Online MBA No GMAT: Choosing the Right Graduate Business Program

Online MBA no GMAT programs are growing in popularity, with students wanting to pursue a graduate business degree without the stress of taking the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). These programs offer accessibility, flexibility, and rich and diverse educational options for students with different backgrounds and career goals.

This article explores the world of online MBA programs without GMAT requirements, discussing their formats, advantages, core topics, specializations, application processes, financial aid opportunities, and more. We also highlight some popular online MBA no GMAT programs and share student success stories from those who have completed these programs.

If you are a working professional, a recent graduate, or looking to change careers, an online MBA no GMAT program could perfectly fit your personal, education, and professional aspirations.

MBA Career Paths: How to Choose the Right One for You

An online MBA no GMAT program is a great way to get an education without the stress of standardized testing

Can I get an MBA without a GMAT?

Yes. Online MBA programs without a GMAT requirement allow students to pursue a graduate-level business education without the undue expense and stress of preparing for the GMAT or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Online MBA no GMAT programs focus on other success indicators, such as:

• Professional experience: How many years of professional experience do you have? How much management experience do you have? Do you have other experience outside the workplace or in previous jobs relevant to program admission?
• Additional degrees and academic background: Do you have an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree? If not, does the program offer matriculation? What was your undergraduate GPA? Did you complete an accredited program? Do you have an advanced degree, such as a masters-level engineering degree? Do you meet the basic admissions requirements?
• Essay or personal statement: What is your view of your background, experience, and current role? What are the professional challenges you currently face? How will an MBA improve your job abilities? Are you and your family committed to your education?
• Letters of recommendation: How do your professional colleagues, supervisors, and past faculty view your performance and likelihood of completing an MBA program? Are they supportive of you undertaking a graduate-level degree?

Can I skip the GMAT?

Again, the answer is yes. By not requiring a graduate management admissions test, online MBA programs increase accessibility to a diverse range of applicants and allow students to showcase their professional and academic abilities and “soft skills.”

Online MBA no GMAT program benefits include the following:

• Saving time and money on GMAT preparations and exam fees
• Focusing on the applicant’s “holistic” value through personal, professional, and previous academic experience as opposed to a standardized testing requirement
• Increased accessibility and inclusivity for a diverse range of potential students

Meridian University’s MBA in Creative Enterprise does not require a GMAT for acceptance into the program. This allows prospective students to focus on what is important—preparing for their upcoming graduate business education journey at this WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) approved school.

Online MBA No GMAT program formats

Online MBA no GMAT programs come in various formats to accommodate adult students' diverse needs and preferences. These formats include:

• Full-time MBA: A full-time MBA program typically takes two years to complete. These programs require students to dedicate most of their time to their studies.
• Part-time MBA: Part-time programs allow students to balance work and personal life while pursuing their MBA. A part-time MBA can take up to four years to complete.
• Accelerated MBA: An accelerated MBA program is designed for students wanting to complete their studies in the shortest period possible—often 12-18 months. These programs offer courses in shorter yet more intensive formats, such as 4-week, 6-week, and 8-week course periods of study.
• Executive MBA (EMBA): These Executive business degrees are tailored for experienced professionals looking to develop senior leadership skills and advance their careers. These programs typically take eighteen months but can be as long as two years of full-time course load study.

Online MBA no GMAT programs generally offer flexible course schedules, some with courses starting as often as every month. This approach allows students to progress through the program on their schedule, allowing them to adapt their studies to their personal and professional commitments. Essentially, there is an online MBA no GMAT program option to suit nearly every scheduling need.

Meridian University’s MBA in Creative Enterprise program offers similar flexibility by allowing students to start the program at one of four start times each year. This flexibility lets students coordinate their studies with their professional commitments and personal lifestyle.

Advantages of online learning for MBA students

Online learning offers numerous advantages for MBA students, making it an attractive academic option to advance their careers while balancing life’s commitments. Employers are also increasingly recognizing the value of online MBA no GMAT programs, with many viewing them as comparable in quality to traditional in-person MBA programs.

The following outlines some of the benefits of completing an MBA in an online environment.

Flexibility and adaptability

Online programs allow students to study at their own pace and schedule. This approach makes it easier for students to balance work, family, and other responsibilities. This flexibility is especially beneficial for busy professionals and those with hectic personal schedules. Online MBA no GMAT programs are generally delivered in synchronous (live online classes) and asynchronous (pre-recorded classes) formats—heavily dependent on the asynchronous format.

Business technology mastery

Online MBA programs often use the latest business technologies and tools. This helps students build their technical skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends.

Access to diverse cultures and business practices

Online MBA no GMAT programs attract students from around the world, providing students with an opportunity to interact with peers from different cultures and backgrounds. Exposure to diverse perspectives helps students develop a global mindset and understand foreign business practices better.

Understanding different viewpoints

Engaging classmates from various backgrounds and experiences develop critical thinking and the ability to appreciate different viewpoints. This is highly valuable in today’s globalized business environment.

Core topics and electives in online MBA no GMAT programs

Online MBA no GMAT programs cover a wide range of core topics and electives, which provides students with comprehensive graduate-level business education. Core topics typically include:

• Financial accounting and management accounting
• Organizational behavior
• Marketing
• Entry-level finance and advanced finance topics
• Economics
• Operations management and supply chain management
• Strategic management

Students can choose from elective courses that drive their MBA concentration or specialization. These electives can include:

• IT governance
• Negotiations
• Digital marketing
• Finance
• Supply chain management
• Project management
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) topics

STEM-related MBAs can be highly lucrative, given the relevant and specialized knowledge gained from these classes and programs.

Meridian University’s MBA in Creative Enterprise leads the way in twenty-first-century relevant programming. The program integrates whole person and whole system competencies, preparing graduates to establish sustainable, generative strategies that drive their success as entrepreneurs and benefit broader society.

Online MBA No GMAT program specializations and concentrations

Online MBA no GMAT programs offer a variety of specializations and concentrations. These concentrations allow students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. Some popular specializations include:

• Finance: This specialization focuses on financial management, investment management, corporate finance, international finance, financial modeling and analytics, and financial reporting and analysis
• Marketing and digital marketing: The marketing specialization explores marketing management, consumer behavior, and digital marketing strategies. Topics include branding, advertising, marketing research, and e-commerce and online marketing.
• Human resources management: This specialization works through various aspects of managing human capital within an organization. Some key topics include organizational behavior, compensation and benefits, labor and employment law, talent acquisition and management, training and development, and employee relations and conflict resolution.
• International and global business: Students in this concentration can expect to learn about international marketing, global finance, international trade, cross-cultural management, supply chain management, and international business strategy.
• Data analytics and decision-making: This specialization focuses on data management, data analysis techniques, decision-making models, data visualization, business analytics, and data-driven decision-making.
• Entrepreneurship: For those starting or already operating a business, this concentration covers idea generation and opportunity assessment, business innovation, business planning and strategy, financing and managing new ventures, marketing and sales for startups, legal and regulatory issues, and scaling and growth strategies.
• Strategy and consulting: This is a popular specialization where students learn strategic management, problem-solving techniques, consulting practices, industry-specific consulting, and client management.
• Technology management: MBA candidates in this concentration learn technology strategy, project management, innovation and technology management, information technology (IT) management, technology and operations management, and technology leadership.

Concentrations allow students to gain in-depth knowledge in specific business areas, enhancing their skill sets and expertise in their chosen field.

Meridian University’s MBA in Creative Enterprise is a pioneering program integrating whole-person and whole-system competencies that benefit both the student and society. A third wave of business education, this innovative program combines social, technological, and cultural concepts, producing strategic-level leaders well-suited for the emerging transformation economy.

Online MBA No GMAT application process

Being accepted into an MBA program that requires the GMAT can be stressful. No GMAT online MBA programs offer an application process that typically emphasizes professional experience, previous academics, recommendations, and personal statements for determining entry. While GMAT scores are not required, these programs focus on other aspects of a candidate’s profile to assess their potential for success in the program. Some critical components of the application process include:

• Professional experience: Admissions committees value candidates with relevant work experience, as it demonstrates maturity, career awareness, and the ability to contribute to the program.
• Academic background: A solid undergraduate GPA or other advanced degrees can attest to a candidate’s academic potential and readiness for an MBA program.
• Recommendations: Letters of recommendation from professional and academic sources can provide insights into a candidate’s character, work ethic, and potential for success in the program.
• Personal statements or essays: Applicants usually are required to submit a personal statement or essay, or answer university-provided long-form questions, regarding their reasons for pursuing a graduate business education.

Some online MBA no GMAT programs may require a minimum GPA or other related requirements for GMAT waivers. It is essential to research each program’s specific requirements and criteria for waiving the GMAT.

Meridian University’s MBA in Creative Enterprise application process aligns with the general requirements of other online MBA no GMAT programs. Applicants must submit an online application form and documents such as a personal statement, resume, writing sample, and letter of recommendation. Meridian University does not require a GMAT for acceptance into the program.

Financial aid and scholarships for online MBA, no GMAT programs

Pursuing an online MBA no GMAT program can be a significant investment. But various financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available to help students cover the costs. Some options include:

• Partial-tuition fellowships: Some schools offer partial financial assistance to eligible students, which can help reduce the program's overall cost.
• Employer sponsorship: Many companies, including Fortune 500 corporations, offer tuition assistance or other sponsorship programs for employees pursuing an MBA. Employer programs may cover a portion or the entire cost of tuition, with the expectation that the employee will remain with the company for a set period after completing their education.
• Veteran benefits: Veterans may be eligible for educational benefits such as the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program, which can help cover the cost of an MBA program.
• Federal Student Aid: Online MBA no GMAT program candidates may be eligible for federal student loans to help finance their education. Meridian University is approved for, and accepts, federal student loans for its MBA in Creative Enterprise.
• In-house scholarships: Meridian University offers in-house Impact Scholarships to eligible students, partially offsetting the total program cost.

Researching and applying for student aid and scholarships is essential to help minimize the cost of an MBA. Exploring these options ensures that graduate school is accessible and affordable.

Online MBA no GMAT considerations

When choosing an online MBA with no GMAT program, it is vital to consider various factors to ensure the program aligns with your personal and professional preferences. Some key considerations include:

• School reputation: Research the reputation of the school and its business program to ensure it is well-regarded.
• Specializations: Look for programs that offer concentrations that align with your goals.
• Faculty: Consider the qualifications and experience of the faculty members teaching the courses, as their expertise can significantly impact your learning experience. In many cases, faculty from the considered school likely teach in the online program, whether synchronously (live) or asynchronously (pre-recorded).
• Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body such as the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

To simplify the presented information, consider the following table:

Meridian University’s MBA in Creative Enterprise aligns with these considerations. The program is high quality, taught by highly experienced faculty, accredited, and affordable.

What is the best grad school without GMAT score?

Online MBA no GMAT programs offer the flexibility to get an education while working

Several reputable online MBA no GMAT programs are available to students who wish to pursue a graduate business degree without understanding standardized testing. Some of the top online MBA programs include:

University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler Business School)

This top-ranked online MBA program (MBA@UNC) offers a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing professional experience and academics in admissions. MBA@UNC is a STEM-designated program that connects students to the accomplished UNC Kenan-Flagler network. The tuition cost for the online MBA program at Kenan-Flagler Business School is $2,025 per credit, leading to a total program cost of $125,589.

University of Florida (Warrington College of Business)

The online MBA program at the University of Florida provides a flexible and rigorous education with no GMAT requirement for qualified candidates. Program formats include Online One-Year and Online Two-Year. The program operates on a lock-step, cohort-based system, allowing students to build strong relationships and a robust alumni network long after graduation.

University of Southern California (Marshall)

USC Marshall’s online MBA focuses on data-driven, digital business skills and does not require a GMAT for admission. The program is known as the USC Marshall Online MBA (OMBA) and is AACSB-accredited. USC Marshall’s program has a 43.72% acceptance rate and takes twenty-one months to complete. There is a two-week in-person and online component followed by five semesters of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (pre-recorded) classes.

Rice Business (Jones Graduate School of Business)

The online MBA program at Rice is designed for working professionals and offers a GMAT waiver for qualified applicants. The program is called MBA@Rice and consists of 54 credits completed over twenty-four months. MBA@Rice offers four start dates each year: January, April, July, and October. The estimated cost is $2,130 per credit for a total program cost of $115,020. Financial aid and scholarships are available for eligible candidates.

Penn State (Smeal College of Business)

The online MBA program at Penn State Smeal focuses on professional experience and academic background, with no GMAT requirements.  Penn State’s online MBA consists of 48 credits offered through its World Campus. The program is built around the three-part Integration, Collaboration, and Engagement (ICE) framework, offering over 25 concentrations. In-state students can expect to pay around $29,888 for the program, while out-of-state candidates will likely pay $47,704.

University of Washington (Foster School of Business)

While not a genuinely online-only MBA (some in-person sessions are required), the University of Washington’s hybrid MBA program does not require a GMAT for admission. The program is structured as a two-year curriculum comprising 50 core and 12 elective credits. The program is delivered with 95% online instruction and 5% campus learning. Tuition ranges from $38,000-56,000, depending on state residency status.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Gies College of Business)

To qualify, the Gies College of Business iMBA requires a 3.0 GPA and three years of full-time experience. No GMAT is required, and the program is a flexible and affordable option for working professionals. The iMBA consists of 72 credit hours, including program foundations, four core specializations, and two focus specializations or one focus area and additional core specialization.

Rochester Institute of Technology (Saunders College of Business)

The Saunders College of Business at RIT offers an online Executive MBA program with no GMAT requirement, focusing on experienced professionals. The curriculum consists of 47 credit hours and can be completed in as few as fifteen months. The online Executive MBA program costs $78,000, which includes course materials, an iPad, executive coaching, and career services access.

Ohio University

Ohio University’s online MBA program emphasizes strong professional experience and academic background in the admissions process, with no GMAT being required. This part-time program is AACSB-accredited and costs $36,120 for Ohio residents and $36,785 for non-residents, based on 35 credit hours. Concentrations include healthcare, finance, and executive management.

University of Scranton

This online MBA program offers a variety of specializations and concentrations, with no GMAT requirement for qualified candidates. The program is AACSB-accredited and consists of 36 credit hours, which includes cornerstone, core, capstone, and specialization courses. The program’s tuition ranges from $34,000-46,000, and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is required for admission.

Online MBA no GMAT student success stories

Online MBA with no GMAT score requirement programs has helped numerous students achieve their career goals and advance in their respective fields. Here are some success stories from students who have completed their online MBA programs without GMAT requirements:

• A UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School online MBA graduate reported that the program helped them develop a global mindset and expand their professional network, leading to new career opportunities.
• A University of Florida Hough online MBA grad shared that the program’s flexibility allowed them to balance their studies with a full-time job, ultimately leading to a promotion within the company.
• An online MBA alumnus from USC Marshall credited the program with helping them develop their leadership skills and advance their career.
• A Rice Business online MBA graduate mentioned that the program’s focus on technology and STEM helped them stay up-to-date with industry trends and secure a position in a rapidly growing field.
• A student from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s online iMBA program noted that the program’s diverse range of electives allowed them to tailor their education to their interests, ultimately leading to a successful transition of careers.

Meridian University’s MBA in Creative Enterprise has helped students succeed in their careers. The program’s focus on whole-person and whole-system competencies prepares graduates to establish sustainable, generative strategies that benefit both the student and broader society.

Conclusion

Online MBA no GMAT programs offer a flexible and accessible path for students with diverse backgrounds and career goals to pursue a graduate business degree. These programs provide a comprehensive education, covering core topics, electives, and specializations that cater to various industries and interests. With flexible formats, online learning advantages, and a focus on professional experience and academic background in the application process, online MBA no GMAT programs are an attractive option for many students.

Some key takeaways from this article include:

• Online MBA no GMAT programs emphasize professional experience, academics, recommendations, and personal statements to determine entry.
• Various program formats are available, including full-time, part-time, accelerated, and executive MBA options. Many specializations and concentrations include finance, operations management, and entrepreneurship.
• Online learning offers advantages such as flexibility, mastery of business technology, access to diverse cultures and business practices, and understanding of different viewpoints.
• Financial aid and scholarships are available to help students cover the costs of their online MBA no GMAT programs.
• School reputation, specializations, faculty, cost, and accreditation are essential considerations when choosing an online MBA program.

By carefully considering these factors and researching available options, students can find the right online MBA no GMAT program that aligns with their educational and professional aspirations.

Meridian University’s MBA in Creative Enterprise prepares students for business and technology in the twenty-first century. If you want to explore your online MBA options, contact a Meridian University Admissions Advisor or apply today.

References:

1. College Consensus (2022, November 30). The Best No-GMAT Online MBA Programs 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023, from https://www.collegeconsensus.com/rankings/best-no-gmat-online-mba-programs/
2. Cromwelle, J. (n.d.). Accelerated Classes – The Best 4 Week to 8 Week Online College Courses [2023 Guide]. My Degree Guide. Retrieved July 12, 2023, from https://www.mydegreeguide.com/accelerated-classes/
3. Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) (2021, June 30). What Employers Say About Online MBAs. Mba.com. Retrieved July 12, 2023, from https://www.mba.com/explore-programs/mba-programs/what-employers-say-about-online-mbas