Master of Business Administration

The Augustana University Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

• Graduates with a bachelor's degree in any major from any college or university may apply to Augustana's MBA program. Undergraduate students who have earned at least 90 undergraduate credits may apply for the MBA.

• Prerequisites are undergraduate courses in accounting, economics and management information systems or the equivalents.

• The online application requires official transcripts, a 500-word personal statement and two letters of recommendation (letters are waived for Augustana undergraduate students). GMAT or GRE scores are not needed for students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Students with a GPA below 3.0 need to submit GMAT or GRE scores with their application. (There are additional application requirements for international students. See our FAQs for more info.)

• Applications for students in the U.S. are received and reviewed on a rolling basis. 
• International students' applications are due by Dec. 1, for spring enrollment and July 1, for fall enrollment.

The mission of the Augustana University Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program is to develop the values, knowledge, leadership and business skills to be engaged, well-informed citizens and successful business and community leaders.

F-1 visa holders are allowed to apply for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) which provides the opportunity to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after completion of a degree. Additionally, because Augustana’s MBA program is STEM designated as Management Science (52.1301), international students in the program have an opportunity to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, allowing for a total of up to three years of OPT employment in the U.S.

Augustana's MBA program also provides opportunities for international students to participate in off campus employment through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) after completing two terms in the MBA program. CPT requires registration in one-credit per term internships.

Applications require the completed online form, an official transcript, two recommendation letters and a personal statement essay. Students with a GPA below 3.0 also need to submit GMAT or GRE scores with their application.

All admission decisions are made within two weeks of application submission.

This program can be completed in 1-2 years, depending on the student's needs, interests and completion of prerequisites.

Yes, the fee is $60. This fee is waived for Augustana undergraduate students.

To be considered for admission to this program, submit the following, along with your application.

• Official transcripts showing proof of completed degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better, from the undergraduate institution mailed directly to the Augustana Office of Graduate Education. Electronic transcripts can be sent to graduate@paksel.net.
• Names of two references with contact information
• A 400-500 word essay (specific instructions are included in the application)
• A non-refundable application fee of $60

Yes, there are additional application requirements for international students, which include:

• English proficiency exam with one of the following minimum scores (TOEFL 94; IELTS 7.0; Duolingo 115)

• Proof of financing for one year of study

• Copy of the photo page of your passport

• GRE or GMAT result (only required if GPA equivalent is less than 3.0)

The MBA program is designed to enhance students' leadership, knowledge and passions. Students majoring in any subject area are welcome to apply.

Courses in accounting, economics and management information systems, or equivalents, are required.

GMAT or GRE scores are not needed for students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Students with a GPA below 3.0 need to submit GMAT or GRE scores with their application.

The faculty members in Augustana's MBA program are caring with practical experience in multiple business sectors. Small class sizes permit robust discussion and cross-cultural learning, and the Leadership Academy provides students with an opportunity to engage with top business leaders from the region. 

In addition, business leaders must be equipped with broad knowledge of the world, critical thinking skills and a strong sense of social responsibility. These attributes are hallmarks of a liberal arts education. Augustana combines its foundation in the liberal arts, professional skills, advanced study and community responsiveness.

The Leadership Academy links theories and on-the-job realities. The Leadership Academy includes the Mentoring Program, in which every MBA student has a mentor from the Sioux Falls business community, and the Leadership Seminar Series, a monthly seminar where top leaders from the community discuss current leadership topics with students, expand professional networks and help prepare students for meaningful careers.

Program leaders surveyed hundreds of undergraduates, Augustana alumni, organizational leaders in the region and young business professionals about their career goals and motivations for earning an MBA. The majority of respondents reported the desire to learn ethical leadership skills, data analysis and the opportunity to hone their personal character.

New MBA students starting the program will pay Augustana's MBA graduate tuition and program fees. All graduate students seeking U.S. federal assistance and/or student loans must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Augustana does not offer scholarships for the traditional MBA graduate program. Contact the Augustana Office of Financial Aid for further details about the FAFSA process.

A maximum of nine semester hours of graduate credit earned at other accredited institutions may be transferred to Augustana and applied to a student's graduate program.