Master of Business Administration

International student applications for College of Business graduate programs must be filed by April 1st with the Office of Graduate Studies. In addition to the standard admission requirements, international students must also complete the following:

Step 1

International students from non-English speaking countries must submit satisfactory scores on either the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, FLS International Language Center, ELS Language Centers, TOEIC, CEFR, or SLEP exams.

Official Test Score Reports Required for Admission to MBA Program

Test	Score
IELTS	6.0
TOEFL	550 paper-based (79 iBT)
FLS International Language Center	Level 16
PTE Academic	53
ELS	Level 112
TOEIC	750
SLEP	58
CEFR	B2

Step 2

All applicants for admission must meet the following requirements:

• Verification of adequate financial support from parents or sponsors, including the amount and length of time funds will be provided.
• Verification of sponsor's ability to provide support from a financial institution where funds are on deposit.
  Submission of one letter of recommendation (true letters preferred over the PDF form).
• Submit Official transcripts: Bachelor's degree and any institutions attended since that time. Official transcripts are sent directly from the institution to Tennessee Tech, not submitted by the student. International students may submit attested transcripts.
• Submit Student Health Form. The following vaccinations are required:
  • TWO doses of the MMR vaccine
  • TWO doses of the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine
  • Negative result on a TB skin test. Test must be taken within 6 months prior to registration.
• Non-immigrant students already in the U.S. must submit the following additional documents:
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Photocopy visa
  • Photocopy of I-94
  • Photocopy of all previously issued I-20s
  • Resident Alien

A lawful permanent resident of the United States (holder of a "green card") may be required to take the English Placement Test or other tests to determine proficiency in English and the necessity for taking courses in English.

Step 3

All application materials become the property of the University and will not be returned to the applicant regardless of whether admission is approved or denied.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Graduate Admissions Office 
Phone: (931) 372-3808 
E-mail: gradstudies@tntech.edu

College of Business Graduate Office 
Phone: (931) 372-3600 
Email: cobgrad@tntech.edu

Do I need an undergraduate degree in a business (or related) field to apply for the MBA?

No, in fact, the MBA is designed for students with the widest range of undergraduate degrees, experience levels, and backgrounds. A primary purpose of the MBA is to deliver relevant business knowledge and provide students with the skills needed for success as leaders in their chosen fields. Successful students have degrees in the sciences, humanities, engineering, fine arts, business, nursing, and education – to name a few.

Do I need to take the GMAT or GRE?

The GMAT (or GRE) is not required to apply for College of Business Graduate Programs; however, you may still want to take the GMAT or GRE (the GMAT being the preferred admissions test). Applicants whose undergraduate GPAs are below 3.0 and/or who have little or no professional work experience should strongly consider preparing for and taking the GMAT/GRE. The results may weigh favorably on the admission decision. GMAT information is available here.

Can I start the program in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters?

Yes, we accept new students in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. However, to ensure full consideration for admission to the desired term, please review the application deadlines available on the Graduate Student Calendar. It is advised that you submit your completed application and all required documentation early to be fully considered for upcoming semesters.

I have worked professionally since obtaining my undergraduate degree. Will I still need to take the GMAT or GRE?

Perhaps not. In addition to the undergraduate GPA and other factors, the admission process considers the level and duration of applicants’ professional work experience and it can weigh favorably in the admission decision. Professional work experience is defined as full-time and post-undergraduate professional or military experience.

I have a graduate degree. Will that weigh favorably in the admission decision?

Yes. Our admissions process considers the successful completion of other graduate degrees (e.g., MS, MA, PharmD, JD, MD, etc.) in the admission decision.

How does the online MBA work?

Courses are delivered through an internet-based class management program called iLearn (D2L). You simply log onto our website (http://ilearn.tntech.edu) using your assigned username and password, and you are taken to a page with information and content about the courses you are taking. There will be a link for each course in which you are registered. While individual courses differ in terms of their overall design, content, and delivery (e.g., some classes may provide opportunities for live interaction as well as recorded lectures etc.), the course platform provides for threaded discussions, links to online quizzes and exams, calendars, video resources, and chat rooms. Despite being at a distance, you will feel connected to your professors and peers. Our online learning platform facilitates peer-to-peer collaboration, discussions with faculty, and access to all content, including video lectures, PowerPoint presentations, materials that you can download or print, documents that the professor may want you to read, and assignments.

What will my diploma look like?

Tennessee Tech diplomas and the degrees they represent are the same regardless of the program delivery method. In fact, the standards consistent with our longstanding AACSB accreditation require that the same content, program quality, and faculty qualification level are maintained across all (in-person, online, or hybrid) delivery methods. So, neither your diploma nor your transcript will indicate how courses or programs are delivered. Additional certificates (e.g., in Banking and Financial Services, Cybersecurity and Analytics, Healthcare Informatics, and Agribusiness) are awarded separately and noted on your transcript along with any other credential you may receive (e.g., the MBA or MAcc).

Can I get Financial Aid?

Quite possibly. All financial aid questions should be directed to the Financial Aid Office. Generally, online graduate courses meet the requirements for financial aid, though you will need to take a minimum of six credit hours of coursework each semester to qualify.

I work for the state of Tennessee. Will the state cover my tuition?

The state covers the cost of in-state tuition for State of Tennessee employees. However, the differential of the cost between campus-based and online courses is not currently covered by the state reimbursement plan.

Will my employer pay for my tuition and fees?

Many companies and government organizations have tuition and fee reimbursement plans for graduate degrees in business. These plans differ across organizations; some cover the entire cost while others specify an annual (or total program) limit. Others may not have a formal plan in place but may provide support on a case-by-case basis. So, please check with your HR department to determine your organization’s educational reimbursement policies and practices.