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Admission

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Admission Status

Marquette University admits graduate students under four different categories: degree, non-degree, temporary and visiting scholar status.

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Degree Status

When applicants are admitted to a program leading to a master’s degree, they are said to be in “degree status.” This designation is made after the department and the Graduate School of Management have accepted an application. An applicant may be admitted into one of two categories.

Regular degree status — Designates a student who is admitted to the Graduate School of Management and is working toward a master’s degree in a particular program. Students are eligible for tuition scholarships, graduate assistantships and fellowships.

Probationary degree status — This status is awarded to master’s degree students only by the applicant’s department or the Graduate of Management. Probationary status is assigned when an applicant’s academic performance falls below Graduate School of Management standards but there is other evidence to suggest the potential for successful graduate level study. Students admitted on probation are not eligible to receive financial aid from the Graduate School of Management but may apply for financial assistance from the Office of Student Financial Aid. Probationary status is typically removed upon completion of nine semester hours of work with a 3.000 overall GPA or better, no grade lower than a BC and all credits taken at the graduate level. Students failing to have their probationary status removed after completing nine semester hours are not permitted to remain in the Graduate School of Management.

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Non-Degree Status

Non-degree status is seldom utilized in the Graduate School of Management. This status designates any student taking graduate-level classes who is not seeking a master’s degree. Two types of non-degree status utilized by the Graduate School of Management are: Temporary admission and Visiting Scholars admission. Students are not eligible to receive financial aid from the Graduate School of Management or from the Office of Student Financial Aid except for Catholic Schools Personnel Scholarships and the Milwaukee Area Teachers Scholarships.

All applicants are required to submit an application, the application fee, certified copies of transcripts and other information as requested by the department. Non-degree applicants seeking admission to degree status must meet the same admission standards as other applicants to a degree program.

Completion of any number of non-degree credits does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program, and, if a non-degree student is subsequently admitted to a degree program, there is no guarantee that credits earned while in non-degree status will count toward the degree. Most degree programs accept no more than six credits taken as a non-degree student. Grades below B will not transfer to degree programs.

Credits earned as a non-degree student may be considered as graduate credits and certified as such to school boards or other authorities. Non-degree students may register for Graduate School of Management courses if they have met the prerequisites and have department permission. Permission numbers are required for non-degree registrations. The Graduate School of Management typically limits non-degree status to one term.

Probationary status — This status is awarded by the applicant’s department or the Graduate School of Management. Probationary status is assigned when an applicant’s academic performance falls below Graduate School of Management standards but there is other evidence to suggest the potential for successful graduate level study. Probationary status is typically removed upon completion of nine semester hours of work with a 3.000 overall GPA or better, no grade lower than a BC and all credits taken at the graduate level. Students failing to have their probationary status removed after completing nine semester hours are not permitted to remain in the Graduate School of Management.

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Temporary Admission Status

Applicants who have applied to a degree or a non-degree program, and meet the minimum admission requirements but have not submitted all the necessary documents may be admitted under temporary status. This admission is valid for only one term. Students must apply for and be admitted as a degree student before being allowed to register for additional courses. There is no guarantee that credits earned while in temporary status will count toward the degree. Grades below B will not transfer to the degree program. Exceptions are rarely made to this policy.

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Visiting Scholar Status

This status designates a student, seeking a master’s degree at another institution, who takes one or more classes at Marquette University with the intention of transferring the earned credits. Evidence of the student’s status and academic performance at the other institution will be required. Submission of official transcripts is required.

Visiting scholars may apply for federal financial aid through the student’s home school or through Marquette. Students applying for aid through Marquette must request a Consortium Agreement from the Office of Student Financial Aid. When the completed form is returned to Marquette, the student will become eligible for federal financial aid and the Office of Student Financial Aid will process the student’s FAFSA. Students applying for federal aid through their home institutions should consult their home institutions for their application policies and procedures.

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General Admission Requirements

Only applicants whose total record indicates that they can make independent, original and high quality contributions to knowledge will be admitted. Departments reserve the right to limit the number of students accepted within a given time period. Applicants must follow the Graduate School of Management’s application for admission procedures. It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain information about additional application requirements from the Graduate Programs section found in this bulletin or from the director of graduate studies for the proposed program.

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Application Procedures

An online application is required for the Graduate School of Management and is available at marquette.edu/gsm. Click on Apply Now. Paper applications will be accepted only on a need-based, pre-approved basis.

If you have transcripts from multiple schools and multiple letters of recommendation, you are very strongly encouraged to collect all application materials (with the exception of required standardized test scores) and mail them together, along with a copy of your online application in one envelope. If you have a copy of the test scores, you are encouraged to submit them as well. However, these copies will be considered unofficial until we receive the official scores from the testing agency. Each letter of recommendation and transcript must be enclosed in its own sealed envelope and signed across the back seal by the issuing party. You may also use the online letter of recommendation function available within the online application. Applications will not be reviewed for admission until all materials have been received. Submit all application materials by mail to:

Marquette University
Graduate School of Management
David A. Straz, Jr., Hall
Executive Center, Suite 275
P.O. Box 1881
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881

or by courier to Marquette University Graduate School of Management, David A. Straz, Jr., Hall; Executive Center, Suite 275; 606 N 13th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233.

Students may apply for Regular Degree, Temporary Degree, or Non-degree status. It is recommended that students apply for Regular Degree Status when possible.

Applicants for degree status must submit all materials directly to the Graduate School of Management:

• A completed online application form and $50 fee (U.S. currency only). Note: Application fee is waived for Marquette University alumni.
• Official transcripts from all current and previous colleges except Marquette.
• A letter notifying the Graduate School of Management if the last name (family name) on the transcripts or test scores is different from the name on the Graduate School of Management application.
• Official test scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
• Either the GMAT or GRE is accepted for the Human Resources and Economics graduate program.
• Essay questions on page 2 of the application form (not required for Economics).
• Resume or job profile.
• Three letters of recommendation for Economics and Executive MBA graduate applicants.
• Applications for full-time students are due on February 15th for fall and October 1st for spring. Applications after these deadlines will be reviewed on a space available basis.
• Applications for part-time students are reviewed on a rolling basis.

(Additional requirements for international applicants or applicants applying for Graduate School financial aid i.e. assistantship positions):

• Three letters of recommendation for Accounting, Business Administration and Human Resources graduate programs.
• Certified English translation of international transcripts, diploma, etc.
• Official TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English Proficiency.

For applicants for Temporary (which is valid for one semester only), or Non-degree Status:

• A completed application form and $50 fee.
• Official transcripts from all current and previous colleges except Marquette.
• Essay questions on page 2 of the application form.
• Resume or job profile.

(International applicants on an F-1 visa are not eligible for this status.)

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts detailing previous academic study from all universities or colleges attended, with the school seal, normally must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Graduate School of Management. Transcripts routed through applicants are not normally accepted as official. Applicants with course work in progress toward the fulfillment of a degree are required to submit an official final transcript verifying receipt of their degree after completing the course work. All applicants who have transcripts in a language other than English must provide official transcripts accompanied by certified English translations.

Marquette University
Graduate School of Management
David A. Straz, Jr., Hall
Executive Center, Suite 275
P.O. Box 1881
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881

Applicants who previously attended Marquette University need not request Marquette transcripts but, if applicable, are required to furnish transcripts from other schools they attended.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants should check their programs section of this bulletin for information about the number of letters of recommendation needed, if any. Letters of recommendation should comment on the applicant’s past academic record and potential for future success. Most programs do not require special forms or format. Letters of recommendation may be sent directly to the Graduate School of Management by the author or institution, delivered in sealed envelopes with the author’s signature across the back flap, or via the online letter of recommendation function available within the online application.

Applicants applying for financial aid through the university (Assistantship and Scholarship awards) must submit three letters of recommendation and check the financial aid area on the application (see the Financial Aid section of this bulletin).

International students must submit three letters of recommendation even if they are not applying for financial aid. These letters should be sent directly to the Graduate School of Management by the author or institution, or be delivered in sealed envelopes with the author’s signature across the flap, or via the online letter of recommendation function available within the online application.

Letters from former professors or administrators of their former institutions are preferred.

Permission to discuss the applicant’s file with a third party (optional)

Applicants who are unable to speak directly with an admissions counselor (due to distance, expense, etc.) may give the Graduate School of Management permission to communicate with a third party. Marquette University requires that this request be made in writing, be signed by the applicant, and specify the name(s) of the third party. The form is available on the GSM website at marquette.edu/gsm.

Additional application materials as requested by the program

It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain information about these requirements from their Graduate Programs portion of this bulletin or from the director of graduate studies for the proposed program.

Test Data

One or more of the following tests may be required as part of the admission process. Consult the Graduate Programs section of this bulletin or the program requirements at marquette.edu/gsm for information specific to the applicant’s proposed program. Regardless of the test, all scores must be sent directly from the issuing source to the Graduate School of Management.

Preparation books for these tests can be found at the public library and various bookstores. Free downloads of preparation materials are also available at mba.com for the GMAT and at gre.org for the GRE.

The Graduate School of Management urges applicants to take tests well in advance of the date the scores are needed. It can take up to six weeks for scores to reach the Graduate School of Management office after the exam. Test scores should be relatively recent; scores more than five years old (two years for TOEFL) may not be accepted.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

All Graduate School of Management programs accept the GMAT for admission to the master’s programs. The GMAT is a program requirement for business administration, executive business administration, and accounting. For information about this test, contact the Graduate Management Admission Council®, 1600 Tysons Blvd., Ste. 1400, McLean, VA 22102 or visit mba.com or call (800) 717-GMAT (4628) for more information.

Test takers must enter the code 1448 in the Score Report Recipient section of the GMAT registration form. It is not sufficient to list Marquette as the undergraduate institution. Failure to enter the correct code will delay the admission decision.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Economics and Human Resources accept GRE (General Test) scores. Applicants are urged to complete this test either in the senior year of undergraduate work or before filing an application for admission. For information about this test, contact the Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6000, Princeton, NJ 08541-6000. Visit gre.org or call (609) 771-7670 or (866) 473-4373 for more information.

Test takers must enter the code 5786 in the Score Report Recipient section of the GRE registration form. It is not sufficient to list Marquette as the undergraduate institution. Failure to enter the correct code will delay the admission decision.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)—International Students Only

International students whose language of instruction for their bachelor’s degree education (or master’s, if applicable) was not English must take the TOEFL. International students should have an adequate command of both written and spoken English, usually evidenced by a TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper-based version, 213 on the computer-based version. The Internet-based, or iBT, version of TOEFL tests students in four areas: reading, writing, speaking and listening. In general, a minimum score of 20 is required for each of the four sections with an overall minimum score of 88. Applicants for some programs must test with higher minimums and should consult the Graduate Programs section of this bulletin for specific information.

Test takers must enter the code 1448 and department code 02 in the Score Report Recipient section of the TOEFL registration form. Test scores may not be more than two years old. For information about this test, contact TOEFL Services, Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151. Visit toefl.org or call (609) 771-7100 for more information.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)—International Students Only

International students whose language of instruction for a prior degree was not English may take the IELTS in place of the TOEFL. In general, scores should be no more than two years old. Although each application will be evaluated in its entirety, in general, an IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 or higher will be required for admission. Information about the IELTS can be found at ielts.org.

ESL Language Centers

The Graduate School of Management will accept successful completion of ELS Language Centers level 112 with a final grade of B or better from U.S.-based Centers only.

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International Student Requirements

Definition of an International Student

An international student is defined as an applicant who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Application Instructions

As described in the Application Instructions section in this bulletin, international applicants are required to submit an online application form, a non-refundable application fee, official transcripts with certified English translations, three letters of recommendation, test data (including the TOEFL or other proof of proficiency) and other materials as required by the program to which they are applying.

English Language Assistance

All non-native English speaking graduate assistants will be required to take a language placement examination upon their arrival on campus. Based on the results of the exam, students may be required to enroll in one or more English as a Second Language (ESL) courses in addition to their required course work. ESL courses in writing, reading, listening comprehension and speaking/pronunciation are offered during the fall and spring terms. (This requirement is in addition to the TOEFL requirement.)

Financial Verification and Visa Regulations

Upon acceptance to the Graduate School of Management, F-1 students must adequately document their financial resources for the duration of the academic program before a visa will be issued. Financial verification, in the form of an appropriate sponsorship statement and an advance deposit (in U.S. currency) must be sent to Marquette before the certificate of eligibility for a visa will be issued. Students wishing to have their I-20 express mailed to them must put their request in writing and submit it along with the required advance deposits and financial verification paperwork. The added cost for express mail requests will be subtracted from the advance deposit. The express mail charge is non-refundable. The premium for the first term of health and repatriation insurance required of all F-1 and J-1 students will be deducted from the advance deposit. Students must be prepared to pay any remaining balance of the first term’s tuition when they arrive on campus. The advance deposit will be waived if the student receives a scholarship or other academic award that covers the cost of the first term’s tuition. If a student chooses not to attend Marquette University after the I-20 has been issued, all but $10 (U.S. currency) will be refunded. A written request for a refund must be sent back to the Graduate School of Management with the original I-20.

International students must abide by the regulations of their legal status in the United States regarding their defined educational objectives, academic load, and employment. Most international applicants are eligible only for regular degree status. Those seeking admission for non-degree status must obtain a statement of their legal eligibility from Marquette’s Office of International Education.

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Readmission

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Readmission to First Master's Degree

Students who have withdrawn from the university, failed to enroll for one or more academic-year terms, were administratively withdrawn from their program, or who were suspended for any reason must be formally readmitted to the Graduate School of Management before resuming their studies. To be readmitted, students must receive departmental endorsement and complete a new Application for Graduate School of Management Admission via our website at marquette.edu/gsm. Furthermore, no application for readmission will be considered for any former student with an outstanding balance of $3,000 or more owed to the university. The associate dean of the Graduate School of Management and the Director of the Master’s program jointly decide if a student will be readmitted.

In being readmitted, students face the possibility that previously completed work might not be accepted with the readmission decision, even if taken within the same program. The major department and/or Graduate School of Management may also set readmission conditions on the student’s resumption of work toward a degree such as registering for additional course work, retaking examinations, completing the degree within in a specified time period, or other appropriate terms.

Requests for readmission from students who have been suspended will be based on many considerations including the applicant’s ability, evidence of growth and maturity, credits earned at another institution, and time elapsed since leaving Marquette. No student may be readmitted to a program that is no longer active at the time of readmission.

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Earning a Second Master’s Degree

Students already holding a Marquette master’s degree may earn a second Marquette master’s degree in another discipline following the application procedures stated in this bulletin.

During the first term of study for a second master’s degree within the Graduate School of Management, students must plan with their adviser, a program of study to successfully complete the second master’s degree. Between 9 and 15 credit hours may be transferred (courses must have been completed within the past 5 years with the grade of B or better) from a student’s first master’s degree at Marquette University depending on the total number of credits needed for the second master’s degree. Department endorsement and Graduate School of Management approval must be obtained. All transfer credits must be relevant to the GSM degree. All program requirements for the second master’s degree must be successfully completed by deadlines posted in the bulletin, including the transfer of credit form, graduation application, and if required, the professional project or comprehensive exam, etc. to meet the requirements for the second master’s degree. (See Transfer of Credit for additional information.)