FAQ
- About the Terry MBA
- Program Structure
- Qualifications for Admission
- Applying to the Terry MBA Program
- Career Management Center
- Tuition and Financial Aid
- Visiting the Terry College
- International FAQ
1. About the Terry MBA
1.1. Which departments in the Terry College are nationally recognized?
As the oldest business school in the South with over 55,000 alumni, Terry is proud of the national recognition that many of its academic departments have received over the past year. Insurance/Risk Management (2nd), Real Estate (3rd), MIS (14th), and Accounting (17th) are ranked by U.S. News and World Report and the MBA Program is ranked 36th by Bloomberg Businessweek and 44th by The Economist. In addition, Terry’s program was recognized for it’s high return on investment by Forbes magazine and ranked 10th by corporate recruiters by Bloomberg Businessweek in 2010.
1.2. Will I be able to specialize in an area?
Yes. Students have the ability to declare a concentration, while allowing for customization in the chosen field.
Students may choose from the following concentrations:
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Market and Customer Management
- Operations Management
- Real Estate
- Risk Management
Requests to create a custom program of study or take additional courses outside of the regular course of study will be considered and must be approved by the MBA Program Director.
1.3. How many students are typically in the incoming MBA class?
Approximately 50–75 students are admitted each year to the two-year program.
2. Program Structure
2.1. How is Terry’s two-year program structured?
Designed for students possessing a four-year baccalaureate degree, the two-year program consists of 61 hours of full-time graduate study over four semesters.
The first year of study consists of foundation business courses that lay the groundwork for developing students’ abilities to comprehend, apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate business problems and solutions. By the end of the first fall semester, students declare a concentration and take two elective courses in the spring. A summer internship is strongly encouraged.
Students continue in their chosen program of study in the second year, completing the required core courses and a total of six elective courses prior to graduation.
2.2. Does Terry offer opportunities to study abroad?
The Terry MBA Program offers international trips ranging from 7-10 days in length (scheduled at spring break or at the end of spring semester). Study abroad trips include company visits, lectures, and cultural exposure.
3. Qualifications for Admission
3.1. How do you evaluate candidates for admission?
GMAT/GRE, GPA and previous work experience are given the greatest weight in our admissions decisions. We prefer that applicants have a minimum of two years of work experience prior to applying. It is also important to have clearly articulated and focused career goals. The personal interview with an Admissions representative gives the applicant the opportunity to demonstrate the interpersonal and communication skills that play such a vital role in future career success.
3.2. I do not have a degree in business. What prerequisite courses must I take prior to applying?
The Terry MBA Program does not require that you complete prerequisite courses in business prior to applying to the program. Admitted students are required to complete assignments in four online courses prior to enrolling.
3.3. What is the average work experience, in years, of admitted candidates?
4.5 years
3.4. Do you require previous business work experience?
We prefer that candidates have at least two years of work experience, and we continue to place increased importance on demonstrated accomplishments. Candidates with less than two years of full-time post-baccalaureate work experience can strengthen their application by including information about internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate their interest in their chosen career direction.
3.5. Does co-op or internship experience count towards professional work experience?
While co-op and internship experiences do not count towards the traditional work experience requirement, these experiences certainly enhance the profile of those applicants with limited work experience.
3.6. What is the average age of admitted candidates?
28 years
3.7. To qualify for admission, how well must international applicants score on the TOEFL exam?
It is strongly suggested that international applicants achieve a minimum total score in the 85th percentile, approximately 100 on the TOEFL. A speaking score of 20 or greater is required by the Graduate School for admission, and a speaking score of 24 or higher is required for assistantship eligibility. This, however, is not the sole criterion for admission, and receipt of these scores will not guarantee admission and/or a merit-aid award.
If an international applicant received his/her degree in an English-speaking country more than two years prior to application to Terry and has been residing or working in a country where the primary language is not English, he/she will be required to submit current TOEFL or IELTS scores.
3.8. Can I waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement?
Applicants must meet these three conditions in order to waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.
If the applicant has...
- received degrees from accredited institutions in the U.S. or from institutions in countries where English is the primary language (e.g., the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand), AND
- received that degree less than two years prior to application to Terry, AND
- has been residing or working in a country where the primary language is English since graduating.
Otherwise, current TOEFL/IELTS scores are required.
3.9. What if I have taken the GMAT or TOEFL/IELTS more than once?
Terry will consider the higher of your scores for those tests taken within a year of the semester for which you are applying.
3.10. Can I transfer into your Full-Time MBA Program?
Terry’s full-time program does not accept transfer credit. You may apply to our program, but you will be starting the program as if no previous MBA coursework was completed.
3.11. Do I need to own a computer?
Yes, all students are required to own a laptop computer. Because all MBA classrooms and meeting areas are covered by the PAWS wireless network, students will find this requirement to be a great benefit. The portability of a laptop facilitates teamwork and enables students to acquire mobile computing skills.
Please review Terry OIT’s recommendations for laptop purchasing as well as operating system and productivity suite information.
4. Applying to the Terry MBA Program
4.1. How do I apply to the Terry MBA Program?
Candidates can apply online through the online application. The following materials must be submitted online at the time of application:
- Completed application form
- $100 Application Fee
- Two completed essays
- An electronic copy of each transcript from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended
- Two recommendations (using the form provided in the online application)
- Self-reported GMAT or GRE scores
- Self-reported TOEFL or IELTS scores
Please note: Official transcripts and score reports will be required upon acceptance.
4.2. Are there any advantages to applying early?
Gain a competitive edge! Terry begins awarding assistantships and scholarships as first round decisions are processed. We encourage you to apply early before funds are gone.
Applications received in our fourth round may be at a competitive disadvantage and will be considered for admission on a space available basis.
4.3. What are the deadlines for admission to the Full-Time MBA Program?
| Round | Deadline | Complete Application in by: | Decision Issued: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 Early Action |
Oct 15 | Oct 15 | Dec 3 |
| Round 2 Priority Deadline for Merit Aid Consideration |
Dec 3 | Dec 3 | Jan 15 |
| Round 3 Final Deadline for International Applicants |
Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Mar 14 |
| Round 4 Space-Available Basis Only |
Mar 4 | Mar 4 | May 2 |
4.4. Do I need to interview?
We invite candidates to interview on campus on an invitation-only basis after submission of a completed application. This is an excellent way to get to know Terry—there is no better way to judge an MBA program than by seeing it for yourself. Candidates will be scheduled to sit in on a class and to have lunch with an MBA student on the day of their interview.
Applicants invited for an interview but unable to visit campus will be provided the opportunity to complete a telephone interview as part of the admissions review process.
4.5. After completing my application, how long will it take for me to receive a decision?
Decision notification corresponds to the admissions round in which your application was reviewed (see above).
4.6. How do you inform candidates of your admission decision?
Once decisions have been made for your designated application round, you will receive an email directing you to log into your application to view your decision online.
4.7. How do I request a brochure?
In the interest of being environmentally responsible, Terry publishes an online viewbook.
5. Career Management Center
5.1 What services does Terry offer to assist graduating MBAs in their job search?
Please visit the Terry MBA Program’s Career Management Center site for more information about services provided to our students.
6. Tuition and Financial Aid
6.1. What is the cost of the full-time Terry MBA Program for Georgia residents?
The cost of the full-time program for Georgia residents and non-residents for 2011–2012 is available on the Tuition & Fees page.
6.2. How do I apply for financial aid?
Need-based financial aid for Terry students is administered through the University’s Office of Student Financial Aid.
6.3. How do I apply for a graduate assistantship?
Terry assistantships are merit-based and awarded on a competitive basis to newly accepted students. All accepted students are automatically considered for Terry graduate assistantships, as long as funds remain available. There is no separate application process for merit awards.
6.4. Are scholarships available?
Approximately one-quarter of full-time MBA students receive scholarship awards ranging from $500 to $12,500. All admitted candidates are automatically considered for scholarships. There is no separate application process for scholarship awards.
7. Visiting the Terry College
7.1. How can I schedule a personalized visit to campus?
Prospective students are encouraged to visit Terry and The University of Georgia campus. For further information email MBA Admissions or call 706-542-5671. Please note: Admissions interviews are conducted on an invitation-only basis.
7.2. Does the Terry College have facilities in Atlanta?
The Terry College of Business offers a Fast Track Professional MBA Program at the Terry Executive Education Center, on Lenox Road, across the street from Lenox Mall, as well as the UGA Gwinnett Campus in Lawrenceville, located at 2530 Sever Road. Terry also offers an Executive MBA Program at its Executive Education Center in Buckhead.
7.4. Driving directions to Terry College of Business
I think you have to be passionate and enjoy what you do. The Terry program was the best fit for my personal needs and career goals.”
