Full-Time MBA

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.

Program Structure

Download Table and Course Descriptions

"The MBA program at Gatton prepared me for the real world business journey. Not only did the curriculum focus on improving our business acumen, it also emphasized the importance of being an impactful and valuable leader."

Brandi Henderson, '17, MBA

Sr. Manager of Content Strategy and Partnerships, Comcast

A unique aspect of our Full-Time MBA program is Project Connect, our experiential learning consulting practicum that enables our candidates to hone and strengthen their strategic problem solving, teaming, and communication skill sets while working on real‐world business challenges and opportunities. Project Connect takes place in the fall and spring semesters.

• The fall semester exposes our candidates to problem solving methodologies that will be applied to real-world business challenges and opportunities through case studies with regional employers.
• During the spring semester, our candidates are paired with regional employers, based on career interests, owning projects to deliver impactful solutions for their project sponsors.

1. Application

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.

2. Documentation

• Resume or CV
• Undergraduate transcripts: Upload digital copies of your unofficial test scores and transcripts from all universities attended using the online application. Minimum undergraduate GPA requirement is 2.75 (out of 4.0)
• One Letter of Recommendation
• Personal Statement: Write a personal statement (500 words or less) about your career goals. Include how you anticipate you will grow and change as a person, a professional, and a leader in your time as an MBA student in order to help you achieve your career goals. Consider: What mindset will you need to succeed during your MBA experience? How will you contribute to the Gatton College as a student and alumni? How will you contribute to your future employer, community, and society?

**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. If you have questions, please email Karla.Schiebel@uky.edu.

International candidates: Learn more about additional requirements:

• English Proficiency waivers can be offered to candidates who earned their bachelors' degrees from other U.S. universities and/or institutions that will document that all of their instruction was in English.
• Minimum TOEFL score is 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. The TOEFL Institution Code for the UK Graduate School is 1837.

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.

3. Entrance Exam

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:

• 5 or more years of relevant work experience, especially in leadership positions and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher at an accredited university.
• 3 or more years of military service with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher at an accredited university.
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher in a business or STEM major at an accredited university.
• Hold a master's or a doctorate in a business or STEM field or a JD from an accredited university or be enrolled in such a program.

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.

Deadlines & Decisions

Note: Applicants are admitted on a rolling basis. Priority admission and scholarships are based on those who apply early.

Ready to start your application?

Now that you know the admission and application requirements, you are ready to start your application to the UK MBA Program. You can save your progress and return to your application as needed until you are ready to submit it.

Not quite ready and need more detailed understanding of our requirements?

Sign up for an info session today!

We look forward to answering any questions and guiding you through this process.

Preparatory Training

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 $100 per candidate and takes approximately thirty hours to complete. The training for Economics is free and takes less than 10 hours to complete.

"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."

Jason Scarpa, '19, MBA

Manager Accounting, Northfolk Southern Corporation

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

UK Tuition and Fees Page.

Scholarships

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: undergraduate academic performance, entrance exam (GMAT or GRE) performance, leadership initiative, and quality of work experience (either internship or post graduate experience). 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.

Financial Assistance

• Many UK MBA candidates utilize the comprehensive resources available from the UK Office of Student Financial Aid, including federal student loan programs.
• Individual appointments are available for assistance with our team of financial aid counselors.

Refunds
Students can find tuition refund policies, deadlines, amounts, and other important information on the Student Account Services website.

Items to Note

• To reserve your spot in the program a non-refundable $500 deposit is required and will be applied to the first semester’s tuition.
• Your tuition will not increase while continuously enrolled, however mandatory fees are subject to change.
• If electing our online option, a distance learning fee of $10/credit hour will be applied.
• Course materials will cost approximately $2,500 over the course of the program.
• Specifics regarding determination of residency status are available from the UK Registrar’s Office Residency Policy.

As a Full-Time MBA candidate, you will jumpstart your MBA journey with a professional career development course – MBA 630. This course includes:

• Self-exploration – through assessments, self-discovery, and guidance, our candidates gain a stronger understanding of their strengths, interests, and motivations.
• Career exploration – building on self-exploration, our candidates gain exposure and insight into different MBA career paths, enabling the fit with their passions, personal strengths, and ambitions.
• Dedicated coaching and guidance – throughout our candidates’ MBA experience they have dedicated coaching to guide them, along with resume and interviewing preparation to position them for success for their first role out of our program.

We provide comprehensive support and guidance to all graduate candidates throughout their time at the Gatton College of Business and Economics.

The Professional Resource Center (PRC) offers comprehensive career support services to all Gatton College of Business and Economics MBA and MS students. Students receive assistance in everything needed to launch a successful career during and after graduation, from resume development and job searches to LinkedIn profile buildout and interview preparation.

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.

Networking and Leadership Opportunities

As a candidate in our Full-Time MBA program, you will have the opportunity to learn from and network with business leaders in various industries. You will gain real-world experience while building indispensable connections through:

• Career panels
• Leadership and special topics speakers
• MBA Advisory Council
• Alumni connections

Workshops and Certificate Programs

You will also have the option to participate in two workshop certification programs, allowing you to differentiate yourself in the workplace further. These include:

• Cultural Awareness for Global Business Workshop - This workshop program is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, work and flourish in and with cultures other than their own. Whether it be collaborating with peers, managing others, or leading groups, cultural awareness is becoming an increasingly important trait in the workforce.
• Project Management Workshop – This workshop program provides participants with working knowledge of Project Management and Agile Management practices. Participants will gain an understanding of what project management is in general, waterfall concepts, agile concepts, terms, tools, and techniques to manage projects effectively.

Through the UK MBA program, students build successful careers in industries across the globe.