Online MBA, No GMAT Required

The GMAT has long been used to assess MBA applicants worldwide, especially at top business schools. It requires a high level of preparation, and a high score on the test can make or break your acceptance.

Nevertheless, some leading b-schools across the globe are allowing candidates to apply without taking admissions tests such as the GMAT, GRE, IELTS and TOEFL.

Is the GMAT a good test for all?

With the rise of online and offline courses foregoing the GMAT, the question is whether students should still consider taking it or not. The answer is most likely still yes, but not for everyone.

One problem with the GMAT is that it doesn’t cater to those who have long been out of the testing arena. For instance, working professionals (the type who is considering an online program for exactly the reason that they want to stay in their job) will have a tougher time preparing for the GMAT than recent graduates, but this does not necessarily mean they shouldn’t be considered for a good MBA program.

On top of this, a low GMAT score doesn’t necessarily mean a candidate isn’t equipped to be an MBA student. There are some elements the GMAT can’t gauge, for instance a long history of professional success, strong academic records, as well as interpersonal skills. Being more of a science rather than an art, the GMAT can overlook these parts and make it harder for skilled mid-career professionals to get onto top MBA programs.

The argument for making the GMAT compulsory is that schools need to enroll students who are capable in all the key areas in order for the class to move along at the right pace. This is particularly an issue in the quantitative subjects with which many students can have trouble.

Despite this, an online MBA, no GMAT required, is able to offer a wider pool of students from diverse backgrounds across the globe and significally reduce the stress of the application process. 

GMAT vs GRE

The GMAT, at US$250 a time, is not a cheap exam to take. There is also the additional expense of a GMAT preparation course, which helps students maximize their chances of getting a high score. Many of these are online and easily accessible but they do come with a price tag - even the cheaper options will set you back at least US$100. Many would argue GMAT preparation courses are worth their weight in gold, but on top of the fee for the actual tests themselves, and the possibility of having to retake the exam, schools offering courses without either test begin to look very appealing.

The GRE (Graduate Report Examination) is another test accepted by many b-school, which costs between US$205 and US$255 and has become increasingly popular amongst b-school applicants.

In the battle of GMAT vs GRE, the GRE is has quickly gained recognition because it can be used when applying to a range of other graduate subjects. 

Overall, despite the test subject matter being very similar in both, the GMAT is better suited to candidates with honed quantitative skills while the GRE appeals more to those with excellent written and verbal skills who are keeping their options open. 

Online MBA no GMAT required

If you’re considering an online MBA, here are programs that you won’t need a GMAT score for.

Imperial College Business School

The Imperial Global MBA from Imperial College Business School, ranked secondin the QS Distance Online MBA Rankings 2020,  is an example of a fully accredited online MBA from a leading business school that does not require a GMAT score. The main criterion instead is that applicants have at least five year’s continuous full-time work experience in a relevant field. Candidates who do not have an undergraduate degree or professional qualification may still be considered based on their work experience alone if they pass an SQE (Special Qualifying Examination).

Warwick Business School

Warwick Business School’s distance learning MBA is ranked third in the QS Distance Online MBA Rankings 2020 and is among the best business schools to not require its online students to take the GMAT. However, it specifies that applicants must have at least four years’ postgraduate managerial work experience.

Kogod School of Business

American University’s Kogod School of Business’ online MBA is a 24-month program with 13 core courses, two elective courses and two in-person immersions. Instead of GMAT and GRE scores, applicants need to submit personal statements, résumés, letters of recommendation and grade transcripts.

Colorado State University College of Business

The online MBA from CSU’s College of Business is a 21-month flexible program with an optional specialization in Marketing Data Analytics. The program tackles broad business functions from marketing and strategy to economics, supply chain management and accounting.

Concordia University

Next on our list is Concordia University, whose no GMAT online MBA is comprised of 36 credit hours and a blend of core courses and elective modules. Applicants can also pursue a specialization in Healthcare Management.

Florida Atlantic University

FAU’s 23-month online MBA is entirely asynchronous, allowing students to access courses and materials at any time and from any location. The program contains no GMAT, residency or international residency requirement.

Chapman Graduate School of Business at Florida International University

FIU’s online MBA is a fast-paced, rigorous 24-month program for professionals looking to develop as many skills as possible. The school offers applicants eight specializations: International Business, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, Marketing Channel Strategy, Strategic Negotiations, Business Data Analytics, Real Estate and Leadership.

Poole College of Management

NC State University’s online MBA offers an integrated core curriculum with a focus on technology, business processes and practical applications. Students can choose between a range of electives and specialized concentrations to meet their interests and career needs.

Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, University of New Hampshire

The online MBA from Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics is a flexible program that can be completed in two to three-and-a-half years. The curriculum is highly customizable with six specializations: Finance, Information Systems and Business Analytics, Marketing, Global Business, Growth and Innovation and Hospitality Management.

Gies College of Business – University of Illinois

Gies’ online MBA requires 72 credits and offers specializations in eight focus areas: Strategic Leadership and Management, Managerial Economics and Business Analytics, Value Chain Management, Financial Management, Global Challenges in Business, Innovation, Digital Marketing and Business Analytics.

Ohio University

Ohio University’s online MBA is an engaging and academically rigorous program offering eight concentrations to help students achieve career-specific goals: Accounting, Business Analytics, Business Venturing & Entrepreneurship, Executive Management, Finance, Healthcare, Operations & Supply Chain Management and Strategic Selling & Sales Leadership.

West Texas A&M University

The online MBA from West Texas A&M can be completed fully online or through a “hybrid” learning model. The school offers different concentration areas such as Marketing, General Business, Healthcare Management and Computer Information Systems.

This article was originally published in February 2014 and was most recently updated in July 2020 to include new data.