Getting Admitted
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Other schools in the area say that they are fully accredited. How are the UW Oshkosh MBA and MSIS Programs different from them?
The primary difference is that the UW Oshkosh College of Business Administration is internationally accredited by AACSB -- the premier business school accrediting body. Less than 15% of Business Schools world-wide have achieved AACSB accreditation. Other schools in Northeast and Central Wisconsin are accredited by NCA, a smaller, regional accreditation that accredits the entire school, not the business program. Like other schools in our service area, UW Oshkosh is fully accredited by NCA. For more information on the value of AACSB accredition, please go to our AACSB Accreditation webpage.
All our graduate classes are taught by full-time, Ph.D. qualified faculty who have relevant professional experience. Our curriculum is constantly being monitored to make sure it is current and relevant. We combine theory and practical application to provide the highest quality graduate business education available in our service area.
Other Business Schools in Wisconsin accredited by AACSB-International include: UW Madison, UW Milwaukee, Marquette University, UW Eau Claire, UW LaCrosse, UW Whitewater, UW Parkside and UW River Falls.
2. Can I start classes before taking the GRE or GMAT?
Prior to taking the GRE or GMAT you can take Foundation (Level I) graduate classes as a Special Student. As a Special Student, however, you cannot take any Degree (Level II) courses.
Each semester you wish to register as a Special Student, you will need to complete the Special Student Registration Form. The registration form can be found by going to the Class Schedules section on the right side menu, select the appropriate semester and then select "Registration Procedures". Please call the MBA/MSIS Programs office at 1-800-633-1430 or send an e-mail to mba@uwosh.edu if you have any questions or need assistance selecting courses. Special Students are enrolled in classes after the admitted MBA/MSIS students have registered.
3. How long will it take to get my degree?
You can be as passive or aggressive about taking courses as you choose. You can be aggressive and earn your degree in as little as 2 years if you complete 15 credits per year. If you want to take courses at a slower pace, you can earn 6 credits per year and complete your degree in 5 years. On average our students complete their degrees in 3-4 years.
4. How much will it cost?
Tuition for 2008/2009 is approximately $595 per credit. Foundation and Elective courses offered through the MBA Consortium (UW Oshkosh, UW Eau Claire, UW LaCrosse, and UW Parkside) cost $600 per credit.
5. Where can I take the GRE or GMAT?
For GRE/GMAT testing, please go to our GRE/GMAT webpage.
6. How long does it take to review my application materials?
Once your application portfolio is complete, the admissions process takes an average of 3-4 weeks. During busy times, July and August and December and January, it may take a little longer.
7. I've heard that graduate courses expire, is this true?
Foundation (Level I) courses do not expire. The only exception is BUS 710 Foundation of Information Systems -- it has a five year time limit. All other Foundation courses do not have expiration dates.
Degree (Level II) courses, on the other hand, expire after seven years. With extenuating circumstances, you may request an extension of the seven year time limit.
8. Is Financial Aid available?
Since the majority of students enrolled in both the MBA and MSIS programs are working adults, most receive tuition reimbursement from their employer. If you are not certain about the benefits available, please check with your Human Resources Department.
Students are eligible for loans and possibly other types of financial aid. For comprehensive information on financial aid, please go to the UW Oshkosh Financial Aids web page or contact them at (920) 424-3377.