Find answers to the questions our new online students ask most.
Purdue Online MBA FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful Links
Qualifications
- What is the minimum work experience required to enroll in the online MBA program?
There is no minimum work experience required, but it is strongly preferred. Most online MBA students have 7-8 years of experience.
- What is the GPA requirement?
There is no minimum GPA requirement, but a 3.0 or higher is preferred. The average undergraduate GPA for our online MBA students is 3.3.
- Is an undergraduate degree required?
Yes, an undergraduate degree is required.
- What are the GMAT/GRE requirements?
The GMAT or GRE is not required for admission to the online MBA.
The Online MBA is a rigorous program that requires quantitative aptitude. The Daniels School online programs admissions team will look for evidence of this in your application via previous coursework. If you feel that you do not have sufficient evidence in your previous coursework to demonstrate this aptitude, you may want to consider submitting a GMAT or GRE score to enhance your application.
- Can I take the GRE instead of the GMAT?
Yes, you can submit your GRE scores in lieu of the GMAT.
- How do I qualify for a GMAT waiver?
The GMAT or GRE is not required for admission to the online MBA; no waiver is needed.
The Online MBA is a rigorous program that requires quantitative aptitude. The Daniels School online programs admissions team will look for evidence of this in your application via previous coursework. If you feel that you do not have sufficient evidence in your previous coursework to demonstrate this aptitude, you may want to consider submitting a GMAT or GRE score to enhance your application.
If you have any other questions regarding GMAT/GRE testing, contact your Enrollment Specialist.
- Are official transcripts required when I apply? Where do I send them?
Transcripts from all universities attended must be submitted with your application. Official transcripts will need to be sent to the graduate school directly from the issuing institution to:
Email: GRADADM@purdue.edu
Mail:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Purdue University Young Hall, Room 170
155 South Grant Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2114
Admissions
- What are the application requirements?
A statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, team/cohort approach essay, resume, official transcripts, and an interview are required.
- How long will it take for me to hear back on my admissions decision?
The average decision time is 7 to 10 business days.
- Is there an interview? Is it virtual?
Yes. All applicants who meet our application criteria must complete a virtual interview with the program manager as a part of the admissions process. Once you submit your application, you will receive an email to schedule your 30-minute interview via Zoom.
- What are the application deadlines?
We offer three entry terms each year, and accept applications year-round. Check the online MBA Overview page for upcoming application deadlines for each entry term.
- Can I transfer credit into the online MBA program?
It is possible to transfer credit, but it is subject to review by the Daniels School. Transfer credits will only be evaluated upon the applicant receiving an admissions offer and accepting their enrollment.
- Can I enroll as a part-time student?
Yes, you can enroll as a part-time student. You need to take a minimum of 4 credit hours every semester or 1–2 courses per module.
- Do international students need to take TOEFL to apply?
TOEFL scores are not required for international applicants.
- What is the tuition for international students?
Tuition for non-Indiana residents, including international students, is $62,102.40 including fees. Tuition is subject to change.
Tuition and Funding
- Is financial aid available?
Many students are eligible for financial aid. Purdue also offers installment plans and sponsored billing and payments for students who receive company support to pursue their studies.
- Are there any scholarships?
There are no scholarships available for this program.
- How much does the program cost?
Below are the program costs for Indiana and non-Indiana residents.
- Indiana residents: $60,000.00 including fees
- Non-Indiana residents: $62,102.40 including fees
- When is tuition due?
A $1,000 no-refundable deposit is due upon your acceptance into the program to hold your seat for your desired semester. This deposit will later be applied to your tuition bill.
Tuition and fees are always due, paid in full, on the first day of the semester, unless you are on an installment plan.
In the fall and spring semesters, cancellation is the Monday after the start of classes. If the student has not paid in full by 4:00 pm ET the Monday after classes start, the student will be subject to registration cancellation. Summer cancellation varies depending on the length of the modules. There will be email notifications sent to the student's Purdue email address notifying them of any pending issues or of cancellation.
- Can I use military benefits for the online MBA?
Yes, students can work with our Veteran’s Success Center to discuss their specific benefit.
- Will I be required to buy textbooks or other materials?
Some courses may require textbooks and other course materials. An updated textbook and course material list will be available in your onboarding course upon your acceptance into the online MBA program.
- Are there payment plans?
Yes, there are installment plans and sponsored billing and payments. For information about payment plans, please visit our Office of the Bursar for more details.
Curriculum and Structure
- How are classes structured? What is a module and how many weeks long is a module?
Classes are typically 8 weeks long with the exception of project courses and specialty electives. Each traditional term/semester comprises two modules that include 7 weeks of coursework and a 1-week break.
- How many courses do I have to take in one term/semester?
Your course load is customizable depending on your individualized needs. Students can take 1 to 2 courses per module. You would need to be enrolled in at least 1 course every module. To receive financial aid, you need to be registered for a minimum of 4 credit hours per term/semester.
- How many hours per week should I plan to allocate per course?
Most MBA courses range from 1 to 3 credit hours. We recommend planning on 15 to 20 hours per week per course for studies. This amount will vary week-to-week and will depend on your previous knowledge or experience with the subject material.
- What will my diploma say?
Your diploma will be awarded by Purdue University, West Lafayette, as a Master of Business Administration. Neither your degree nor your transcripts will indicate that the degree was earned online.
- Are the faculty and staff from the West Lafayette campus?
Yes, the faculty and staff are from the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business (formerly Krannert School of Management) or other academic units from the West Lafayette campus. Online faculty also teach classes at the West Lafayette campus.
- What if I am unable to complete the program in 2 years?
This program is designed to allow for flexibility. Course loads can be modified to allow for degree completion in 2 to 5 years.
- How long is the program?
The program will last a minimum of 2 years, and a maximum of 5 years. Most students complete their degree within 2 to 3 years.
- How many students will be in my classes?
On average, our classes have 39 students enrolled.
Student Experience
- How flexible is the program?
Courses are 100% online and asynchronous. While there is no required class session meeting time, the faculty do host live virtual sessions for deep dives and office hours, which are also recorded for you to view at any time.
Learn more about the online experience from Purdue students.
- How am I supported in my student journey?
You will be assigned a Student Success Coach and Academic Advisor who will provide guidance throughout your program and help ensure your successful graduation. In addition, a certified Executive Coach provides specialized career support targeting your individual goals.
You can meet with these staff via phone or live video call. Faculty also offer many opportunities to connect and get 1-on-1 support through office hours and live virtual sessions.
- What’s the difference between a Student Success Coach and an Academic Advisor?
Your Academic Advisor will help you stay on track in your courses, ensuring you are meeting the program’s requirements. A Student Success Coach looks holistically at how the academic piece fits into your overall life and career and helps foster an effective and sustainable student experience. They will motivate and inspire you to accomplish your goals and help minimize barriers through strategic success plans, academic interventions, and impactful programming and event opportunities. They’ll work hand-in-hand with existing campus resources to identify your needs and facilitate your engagement with the Purdue community.
Learn more about the support a dedicated Student Success Coach provides.
- What career resources are there?
As a Purdue Online MBA student, you will have full access to our career services office. This includes a 1-on-1 partnership with a certified Executive Coach who will help you improve performance, maximize your potential and transform tough situations to achieve professional goals. Our services include support with:
- Facilitating career exploration
- Providing and interpreting self-assessments
- Defining career goals
- Developing job search strategies
- Networking guidance and opportunities
- Communicating your personal brand (e.g., resume, LinkedIn, and cover letter support)
- Interview skills (including and mock interview support)
In addition, the Daniels School of Business career services office provides:
- Employer engagement opportunities through virtual career fairs and information sessions
- Career and professional development workshops
- Connections to the vast and supportive business school alumni network
- Resources and connections for entrepreneurs through the Purdue Foundry, a hub for practical support in starting companies that launch the ideas and innovations of Purdue students and faculty.
- Are there internships available for this MBA program?
There are no available internships for this program.
- Do I ever need to come to campus?
No, you will not be required to come to campus.
- Can the online MBA be completed while working full time?
Yes, it is online and asynchronous so you are able to work full time. Almost all online MBA students are working professionals.
- Do I get to know my classmates and professors?
Yes. There are ample opportunities to get to know your peers and professors through collaborative activities, group projects, live virtual sessions, and social events. In addition, voluntary faculty engagement sessions held in the evenings allow students to connect informally with faculty and success coaches. Here, you can discuss current trends, course topics, current issues they may be having with their course work, and/or socialize.
- What Are the Technical Requirements For The Program?
Laptop Recommendations
Personal laptops are strongly recommended for completing the program. If you find yourself using a company laptop, make sure you work with your IT Administrator to allow connection to the Purdue VPN, various apps and software used in various courses. Students should be very careful if using a company laptop when attempting to complete online proctor exams (see above).
Minimum laptop recommendations:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or better
- Memory: 8GB RAM or better
- Video Card: any
- Hard Drive: 250GB+ (SSD for better performance)
- Optical Drive: Not required
- Networking:
- Gigabit Ethernet and Wireless 802.11 (G, N, and/or AC)
- Gigabit Ethernet connection (or appropriate Dongle or USB networking adapter)
- Wireless 802.11 (preferably AC, but also G or N)
- External Ports: at least 1 USB 2.0 (or higher) port
- Anti-virus: Windows Defender
- Windows/Mac Updates: Apply all critical patches and check for updates automatically
Video FAQs
Watch as actual students as well as the Daniels School's former Dean and staff answer questions about the Purdue Online MBA.