Tests, tests, and more tests. For most students, the high school and undergrad academic experience is reinforced by a continual string of academic tests that analyze an individual’s ability to perform tasks and remember facts.
The movement from school into the professional business sphere made traditional tests an unpleasant memory. Writing business reports, guiding employees, maintaining a budget, and building a business framework are complicated tasks, but they are far superior to sitting down with a number two pencil for an academic test.
If you are reading this guide, academic tests might soon be a reality of your existence for the next few years. These days a bachelor in business administration may not be enough. According to a business education infographic from Norwich University, 91% of employers want employees to have broader skill sets and 88% of employers see a need for employees to seek higher education. Entrepreneur, business professional, or CEO, there is a need to acquire the skills and knowledge that graduate programs offer.
Once you make the decision to pursue a master’s degree, the question becomes: will you need to take a standardized test before even attending your first class?
Standardized Tests for Graduate Admission: GMAT and GRE
The GRE (graduate record examinations) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) for graduate school are what the SATs and ACTs are for undergraduate education.
The GRE is the general standardized test for all individuals who want to pursue a masters degree. The GMAT is only taken by individuals who wish to attend a business school or program. Both the GRE and GMAT:
- Cost money to take.
- Are taken in a pre-determined testing environment.
- Are given year round.
- Take over 3 hours and 30 minutes for the entire test.
The good news? The GRE and GMAT are not required for admission into all graduate programs. Many programs like Boston University’s MCIS program choose not to put all their faith in the cumulative score of a standardized test that demonstrates you’re a stellar test taker and exam crammer.
While the university does accept the tests as a means to strengthen an weak application, programs like Boston University’s program judge candidates based on the sum of their former and current professional and academic history. Rather than focus on standardized tests, BU’s program judges applicants on their:
- college transcripts.
- bachelor degree.
- graduate admission application.
- professional portfolio (resume, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation).
For these programs the GRE and GMAT, are often used to strengthen an application if the individual requires or compensate for some professional or academic requirement that is not met. Standardized tests as compensation are meant to prove that you may not have the experience or stellar undergrad scores, but you do have the knowledge to excel in the course.
Programs that Do Not Require a GRE or GMAT
The following are a list of business and entrepreneurship relevant master programs that don’t require the GRE or GMAT. Each program is accompanied by the concentrations that each program offers (if any are) and the GRE/GMAT testing requirements.
Concentrations: Finance, Healthcare Management, High Technology Management, Innovation Entrepreneurship, International Management, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability
Testing Requirements: GRE and GMAT not required unless applicant does not meet the 5 year professional experience requirement.
Concentrations: Computer Networks, Database Management & Intelligence, IT Project Management, Web Application Development
Testing Requirements: GRE or GMAT not required.
Concentrations: Finance, Executive Management, Health Care
Testing Requirements: GRE or GMAT not required.
Concentrations: Finance, Leadership & Managing Organizational Change, Marketing, General Management
Testing Requirements: GMAT and GRE alternative is available if candidate has five-years of work experience and bachelor’s degree. Another master degree may qualify as an alternative.
Concentrations: Accounting , Communication, Corporate Finance, Entrepreneurship and Small Business, International Business, Leadership, Marketing
Testing Requirements: GRE or GMAT not required.
Concentrations: Management, Healthcare Management, Entrepreneurship, Marketing
Testing Requirements: GRE or GMAT not required.
Northeastern University – MSF (Master of Science in Finance)
Testing Requirements: GMAT or GRE not required, but can be used if candidate does not meet the 5 year minimum work requirement.
Boston University – MSM (Master of Science in International Marketing Management)
Concentrations: Insurance Management, Project Management, Business Continuity Security & Risk Management, Banking & Financial Services Management, International Marketing Management.
Testing Requirements: Testing is optional. Potential students can strengthen their application with either the GRE or GMAT
Norwich University – Master of Science in Leadership Program
Concentrations: Leading Change Management Consulting, Hospitality Leadership and Management Systems, Human Resources Leadership, Organizational Leadership
Testing Requirements: GRE or GMAT not required.
Northeastern University – Master of Science in Taxation
Testing Requirements: GRE and GMAT not required unless applicant does not meet the admission requirements.
Boston University – CIS (Master of Science in Computer Information Systems)
Concentrations: Construction Management, Finance, Organizational Leadership, Project Management, Supply Chain Management & Logistics
Testing Requirements: Testing is optional. Potential students can strengthen their application with either the GRE or GMAT.
University of Southern California – Master of Communication Management
Testing Requirements: GRE or GMAT recommended, not required.
Other Resources:
This section is a collection of resources to help entrepreneurs and business professionals choose a graduate school and compile a strong application.
Northeastern University – How To Choose the Right School For Your Career Path
About Education – How to Get a Business School Recommendation
Business Because – Statement Of Purpose For MBA
U.S. News – Delve Into the Nuances of the MBA Resume
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This guest post is courtesy of Samantha Stauf.
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