Requirements
- Eligibility, Math and Computer Background & Work Experience
- Admission Criteria
- Interviews
- Laptop Requirements
Eligibility, Math and Computer Background
& Work Experience
Eligibility:
Persons seeking admission to the University of Georgia Graduate School and Fast-Track Professional MBA program must hold a baccalaureate degree in any discipline from an institution accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association or its international equivalent.
Math and Computer Background:
Calculus/Quantitative skills
Although calculus is no longer a program prerequisite, a solid foundation in math is still needed to be successful in the program. As such, this will require you to assess your quantitative background, and if you feel it is necessary, prepare yourself for the program by taking a math course at the minimum level of a business math course.
Please note that the MBA program does not offer calculus or any other math course. If you need to take a math course in preparation for the program, you will need to do so via a 4-year or 2-year institution of your choosing. If you take a calculus course at a State of Georgia supported college or university, you may wish to take a course that is equivalent to MATH 2200 at the University of Georgia. This is the course that is required of Terry College of Business undergraduate business students. Any State of Georgia college/university should be able to identify the appropriate equivalent within their institution.
The University System of Georgia also offers math courses via independent study, although the structure of these courses may not be appropriate for individuals who do not already possess a strong quantitative background. If you would like to look into independent study options, visit the Georgia Center or call 800-877-3243.
The MBA program will continue to expect that students have a sufficient quantitative background to understand and apply the material covered in an MBA program. In evaluating a candidate's application, we reserve the right to require a student to take a math course approved by us either pre-or post-enrollment.
Computer Literacy Requirement
While not a prerequisite from the standpoint of having to show academic credit, candidates are expected to enter the program computer proficient. Proficiency is defined as knowledge of computer concepts, electronic mail, spreadsheet (to include the use of financial functions, graphics and sorting), word processing, graphics, and database applications. Students are also required to have a laptop computer.
Work Experience
The Terry Fast-Track Professional MBA program places significant emphasis on work experience. The sharing of ideas and experiences that only full-time professional experience can provide enhances the program for all participants. Candidates should have a minimum of two years of full-time post-baccalaureate work experience.
Admission Criteria
Admission is highly selective and is based on a variety of criteria, including work experience, academic credentials, recommendations, and leadership potential. This includes a review of academic transcripts, essays, GMAT (use code Z95-H2-83), work experience, collegiate/professional honors and activities, recommendation letters, and the interview (also TOEFL if required).
Interviews
A personal interview is required of all admitted students. The admissions office will contact qualified applicants to schedule the interview once all required documents have been received.
Laptop Requirements
Buying New
Almost any new laptop will meet the requirements of the program. Please see the table below for used specifications.
The University of Georgia has a vendor relationship with Dell and Apple that will offer you a competitive price alternative on a new laptop. Visit the UGA Bookstore web site for information on a laptop configured and priced for UGA students. You may also visit the Dell Higher Education or the Apple Higher Education web site for more flexible configurations and pricing specific to higher education.
You may also visit the Dell Higher Education web site for more flexible configurations and pricing specific to higher education covering more computers sold by Dell. These often include very good pricing on Microsoft Office products.
A Windows platform is standard for the program. Windows XP and Windows Vista are both accepted Operating Systems at this point.
Students considering buying an Apple computer are advised that there may be programs provided by faculty for instruction that will not run on the Mac platform. Microsoft Office for the Mac also has some differences that may cause issues for you if you are new to the Mac platform. Running your Mac with either a dual boot option (Mac and Windows) using Apple Boot Camp or installing and licensing Windows through VMWare Fusion or Parallels are both good solutions to these issues.
Minimum requirements
If you already have a laptop computer, you will need to determine whether it meets the minimum requirements listed below. Generally, you will do a significant amount of work through the web or using Microsoft Office software. We no longer require the Professional version of Microsoft Office. You will not need Microsoft Access for class use. You will need Office 2003 or 2007 and both are available at the UGA bookstore at deeply discounted prices for students. Microsoft has also started running a program for current students that, if still valid, you can find on their Ultimate Steal site.
There may also be additional software that will be provided for you to install in some classes, so you will need to make sure that you have available hard drive space.
Finally, TEC Services, a service center for the University of Georgia, based on the Athens campus, is a certified warranty center for Apple, Dell, Gateway, and IBM. More information can be found on the TEC Services web site.
| Minimum Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Single 2.3Ghz or faster Processor |
| RAM | 1GB |
| Hard Drive | 40 GB |
| Optical Drive | CDRW/DVD-ROM Drive |
| Network Card | We use a wireless network on UGA campuses. You are required to have a wireless B/G/or N network card built-in to your laptop or as an add-on when classes start. |
| Productivity Software | Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007 (see above) |
| Operating System | Terry College requires Windows XP or Windows Vista. |
| Network Connectivity and browser for home | Any Internet Service Provider and the latest version of either Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. |
| Other options you may need/want to consider | A 3 yr warranty covering parts + on-site labor (next business day) A "complete care" type warranty that will repair or replace your laptop regardless of type of damage. Lithium battery as primary battery and a secondary back-up battery USB memory stick or USB backup hard drive Surge protector DVD-+RW Drive High speed internet service (cable modem or DSL) USB 2.0 recommended |
Return on Investment
The Terry MBA is one of the best bargains in education. According to Forbes magazine, Terry MBAs were able to recoup all their educational investment within 3.7 years of graduation, 19th fastest among all schools that have a total cost for tuition and foregone salary of under $95,000.
