Frequently Asked Questions

Program Director Meghan Hanrahan and student
Students in lounge

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below provide answers to most of the common questions that we receive about the MSBAPM Program. If you don’t see your questions asked here, please reach out to msbapm@business.uconn.edu  and we will get back to you soon.

General

Is the degree program a full-time or part-time program?

We provide flexibility so that you can pursue the degree part-time or full-time.  Students on F-1 visas are required to be enrolled full-time (9 credits) each Fall and Spring semester, unless it is your last semester and have applied for a Reduced Course Load.  There is no minimum credit requirement during the Summer term.

How long will it take me to complete the program?

You can pursue the degree full-time and finish in three semesters (Fall/Spring). Completion time for part-time students depends on course-load commitments each semester. Taking just one course per semester would require slightly over three and half years to complete the degree.

Where are the courses held?

The MSBAPM program is offered at the School of Business Graduate Business Learning Center in downtown Hartford, Connecticut and Stamford, Connecticut campus.

Is this an online program?

No. This is a traditional graduate degree program. To enhance pedagogical quality, many of the courses utilize a hybrid of traditional face-to-face meetings and online delivery, where appropriate. Select course are offered online, but primarily courses are in-person.

Is MSBAPM program a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) designated program?

Yes, the MSBAPM is designated as one of the STEM eligible CIP codes. This means MSBAPM students may be eligible for a 24 month STEM extension of their OPT, as long as all other requirements are met. Please see UConn International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) for more information and other eligibility requirements.

Does the program require a laptop?

Yes, the MSBAPM requires you to start the program with a Windows-based laptop. Recommended specifications are provided upon admission.

Academic Requirements

What academic credentials do I need in order to be considered for admission?

The University of Connecticut requires that all applicants to Masters level programs hold at least a four-year undergraduate Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

I am an international applicant. How do you evaluate my academic credentials?

We evaluate an applicant’s academic credentials based on the ranking of the four year college and the applicant’s GPA. All applicants must send us their official transcripts from all of the higher educational institutions they have attended.

What are the minimum academic requirements?

The University of Connecticut requires that all applicants to graduate level programs hold at least a 3.0 undergraduate (and graduate if applicable) grade point average (GPA). We look at an applicant’s cumulative four-year GPA, as well as the GPA from the last two years of study and consider the higher of the two.

Must I have an undergraduate degree in business in order to pursue an MSBAPM degree?

No. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds including business, liberal arts, engineering, and the sciences.

Can I transfer credits into the MSBAPM program?

Up to nine credits of advanced course work completed or to be completed at other institutions may be approved for transfer to the MSBAPM program (subject to conditions described in the University of Connecticut Graduate Catalog). However, if you have already or are going to use the credits for another degree program, you can NOT transfer those credits into the program. If you have already taken a required MSBAPM course from another degree program (with equivalency verification completed by MSBAPM Program Director), you do not need to repeat the same course with the MSBAPM program. You will, however, need to take other courses to fulfill the 37 credits required by the MSBAPM program.

Do I need work experience to join the program?

No. Work experience is a plus, but is not planned as an absolute requirement for admission.

Costs and Fees

How much is the application fee and how do I pay it?

The current application fee is $75 and must be paid online with a credit card.

Is it possible to request an application fee waiver?

The application fee will be automatically waived with registration and attendance at one of our information sessions and completion of a survey following the session.  We do not grant application fee deferrals or refunds.

How much does MSBAPM cost?

MSBAPM is a fee-based program.  Students pay per credit they are enrolled in any given semester.  Course fees for 2024/25 are $1,200 per credit hour ($3,600 per 3-credit course).

The cost is the same for residents, non-residents, and international students.

The total Cost of Attendance (COA) includes direct educational costs (i.e., tuition, fees, housing, and food) and indirect costs.  Indirect costs include books, course materials, supplies and equipment, transportation, miscellaneous personal expenses, loan fees, and professional licensure or certification, if applicable.  For additional information about the Cost of Attendance at UConn, please visit https://financialaid.uconn.edu/cost/

Does the MSBAPM Program offer any scholarships?

We currently do not offer scholarships to incoming students. Notably, our tuition rates are highly competitive, and our program consistently achieves top rankings for value for money. We provide a limited number of merit-based scholarships for students already enrolled in our program. No separate application process is required. Scholarships are awarded during the Spring semester, and recipients will be notified directly.

Application

Where can I access an application to the UConn MSBAPM Program?

Please follow the links on the MSBAPM Admissions menu.

When is the application deadline?

Students can apply for either Fall, Spring, or Summer.

  • Fall
    • Preferred deadline for applicants requiring a visa - February 28
    • Final Deadline
  • Spring
    • Preferred deadline for applicants requiring a visa - September 1
    • Final Deadline
  • Summer - May 1

For international students: The university only admits students in the Fall and Spring semesters only. In addition, the university recommends at least three months for the visa application process from the time of formal admission. If you are already in the United States, please submit a copy of your current I-20 or IAP-66.

Do you require letters of recommendation?

No, letters of recommendation are not required.

Can I request an interview with the admissions committee?

Interviews will be conducted as appropriate after initial candidate screening. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Test Scores

Am I required to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)?

Either GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or the General Test of GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is acceptable unless you meet one of our waiver requirements. To learn more about GMAT and GRE Test scores click here.

Do you accept GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score?

Either GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or the General Test of GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is acceptable unless you meet one of our waiver exceptions.

How soon after I take the GMAT will you receive my official score?

We usually receive an electronic score report within 5-7 days after you have taken the test and a paper score report approximately two weeks after you have taken the test. Please note that if on your application it states that we are missing your official GRE/GMAT scores, and you have sent it in, it may take a few days for us to connect your application with your official scores and then update the application system. If you have uploaded your unofficial score to the application system, please do not call us unless you hear from us.

Do you have a minimum GMAT/GRE score requirement?

There are no specific minimum scores on these test scores. A high score, however, can improve the competitiveness of your application.

I have taken the GMAT test more than once. How do you take my scores into consideration?

We consider your highest score. We do not average scores.

Do I need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test?

International applicants are required to take the TOEFL and have the test score sent to us. Please visit the Language Tests Page for details on requirements and the waiver policy. Our TOEFL test institution code is 3915. You can learn more about the TOEFL test and register for it at www.ets.org. A TOEFL test score is valid for two years.

Do you have a minimum TOEFL test score requirement?

You need a minimum overall score of 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or 80 for the Internet-based test.

Do you accept an IELTS test score?

Yes, you may submit an official IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test score if you have not taken the TOEFL. We look for an average overall band score of at least 6.5. Only the scores from the Academic Module, not the General Training Module, are applicable. You can learn more about and register for the IELTS test at www.ielts.org.

Do you accept any other English language test scores?

We typically only accept an official TOEFL or IELTS test score.  However, due to testing centers being unavailable during the COVID-19 outbreak, we are currently accepting the Duolingo test of English.  For more information, please email the program at msbapm@uconn.edu.

I have taken the TOEFL test more than once. How do you take my scores into consideration?

As with the GMAT/GRE test, we consider your highest TOEFL test score. We do not average scores.

Admissions

When are admissions decisions made?

We strongly encourage you to apply as early as possible for the semester you plan to join the program.  Applications received by the first deadline will be reviewed within 2 - 3 weeks of that deadline.  Applications received after the first deadline, will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Once we have received completed applications, including all required application materials, we will make admission decisions expeditiously.

If I am admitted to the MSBAPM program, how do I accept?

All students that have been admitted to the program, must accept and pay deposit by enrollment deadline date by clicking the link in their decision letter. Once that has been completed, students will be matriculated into the program and will receive communication from the Program office with next steps.

If you have additional question before you join the UConn MSBAPM Program, we ask that you contact the Program at: msbapm@uconn.edu .

All international students (those who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents) must also complete a financial declaration to demonstrate they hold the necessary financial resources to support their studies for the first-year, and estimate the support they will have for their second year of study. Original bank statements and other original supporting documents must accompany the financial declaration. The university will review these documents, and, if all is in order, will issue an I-20 form which you will need to take to the U.S. Embassy in your country in order to apply for the F-1 student visa.

What if something unexpected happens; can I defer my admission?

Yes, you may defer your admission if you have an unexpected circumstance subject to approval.  Please contact the program with your request at msbapm@uconn.edu.

I was denied admission. How can I go about reapplying for the following year?

You would need to submit a new application. But we can use some of your application materials (such as your GMAT/GRE scores provided they are still valid) if you wish so.

I was a business major in my undergraduate studies, can I transfer in any of those credits?

No. You cannot transfer your undergraduate credits into the MSBAPM Program.

Can I waive any courses if I have had significant undergraduate coursework or work experience in a particular field of study?

Course waivers and substitutions are very rare, and are at the discretion of the MSBAPM Program Director.