Graduate Admissions // Info by Program

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Admissions Information 

Looking for information about admissions requirements, deadlines, and starting your application? Click on the program below to find out all the information you need.

Accelerated MBA

Basic Requirements

We seek students that are ready to pursue the knowledge and practice to lead business organizations through collaboration and who have the desire to be a catalyst for change. An applicant will have completed a four-year undergraduate degree or similar from an accredited U.S. university or a non-U.S. equivalent.

We are a test-optional business school that considers applications submitted without GMAT or GRE test scores for admissions. International applicants who are not a citizen of a country whose official language is English will be required to submit official scores from an English language proficiency exam according to University of Pittsburgh English language proficiency requirements.


Application

Online Application. Create your personal application account where you can start and save your work as needed.

Your complete application will include:

  • Two recommendations
  • Essay responses
  • Current résumé
  • Transcripts/Academic documents
  • Application fee

GMAT or GRE Test Optional

Katz utilizes a test optional admissions process for all its programs. This means that all applicants have the option to submit GMAT or GRE scores in support of their application but are not required to do so.

Applicants who do not meet at least one of the following criteria are encouraged (but not required) to submit GMAT or GRE test scores:

  • An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a B (3.00) average or higher in a minimum of 6 credits of quantitative coursework (on a 4.0 grading scale) OR
  • Have earned a graduate and/or professional degree

International applicants to full-time programs are also encouraged to submit GMAT or GRE test scores.

International applicants are required to submit an English Language test (TOEFL/IELTS/DuoLingo).

English Language Proficiency Requirement – International Applicants

International applicants who are not a citizen of a country whose official language is English will be required to submit official scores from one of the following English language proficiency exams:

  • TOEFL
  • Duolingo English
  • IELTS

A competitive application will be supported by official and acceptable test scores as follows: TOEFL (preferably 100 or higher), Duolingo English (preferably 130 or higher) or IELTS (preferably 7 or higher).

Interview Process

Applicants may be asked to participate in our evaluative interview process upon initial review by the Katz Admissions Committee. While not a strict requirement of every prospective candidate, evaluative interviews are conducted regularly. Shortly after you submit your online application, you may receive an e-mail invitation to register for an interview. Interviews may be conducted in person or via video conference. We regret that we cannot conduct telephone interviews.

Rolling Admissions Information

The Admissions Committee reviews applications for the full-time programs in rounds beginning in October through June for Fall (August) start and on an ongoing basis for part-time programs.

For you to be guaranteed consideration for a given round, we must receive your application and all component parts by the stated deadline dates.

Application Deadline Decision Notification
October 1 December 15
December 1 February 15
February 1 (Recommended deadline for scholarship consideration) April 15
April 1 (Final deadline for international applicants)
May 15
July 1 (Final deadline for domestic applicants) TBD

 

Signature MBA

Basic Requirements

We seek students that are ready to pursue the knowledge and practice to lead business organizations through collaboration and who have the desire to be a catalyst for change. An applicant will have completed a four-year undergraduate degree or similar from an accredited U.S. university or a non-U.S. equivalent.

We are a test-optional business school that considers applications submitted without GMAT or GRE test scores for admissions. International applicants who are not a citizen of a country whose official language is English will be required to submit official scores from an English language proficiency exam according to University of Pittsburgh English language proficiency requirements.


Application

Online Application. Create your personal application account where you can start and save your work as needed.

Your complete application will include:

  • Two recommendations
  • Essay responses
  • Current résumé
  • Transcripts/Academic documents
  • Application fee

GMAT or GRE Test Optional

Katz utilizes a test optional admissions process for all its programs. This means that all applicants have the option to submit GMAT or GRE scores in support of their application but are not required to do so.

Applicants who do not meet at least one of the following criteria are encouraged (but not required) to submit GMAT or GRE test scores:

  • An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a B (3.00) average or higher in a minimum of 6 credits of quantitative coursework (on a 4.0 grading scale) OR
  • Have earned a graduate and/or professional degree

International applicants to full-time programs are also encouraged to submit GMAT or GRE test scores.

International applicants are required to submit an English Language test (TOEFL/IELTS/DuoLingo).

English Language Proficiency Requirement – International Applicants

International applicants who are not a citizen of a country whose official language is English will be required to submit official scores from one of the following English language proficiency exams:

  • TOEFL
  • Duolingo English
  • IELTS

A competitive application will be supported by official and acceptable test scores as follows: TOEFL (preferably 100 or higher), Duolingo English (preferably 130 or higher) or IELTS (preferably 7 or higher).

Interview Process

Applicants may be asked to participate in our evaluative interview process upon initial review by the Katz Admissions Committee. While not a strict requirement of every prospective candidate, evaluative interviews are conducted regularly. Shortly after you submit your online application, you may receive an e-mail invitation to register for an interview. Interviews may be conducted in person or via video conference. We regret that we cannot conduct telephone interviews.

Rolling Admissions Information

The Admissions Committee reviews applications for the full-time programs in rounds beginning in October through June for Fall (August) start and on an ongoing basis for part-time programs.

For you to be guaranteed consideration for a given round, we must receive your application and all component parts by the stated deadline dates.

Application Deadline Decision Notification
October 1 December 15
December 1 February 15
February 1 (Recommended deadline for scholarship consideration) April 15
April 1 (Final deadline for international applicants)
May 15
July 1 (Final deadline for domestic applicants) TBD
Part-Time MBA

Basic Requirements

We seek students that are ready to pursue the knowledge and practice to lead business organizations through collaboration and who have the desire to be a catalyst for change. An applicant will have completed a four-year undergraduate degree or similar from an accredited U.S. university or a non-U.S. equivalent.

We are a test-optional business school that considers applications submitted without GMAT or GRE test scores for admissions. International applicants who are not a citizen of a country whose official language is English will be required to submit official scores from an English language proficiency exam according to University of Pittsburgh English language proficiency requirements.


Application

Online Application. Create your personal application account where you can start and save your work as needed.

Your complete application will include:

  • Two recommendations
  • Essay responses
  • Current résumé
  • Transcripts/Academic documents
  • Application fee

GMAT or GRE Test Optional

Katz utilizes a test optional admissions process for all its programs. This means that all applicants have the option to submit GMAT or GRE scores in support of their application but are not required to do so.

Applicants who do not meet at least one of the following criteria are encouraged (but not required) to submit GMAT or GRE test scores:

  • An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a B (3.00) average or higher in a minimum of 6 credits of quantitative coursework (on a 4.0 grading scale) OR
  • Have earned a graduate and/or professional degree

International applicants to full-time programs are also encouraged to submit GMAT or GRE test scores.

International applicants are required to submit an English Language test (TOEFL/IELTS/DuoLingo).

English Language Proficiency Requirement – International Applicants

International applicants who are not a citizen of a country whose official language is English will be required to submit official scores from one of the following English language proficiency exams:

  • TOEFL
  • Duolingo English
  • IELTS

A competitive application will be supported by official and acceptable test scores as follows: TOEFL (preferably 100 or higher), Duolingo English (preferably 130 or higher) or IELTS (preferably 7 or higher).

Interview Process

Applicants may be asked to participate in our evaluative interview process upon initial review by the Katz Admissions Committee. While not a strict requirement of every prospective candidate, evaluative interviews are conducted regularly. Shortly after you submit your online application, you may receive an e-mail invitation to register for an interview. Interviews may be conducted in person or via video conference. We regret that we cannot conduct telephone interviews.

Rolling Admissions Information

The Admissions Committee reviews applications for the full-time programs in rounds beginning in October through June for Fall (August) start and on an ongoing basis for part-time programs.

For you to be guaranteed consideration for a given round, we must receive your application and all component parts by the stated deadline dates.

Application Deadlines Decision Notification

March 1 (for May entry)

Decisions will be sent out within 3 weeks of the submission of your complete application
July 1 (for August entry) Decisions will be sent out within 3 weeks of the submission of your complete application
November 1 (for January entry) Decisions will be sent out within 3 weeks of the submission of your complete application
Joint and Dual Degree MBA

Basic Requirements

We seek students that are ready to pursue the knowledge and practice to lead business organizations through collaboration and who have the desire to be a catalyst for change. An applicant will have completed a four-year undergraduate degree or similar from an accredited U.S. university or a non-U.S. equivalent.

We are a test-optional business school that considers applications submitted without GMAT or GRE test scores for admissions. International applicants who are not a citizen of a country whose official language is English will be required to submit official scores from an English language proficiency exam according to University of Pittsburgh English language proficiency requirements.


Application

Online Application. Create your personal application account where you can start and save your work as needed.

Your complete application will include:

  • Two recommendations
  • Essay responses
  • Current résumé
  • Transcripts/Academic documents
  • Application fee

GMAT or GRE Test Optional

Katz utilizes a test optional admissions process for all its programs. This means that all applicants have the option to submit GMAT or GRE scores in support of their application but are not required to do so.

Applicants who do not meet at least one of the following criteria are encouraged (but not required) to submit GMAT or GRE test scores:

  • An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a B (3.00) average or higher in a minimum of 6 credits of quantitative coursework (on a 4.0 grading scale) OR
  • Have earned a graduate and/or professional degree

International applicants to full-time programs are also encouraged to submit GMAT or GRE test scores.

International applicants are required to submit an English Language test (TOEFL/IELTS/DuoLingo).

English Language Proficiency Requirement – International Applicants

International applicants who are not a citizen of a country whose official language is English will be required to submit official scores from one of the following English language proficiency exams:

  • TOEFL
  • Duolingo English
  • IELTS

A competitive application will be supported by official and acceptable test scores as follows: TOEFL (preferably 100 or higher), Duolingo English (preferably 130 or higher) or IELTS (preferably 7 or higher).

Interview Process

Applicants may be asked to participate in our evaluative interview process upon initial review by the Katz Admissions Committee. While not a strict requirement of every prospective candidate, evaluative interviews are conducted regularly. Shortly after you submit your online application, you may receive an e-mail invitation to register for an interview. Interviews may be conducted in person or via video conference. We regret that we cannot conduct telephone interviews.

Rolling Admissions Information

The Admissions Committee reviews applications for the full-time programs in rounds beginning in October through June for Fall (August) start and on an ongoing basis for part-time programs.

For you to be guaranteed consideration for a given round, we must receive your application and all component parts by the stated deadline dates.

Application Deadline Decision Notification
October 1 December 15
December 1 February 15
February 1 (Recommended deadline for scholarship consideration) April 15
April 1 (Final deadline for international applicants) May 15
July 1 (Final deadline for domestic applicants) TBD
Master of Science Programs

Basic Requirements

We seek students that are enthusiastic to acquire specialized knowledge to become experts, problem solvers, and change makers in today’s business organizations. An applicant will have completed a four-year undergraduate degree or similar from an accredited U.S. university, or the non-U.S. equivalent. No prior work experience or prerequisite courses are required.

Katz is a test-optional business school that considers applications submitted without test scores for admissions.  International applicants who are not a citizen of a country whose official language is English will be required to submit official scores from an English language proficiency exam according to the University of Pittsburgh English language proficiency requirements.

Application

Online Application. Create your personal application account where you can start and save your work as needed.

Your complete application will include:

  • Two letters of recommendation from persons who know you in academic or professional capacities (at least one from a faculty member is preferred). Applicants can enter the name and email address of their chosen recommenders in the online application. The recommenders will then receive an automatic e-mail from the online application system, notifying them to complete the letter of recommendation.
  • Essay responses in the online application
  • Current résumé uploaded to the online application
  • Transcripts/Academic documents – An unofficial copy can be uploaded into the Educational Information section of the online application. The unofficial copy will suffice for the application review process. Once an applicant is admitted to the program, an official copy of the transcript will be requested. International applicants will be required to provide official academic records accompanied by notarized English translations, including diplomas for degrees earned.
  • Application fee – Each applicant is required to submit a $58 non-refundable application fee. You are permitted to pay by bank check drawn on a U.S. bank, or by credit card. If paying by check, please make the check payable to the University of Pittsburgh, and mail to: Master’s Admissions, 301 Mervis Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. If paying by credit card, please follow the instructions for payment which are included in the online application.

    GMAT or GRE Test Optional

    Katz utilizes a test optional admissions process for all its programs. This means that all applicants have the option to submit GMAT or GRE scores in support of their application but are not required to do so.

    Applicants who do not meet at least one of the following criteria are encouraged (but not required) to submit GMAT or GRE test scores:

    • An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a B (3.00) average or higher in a minimum of 6 credits of quantitative coursework (on a 4.0 grading scale) OR
    • Have earned a graduate and/or professional degree

    International applicants to full-time programs are also encouraged to submit GMAT or GRE test scores.

    International applicants are required to submit an English Language test (TOEFL/IELTS/DuoLingo).

    English Language Proficiency Requirement – International Applicants

    International applicants who are not a citizen of a country listed here whose official language is English will be required to submit official scores from one of the following English language proficiency exams:

    • TOEFL
    • Duolingo English
    • IELTS

    The minimum official test scores acceptable for applicants to MS degree programs are TOEFL (80 or higher), Duolingo English (110 or higher) or IELTS (6.5 or higher).

    Questions and Correspondence

    Applicants can email questions about Katz MS programs, the application process, or application status should be sent to admissions@katz.pitt.edu.

    Applicants are also encouraged to check their application status by logging into the online application system.

    All other correspondence should be addressed to:

    Katz Graduate Admissions
    Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
    301 Mervis Hall
    University of Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, PA 15260


    Rolling Admissions Information

    The Admissions Committee reviews applications for this program on a rolling basis. To be guaranteed consideration for the program, the Admissions Committee must have received a completed application that includes all required documents. The application deadlines for the Fall start date are as follows:

    Application Deadline Decision Notification
    November 1 January 15
    January 1 March 15
    March 1 (Recommended deadline for scholarship consideration) May 15
    May 1 (Final deadline for international applicants)
    June 1
    July 1 (Deadline for domestic applicants)
    TBD

    The Master of Science programs offer a part-time option for working professionals. The application deadlines are as follows:

    Application Deadlines Decision Notification
    July 1 (for August entry) Decisions will be sent out within 3 weeks of the submission of your complete application
    November 1 (for January entry) Decisions will be sent out within 3 weeks of the submission of your complete application
    March 1 (for May entry) Decisions will be sent out within 3 weeks of the submission of your complete application
    Executive MBA and Executive MBA in Healthcare

    Visit the Executive MBA page

    Program Start

    Everywhere you look, work is changing. These changes are reflected in technology, the workforce, delivery methods, and customer expectations. The University of Pittsburgh Executive MBA is designed to expand your edge by building your expertise through a core MBA curriculum augmented by a focus on issues that are transforming organizations, such as data analytics, diversity and inclusion, and critical global challenges. The planned start date for the next Executive MBA cohort is September 2022. For more information, schedule a time to discuss the Executive MBA with a member of our outreach team.

    Visit the Executive MBA in Healthcare page

    Especially in times of uncertainty and challenge, America needs exceptional leaders to guide our healthcare institutions. The Executive MBA in Healthcare is designed to empower and enable leaders across the spectrum of healthcare to think critically, make informed decisions, and inspire confidence while gaining the business acumen and skills needed to shape the healthcare system and lead the future of healthcare. The planned start date for the next Executive MBA in Healthcare cohort is May 2022. For more information, schedule a time to discuss the Executive MBA in Healthcare with a member of our outreach team.

    Application Process

    You must submit the following to be considered for admittance to the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School Executive MBA and Executive MBA in Healthcare program:

    • Online Application
    • Current Résumé or CV
    • Two References, including your current supervisor, are required, with an option to submit up to three
    • Self-Nomination Letter describing your:
      • Current job responsibilities and assignments
      • Finest achievements and greatest disappointments
      • Challenges you have met within your organization
      • Civic and community activities and offices held
      • Reasons and motivations for entering the EMBA program
      • Professional and personal goals and plans
    • Official College or University Transcripts
      • Candidates with degrees from international higher education institutions should speak with a member of the outreach team for details regarding needed documentation and process
    • Official TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-English native speakers. Our TOEFL code is: 2927-02.

    Official university transcripts should be emailed to executiveprograms@katz.pitt.edu.

    If you are unable to request digital transcripts, please direct official copies to be mailed to:

    University of Pittsburgh
    Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
    Executive MBA Programs
    5th Floor, Alumni Hall
    4227 Fifth Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15260

    Application Evaluation

    Candidates are evaluated based on the following:

    1. Professional Experience and Potential

    A minimum of 12 years of professional experience is required, as the average Katz Executive MBA student has 14 years of experience. Furthermore, applicants should have experience in a management position or leadership role. Strong academic performance or exceptional test scores can compensate for individuals just under this requirement. However, in all cases, applicants must demonstrate a record of strong job performance, positive career progression, and high growth potential.

    2. Previous Academic Performance

    An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent is required. An advanced degree is preferred.

    3. Organizational Support

    Your employer must indicate its willingness to give you sufficient time to complete our Executive MBA class schedule. In addition to time off, many candidates receive some form of financial support from their employers; however, this is not required.

    4. English Language Proficiency

    English is the language of the Katz Executive MBA programs. Citizens of a country where English is not the official language must present an official score from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). However, individuals who earned a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution in an English-speaking country are exempt.

    For the TOEFL exam, a score of 100 or higher is desired. No score below 80 will be accepted. On the IELTS, a score of seven or higher is desired. No score below 6.5 will be accepted. Applicants who fail to meet these requirements must verify their English-language proficiency by sitting for an additional test. You must send your TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to us. The TOEFL code is 2927-02.

    5. Interview

    Interviews are the final stage of our selection process. The interview helps us to assess your motivation for enrolling in either Executive MBA program, the quality of your academic and professional experience, and your plans for future personal and career growth.

    Offer of Admissions

    We make admissions decisions typically within three weeks of receiving a complete application package and conducting an interview. Your application will either be accepted, rejected, or wait-listed. If wait-listed, an admissions decision may not be made until a month before classes begin. At that time, those with the strongest credentials are admitted.

    Contact Us

    Questions? You can contact us here:

    Telephone: 412-648-1600
    Fax: 412-648-1787
    executiveprograms@katz.pitt.edu

    PhD Program

    Basic Requirements

    • Satisfactory GMAT/GRE Score
    • Three Letters of Recommendation
    • Satisfactory TOEFL Score for International Applicants, If applicable

    The Application

    We welcome the opportunity to discuss our PhD Program in Business and help you plan for your future application submission. Katz will be accepting applications for our PhD Program in Business for September 2024 beginning September 2023.

    • Online Application. Create your personal application account where you can start and save your work as needed.

    You will also submit the following:

    • Application Fee
    • Three Recommendations
    • Unofficial Transcripts
    • Official transcripts will only be needed if the doctoral committee is interested in admitting you
    • Official GMAT or GRE and TOEFL scores
    • Official TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable

    The school codes you must provide are DPZ-M5-90 for the GMAT and 2998-(major code) for the GRE. If the TOEFL applies to you, please provide the code 2998-02.

    Application Deadlines

    The deadline for applying for September 2024 is January 2024. However, it is advantageous to have your completed application submitted earlier to facilitate the review process.

    Micro-credentials

    Requirements

    Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA from an accredited U.S. university or the non-U.S. equivalent.

    Application Components

    • Online application and $58 application fee
    • Academic transcripts
    • Résumé
    • Essay
    • TOEFL/IELTS (international applicants)

    Application Deadlines

    Term Deadline
    Spring (January start) December 1
    Summer (May start) April 1
    Fall (August start) August 1

    STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

    My time at Pitt Business has changed my life for the better, and I feel fully equipped to leave the classroom, venture into the city, and tackle the business world.

    Campbell Niehaus

    CBA '21

    I wanted a city school with a top-ranked business program and options for studying abroad, which is why Pitt Business was the perfect fit.

    Alexandra McCurdy

    CBA '22