Professional MBA Frequently Asked Questions

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis within each round. Decisions are released ahead of, and no later than, the final decision dates for each round.

Columbia does not accept simultaneous applications to its MBA programs. Please apply to the program that most closely reflects your professional, personal, and geographic interests and experience. Admissions officers will be happy to offer guidance with your choice. If you wish to explore the possibility of admission to a different program during the application process, it is possible to request that the Admissions Committee discuss your suitability for a different program. We reserve the right to withdraw offers of admission to any candidate who does not disclose a prior application to any other Columbia MBA program.

The invitation-only interview is a chance for us to get to know you beyond your written application and for you to ask questions. Once you submit your application, you may be contacted to schedule a time to meet.

As a matter of policy, Columbia Business School does not defer admitted students to future terms.

We understand the enormous commitment of time and energy that goes into applying to business school; unfortunately, we are not able to offer individual feedback on denied applications. Please know that this is a competitive process and we are only able to admit a portion of the many strong candidates who apply.

All decisions are final. There is no process for appeal.

Fee waivers for Professional MBA applications are available to active duty US military personnel. Proof of current service is required. Applicants who qualify for a fee waiver should create or log into the application and navigate to the "Review" page. Upon accessing the Fee Waiver Request form, applicants will provide proof of service and explain their need for a fee waiver. Qualified applicants who have already submitted an application should email [email protected] to request a Fee Waiver Request form. Please allow up to one week for an update to your online status regarding a fee waiver request.

Yes, we require that transcripts be translated to English upon submission. If your transcripts are not in English, you may translate them yourself and do not need to use World Education Services (WES). Please note that we require your original, official transcripts upon admission and reserve the right to rescind admission if we identify any discrepancy in your translation and the original transcript.

No. A valid test score is required when you submit your application. Scores will be verified after admission to the program.

No, this a requirement for your application. We offer no exemption under any circumstances.

Read more about our GMAT, Executive Assessment and GRE requirements.

Columbia Business School considers scores valid for five years after your test date. Please send your score report to Columbia Business School and submit your application at least one week before the scores expire. Columbia Business School's GMAT and Executive Assessment code is QF8-N6-52, and its GRE code is 6442. If admitted, we will need your official scores on file before matriculation.

GRE, GMAT, GMAT Focus, and EA scores are available for 5 years. Once they expire, you will not be able to submit official scores. If you are accepted and we do not have your scores on file you will have to re-take an examination.

Read more about our GMAT, Executive Assessment and GRE requirements.

Please submit an unofficial score report for the standardized test(s) you have taken. If you do not have a copy of your unofficial score report, you may submit an email, screenshot, or other informal documentation of your assessment score. Please note that we require your official score report upon admission and reserve the right to rescind admission if we identify any discrepancy in your unofficial and official score reports.

The Admissions Committee will consider only your highest score when reviewing an application and will not combine sub scores from multiple exams into a single composite score, even if a superscore is automatically included on your score report. We accept valid GMAT, Executive Assessment, and GRE scores and have no preference for which test(s) are submitted. You are invited to report scores from multiple testing attempts to provide a more complete testing history. Additional scores may be reviewed for context. If you are admitted to the program, you will be required to submit official score reports for all scores included on your application.

For students who would like to continue working while enrolled in an MBA program and have an average of 10 years of work experience or more, we encourage you to consider the Executive MBA New York program, meeting for five semesters on alternating Friday/Saturdays. We also offer EMBA-Global in partnership with London Business School. Please visit the EMBA website for more information.

Full-time employment is a requirement for both admission and matriculation into the Professional MBA Program. Should your employment change after your application is submitted, or any time prior to the start of classes, you must notify the Admissions Office immediately.

Applicants for the Professional MBA program do not require employer sponsorship of any kind (time away from work to attend class or financial support).

If your employment changes after submitting the application, please contact our office at [email protected] with your updated employment information. This is important for employment verification if you are admitted and will help to make the verification process smoother.

No. Because the Professional MBA program is designed to support working professionals, our career supports are focused on helping folks to accelerate in their current career paths. Students in this program do not participate in internships.  

Yes, however references submitted from personal or anonymous email accounts (e.g. Gmail, Yahoo, 123.com, 163.com, qq.com etc.) will be subject to your admission being rescinded if significant discrepancies are found.  Please ensure that if admitted, your recommender is aware that they will be contacted via email and phone in order to verify you recommendation. 

If your recommender does not have a business card, they can use another method to prove their employment including an email signature or LinkedIn profile. Please ensure that if admitted, your recommender is aware that they could be contacted via email and phone in order to verify your recommendation..

No. The Admissions team will only look at one letter of recommendation, ideally from your current manager. If you have multiple managers, select the one you think knows you and your strengths best.

Students must complete a total of 60 credits in order to graduate with an MBA from Columbia Business School. 

Learn more about Professional MBA cost of attendance.  

Full-time employment is a requirement of matriculation in the Professional MBA program. Students who are not US Citizens or Permanent Residents must secure their visas through their employers, and are responsible for confirming that their visa status permits them to both study and work in the US. Some examples of acceptable visa status for matriculation in the Professional MBA program are H-1, L-1, O-1, among others.

If you do not currently hold such a visa it is important to note that due to the program’s employment requirements, students in this program cannot be on F-1 student visa status.

Working in the US, even remotely for a foreign employer, could be a violation of US student visa regulations, so it is advisable to speak with an immigration attorney who may be able to suggest appropriate visa options based on the type of employment and company you have.

International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is a resource for international students from the time they are admitted through their entire matriculation at Columbia. ISSO has a robust "News" section that provides updates relevant to international students.