How do I Apply for a Masters in Management (MiM) Program?

You’ve decided that you want to apply for a master’s level business program, whether it be a Master’s in Management (MiM) or a specialized MSc program. What do you need to apply?

While the application process for each individual program will be unique, most Masters in Management programs tend to require similar application materials. Read on to see what those are.

Undergraduate degree: a core MiM application requirement

Most of the time, an undergraduate degree is required. Many MiM programs will also accept applications from students who are in their last year of undergraduate studies.

Sometimes, in terms of an applicant’s undergraduate degree, business schools will have specific requirements. To apply for London Business School’s Masters in Management program, for example, applicants should have at least class rank of UK 2:1 (second class honors, upper division, or its equivalent.)

For some MiM programs, it’s important to have a specific undergraduate degree. To apply to the Master in Management program from WHU – Otto Besheim, for instance, applicants should have a degree in business administration, economics, or other business-related field. 

Some programs, such as the MMS: Foundations of Business program from Duke – Fuqua, will also accept applications from those with three-year bachelor’s degrees.

To demonstrate that you have an undergraduate degree, you’ll generally have to supply transcripts or a copy of the actual diploma, as part of the MiM application process.

GMAT or GRE scores: required to apply for many Master's in Management programs

For many master’s-level business programs, an admission test score—the GMAT, generally—can also be required. Sometimes a business school will specific a minimum required GMAT score; to apply to the Master in Management program from the University of Mannheim Business School, for instance, applicants should have a minimum GMAT score of 600. 

Other schools might specify what the average GMAT scores are for their current cohorts, so that applicants have a general sense of what score to aim for.

Sometimes a GRE score can be submitted as an alternative to the GMAT. To apply for the MSc In Economics and Management from the London School of Economics (LSE), applicants can submit either a GMAT or GRE score, but the GRE is preferred.

And occasionally, a business school might waive GMAT requirements, based on an applicant’s other strengths, like outstanding academic performance or fantastic references.

IELTS or TOEFL scores: sometimes required to apply to a MiM program

For those whose native language is not English, many business-level master’s programs will require applicants to submit evidence of English-language proficiency. This is usually done through by supplying a score from one of the main English-language proficiency tests: TOEFL or IELTS, although some business schools might also have their own internal tests.

Many schools will specify minimum scores. For instance, to apply for an MSc program at the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), candidates need to score at least 6.5 on the IELTS sub-sections, or a minimum TOEFL score of 91.

Letters of recommendation / reference letters: typically a requirement for many MiM program applications

To apply for a Master’s in Management program, you’ll also most likely have to submit letters of recommendation or reference letters. Depending on which programs you’re applying to, you may have to submit two or three (or maybe more) separate letters. Sometimes business schools will have specifications in terms of who writes your letters—to apply for the MS in Management Studies at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, for example, you’ll need to submit two letters, one of which needs to be from a former professor and the other from a non-family member who knows you well.

Recommendations may have to be written on a special form, or references may need to answer specific questions, depending on which programs you are applying to.

Motivation letter / essays: usually required to apply for a Master's in Management

Often, business schools will also ask you to write a motivation letter (statement of purpose) or respond to essay questions, so that they can get a better sense of why you are applying.

These can take a variety of forms. For example, LSE requires a personal statement between 1,000 and 1,500 words with no writing prompts. On the other hand, to apply for the Master of Management at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, applicants will need to submit two or three essays on specific questions.

Work experience: not usually required to apply to a MiM program

Although for most MiM programs, work experience is not required, some specialized master’s-level programs do ask for it. To apply for the Master of Finance from the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School, for instance, applicants need at least two years of work experience in a finance-related role.

Additional requirements

Beyond what’s listed above, business schools might ask you for a range of documentation to support your application. This can include the following:

• CV / résumé
• Transcripts / diplomas
• Application fee
• Interview