Master of Business Administration

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Frequently Asked Questions:

About Marist's MBA Degree

Now you have a choice: On-campus or Online
New York State's First Online MBA Program

  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. Students with extensive work experience in a foundation subject area, but no prior classwork in that area may choose to "test out" of the class.

  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 Administartion can complete the program in about three (3) years. Students may transfer in up to six (6) credits of approved graduate courses toward their MBA at Marist College.

  3. How long is each MBA course?

    Traditional classroom-based courses are scheduled at the Marist Fishkill 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 from approximately 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

    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. What if I miss a deadline or need an extension?

    Time extensions depend on the professor's course policies. In fact, with online instruction, there is greater flexibility to accommodate students than in the traditional classroom.

  6. 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!

  7. How do I access my online class?

    When your registration for your first online MBA class in the program has been finalized, you should contact the Marist Helpdesk to request a Marist eLearning account. Your Marist eLearning account serves as your log-on to access your online course. For new students, your initial password is the first eight digits of your social security number. You may change your password at any time. Once you have your eLearning account you can sign into your MBA course and you will have officially entered your cyber classroom!

    Go to http://elearning.marist.edu. Click on the "Interactive Educator Tutorial" and then click on the "Play" button to see how the eLearning system works. There is also an "Advanced Educator Tutorial" if you really want to get into the nitty gritty of how eLearning works. At the bottom of the eLearning sign-in page you will find a link for "MBA Course Information." Click on this link to see a letter from your instructor that includes useful information regarding your course as well as textbook information. You're welcome to click on one of these course links to see a typical course letter.

  8. How many online classes can I take at one time?

    Most students, whether they are taking classes on campus, online or a combination of the two, take two courses each semester. This allows you to finish the program in a reasonable period of time.

  9. Are you saying that I can combine online MBA classes with on-campus classses?

    Absolutely!

  10. Can I complete the entire MBA program online?

    Yes! You can complete your entire MBA degree from the comfort of your own keyboard. Of course, if you wish to have a personal meeting with your professor, you are most welcome to do so.

  11. 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 and an Internet browser.

  12. What kind of computer equipment will I need?

    To successfully access course content, you will need a personal computer with at least:

    • A Pentium III (Pentium 4 is recommended) 500 MHz Processor (>1 GHz is recommended) or Mac/Apple equivalent
    • A 128 MB of RAM memory (512 is recommended)
    • Windows 2000 or XP Operating System (or Mac OS X)
    • Access to a high-speed or broadband Internet connection (e.g., DSL or Cable Modem). NOTE: Most public libraries in the U. S. provide this type of Internet access for free.
    • Internet Explorer web browser 6.0 or higher
    • Software that will allow you to view Microsoft (MS) Word, MS PowerPoint and MS Excel files. NOTE: If you do not have the full MS software, you can download free viewers that will allow you to view (but not create or change) these files.
    • Quicktime 7.0 or higher (free download at Apple)

  13. What is the tuition for the MBA program?

    The tuition for a 3-credit graduate course for the 2007-08 academic year is $1,995 (that is $665 per credit). Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for graduate study, so students are encouraged to check with the benefits department at their place of employment. Tuition can be paid by cash, check or credit card. Contact the Student Financial Services office at (845) 575-3231 for more information.

  14. What types of Financial Aid are available?

    Need-based financial assistance is available for matriculated students in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. To apply, simply complete FAFSA as well as Marist's Financial Aid Application (for Graduate & Adult Undergraduate Students Picked for Verification). Veteran's benefits may also be available so call (845) 575-3250 for more information. For specific questions concerning financial aid, you may visit the Financial Aid Office or call (845) 575-3230.

  15. 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:

    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.

  16. From whom should I solicit recommendations?

    We suggest that you solicit recommendations from those who can comment meaningfully on your performance in an academic or professional setting. If it has been a while since you attended an institution of higher learning, then we recommend that you ask your employer (e.g., supervisors) to complete the recommendation forms. If you are a recent graduate, then ideally you would ask a former professor to fill out a recommendation form and have one of your supervisors where you are currently employed complete a form. Be sure to give your recommenders the proper form and envelope and instruct these individuals to complete the form, seal it in the envelope, sign across the seal, and send it to the Office of Graduate and Adult Enrollment (see address at the bottom of this page).

  17. 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. Also, you may visit our website for specific course descriptions and other information. Call the Graduate Admissions office at (845) 575-3800 or toll free 888-877-7900 to arrange a telephone or personal appointment.

Related Information:

School of Management
845.575.3225