Frequently Asked Questions:
About Marist's MBA Degree
1. Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in business to pursue my MBA at Marist College?
No. The Marist MBA degree program is designed to accommodate the academic needs of working professionals with undergraduate degrees in areas outside of business as well as graduates of business related programs. Marist's MBA program includes a series of seven (7) foundation courses that provide graduates of other disciplines with the academic cornerstones in business that they will need to successfully complete their graduate studies in business administration. Foundation courses may be waived based on prior academic experience.
2. How long does it take to complete the MBA degree program?
Depending upon your prior undergraduate preparation in Business Administration, you can complete the entire 30-credit program in as little as two (2) years. Candidates who have little or no preparation in Business Administration can complete the program in three to four years.
3. How long is each MBA course?
Traditional classroom-based courses are scheduled at the Marist Fishkill Executive Center - a professional office complex designed to meet the needs of working professionals. Each campus-based class meets one night per week for a 15-week semester.
Online MBA courses are also fifteen (15) weeks long and are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Throughout the semester, students access lectures, share course information, work on group projects, submit class work, and take exams, all online.
4. How are the MBA courses structured?
Online and classroom-based courses are organized and presented in much the same way. Lectures, readings, and class assignments are issued or posted at regular intervals throughout the course. Assignments and exams are time sensitive in that they are due on a specific date. Online students simply submit work electronically on the date it's due.
5. How do Online MBA courses work?
The communications capabilities are at the heart of the online MBA program and become seamless as you progress through the course. All work in the online classroom is completed and submitted online. You submit written work as an email attachment, such as a Word document or Excel spreadsheet. There is no on-campus requirement nor is everyone expected to be online at the same time. As with a traditional class, you are expected to read any textbook material or outside reading material prior to a certain due date specified in the course syllabus and course calendar. Usually, there are a number of discussion questions or problems due with each assignment that require you to answer and/or participate in class discussion. For example, your professor may ask you to express your views about the ethical aspects of a public policy. The professor expects each student to contribute their ideas in the conference room at their convenience by the due date and, where appropriate to discuss alternative viewpoints with their classmates. Everyone Participates!
6. Do I have to be a computer expert to pursue my MBA degree online?
No. The only computer skills required are a familiarity with Windows, the internet, and Microsoft Office.
7. How
do I apply to
the MBA program?
The MBA admissions process is the same whether you intend to pursue your MBA in the classroom, online, or a combination of both. Submit the following materials:
- A completed Graduate Admission Application (available online)
- A $50 application fee (you may pay this online if you are completing the online application or you may send a check or money order payable to Marist College)
- Responses to essay questions (hard copy or email)
- Official GMAT score report taken within the last five years (Marist College reporting code is K9K-FZ-91)
- Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
- A current resume (hard copy or email)
Please send all your hard copy materials to Marist College, Graduate & Adult Enrollment (see address at the bottom of this page). Students who already have a Master's Degree from an accredited institution are not required to take the GMAT exam. The Graduate & Adult Enrollment Office will notify you when your file is complete.
8. Whom do I call if I have questions?
The Director of Graduate Admissions is available to assist you with any additional questions you may have by email at Graduate@Marist.edu. Call the Graduate Admissions office at (845) 575-3800 or toll free 888-877-7900 to arrange a telephone or personal appointment.
