Program Overview

What is the Master of Arts (MA) in Management program?

The MA in Management is a 10-month program that immerses students in core business concepts and develops great students into well–rounded business graduates who are able to pursue careers in a broad range of fields. It is a pre-experience master’s program specifically designed for recent liberal arts, sciences or engineering graduates who want to learn business fundamentals before beginning their careers.

How long has the MA in Management program been offered at Wake Forest, and how many students are enrolled?

• The program started summer 2006, and we will be recruiting our fifth class soon.
• We have 91 students in the recent class which began July 2009.

What is the difference between an MA in Management and an MBA at Wake Forest?

The MA in Management program is a 10-month program for recent graduates with liberal arts, science or engineering backgrounds and no significant work experience. Business and business-related majors are not eligible to pursue the MA program.

The MBA is a two-year program for college graduates with significant full-time, post-graduate work experience. There are no restrictions on college major.  Our full-time MBA program offers a variety of scholarship opportunities.  In particular, applications for the Wachovia Scholars program for Fall 2009 matriculation are still being accepted.  We encourage all prospective students to research the application process for the full-time MBA program.

Why should I pursue an MA in Management vs. an MBA? 

The MA in Management program provides the core business skills needed to jump start a career for liberal arts, sciences and engineering majors. Because our top-ranked MBA programs require full-time, post-graduate work experience, pursuing an MBA is generally not an option for recent college graduates.

Who is eligible to apply to the MA in Management program?

Refer to MA program eligibility

Are international candidates eligible for the MA in Management program?

Yes.

I am currently a sophomore (or junior). Can I go ahead and apply to the MA in Management program now for a future enrollment term?

No. Candidates need to wait until their final year in college to apply; our application is available in July for the following summer. We encourage such candidates to go ahead and begin preparing for the GMAT/GRE.

What is the MA in Management application process?

Refer to the application instructions

What are the application deadlines for Summer 2010 enrollment?

Refer to the admissions deadlines

What does the applicant pool look like this year?

The number of applications for the MA in Management program has increased significantly. Admission will be highly competitive.

Are there any pre-requisite requirements for the MA in Management program?

There are no pre-requisites for the MA in Management program.

Will you waive the GMAT/GRE or accept SAT, MCAT or LSAT in lieu of one of the GMAT/GRE?

No. We only accept GMAT and GRE exam scores.

Do you allow enrollment deferrals?

No. Applicants must apply for admission during the year before their desired matriculation date.

What is the cost of the MA in Management program?

Refer to the tuition and fees information

Are there scholarships available for the MA in Management program?

Yes. We offer merit-based scholarships on a competitive basis. All admitted candidates who submit a complete application before the March 1 scholarship deadline are considered for merit-based scholarships. Those who submit a complete application after this deadline will be considered as funds are available. There is not a separate application for scholarship consideration.

What is the Corporate Fellowship program?

The Corporate Fellowship program is a new scholarship opportunity for MA in Management candidates for constituencies traditionally underrepresented at Wake Forest. Fellows receive full tuition plus living expenses, personal mentoring from a high-level executive at a major corporation, and a Fellowship Practicum, which provides hands-on experience to enhance the classroom education.

Does the Corporate Fellowship program apply to any of the other graduate business programs at Wake Forest?

No. The Corporate Fellowship program is limited to the MA in Management program.

Will the Corporate Fellowship program be offered in future years? We anticipate that the Corporate Fellowship program will be offered for future years.

Can I get my MBA after I finish the MA in Management program?

Graduates from the MA in Management program are eligible to apply to the Full-time MBA program after working for a minimum of two years. (Our Full-time MBA students have an average of four years work experience.) Those who are admitted would enter the Full-time MBA program and complete needed coursework to satisfy the MBA graduation requirements. Typically, this can be accomplished in one year. All applicants must meet the Full-time MBA eligibility requirements and complete the MBA admissions process.

What other graduate business programs does Wake Forest offer and do you offer scholarships?

We offer four MBA programs (Full-time, Winston-Salem Evening, Charlotte Evening, Charlotte Saturday), a Master of Science in Accountancy, and a number of joint degree programs with other Wake Forest schools (JD/MBA, MD/MBA, MSA/MBA, PhD/MBA). We do offer merit-based scholarships in each of these programs.

Do you offer any online graduate business programs or a PhD in business?

No. We do not offer distance learning programs or a PhD in business at this time.

Are MA students allowed to work? 

Because of the intensity of the MA Program, the need for extensive preparation, and our emphasis on teamwork, MA students are strongly discouraged from holding a part-time job while they are enrolled in the MA Program.  However, with the approval of the MA Program Director, students may work up to 10 hours per week at a part-time job or as a Graduate Assistant.  Part-time work must be scheduled such that it does not conflict with classes, team meetings, and other school related events.  To obtain the program director’s approval, students must provide adequate assurances that the work will not interfere with the student’s course work, team work, career search, and school events.  Permission will not be provided or will be revoked if the student's GPA is 5.5 or below.