Graduate Admission Requirements

Incoming Graduate Students

At the Monte Ahuja College of Business, we take a holistic approach to evaluating each applicant’s graduate admission application, ensuring a thorough review of all submitted materials.

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Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

Most prospective graduate business students are required to take the GMAT or GRE. However, GMAT waivers are available for highly qualified applicants in specific programs.

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GMAT Waiver Eligibility for the MBA Program

To qualify for a GMAT waiver for the Master of Business Administration (MBA), applicants must meet one of the following minimum requirements:

• Monte Ahuja College of Business Alumni

  • A 3.00 cumulative undergraduate GPA.
  • Earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from the Monte Ahuja College of Business at Cleveland State University.

• AACSB-Accredited Institution Graduates

  • A 3.00 cumulative undergraduate GPA.
  • Earned a business degree from an AACSB-accredited school or college within five years of the application date.

Additionally, Cleveland State University undergraduate business alumni may qualify for MBA course waivers through the CSU BBA 2 MBA Program. Learn more about the CSU BBA 2 MBA program here.

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GMAT Waiver Eligibility for the MACC and MIS Programs

To qualify for a GMAT waiver for the Master of Science in Accounting (MACC) or Master of Information Systems (MIS) programs, applicants must meet one of the following minimum requirements:

• U.S. College or University Graduates

  • A 3.00 cumulative undergraduate GPA.
  • Earned a degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

• Advanced Degree Holders

  • Hold a Master’s, Doctorate, M.D., or J.D. degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
  • Currently enrolled students in the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law are also eligible.

For more details on eligibility or to apply for a waiver, contact the Monte Ahuja College of Business admissions team.

Admissions Process

To be admitted into a graduate business program at Cleveland State University, applicants must meet a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75. Here's how to apply:

1. Submit GMAT or GRE Scores

   • Take the GMAT or GRE and send your scores to Cleveland State University (School Code: 1221).
   • Alternatively, contact the College of Business Office to confirm if you qualify for a waiver.

2. Complete the Application Process

   • Submit your completed application along with the required application fee.

3. Provide Official Transcripts

   • Obtain and submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended.

4. Additional Steps for International Students

   • International applicants must review the International Student Admissions page for additional requirements and guidance.

Prepare early to ensure all materials are submitted on time for a smooth admissions process

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