Thompson Hall and the Spark Building on the Washington State University (WSU) campus. Thompson Hall, a historic red-brick building with a distinctive turret, is on the left. The modern Spark Building with large glass windows is on the right. Both buildings are situated behind a large, green lawn with a few people sitting and enjoying the sunny day.

MBA Admissions Requirements

Important Dates

To help you stay on track for your preferred start term, please refer to this academic calendar for each term’s course start date. Our application deadlines are rolling, so please speak with an enrollment coach for more detail.

Application Deadlines and Start Dates

  • Summer 1 2026
    Application Deadline:
    3/30/2026
    Start Date: 5/11/2026
  • Summer 2 2026
    Application Deadline:
    5/11/2026
    Start Date: 6/15/2026
  • Summer 3 2026
    Application Deadline:
    6/15/2026
    Start Date: 7/20/2026
  • Fall 1 2026
    Application Deadline:
    7/20/2026
    Start Date: 8/24/2026
  • Fall 2 2026
    Application Deadline:
    8/24/2026
    Start Date: 10/5/2026
  • Fall 3 2026
    Application Deadline:
    10/5/2026
    Start Date: 11/9/2026

Enrollment Requirements

Application

A completed application is the first step to starting your MBA. Our enrollment coaches will support you every step of the way, answering your questions and providing support throughout this important process.

Transcripts

Before an application is reviewed for admission, applicants must provide official transcripts from each college or university attended. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution or the international equivalent at the time of application. Alternatively, you may communicate an expected conferral date that takes place prior to your desired MBA enrollment term. Most successful candidates have achieved at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, however, the age of GPA and the level and rigor of degree will be considered in the evaluation. Candidates with professional degrees (i.e. MD, PharmD, DVM, and others) who may not have completed a bachelor’s degree are also encouraged to apply.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Please submit a comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae that includes months and years of employment so we can best assess your preparedness for the program and ensure that the program’s features will support your success.

One Letter of Recommendation

Please submit one letter of recommendation from a person intimately familiar with your professional experiences, preferably an immediate supervisor. Be sure to select an individual capable of detailing why you will be successful in the MBA program.

Statement of Purpose

In no more than 500 words, demonstrate how your professional and academic experiences have prepared you for success as an MBA student. Be sure to let us know why the Carson College of Business at Washington State University is right for you. Please share your professional goals and how a Carson College MBA will help you achieve those goals.

GMAT/GRE Score Report

GMAT score report is optional and encouraged for individuals not meeting the minimum selection criteria.

Online MBA Business Foundation Course Requirements

Your success is our number one priority. For students without a bachelor’s degree from an AACSB-accredited institution or any equivalent courses, five-week online foundation courses are offered to cover these basics. Please consult with your enrollment coach to determine if this requirement applies to your journey.

MBA Online Foundation Courses

Introduction to Financial and Managerial Accounting (Acctg 550) – 3 credits
Data Analysis for Managers (BA 500) – 2 credits
Foundations in Marketing (BA 501) – 2 credits
Foundations in Operations Management (BA 502) – 2 credits
Foundations of Business Law (BA 503) – 2 credits
Foundations in Finance (BA 504) – 2 credits
Managerial Economics (Econs 555) – 3 credits
Note: WSU may accept transfer credits from qualified institutions.

International Students

All international transcripts should be sent to World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) for evaluation.

Please submit all required materials in addition to the following:

  • International transcript evaluation
  • English proficiency exam from one of the following accepted sources:
    • TOEFL (minimum score 580 PBT, or 93 iBT) – School Code 4705
    • Pearson Test of English (minimum score 62) – School Code 8Z2-GT-38
    • IELTS (minimum score 7.5)
    • MELAB (minimum score 90)
    • Duolingo (minimum score 120)