Beyond business acumen, emphasis on leadership development and problem solving skills to help you stand out and excel in your career.
Dedicated course, coaching, assessments, and networking to help you find your path and land your desired role.
We believe an MBA should be affordable and provide immediate benefits, why our Full-Time MBA is ranked #1 for return on investment (ROI).
Our individualized curriculum paves the way for your success, providing the knowledge and tools necessary to become leaders in thriving careers. Guided by attentive and responsive faculty, our program goes beyond general business management knowledge, emphasizing strategic problem solving and leadership development to help you stand out in your career. Additionally, you can explore through customizable electives, allowing you to personalize your curriculum for your desired goals and careers.
After four years in the workforce, Tanner Ransdell knew it was time to take the next step, but she wanted a program that fit her life and his goals. The Gatton Full-Time MBA offered the flexibility and impact she was looking for. In just 12 months, she gained the leadership and business expertise to advance her career without putting it on hold.
“It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
A unique aspect of our Full-Time MBA program is our Problem Solving Lab. Candidates learn business strategy fundamentals, proven approaches to problem solving and apply these skills on real-world cases and industry projects with regional employers. Through this process, our candidates strengthen their confidence in solving complicated problems, preparing them to make a positive impact in their careers.
The focus on leadership development happens throughout our candidates’ experience in our program. Leveraging a series of interrelated courses, assessments, applied learning, and coaching our candidates strengthen their ability to lead themselves, their effectiveness working with others, and how to get the most out of their teams as future managers and leaders.
As a Full-Time MBA candidate, you will jumpstart your MBA journey with a professional career development course – MBA 630. This course includes:
As you make your way through the UK Full-Time MBA program, our team of faculty and staff will also be available for guidance, advice, and networking assistance, allowing you to make use of their valuable experience in and out of the classroom.
We provide comprehensive support and guidance to all graduate candidates throughout their time at the Gatton College of Business and Economics.
Your MBA experience extends well beyond the classroom. Our candidates learn from and connect with successful alumni, business leaders and employers through industry panels, leadership speakers, professional development workshops, employer showcases and other experiences. You’ll leave our program better prepared to navigate the workplace, build meaningful professional relationships and contribute from day one.
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Our program seeks bright, motivated candidates that have demonstrated leadership initiative and are driven to make a positive impact in their selected field as well as their communities.
Apply Now
Ready to take the next step? Our application process is relatively simple (please reference the application checklist, below). Once your application is complete, our admissions committee will review it, and we will be in contact with you within approximately two weeks. Selected candidates will then be invited to interview with our committee as the final step in the admissions process. If you’re admitted, you can secure your place in the incoming class by submitting your statement of acceptance and deposit. We look forward to learning more about you and your goals.
Complete an online application and submit the application fee.
An application is considered complete/ready for review once all supporting documents have been received by the University of Kentucky Graduate School.
Begin Your Application
1. Resume or CV
2. Unofficial transcripts from all postsecondary education
Please upload all transcripts related to postsecondary education (including masters and professional degrees if applicable). Applicants should possess a four-year bachelors degree (or its equivalent) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. If admitted, the Graduate School will require official copies of the transcripts.
3. Two Letters of Recommendation
Note: One Letter should be from a current or former employer
4. Personal Statement
Please write a brief essay (500-700 words) that address the following questions:
**Please note, there may be additional items on the Graduate School Application such as a 'Professional Writing Sample', that is NOT required for your MBA application.
International candidates in the program must take at least nine credit hours per semester in order to maintain the full-time student status. Candidates may apply for a reduced course load the last semester.
For more information, consult our: International FAQ
While submission of GRE/GMAT scores is recommended, interested candidates for our Full-Time One-Year MBA program may request a test waiver from the MBA Admissions Committee.
To qualify, one (or more) of the following qualifications must be met for consideration:
To be considered for a GRE/GMAT waiver, candidates submit their graduate school application for review. Under the personal statement section, add a second answer which lists a brief position statement on the GRE/GMAT waiver so the MBA Admissions Committee can review. All waivers granted by the MBA Admissions Committee must be approved by the University of Kentucky Graduate School. Please note, the GRE or GMAT is required for scholarship consideration.
Click for more information about the GRE and GMAT exams.
A waiver in no way guarantees admission to the MBA program.
Once admitted into the MBA program, all incoming MBA candidates are required to successfully complete MBA Math and an Economics tutorial training to prepare for our program. The cost for MBA Math is $105 per candidate and takes approximately thirty hours to complete. The training for Economics is free and takes less than 10 hours to complete.
Note: Applicants are admitted on a rolling basis. Priority admission and scholarships are based on those who apply early.
Enrolling in the One Year MBA program was the best decision I’ve made. Many of my closest friendships were formed during my time in the program. The network of support and ample opportunity, that continue beyond graduation, separates the program from others.
At UK, we understand the value of your time, especially for those who join us as working professionals. Because of this, our accelerated program allows you to enter or reenter the workforce faster than most MBA programs, providing an even quicker return on investment.
Likewise, our tuition reflects this timeline, meaning you will be free to focus on your growth instead of the financial burden that often comes with furthering an education.
Cost of Attendance
Tuition and Fees
While the UK Full-Time MBA prides itself on its affordability, we understand this is not the case for every student.
Typically, over 50% of our cohort receives scholarship based on merit.
All applications received by the priority scholarship deadline will be considered for scholarship awards.
Our scholarship review process is holistic in nature with emphasis on the following factors:
Candidates who apply after this date will also be considered through April 1st as funds remain available.
No separate application is required; however, candidates will be asked to participate in an interview before the final granting of scholarship awards.
Individual appointments are available for assistance with our team of financial aid counselors
Find your counselor
Schedule a Session
Reserve: To reserve your spot in the program a non-refundable $500 deposit is required and will be applied towards student services in your MBA experience.
Tuition: Your tuition will not increase while continuously enrolled, however mandatory fees are subject to change.
Course materials: Course materials will cost approximately $2,500 over the course of the program.
Residency Status: Specifics regarding determination of residency status are available from the UK Registrar’s Office Residency Policy. (Learn More)
Many UK MBA students utilize the comprehensive resources available from the UK Office of Student Financial Aid, including federal student loan programs.
Students can find tuition refund policies, deadlines, amounts, and other important information on the Student Account Services website.
The University of Kentucky Graduate School provides various funding opportunities for graduate students through fellowships, assistantships, and support funding.
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