MBA Requirements: What Business Schools Are Looking for in 2025

As business, technology, and global communications have evolved, so too have Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. Students today have the opportunity to choose between different concentrations and incorporate real-world experience into their MBA studies. As a result, MBA programs have broadened their ideas about what qualities they want from program applicants.

MBA degree requirements today aren’t only focused on college transcripts and standardized test scores. Many business schools want students with work experience, diverse backgrounds, and demonstrable skills such as leadership and problem-solving.

This post will explore the requirements of MBA programs and how you can position yourself for acceptance into an MBA program.

An MBA program is a rigorous course of study designed to prepare students to take on leadership roles in a business environment. Schools expect students to be prepared to jump right into the courses and manage their workload starting on day one. MBA programs require that prospective students show they are ready to succeed in the program. Most programs have similar MBA admission requirements, including the following:¹

• A bachelor’s degree with an undergraduate GPA of 2.9 or higher
• Proof of professional work experience
• A current resume or CV 
• A personal statement, including a discussion of work experience
• Letters of recommendation
• GRE or GMAT scores

When applying to an MBA program, make sure you familiarize yourself with its unique admission requirements. For example, some universities charge fees that are due when you submit your application, some require a certain duration of professional experience, and so on.

 
A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field can be helpful when applying for an MBA, but it isn’t an MBA prerequisite. It wouldn’t be practical for graduate programs to require every applicant to have studied business as an undergraduate. Many people earn a BS or BA in a different field and then pursue an MBA several years after college. It’s not uncommon to get some real-world experience and realize that an MBA will help advance your career.

MBA programs welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Many skills from other academic disciplines transfer into business courses. In addition, workplace experience adds perspective on the practical applications of MBA coursework, allowing students to grasp the material quickly.²

Use your application to showcase your work experience and explain its relevance to the courses you’ll be taking in the program.

 
When you detail your professional background in your MBA application, be mindful of presenting accomplishments in ways that resonate with the admissions departments.

• Cite instances in which you took on progressively more responsibility at work 
• Highlight leadership roles you held
• Explain the impact your contribution had on a project and/or its bottom line 
• List any employee recognition or awards you received 

It’s also helpful to list service and volunteer experiences you may have. They show the admissions committee that you value your community and take an interest in building connections outside of work.

Academic history and quantifiable skills are not the only requirements for MBA programs. Soft skills are another element of your resume that you can highlight to present yourself in the best light.

Soft skills are a collection of strengths and traits that tend to develop through time and experience. They’re considered harder to teach than hard skills, so schools and employers look for applicants who can already demonstrate valuable soft skills. According to a recent Forbes article, the most sought-after soft skills include the following:^3,4

• Problem-solving
• Project leadership
• Critical thinking
• Teamwork
• Research
• Integrity

 
Sustainability is a leading consideration for many corporations. Simply defined, sustainability refers to practices that enable a business to continue functioning while responsibly balancing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of its operations.⁵ Not only is sustainability a good practice in terms of external impacts, but it also improves business performance over the long term.⁶

As sustainability continues to grow as a priority, MBA programs will seek out students who already demonstrate familiarity with sustainability and responsible business practices. The Online MBA program at California State University, Monterey Bay is the first program in the country to focus on responsible business, giving students a valuable perspective and experience as they advance their careers after graduation.

If you’re interested in a flexible online MBA program that prioritizes sustainable business practices, CSUMB is the place for you. Unlike most other MBA programs, the Responsible Business Online MBA program does not require a GMAT as part of its application.

To apply, you need to demonstrate your MBA qualifications by providing the following forms and documents:

• Completed online application form 
• Official transcripts from each college or university you have attended
• Undergraduate GPA of 2.9 or higher (Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.9 or below are required to conduct an online video interview with the Admissions Committee)  
• Minimum of 12 months of professional work experience (This may be waived with a GPA of 3.5 or above)
• Current resume or CV detailing the following points: 
  
  • Organizations of employment
  • Titles for each employment position
  • Dates and durations of each employment position
  • Responsibilities of each employment position
  • Accomplishments in each employment position 
• Personal statement, including a discussion of work experience  
• One letter of recommendation from a current or former supervisor or manager  
• For international students, TOEFL or IELTS scores and a foreign coursework evaluation are required

An application fee of $70 is required at the time of submission. All enrolled students will need access to a computer that can run the latest standard version of Office 365.

The innovative Responsible Business Online MBA program at CSU Monterey Bay is designed for ambitious working professionals. Designed and taught by industry experts, the robust curriculum emphasizes real-world applications and takes a holistic approach to training emerging leaders across business specialties. With the flexibility of online course delivery, it lets you control your time, so you can easily fit work, school, and life into your schedule.

Don’t wait to become the kind of business leader you admire. To learn more about the admissions requirements or the application process, schedule an appointment with an admissions outreach advisor today.