When prospective graduate students get ready to apply to an online MBA in marketing degree program, there are several elements that will need to be submitted. Admissions professionals use the application materials as a predictor of a student’s success in earning a degree and to ensure that the applicant has the necessary prerequisite knowledge to begin coursework.
Application and Transcripts
Many MBA programs in marketing will require the successful completion of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. General business and marketing are two common undergraduate degrees that prospective graduate students might hold, but graduates of other programs, such as accounting or English, might also have the prerequisite courses needed to be successful in finishing a marketing MBA.
Previous coursework helps to illustrate competency in marketing areas, and this is a factor considered by admissions staff for each application.
An applicant might also need to submit any awards, accolades, and certifications, both professional and academic, with an application. Membership in professional organizations, such as the American Marketing Association, along with completion of training and development programs, can be another step in illustrating an understanding of marketing and the previous knowledge required to successfully complete a graduate degree.
Letters of Recommendation
Although not always an admissions requirement, many graduate institutions will also ask for letters of recommendation from each applicant. These recommendations can be from professional contacts, employers, undergraduate professors, personal friends or acquaintances, or co-workers. Letters of recommendation include character reference, previous work experience, skills, and other information that illustrate why a prospective graduate student would be a good fit for a marketing MBA program.
Test Scores
Most graduate degree admissions requirements also include completion of an advanced graduate test. The two most common for fields other than medicine and law are the General Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Both exams include a quantitative section and a verbal section. It is most likely that each institution will indicate which test should be completed, and, in some cases, neither test is required.
Personal Statement or Essay
A personal statement or essay is another standard requirement for most graduate programs, including those for a marketing MBA. The personal statement offers applicants the opportunity to explain to an admissions board why they are the most qualified candidate to be accepted into a program. The statement or essay moves beyond an application as specific examples and additional information can be developed. A Journal of College Personnel article discusses the importance of the personal statement along with specifics to avoid when writing one.
A resume might also be required to document relevant skills, training, and work experience. Previous positions in marketing or those that are closely related are another element that can demonstrate the skills necessary to be successful in completing a marketing MBA degree.
Recent graduates, current marketing professionals, and people looking for a career change might choose to apply to an online MBA in marketing degree program. Though compiling each requirement can be time consuming, completing a graduate degree can help current professionals advance in current marketing careers or move into management or upper level positions and assist new graduates with their job search.
Related Resource:
The Top 10 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs
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