Pre-program Competencies (Zarb School of Business) – No Credits

Pre-program competencies evaluate the readiness of admitted students to start the program with the appropriate level of skills in certain areas. These competencies must be completed during the first semester of starting the MBA program. Specific skills are evaluated for all MBA majors in the following areas –

• Statistics – Students are expected to understand the basic statistical concepts. Demonstration of this proficiency can be satisfied either through previous coursework in statistics taken within the preceding period of 5 years with a B or better grade at an accredited college or university, or by completing an online, self-paced module covering basic concepts in statistics. There is no cost associated with this module.
• Spreadsheet Skills – students are expected to register for an online module and complete an assessment exam. There is no cost associated with this module.
• Business Presentations – students are expected to complete an initial evaluation session to evaluate individual speaking skills, followed by additional sessions as required based on the student’s performance in the evaluation session. There is no cost associated with the initial evaluation session. A tuition charge equivalent of 0.7 credits will apply if students require additional sessions, or if students do not participate in the initial evaluation session.

Additionally, Calculus skills are evaluated for Finance and Business Analytics majors. This is evaluated through an online, proficiency exam. Those students who do not complete the calculus proficiency exam with a satisfactory score and others who feel a need to refresh their knowledge of calculus (finance and business analytics majors only) are encouraged to take an appropriate course to help them gain needed knowledge. This competency can be satisfied by previous equivalent course work taken within the preceding period of five years with a B or better grade at an accredited college or university

English Proficiency Requirement for International Students

In addition, newly admitted international students are required to take an English placement exam during fall and spring orientation. The exam consists of a short writing task on a topic of general interest and a standardized test including listening comprehension, grammar, and reading comprehension. Students, who do not meet the requirements for English proficiency based on the outcomes of the placement exam, must take ESL 235 (2.0 s.h.). All international students who are placed in ESL 235 (2.0 s.h.) must complete the course during the first semester in which they begin an MBA/MS program and must receive a grade of P (Pass). ESL 235 (2.0 s.h.) will carry no degree credit. A grade of P (pass) is required or the course has to be repeated the following semester.