Applying to the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business

We understand taking the GMAT or GRE can be intimidating. However, we strongly encourage you to select your program of interest based on your goals and what you would like to get from the program. It is important to note that MBA programs provide a breadth of knowledge across disciplines while specialized master’s degrees are focused in a single discipline. Further, full-time MBA programs are best suited for candidates that want to advance or make a change in their career while part-time MBA programs are typically suited for candidates that intend to stay within their current field.

That being said, the GMAT/GRE requirement can be waived in some circumstances based on the policies below. If you meet one of these requirements, please outline this in your optional essay within the application. Note: Test scores cannot be discarded once submitted, even if you may qualify for a waiver.

The Denver MBA (full time)
For Denver MBA candidates, the GMAT/GRE may be waived for:

• Individuals pursuing a formal dual degree at the University of Denver who have successfully petitioned for waiver approval with the director of Graduate Admissions at the Daniels College of Business.
• Individuals who have earned an accredited graduate degree and have successfully petitioned for waiver approval with the director of Graduate Admissions at the Daniels College of Business.
• Individuals who have at least 10 years of professional work experience, with at least 8 years in a progressively responsible management role.

Candidates must petition for waiver approval with the director of Graduate Admissions at the Daniels College of Business.

Part-Time Professional MBA and MBA@Denver (online)
For Part-Time Professional MBA and MBA@Denver candidates, the GMAT/GRE requirement can be waived for:

• Individuals who have earned a graduate degree from an accredited college or university
• Individuals who have at least 10 years of professional work experience, with at least 8 years in a progressively responsible management role.
• Individuals with more than 3 years of professional work experience, with at least a 3.2 GPA in their undergraduate major area of study.
• Individuals with more than 5 years of professional work experience who provide written documentation (resume or essay are acceptable) that the combination of academic, professional, military experience or employer-development support makes them prepared for success in the MBA program.
• Individuals who have completed graduate-level courses at Daniels with at least a 3.0 average in two quantitative courses (i.e., accounting, business information & analytics, finance)

Master of Science in Business Analytics
For MSBA candidates, the GMAT/GRE may be waived for:

• Accelerated Admissions: New graduates or individuals in their senior year of a U.S. undergraduate degree program with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (must enroll within one year of completing a bachelor’s degree)
• Individuals who have earned an accredited graduate degree in a related field
• Individuals with more than 5 years of professional work experience, who provide written documentation (resume or essay are acceptable) that their combination of academic, professional, military experience or employer development support has prepared them for success in the program.
• Individuals who have completed at least two graduate-level non-degree courses within the Master of Science in Business Analytics, earning a minimum average 3.00 GPA

Test-Optional Programs

Many specialized master’s degrees at Daniels are test-optional, including:

• Master of Accountancy
• Master of Science in Applied Quantitative Finance
• Master of Science in Management
• Master of Science in Marketing
• Master of Science in Real Estate and the Built Environment

Applicants should recognize that “test-optional” does not mean that a GMAT or GRE test score may not be an important aspect of an applicant’s profile, but rather that an applicant may choose whether or not to submit a GMAT or GRE test score as a strategic component of their application. Applicants should evaluate the strength of their individual academic histories and professional profiles to determine if a strong test score is necessary to support their candidacy.

Essays are assessed for clarity, organization, conciseness and grammar. Through the essays, you can communicate what you hope to achieve at Daniels and how you will contribute to the Daniels community. Take advantage of the third optional open-topic essay to let us know what sets you apart from other applicants.

Essay 1 (required): Briefly discuss your career objectives post-graduate school. How will your professional experience, combined with our degree program, help you to achieve these goals? What are your alternative career paths? (350 words)

Essay 2 (required): Respond to one of the following prompts (250 words): My favorite memory is… I’m most afraid of… My greatest challenge has been… I’m most proud of…

Essay 3 (optional): Is there anything else that we should know as we evaluate your application? If you feel your credentials and essays represent you fairly, please don’t feel obligated to submit another essay. (250 words).

We do not require work experience for specialized master’s degrees. However, MBA degrees require at least two years of full-time professional work experience; three years is preferred. The Executive MBA degree requires ten years of work experience, with at least eight in a progressively responsible management role. In reviewing your work experience, we consider your achievements, managerial or leadership potential, contributions to the community, personal ethics and values and motivation for a graduate business degree.

Please refer to this link for examples of a professional résumé.

Candidates are required to submit a $100 application fee.

As a way of honoring our valued community members and those who serve our country, past and present, we offer application fee waivers to the following individuals:

• University of Denver alumni and current students
• Current University of Denver employees
• Current and former members of the U.S. military
• Current and former members of Peace Corps
• Current and former members of AmeriCorps
• Current and former members of Teach for America
• Current and former members of the McNair Scholars program

The Daniels College of Business offers admissions incentives for current undergraduate students who hold and maintain a cumulative 3.0+ GPA at a regionally-accredited institution. Eligible students can apply to one of six specialized master’s degrees with no GMAT requirement. Click here to learn more about the Master’s Accelerated Admissions Process (MAAP).

If you are accepted into a Daniels program (other than the MBA@Denver), a $1,500 enrollment deposit is due to reserve your seat. This deposit is non-refundable and is credited toward your first tuition payment.

If you are accepted into the MBA@Denver online program, a $500 enrollment deposit is due to reserve your seat. This deposit is non-refundable and is credited toward your first tuition payment.