Who attends the Professional MBA?
The successful Professional MBA student will be a professional who is motivated by a sincere desire to learn and to advance his or her career. The admissions committee will consider a variety of factors when selecting class members: professional performance, academic records, professional recommendations, and previously demonstrated ability to accomplish graduate-level business course work. Most students will enter the program with two or more years of professional and/or managerial experience. An undergraduate degree is required, though it need not be a business degree. Although test scores, grade point averages, and other objective criteria are all considered, an applicant's background, work experience, career goals, desire to succeed, and numerous other factors will also be considered when admission decisions are made.
What impact will a Professional MBA have on my career?
Professionally, an MBA provides the skills needed to accept and handle additional management responsibility. An MBA degree reflects an advanced level of knowledge and skill in a wide range of contemporary management topics. It also implies a well-developed understanding of strategic thinking and planning. For the entrepreneur, the knowledge gained while earning an MBA can make the difference between success and failure in a highly competitive environment.
What's different about the Professional MBA curriculum?
The courses offered are similar to those taught in traditional MBA programs—accounting, finance, statistics, management, marketing, and information technology—but the schedule is uniquely structured so students learn a maximum amount of course material in a challenging but manageable period of time.
When does the program start?
Students begin the program in January and complete their final class session in June two and one-half years later. There is a two-month break in July and August each year to allow students some personal time. Each January a new cohort will begin the program.
How many courses are there?
There are 18 courses, each of which is four credits, for a total of 72 credit hours for the program.
How much of a time commitment is involved?
The program is designed with the working professional in mind. Success in professional life demands a substantial and regular commitment of time, and the same can be said for the Professional MBA. Courses and assignments are both challenging and rewarding. Each team member should allot at least 15-20 hours per week for a combination of classroom work, computer and research efforts, and course assignments. Although the burden is eased by the support of other students, the program does require a high level of motivation and commitment.
What are the application qualifications?
Applicants must be working full-time and possess a minimum of one year of full-time professional work experience; they must also have earned a U.S.-equivalent four-year bachelor’s degree. The GMAT and completion of the online application are also required.
Do I need to take the GMAT?
Yes, all applicants must take the GMAT within five years of matriculation. http://www.mba.com/mba
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for January 2010 admission is November 1, 2009. We may still be accepting applications after the deadline. Please contact admissions at 217-244-7602 for more information.
Are international students eligible to apply?
Yes, if they have an H-1B visa and they continue to work full time. It is not legally possible to provide an F-1 student visa to part-time international students.
I have taken some graduate courses. Can I transfer them to your program?
Credits from courses taken previously are not transferable. The program’s lock-step curriculum has been designed to ensure that your cohort is mutually supportive and networking is maximized. The interaction among the peers in each study group is as valuable to their team members’ educations as the content of the courses themselves.
Is a laptop computer required?
Although it is not mandatory, students are strongly encouraged to purchase a laptop computer with wireless networking capabilities.
Can I afford the Professional MBA?
An MBA is an investment in both career and future success. Considering the high-quality faculty, facilities, and support staff dedicated to the program, the costs are modest in comparison to the benefits. Prospective students are encouraged to contact their employers to determine if tuition assistance is available. Students who are not supported by their companies often qualify for loans and financial aid. MBA tuition is determined by the number of credits taken in a given semester and is paid on a semester basis. A $750 non-refundable enrollment deposit is required at the time of admission. This will be applied to the first semester’s tuition at the time of matriculation.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, visit our Financial Aid page for scholarship and loan information.
No. Although many students probably will receive some type of employer assistance, students may pay tuition independently.
Does the Professional MBA qualify for tuition waivers for University of Illinois employees?
The Professional MBA is a self-supporting program, and tuition waivers are not granted for this program (see Code of Policies and Regulations Applying to All Students Rule 51.E). We are in the process of developing a scholarship program for university employees, which will provide a range of scholarships that range from 25% to 100% scholarships. Details for these scholarships will be released by September 1, 2009. Check our financial aid page after September 1 for complete details
When and where do classes meet?
Classes for the Professional MBA meet on Monday and Wednesday evenings from approximately 6:00-9:00 p.m. Classes are held ten months out of the year, and there are no classes in July and August. All classes are held on the Urbana-Champaign campus in the Business Instructional Facility.
Do you hold any classes in Chicago?
The Professional MBA only holds classes on the Urbana-Champaign campus. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign also has an Executive MBA, which meets in downtown Chicago. This program is run out of the Chicago office, and they can be reached at 312-575-0900 or emba@illinois.edu.
Is transportation provided?
Currently, transportation is provided from Decatur and Bloomington to campus. The cost is minimal and picks up and returns to one location. At this time transportation is not provided to any other city. We do have students driving from Peoria to Bloomington to pick up the shuttle.
How much does the study abroad trip cost?
Every January students have the opportunity to attend a one-week study abroad trip. The trip is optional and students can choose from one of two locations. Because you can register for the trip during module III or module VI the tuition for the course will not cost extra. There is a $200- $400 charge for lodging (which is supplemented by the program) plus the cost of your flight.