While your application and interview are very important to us, it’s equally important that we get to know you and your goals so we can ensure the program is a good fit. We highly encourage you to compare all our MBA programs, connect one-on-one with an admissions advisor early in your consideration process and take advantage of in person and opportunities for you to get to know the program, community and campus before you apply.
Since the Online MBA is a part-time program that allows you the flexibility to continue working while pursuing your education, it’s also a good idea to speak with your current employer about support for your plans to earn an advanced degree and to explore tuition assistance options that may be available through your organization. Check out these tips for gaining employer support.
Candidates for the Online MBA Program should:
Candidates will also have demonstrated:
* The Admissions Committee reserves the right to make rare exceptions to this policy for candidates who have extensive work or leadership experience, but have not completed a bachelor’s degree. Examples include entrepreneurial individuals who have successfully built a business, those with unique experience leading large teams or business units, or those with a non-traditional background, such as military service. These candidates will be evaluated using the same criteria for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree.
Accepted candidates who do not hold a bachelor’s degree may be required to take development programs designated by the Admissions Committee before program entry to ensure they are prepared to succeed.
During the application process, you will be asked to submit materials that help our Admission Committee understand your motivations for pursuing an MBA, and the professional experience and unique perspective you will bring to the program. A list of these materials can be found below or downloaded here.
Educational Experience A list of every institution where you received at least 12 credit hours toward the completion of a degree. The list should include the school name, city, state, dates attended, level of study, degree received, date degree was conferred, major and GPA or equivalent grading data.
Unofficial transcripts from each institution listed as educational experience. You can upload a copy of your transcript to the application portal. If you do not have a copy, PDFs of your official transcript(s) can be emailed to coxgradtranscripts@smu.edu. .
Short-form essay(s)
Two professional references, consisting of the names and contact details of two people who can speak to your character and professional background. Written letters of recommendation are not required, but can be provided to supplement an application.
Professional Resume or Curriculum Vitae This document provides the Cox Graduate Admissions team with the necessary details of your professional background. Use this opportunity to show off your skillset alongside your experience.
(Optional) Standardized Test Scores To make an informed decision about whether to include test scores in your application, learn more about how scores are evaluated in our overall consideration process. If you choose to submit scores, institutional codes for score reports can be found here.
Once you have decided to apply, it is important to consider the following as you prepare your application:
The Cox School does not charge an application fee for any of our graduate programs. The Online MBA application process is free for all domestic and international applicants.
GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment and TOEFL/IELTS test scores are optional for the 2025-2026 enrollment year. To make an informed decision about whether to include test scores in your application, learn more about how scores are evaluated in our overall consideration process. If you choose to submit scores, institutional codes for score reports can be found here.
You may only apply to one (1) 51°µÍø Cox MBA program at a time. If you are not confident that the part-time Online MBA program is the best fit for you, before starting your application.
The Online MBA offers three enrollment terms for the Experienced Professional cohort, beginning in January (Spring), June (Summer) and August (Fall). The requirements and application process for all three terms are the same. For the Early Career cohort, enrollment terms begin in January (Spring) and August (Fall). For this cohort, the requirements and process for both terms are also the same.
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Review $2,500 Scholarship | August 11, 2025 |
| Round I $2,000 Scholarship | September 15, 2025 |
| Round II | October 27, 2025 |
| Final Submit Deadline | December 1, 2025 |
Once you are ready to apply, the next big steps are easy.
You will have the opportunity to save your progress and return to submit your application at any time. Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST on the listed admission deadline date to be considered for each application round or enrollment period.
For general questions about financing your Online MBA, contact your Admissions Advisor and . For specific questions about financial aid, you can contact the Graduate Financial Aid office at gradfinaid@smu.edu. If accepted into the 51°µÍø Cox School of Business, you will have access to an 51°µÍø Cox Graduate financial aid officer to provide options and assist you.
The Admissions Committee meets regularly to review applications; this can happen weekly or daily, given the time of year you are applying. As part of the review process, candidates may be asked to complete an interview, allowing our team to get to know you better and help determine if 51°µÍø Cox is the right fit for your career goals.
Typically, you will know if you’re selected for an interview within a week of application submission.
In preparation for the interview, we provide guidance to applicants on what will be asked. That way, you can come prepared with your thorough answers.
Post-interview, you will be notified of status (accept, deny, or waitlisted) usually within two weeks time. If accepted, your letter of acceptance will be emailed, and it will include information on making a deposit (which is applied to your first semester’s tuition), financial aid available to you, and the process to reply to the admissions offer. It is essential that you respond to the invitation to accept. This ensures we hold a spot for you in the cohort.
Once you confirm you will join the Cox School, you’ll continue to receive correspondence leading up to class start. You will receive information on your Academic Advisor, how to find your Career Coach, and even connectivity emails for your cohort. It is an exciting time while you ramp up towards your first semester!
As waitlist or denial does sometimes happen for applicants, we always love to chat about upcoming admission cycles and how to strengthen your application. With a few exceptions, you can always apply again to the Cox School, and we encourage it!