There's another way to get in: MBA Access

As an undergrad, a lot of things can get in the way of a high GPA. We get that. If yours falls between 2.5 and 3.0, MBA Access is an admission option that allows you to start taking MBA courses right away even if your GPA is below the minimums for typical MBA admission.

MBA Access lets you establish a new GPA to meet the MBA admission requirements. It also gives those with only 12 months of work experience the opportunity to get started on an MBA while earning the required work experience for full-time admission. After completing the five MBA Access courses, you'll have earned a Business Fundamentals Certificate—a credential you can immediately add to your resume.

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Here’s how it works

You'll complete these five courses, in any order:

  • Marketing Management
  • Management in Organizations
  • Corporate Financial Reporting
  • Managerial Finance
  • Data & Decisions or Foundations in Strategy

If you've seen the Iowa MBA curriculum, these courses will look familiar. They're all part of the MBA core curriculum, and are part of every MBA student's plan of study. 

The grades you earn will establish a new GPA for you—one you can use to meet the Iowa MBA's minimum 3.0 GPA requirement. 

MBA Access doesn't cost additional money or added time compared to the standard Iowa MBA admission route. It doesn't interfere with your ability to earn a concentration with your MBA, either.

They're the same courses, with the same classmates, and the same instructors as the Iowa MBA program, and all five of the courses count toward the Iowa MBA.

After your fourth MBA Access course, if you've met the GPA requirement, you'll apply for the Iowa MBA and transition seamlessly into full admission status. 

MBA Access tuition

MBA Access doesn't cost extra, and you won't be paying a penny more for your Iowa MBA than a student who starts the program through regular admission. 

  • The five MBA Access courses are $2,250 per course, for a total of $11,250.

After completing MBA Access, you'll have just ten Iowa MBA courses remaining to earn your degree. The tuition cost for Iowa MBA courses is the same as MBA Access: $2,250 per course. 

 Please note: Students admitted through MBA Access are not eligible for financial aid until they are accepted into the Iowa MBA program.

Minimum requirements

To be considered for MBA Access, you'll need to meet the following criteria:

  • A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution
  • An undergraduate GPA of 2.5+
  • At least 12 months of post-undergraduate professional, full-time work experience

There are no business prerequisites and no entrance exam required.

Take the next step

To get started with MBA Access:

  1. Start your application.
  2. When selecting a program, choose the Business Fundamentals Certificate.

See what's required for the certificate application.

Go to CERTIFICATE admissions