FAQs
Do I need two years of work experience?
Yes, we do require applicants to have two years of professional experience. Professional experience provides applicants with the real-world organizational knowledge and background to apply to the theories and ideas presented during the MBA program.
I don't have a undergraduate degree in business, am I eligible for the MBA program?
Unlike most master's programs, you don't need to have an undergrad in business to take the MBA program. In fact, more than 80% of students entering the Fort McMurray MBA program don't have a business background.
What are the most heavily weighted factors in my application?
All aspects of your application are important. The admissions committee does not weigh one factor more than another and considers the whole picture. The committee looks at both the academic (GPA, GMAT), professional (work experience) and personal (statement of intent, references, extra-curricular) components of your application. Your references support your application by providing us with independent assessments of your academic or work experience, while your statement of intent provides you with the opportunity to highlight your strengths and suitability to the Alberta MBA Program.
What are the requirements for students with education outside of North America?
The minimum requirements listed below are a general guideline for a few countries. For a full list of minimum GPA requirements, please visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research website.
China (People's Republic): 80%; 4 out of 5; B
England: Second Class, Upper Division
India: 60%; First Class Standing/Division; 7 out of 10
Iran: 15 out of 20
The University of Alberta recognizes English as the official language of instruction in certain countries. For a full list of International Universities that are exempt from the English language proficiency requirement, please visit the following website:
UAlberta English Language Proficiency Exemptions
China (People's Republic): 80%; 4 out of 5; B
England: Second Class, Upper Division
India: 60%; First Class Standing/Division; 7 out of 10
Iran: 15 out of 20
The University of Alberta recognizes English as the official language of instruction in certain countries. For a full list of International Universities that are exempt from the English language proficiency requirement, please visit the following website:
UAlberta English Language Proficiency Exemptions
What GPA do I need to be considered for admission?
We look for applicants to have a GPA of 3.0 or greater over their last 60 credits. For individuals with considerable post-graduation experience, there is some flexibility towards the 3.0 GPA requirement. Please contact us for more information.
What is the application process for the Fort McMurray MBA?
Aside from a few small differences, the application process and requirements for the UAlberta MBA in Fort McMurray are the same as our program offered in Edmonton. We evaluate applications on a rolling basis. We are aiming for a class size of 35 students. The class size will vary depending on the applicant pool.
Applications will open on October 1, 2020, and will close on June 1, 2021.
What is the average workload I can expect?
We advise students to expect to put in roughly 1.5 - 2 hours of study for each hour in the classroom. The actual amount of study and preparation time does vary by course and would also be related to a student's individual strengths.
What is the GMAT?
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized assessment required by most business schools. The exam measures your verbal, quantitative, analytical writing, and integrative reasoning skills. The GMAT is a good predictor of academic success in the MBA program. The minimum score we require is 550. You can find out more about the GMAT at www.mba.com
What type of work experience do I need?
We consider applicants from a wide range of backgrounds; from technicians to engineers. We do not specifically require management or business experience but would look for you to be in a position where your degree is required.