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).

Seniors are accepted into the Augustana University Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program if they meet prerequisites or if they complete a 16-week preparatory course offered by Harvard Business School’s Credential of Readiness (CORe) curriculum. Accounting (ACCT 207 or 210), economics (ECON 121) and management information systems courses (COSC/BSAD 205), or the equivalents, are required prerequisites.

The online application requires official transcripts with GPA, GMAT or GRE scores (waived for 3.0 GPA or higher), a 1,300-word personal statement and two letters of recommendation.

• 4 +1 application (Applications for domestic students are due by Dec. 1, for spring enrollment and July 1, for fall enrollment.)
• 2-year application (The next cohort will begin in Fall 2024 — limited admissions are available until then. For information, contact the MBA program director.)

Applications for international students are due by Nov. 1, for spring enrollment and June 1, for fall enrollment.

The Augustana University Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program enhances student learning by cultivating innovation, collaboration, ethics and creativity. The focus on leadership is integral to the MBA's curriculum and outcomes. The Augustana University Leadership Academy is a key component in the MBA program designed to connect students with community leaders through mentorship and leadership development opportunities. Relationships among students, and regional business leaders provide an invaluable link between academic theories and on-the-job realities.

Applications will include the completed online form, an official transcript, two recommendation letters and a personal statement essay. For more information, visit the graduate education page.

All admission decisions will be made within 30 days of application submission.

This program is 13-16 months, depending on the beginning term. Courses should be taken in the order offered.

Yes, the fee is $60. However, this fee is waived for students applying for the 4+1 track.

There are some additional application requirements.

To enroll at Augustana in the 2-year MBA program, admission requirements include:

• University transcripts with the equivalent of a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or better
• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• 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)

To enroll at Augustana as an undergraduate and later enroll in the 4+1 MBA program, admission requirements include:

• High school transcripts and national exams scores
• Personal statement
• English proficiency exam with one of the following minimum scores (TOEFL - 79; IELTS 6.5; Duolingo 105)*
• Proof of financing for one year of study
• Copy of the photo page of your passport

The program is designed to embrace and enhance the liberal arts education so central to Augustana’s mission. Students majoring in any subject area are welcome to apply. They may take the three prerequisite classes on campus prior to applying for admission. Two-year students are also welcome to take prerequisite classes on campus or transfer in equivalent courses.

Accounting, economics and management information systems courses are required. 

• ECON 121
• ACCT 207 or 210 
• COSC/BSAD 205

For those who earned a 3.0 or higher GPA as an undergraduate, the GMAT/GRE requirement will be waived. Since the pandemic has created challenges in taking entrance exams, for the foreseeable future, this program intends to be flexible for applicants. 

To be considered for admission to this program, submit the following items to the Augustana Office of Graduate Education:

• 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@augie.edu.
• A copy of current teaching license
• 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

The program takes approximately two years. With proper planning, a 4+1 student completes the undergraduate degree and MBA in five years.

Augustana MBA Program coursework reflects the rigor and relevance expected of a nationally-respected liberal arts university. This program is distinctive in that students have mentors from the Sioux Falls business community throughout the program. Students and mentors tackle real business problems in a consulting capacity. This experience, tied with course theory, promotes students’ career ambitions and create more business leaders for the Sioux Falls region and beyond.

The Leadership Academy’s mission is to foster reciprocal and sustainable relationships among corporate leaders, professors, alumni and current students. It provides an invaluable link between academic 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 in which top leaders from the community discuss current leadership topics with students, expand professional networks and better 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 reported the desire to learn skills and strategies needed for leading in many industries and sectors, including skills and strategies needed to start their own business.

Students in the 4+1  will pay undergraduate tuition rates until they reach 124 credits, and their current financial aid packages will continue. They will then pay the graduate tuition rate for the 30 additional program credits. For 2-year students, options include applying employer-paid tuition benefits, financial aid or private pay. Contact the Augustana Office of Financial Aid with any questions.

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.

The majority of MBA alumni who were surveyed reported that their education increased their earnings power and accelerated career advancement faster than peers without a graduate education. 

All programs offered by Augustana University are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

No, new programs cannot seek accreditation until two years after the first cohort graduates.