Graduate Business

As you go through these steps, don't hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions or are unclear about any part of the process.

1. Apply for admission and receive a letter of acceptance into one of the Master of Business Administration programs at the University of Sioux Falls.
2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov and have the results sent to USF (school code 003469). The FAFSA form must be renewed on an annual basis.
3. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 5 credit hours per semester in courses required to complete a Master of Business Administration degree in order to qualify for Federal Aid.
4. Students will receive an award letter from the USF Financial Aid Office each semester in which the student has completed the above steps and is eligible to receive financial aid.
5. Students needing financial assistance to complete one of these programs have other financing options for semesters when federal loans are not available. Students can apply for a private alternative bank loan or an interest free payment plan. See the Alternative Funding Sources page for further details on these options.

Transfer of Credits

A maximum of nine semester hours of graduate credit earned at other regionally accredited degree-granting institutions may be transferred into the MBA program.

Time Limit

All work to fulfill the requirements of a master's degree is to be completed within seven years from the date of the first course completed in the program.

Minimum GPA

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for all work to remain in good standing. All individual courses must be completed with a grade of C- or above.

Application for Graduation and Commencement

MBA students must apply for graduation when nearing completion of their program requirements. Applicants for May graduation must file an application for graduation prior to January 31 of the academic year. Graduation for advanced degree candidates takes place at the University's spring commencement ceremony.

Auditing

Students may enroll in any course for non-credit by registering, paying the designated audit fee and obtaining the instructor's consent. Audited courses will not count toward graduation.

Satisfactory Progress

Students are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA in a master's program. Probationary status will be assigned for one semester or course period if the GPA falls below the minimum. Graduate students will not be allowed to continue in the program if their GPA remains below the required level after the probationary period. Students on academic probation who raise their GPAs above the stated minimum will be automatically released from probationary status.

Step 1: Apply For Admission

Complete the Online Application »

A personal statement is required. Using your best writing skills, you will explain in 250-500 words your long-term education and career goals, stating any areas of specific interest and experience that may be relevant to your graduate program.

Step 2: Get Your Transcript(s)

Applicants must contact all colleges and universities previously attended to request that official transcripts be sent directly to the USF Admissions Office. Faxes are not considered official transcripts. 

Step 3: Connect With Us

Applicants are encouraged to call or email the MBA office at any time throughout the application process. You are also welcome to contact the MBA staff for a campus visit. Once your completed application materials are received, the admissions committee will review them. You may be asked to interview with a graduate faculty member as part of the application review process. You will be notified of the committee's decision in a timely manner.

Step 4: Make Financial Arrangements

View the Financial Aid Checklist

Admission to the MBA program is competitive. Prospective students should consider their previous academic experiences, work experiences and maturity when assessing their readiness for graduate-level work.

Provisional admission may be granted to applicants if they have not completed the following course prerequisites: accounting, microeconomics, and statistics, or if their undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0.

If an applicant’s undergraduate degree was not in business, you can take self-paced, affordable classes offered by USF. You can begin the MBA Program before completing these classes. Call us at 605-331-6600 to discuss options.

If an applicant's GPA is less than 3.0 in undergraduate work, a typed statement must be submitted to the MBA director which addresses the circumstances that affected previous academic experiences, the student's maturity level and other circumstances under which the student may be deemed capable of high-quality graduate study. (If the GMAT has been taken, scores may be submitted to demonstrate support for current aptitude for graduate work.) Provisionally-admitted candidates must maintain a GPA 3.0 or greater during their first three MBA courses and complete the competency course requirement(s) before enrolling in the MBA core courses in these subjects. International students are required to complete the TOEFL with a minimum score of 75 and a minimum IELTS score of 6. 

In addition to demonstrating competency in the courses described above, students are also expected to be proficient in the use of Microsoft application software such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Students are expected to demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills, critical thinking abilities and analytic skills. Furthermore, students will be expected to demonstrate leadership and collaboration skills in a wide range of team-based projects.