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Preparation + opportunity = success

That's the DSU equation. We're a four-year university with nationally recognized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and the brightest thinkers. But we're also a tight-knit, inclusive community. Small class sizes mean hands-on training and individualized attention. All this with an affordable, public school price that's among the best values in the region.

Majors & Degrees

Timelines & Requirements MBA

Dakota State’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program accepts domestic students from a variety of backgrounds in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. 

This program is offered entirely and exclusively online.

 Apply Now  Academic calendar 

Admission requirements

 Requirements to apply

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (or closely related field) from an institution with full regional accreditation for that degree.
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
  • Two years of professional employment and a baccalaureate or graduate degree in any discipline with a GPA of at least 3.0.
  • Students without an undergraduate business degree may need to complete foundational courses to be ready for graduate study in business. This will be determined by the applicant's education and experience in the application process.
  • No GRE required.

Application deadlines

Send in your applications by:

  • August 15 for admission the following Fall semester
  • November 15 for the following Spring semester
  • April 15 for the following Summer semester

Application deadlines are subject to change, to accommodate available capacity and program needs. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. 

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Application materials checklist

  • Completed online application
  • 3 Letters of recommendation
    The person writing the recommendation must send their letter for you to upload directly to the application portal (instructions included in application portal). 
  • Official transcripts
    Official transcripts should show a conferred bachelor's degree. Transcripts with graduate credit can be submitted for credit-transfer consideration. 

    Official trancripts can be submitted to DSU-GraduateAdmissions@dsu.edu.
  • Goal statement/purpose of study 
    • There is no required formatting for your goal statement/purpose of study in the application process, but try to be as straightforward about your goals and aspirations as possible. Try to organize your thoughts in an essay/narrative format. Our Admissions Committee wants to know:
      • Why this degree?
      • Why now?
      • What do you wish to do with the degree upon completion?
      • What skills do you possess that will help you succeed?

FAQS 

How much does the program cost? 
DSU bills tuition per credit hour and the MBA program is a 36-credit degree. DSU bills tuition on a semester-to-semester basis and payment plans are available. You can review the breakdown of costs per credit here: DSU Tuition Costs.

Does this program require the GRE to apply? 
No, GRE Scores are not required to apply to the MBA Program.

How long does the program usually take to complete? 
For part-time students, the program can take 3-4 years to complete (1 class at a time). For full-time students, the program can take 2-3 years to complete (2-3 classes at a time).

Are assistantship awards available? 
No. Since this program is offered only online, assistantships are not available for this program. 

Can the application fee be waived? 
The $35 application fee is required for all programs and cannot be waived by University Policy.

Have a question not answered here?
Contact GradOffice@dsu.edu for additional support.

Graduation requirements

The MBA program requires a total of 36 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate. This includes:

  • Successful completion of all courses listed on your MBA Plan of Study within the 5-year time limit.
  • Achievement of a GPA of at least 3.0 (a "B" average), with no more than 6 credit hours of a "C" grade and no grade below a "C" in the courses on your Plan of Study.
  • Satisfaction of Regental standards for residency, this is satisfied by completing all but a maximum of nine credit hours of your coursework at DSU (distance courses count as "at DSU").
  • 27 credit hours of core courses
  • Six credit hours of electives
  • Three credit hours of a capstone course, including a comprehensive exam.

 

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Contact Us

Office of Graduate Studies and Research
(605) 256-5799
Email

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