Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the MBA program? How many units do I need to complete it?
The Fully Employed MBA Program is a 27-month (Spring Class, includes summers) or 33 month (Fall Class, excluding summers) program that follows the quarter system. 78 units are required to complete the program (12 core courses, 6 elective courses, 3 residentials.)
Does the MBA program offer areas of concentration?
During the second year of the MBA program, you have the opportunity to customize your curriculum in the area of your interest with the electives offered. The program offers focused areas of study, including:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Global
- Healthcare
- Information Systems
- Marketing
- Operation and Decision Technologies
- Organization & Management
- Real Estate
- Strategy
If I enter the FEMBA program in the Fall, could I take courses during the summer to accelerate
Yes, you may, however, the FEMBA program is based on the cohort system which means that you take all of your core classes with your cohort (Spring or Fall) and then you take electives with all of the FEMBA students that graduate in your graduation year (2017, or 2018, etc.)
You could feasibly take elective courses during the summer, provided that the instructor approves and there are seats available in the class.
Admissions & Applications
How do I apply?
Candidates are required to apply through our online application. Supporting documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation (if you are not submitting them online) should be mailed in one package to:
The Paul Merage School of Business
UC Irvine
Full Employed MBA Recruitment and Admissions
4293 Pereira Drive, Suite 4500
Irvine, CA 92697-3125
When can I apply? When are the application deadlines?
Applications are processed on a rolling admissions basis, meaning they are evaluated as they are received. Below are target deadlines to assist you in your application planning:
- April 1, 2017
- June 1, 2017
- July 15, 2017
Are there any advantages to applying early?
Yes. Applicants are notified of admissions decisions and fellowship award packages continuously throughout the admissions cycle. We typically notify candidates of their admissions decision within 2-3 weeks after each deadline, or possibly earlier, depending on when you apply to the FEMBA Program.
How does your admissions process work? How long does it take to get a decision?
When an application is complete with all supporting documents, it is reviewed by the Admissions Committee. An interview is required for the FEMBA program; you may schedule your interview before you submit your online application or after you submit your application.
Admissions decisions are usually made every 3-4 weeks.
If I have already completed MBA classes at another university, may I waive some of the classes or transfer credit?
It may be possible to waive certain core courses, which is at the discretion of the faculty and will not expedite your graduation. All students must complete the same number of units (78).
Am I eligible to apply if I already have an MBA degree from another university?
University of California, Irvine policy prohibits the awarding of duplicate degrees. We are unable to consider your application if you have an MBA degree from another university.
How much is the application fee? Can I request an application fee waiver?
The application fee is $150.00. We do not offer application fee waivers at this time.
What does the Admissions Committee look for in an applicant?
The Admissions Committee seeks to create a dynamic and diverse MBA class with students who will make a unique contribution to the MBA experience. Students come from various academic and professional backgrounds and share in common intelligence, a proven track record in their academic and professional pursuits, and in their drive to excel and fulfill their leadership potential.
Is work experience required for admission?
We have a preferred work experience requirement of 2 years. Candidates with less than two years of strong work experience are encouraged to apply, but we recommend that you contact us first to find out if the FEMBA program is right for you. FEMBA students have an average of six years of full-time work experience.
Do I need to have a business background to apply to the program?
No, you do not need to have an undergraduate degree in business. Our students come from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. For additional information, please refer to the class profile.
Are there any prerequisites for admission to the FEMBA Program?
There are no specific prerequisite requirements for the Fully Employed MBA Program. However, the Admissions Committee does look for evidence of quantitative proficiency in all applicants. We strongly recommend that applicants complete, at a minimum, a college-level mathematics and statistics course.
From whom should I get my recommendations?
Letters of recommendations from direct supervisors are preferred. They may also be obtained from people who know you professionally, such as clients, former bosses, or others who know your professional abilities. Recommendations from professors are not helpful unless you have done extensive work or research with them, or you have been out of school for less than two years.
May I submit more than two recommendations?
Students may submit a maximum of three letters of recommendation. However, due to the large number of applications and recommendations received by our office, we ask applicants to submit no more than two letters of recommendation.
How do I submit my letters of recommendation?
We prefer that you submit your recommendations through our online application. However, if your recommenders prefer to complete the recommendation form on paper, please mail the sealed letters along with your other supporting documents to:
The Paul Merage School of Business
UC Irvine
Full-Time MBA Recruitment and Admissions
4293 Pereira Drive, SB1 Suite 4500
Irvine, CA 92697-3125
