MBA Evening

Frequently Asked Questions


As you consider the W. P. Carey MBA you are sure to have questions about admissions, financial aid, student life and more. The following answers some of the most commonly asked questions.

Benefits of the Evening Program

The advantages of the Evening Program are:

  • You can earn your W. P. Carey MBA while still working.
  • You receive special services not available to most students.
  • Opportunity to network with other professionals in the Valley who are also getting W. P. Carey MBAs.
  • Opportunity to attend Economic Club of Phoenix luncheons at no cost.

Program Characteristics, Tuition, Fees, and Structure

What are the characteristics of Evening Program student?

  • 30 years old.
  • Six years work experience.
  • Undergraduate grade point average of 3.3.
  • GMAT score of 562.
  • Fewer than half have undergraduate business majors.
  • More than 65% are Arizona residents.

What are the tuition and fees?

The Evening Program annual tuition and fees are determined by the Arizona Board of Regents and are subject to change.  Click here for current fees.


How long will it take me to complete the Evening Program?

The Evening Program can be completed in two years. You will attend classes twice a week for each trimester. There are three 10-week trimesters per year, not including summer months. A total of 48 credit hours are required, amounting to 18 hours each year. This includes 36 hours of core business courses and 12 hours of self-selected advanced courses which are offered during the Fall, Spring, and Summer months. A variety of self-selected advanced course selections are offered each year.


Is work experience an important prerequisite of the Evening Program?

Yes. You'll share real world issues with your peers in class discussions. What you learn from fast-track classmates enriches your overall experience.


Course Work and Study

How many course hours are required of Evening students?

A total of 48 credit hours, consisting of:

  • 36 hours of core business courses – 18 hours each year.
  • 12 hours of self-selected advanced courses – may be taken during summer or during term breaks or on weekends. A variety of self-selected advanced course selections are offered each year.

How much study time is involved?

Students typically spend two to three hours of outside study for each hour of class time. There are eight hours of class time each week, so an additional 16 to 24 hours of preparation is not unusual for the W. P. Carey MBA. However, Evening Program students have opportunities to integrate their full-time work projects into class assignments. Work projects for class can be incorporated into homework, team assignments, research, class papers and presentations. This course work offers real value for sponsoring corporate organizations.


How many evenings would I attend classes?

  • Two evenings per week for each trimester
  • There are three 10-week trimesters in the school year.

Where are classes held?

Students can choose from five Valley locations to attend the Evening Program:

  • ASU Tempe campus
  • ASU Downtown Center, in downtown Phoenix.
  • ASU Research Park, in Tempe.
  • Scottsdale
  • Northwest valley (new location)

What are the class days/times for the Evening Program?

The Evening Program students are in class two nights per week.


Can students in the Evening Program declare an area of specialization?

No. Students in the Evening Program cannot declare a specialization. Evening students take self-selected advanced course credits in any area they choose. If you are interested in a specific specialization, you should consider the full-time W. P. Carey MBA.


What other master's degrees are offered in the W. P. Carey School of Business?

In addition to the W. P. Carey MBA, the W. P. Carey School of Business offers master's degrees in:

  • Accountancy & Information Systems
  • Taxation
  • MHSM
  • MSIM

These programs are offered primarily during the day time hours and may have an additional requirement of full-time enrollment.


Do you offer distance learning or correspondence programs?

For information about our online MBA program, visit the main web page of the W. P. Carey MBA - Online Program


General Admissions Questions

What does the Admissions Committee seek in an applicant?

The W. P. Carey MBA seeks outstanding students who possess a combination of strong academic credentials, leadership potential, work experience and excellent communication skills.


What factors are considered by the W. P. Carey MBA Admissions Committee?

Five main factors are considered equally in the admissions decision:

  • Undergraduate grade point average
  • GMAT score
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Essay Responses
  • Work Experience

Are there any business pre-requisites for admission to the W. P. Carey MBA?

No. The W. P. Carey MBA has no business pre-requisites. However, applicants must show quantitative ability through an advanced college math course in calculus or statistics or an above average performance (65th percentile or above) on the GMAT quantitative section. In addition, students must show computer proficiency and expertise in using an Internet browser, an e-mail package, a spreadsheet package, a word processing package and a presentation software package.


What undergraduate major is required?

No particular undergraduate major is favored. W. P. Carey MBA students represent a diverse set of personal and academic backgrounds.


How many letters of recommendation are required?

Two letters of recommendation are required. Those selected to submit letters of recommendation on support of an applicant's admission should speak directly to the candidate's personal qualities, career potential, and potential to succeed in the classroom. Applicants should choose their references carefully from among those who know them personally and are familiar with their work history, credentials, leadership strengths and career aspirations. Letters of recommendation from co-workers or personal and family friends are inappropriate and can be detrimental.


Do I need to interview for the W. P. Carey MBA?

Applicants whose application packet has been received and pre-processed by W. P. Carey MBA Admissions (i.e., assigned a W. P. Carey MBA student identification number) may schedule an admission interview. Such interviews are limited to applicants who have a minimum of two years of full-time professional work experience. Interviews are not offered over the phone, to "walk-in" candidates if not previously scheduled, or, to applicants whose admission decision has already been made.

An admission interview is not required for admission to the W. P. Carey MBA. The Admissions Committee will not consider non-participation negatively.


What is the minimum undergraduate GPA accepted?

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent for the last 60 hours (or last 2 years) is required by the ASU Division of Graduate Studies. Post-baccalaureate course work may be used to enhance a lower an undergraduate GPA. The average for the class entering Fall 2005 was 3.3/4.0. GPA is one factor considered among the overall application review.


How can I learn more about the W. P. Carey MBA?

W. P. Carey MBA information sessions are scheduled at varying times throughout the year. W. P. Carey MBA representatives also attend MBA forums throughout the U. S., Europe and Asia during the fall. All offer the opportunity to learn about admissions requirements, application materials, features of the W. P. Carey MBA offerings and answers to any other questions you may have. Prior sign-up is recommended for all sessions.


What are the office hours for the W. P. Carey MBA Office?

The W. P. Carey MBA Admissions Office is open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.


Can I find out by telephone or by e-mail whether I've been admitted to the program?

No. To insure confidentiality we only convey our decisions by postal mail.


Does the W. P. Carey MBA offer conditional or provisional acceptances?

Only a complete application will be evaluated, and only regular admission is offered. A condition may be given on acceptance, such as taking a calculus class prior to the start of classes.


My bachelor’s degree is not in business; do I have any deficiencies?

While there are no business course prerequisites, W. P. Carey MBA applicants must have computer proficiency and expertise in using a spreadsheet package, a word processing package, and a presentation software package. Potential students must also demonstrate strong quantitative ability. This is accomplished through an above average performance (65th percentile or above) on the GMAT quantitative section or a college math course in calculus or advanced statistics.


Where is the W. P. Carey MBA ranked? 

The W. P. Carey MBA is one of the few MBAs in the country that is highly ranked in each of the platforms: Full-time Program, Executive Program, Evening Program and Online Program.

For further rankings, see our Accreditation and Rankings web page.


Is there an application fee?

Yes, $50.00

See ASU Division of Graduate Studies Admission Checklist for further details.


What is the average GMAT score accepted?

There is no minimum GMAT cutoff score. The average GMAT score for the Fall 2006 entering class:

  • W. P. Carey MBA - Full-Time Program: 655
  • W. P. Carey MBA - Evening Program: 561
  • W. P. Carey MBA - Online Program: 585

If an applicant retakes the GMAT, the W. P. Carey MBA will only consider the highest score and does not average scores. Arrangements to schedule an exam may be made directly with a GMAT testing center.

All official Admission Exam Scores must be received directly from the PearsonVUE. GMAT scores are considered valid for a period of five (5) years from the date of the exam.

Because it is now possible through the new Computer-Adaptive GMAT for applicants to retake the exam on a frequent basis, the W. P. Carey MBA admission process will provide one and only one decision reconsideration to any applicant whose only change in application criteria is a new GMAT score.

Should you decide to retake or are requested to retake the GMAT, please notify the W. P. Carey MBA by e-mail of your intended test date. Your highest test score will be forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. Upon an applicant's written request, an application will be re-evaluated based on new GMAT scores.


If you are an Arizona resident, are you aware that there is a form you need to fill out to qualify for in-state tuition and fees?

Residency forms are included in W. P. Carey MBA admission packets and should be completed and submitted by all students.

All residency related questions are handled through ASU Residency Classification Office at 480-965-7712.


  Applying to the Program
How do I receive an application package?

The W. P. Carey MBA accepts web-based applications only. No paper applications are available. You may preview our easy to use ASU Division of Graduate Studies web-based application.

For a color brochure about the W. P. Carey MBA, simply go to the W. P. Carey MBA information request form to submit your name and mailing address.

Be sure to specify the program of interest (Full-time, Executive Program, Evening Program, or Online Program) and let us know how you learned about the W. P. Carey MBA.


How much is the application fee?

The application fee is $50, payable to Arizona State University by check, money order, credit card (Visa, Mastercard) or cash (if paying in person). The application fee is required by the ASU Division of Graduate Studies for processing and evaluating applications. This fee cannot be waived. For more information contact the ASU Division of Graduate Studies at asugrad@asu.edu or call 480-965-6113.

To whom do I make out the check to?

Checks or money orders should be made payable for US $50.00 to “Arizona State University.”


Can I apply on the web?

To better meet the logistical challenges of application submission for our world-wide applicant pool, the W. P. Carey MBA will accept applications only through the ASU Division of Graduate Studies web-based application.

All application materials not submitted through the web-based application must be submitted to the ASU Division of Graduate Studies in a single and complete mailing (with your Document Reference Number on each of the items).

The W. P. Carey MBA application process employs a candidate-managed submission technique whereby the applicant gathers all application materials not submitted electronically, then forwards them in a single Supplemental Application Materials mailing to the ASU Division of Graduate Studies admissions office. There, after the transcript(s) are removed for processing, the mailer envelope is resealed and forwarded on to the W. P. Carey MBA Admissions Office where it moves through the various stations of the Admissions Committee review process. The entire admission decision-making process normally requires 6 to 8 weeks from the date of receipt.

All applicants to the W. P. Carey MBA are required to provide in their application materials a "preferred" email address to which status updates and information exchanges may be directed. Applicants will be asked to identify this preferred email at least once, and in some cases, more than once. Applicants not currently having a "preferred" email should establish one prior to the submission of their W. P. Carey MBA application.


If I've applied in the past, and was denied, how do I reapply?

You must submit a new application and application fee for admission to W. P. Carey MBA. If you are reapplying within one year of a denial by the W. P. Carey MBA, it is not necessary to file new application materials (transcripts or letters of recomendation). We will hold your materials for one year. However, you should provide a current resume and pertinent supplemental information, such as updated responses to the new essay questions, a new GMAT score or evidence of supplemental courses.


Can I postpone my admission to the W. P. Carey MBA?

Usually yes. If you are admitted but decide not to enroll in the upcoming term, you may ask to delay your enrollment to the following year. You may delay only once and generally for no more than one year. Please note that although you have been admitted, there is no guarantee of a place in the program or admission in the following year. In rare circumstances, applicants who postpone enrollment may not be readmitted. If you plan to delay enrollment, you must submit a written request to the W. P. Carey MBA Director of Admissions.



International Student Questions
Is the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) required of international students?

Yes, for all international students who are from countries where English is not the official language, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. A minimum score of 580 is required. A minimum score of 237 is required on the computerized TOEFL. The Fall 2005 Full-time Program entering class had an average TOEFL score of 267/online.


Is the TSE (Test of Spoken English) required of international students?

The TSE is NOT required for admissions to the W. P. Carey MBA.


I have a fifteen-year degree or a three-year undergraduate degree. Is this equivalent to a degree that can be considered for admission to ASU?

In order for an applicant educated in India who receives a three-year Bachelor degree to be eligible to apply to the ASU Division of Graduate Studies degree programs, completion of additional higher level education is required. The higher level education can be either:

  • The completion of a master's degree or at least the 1st year of a two-year master's degree program to include sitting for and successfully passing the end of year examinations; or,
  • The completion of an entire two-year PG Diploma program that requires a three-year Bachelor degree to attend. The above education must be completed through an institution or university recognized by the Government of India as a PG Diploma or degree granting institution. Additionally, this recognition must be for the purpose of advanced education placement and not just for employment placement purposes.

Programs completed through organizations such as APTECH or NIIT are not currently recognized by our university for the purpose of establishing degree eligibility.

For further information, contact:
 
W. P. Carey MBA
W. P. Carey School of Business

Arizona State University Tempe campus
P.O. Box 874906
Tempe, AZ 85287-4906
   
E-mail: wpcareymba@asu.edu
Phone: 480-965-3332
Fax: 480-965-8569

Deliveries to:
BA 160
W. P. Carey School of Business
 
 

The Admissions Committee will review an application only when all information materials required by the ASU Division of Graduate Studies and the W. P. Carey MBA have been received.
 

 
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