Program Requirements

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 $50 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* / May 15

May 1 / June 15

*Deadline for international applicants

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

Application Deadlines and Decision Notifications

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