Master of Business Administration - MBA

The MBA program is a 30-credit program. The Foundation Courses are required for students who do not have prior coursework in business. The courses may be waived for students who earned B or better in similar undergraduate courses.

Prerequisite Foundation Courses

Required Advance Core Courses

Electives, 9 credits: If you do not choose an option, then you’re able to take any 3 graduate level business electives and earn a General Business Option.

Cost Per Credit: $655
Term Registration Fee: $30

Estimated Total Program Cost (30 credits): $19,650 

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

• Application:
  • Summer '25-Spring '26
  • Summer'26- Spring '27
• Application Fee: $75
• Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages)
• Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants.
• Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required. 
• Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required for Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) applicants. It is accepted, but not required, for master's applicants.
• Resume

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

International Applicants

Transcripts must show degree completion and include a credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, such as:

• Center for Educational Documentation (CED)
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
• World Education Services (WES)

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 100+ (Master of Business Administration is 90+)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 7.0+
• Duolingo: 135+
• ASC English: Level 6+
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): 72+

• Accounting: Accounting is the recording, classifying and summarizing of financial transactions to provide information for sound business decision-making. MBA students learn to prepare financial statements and use accounting information to make informed decisions.
• Business Communications: You will develop the skills to communicate, verbally and in writing, with different audiences, such as employees, customers, investors and the media.
• Business Ethics: You will learn about the different ethical frameworks that can be used to make decisions in business and discuss case studies of ethical dilemmas that companies have faced.
• Business Strategy: Business strategy is planning how a company will achieve its goals. You will learn different techniques, how to analyze a company's competitive environment and how to give your company a competitive advantage.
• Corporate Finance: Corporate finance teaches how companies raise and allocate capital. You will learn about the different types of financing, how to make investment decisions and manage financial risks.
• Leadership: Leadership is influencing others to achieve a common goal. As an MBA student, you'll learn about the different styles of leadership and how to motivate and inspire others.
• Marketing: Marketing involves creating, communicating and delivering messages that have value for customers, clients and society at large. You will learn different marketing strategies, how to conduct market research and how to develop marketing campaigns.
• Operations Management: Operations management is the process that produces and services. As an MBA student, you will learn key facets of operations management, such as supply chain management, quality control and inventory management.
• Organizational Behavior: You will analyze the factors that affect organizational behavior, such as motivation, communication and conflict resolution.

• Networking: The alumni network from your MBA program can be a valuable resource for your career. Alums often provide job leads, introductions to potential employers and mentorship.
• Recruiting: Top-tier MBA programs attract recruiters from prestigious companies. You will have more opportunities to interview for high-paying jobs at top companies.
• Salary: Graduates of top-tier MBA programs typically earn higher starting salaries than graduates of less prestigious programs. Employers are often willing to pay more if they believe you are more qualified.
• Career advancement: You are more likely to be promoted to senior positions if you graduate from a highly-ranked program. Employers view these graduates as having the skills and experience necessary to succeed in leadership roles.

• Demonstrate strong academic performance: A strong undergraduate GPA, regardless of your major, indicates your ability to work hard, stay organized and succeed.
• Highlight relevant work experience: If you have work experience in a business-related field, even without a business degree, it can demonstrate your understanding of business principles and your ability to apply them in a practical setting. Consider this when writing your statement of purpose. 
• Complete a Graduate Certificate: At UMass Lowell, the Graduate Certificate program in Foundations of Business covers all the required foundation courses for the MBA. Not only will the courses in this program prepare you for entry to the MBA program, but it is also another excellent credential to add to your resume. 

• Management consulting: Management consultants work with organizations to identify and solve problems, improve efficiency and develop growth strategies. They have critical thinking and problem-solving skills and can communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Finance: If you have strong quantitative skills and an interest in financial markets, finance may be the field for you. Finance professionals work in various roles, including investment banking, corporate finance and financial analysis. 
• Marketing: Marketing professionals develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products, services and brands. MBA graduates with strong creative skills who are interested in consumer behavior do well as marketers.  
• Operations management: As an operations manager, you'll oversee the production of goods and services. In addition to possessing strong analytical and problem-solving skills, you'll need the ability to manage and motivate teams.
• Entrepreneurship: If you're interested in running your own business, an MBA will give you a great foundation as an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs have strong leadership and business skills and the willingness to take risks and innovate.