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.

  • For international students, additional requirements 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)
    • Transcripts provided should either be in English or an official English Transcript Evaluation should be included in your application.
• 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.

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.

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.

Why earn an MBA from Augustana University?

The Augustana MBA Program combines advanced business study with an emphasis on leadership and ethical decision-making. Small classes support discussion and cross-cultural learning, while the Leadership Academy connects students with experienced leaders from the Sioux Falls business community.

How long does it take to complete Augustana’s MBA program?

Augustana’s MBA program can be completed in 1-2 years, depending on the student's needs, interests and completion of prerequisites.
What prerequisites are required for the MBA?

Applicants with a bachelor's degree in any major may apply, or current Augustana students who have completed 90 credits may apply. MBA applicants need undergraduate coursework in accounting, economics and management information systems, or approved equivalents. Prospective students should ask if they are unsure whether a class satisfies a prerequisite.

Is a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required for MBA admission?

GMAT or GRE scores are not needed for students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Students with a GPA of less than a 3.0 should contact the MBA program director to discuss your options.

What are the admission requirements for the Augustana MBA Program?

Augustana MBA applicants submit the application, official transcripts, a 500-word personal statement, two recommendation letters and the applicable application fee. Recommendation letters and the application fee are waived for Augustana undergraduate students. All admission decisions are made within two weeks of application submission. The application fee is $60. This fee is waived for Augustana undergraduate students.

Is the Augustana MBA application process different for international students?

Yes. There are additional application requirements for international students. In addition to the application requirements listed in the admission requirements, the following is required:

• 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)

Transcripts provided should either be in English or an official English Transcript Evaluation should be included in your application.

What is the Leadership Academy?

Augustana MBA’s Leadership Academy links theories and on-the-job realities. The Leadership Academy includes a mentoring program, in which every MBA student has a mentor from the Sioux Falls business community. 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.

Is financial aid available for students in the Augustana MBA Program?

New MBA students 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.

Can I transfer graduate credits?

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.