statement

Again, the requirements for an online MBA GMAT waiver or grad school GRE waiver depend on the program. It is a good idea to check with the schools you are considering to see if they offer MBA programs waiving GMAT or GRE, and whether you may be eligible.

Is an Online MBA No GMAT or GRE Worth it?

Yes, an online MBA with no GMAT or GRE is worth it for many professionals. An MBA can help graduates qualify for rewarding and lucrative careers in a variety of industries. As the business world continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled professionals.

The BLS projects that many business careers will grow at faster-than-average rates in the future. The careers with especially high growth rates include market research analysts (19%), financial managers (17%), computer and information systems managers (16%), and marketing managers (10%).

Universities Offering Online MBA Degree Programs with No GMAT or GRE Requirements

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer MBA online or in a hybrid format with no GMAT or GRE Requirements.

U.S. News & World Report named Babson College the #1 MBA for entrepreneurship. Babson offers a fully online, part-time MBA program. Applicants aren’t required to submit GRE or GMAT scores. The program is synchronous, with virtual classes taking place in the evenings. Students must complete 45 credits to graduate and can potentially finish in just 18 months.

Babson College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Bentley University offers an online, accelerated MBA program. Applicants don’t have to submit GRE or GMAT scores if they have a bachelor’s with a 3.2 GPA, a master’s, or five years of relevant work experience. Students in the program take classes in 6 weeks, asynchronous intensives along with synchronous courses. The program can potentially be completed in just 18 months.

Bentley University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Applicants to George Washington’s MBA program aren’t required to submit their GRE or GMAT scores but may submit them if they think it will strengthen their application. The program is fully online, but students may attend an optional 4-day residency. There are three start dates each year, and courses have synchronous components. Students must complete 46.5 credit hours to graduate.

GW is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Johns Hopkins University requires MBA applicants to have a bachelor’s degree, but submitting GRE or GMAT scores is optional. The program is flexible and fully online, allowing students to choose between synchronous and asynchronous courses. Johns Hopkins offers several in-person experiences. Students can choose from eight specializations, including Digital Marketing, Investments, and Financial Management.

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Lincoln Memorial University doesn’t require GRE or GMAT scores, but students must take the Peregrine Entrance Exam sometime during their first semester.

LMU’s MBA program is offered entirely online, and students may decide how many courses to take each semester. LMU offers a 30-hour MBA degree program and a 36-hour MBA with a concentration. Concentrations offered include Strategic Management.

Lincoln Memorial University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Ohio University offers an online program for an MBA. Applicants are not required to submit GMAT scores. Though the program is offered online, students must attend a one-weekend residency. The program requires the completion of 35 credit hours. It can typically be finished in 2 years. Students can choose from nine different concentrations, including Health Care and Project Management.

Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

U.S. News & World Report named Pepperdine one of the best online universities for an MBA. GRE and GMAT scores are optional, but applicants do need two years of relevant work experience. The program is offered fully online except for a one-weekend immersion experience in Los Angeles. It offers seven different concentrations to choose from.

Pepperdine University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Point University doesn’t require applicants to submit their GMAT scores for its online MBA program. The school teaches from a Christian worldview. The program is fully online and asynchronous. Students must complete 30 credits to graduate. The program allows up to 10 qualifying transfer credits, and students can potentially finish in just 1 year. Point has a 7:1 student-teacher ratio.

Point University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Forbes ranked Purdue as one of the top 20 universities with the most graduates working at Fortune 500 companies. The school doesn’t require GMAT or GRE scores for its online MBA program. The program is fully online with asynchronous courses and optional virtual sessions. Students can potentially finish in 2 years and may customize their degrees.

Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The Rochester Institute of Technology doesn’t require GRE or GMAT scores for admission to its online MBA program. It does require a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA and at least six years of relevant experience. Students may start in August or January and can potentially finish in just 17 months.

Rochester Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Applicants to Southeastern Oklahoma State University aren’t required to submit GMAT scores. Those without bachelor’s degrees may take four leveling courses that are each 1 week long. The school’s fully online MBA program requires the completion of 36 credit hours and can potentially be finished in just 1 year. Concentrations offered include Safety, Strategic Communication, and Native American Leadership.

Southeastern Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Syracuse University’s online MBA program doesn’t require GMAT or GRE scores from applicants who have at least two years of relevant work experience. Military members with leadership experience are also accepted. The program is fully online and synchronous. Classes are offered on several days and at many times to fit students’ schedules.

Syracuse University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Students with bachelor’s degrees are welcome to apply to the University of Cincinnati’s online MBA program. GRE and GMAT scores aren’t required but may be submitted if desired since applicants are reviewed holistically. The program is fully online and requires the completion of 35 to 48 credit hours. There are six start dates offered each year, and students can choose from seven concentrations.

The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

CEO Magazine named the University of Denver the #1 Online MBA in the US. Applicants don’t have to submit GRE or GMAT scores but must have two years of professional experience. Students can potentially finish the program in 21 months. It’s fully online, and courses have live meetings one evening per week.

The University of Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Applicants to the University of Florida’s Professional MBA program aren’t required to submit GRE or GMAT scores. They do need an undergraduate degree to apply. The program can potentially be completed in 16 months. It is fully online, but students must attend an orientation in Gainesville. There are three start dates offered each year.

The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Minnesota—Twin Cities online MBA program allows a waiver for GRE and GMAT scores provided applicants meet certain conditions. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a 3.2 GPA or a STEM degree with a 3.0 GPA. They must also have at least five years of professional or four years of military experience.

The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The Princeton Review ranked the University of South Dakota’s online MBA program the most affordable in the US. Applicants with undergraduate degrees from universities in the US are not required to submit GMAT scores. This fully online program offers five specializations, including Business Analytics, Finance, Health Services Administration, and Marketing.

The University of South Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Applicants to the University of Southern California’s online MBA program may request a waiver for GRE and GMAT scores. To qualify, applicants must have two years of professional experience. The program is fully online, and students must attend weekly synchronous class meetings and a 1-week residency. Students can potentially complete the program in 4 semesters.

USC is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

U.S. News & World Report ranked The University of Wisconsin—Whitewater as the #24 online MBA in the country. Applicants who meet certain work, military, or undergraduate criteria may be able to opt out of submitting their GRE or GMAT scores. The program offers 13 different concentrations, including Cybersecurity Management, International Business, and Marketing.

UW-Whitewater is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Xavier University offers a nationally ranked online MBA program. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, but Xavier doesn’t require GRE or GMAT scores. The MBA can be earned fully online, and most classes are asynchronous. Each course is 8 weeks long. Students are required to complete between 39 to 45 credit hours and can potentially finish the program in less than 2 years.

Xavier University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Getting Your MBA No GMAT Online

The opportunity to pursue an MBA online with no GMAT or GRE requirement opens doors for students who may not otherwise feel confident in applying. This makes it possible for mid-career professionals and recent BA graduates alike to earn an impressive credentials.

If you have other strong qualifications, such as work experience, a high GPA, or other advanced degrees, you may be well-suited to an online MBA. This degree may help you begin a career in management, analytics, consulting, or entrepreneurship.

To get started on your journey, you can research colleges and universities with accredited online programs that require no GMAT or GRE for MBA.