» Frequently Asked Questions

Which graduate business degrees do you offer?

We offer a variety of MBA and Joint MBA programs, as well as a specialized MS in Accounting degree.  Visit our Graduate Programs.  

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Which MBA format is best for me?

Visit Compare Our Programs. 

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Is Chapman University’s Argyros School accredited?

The Argyros School of Business and Economics is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which is one of higher education’s most prestigious accrediting bodies. AACSB accreditation is recognized as the highest endorsement a business school can receive, as this symbolizes a school’s commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement. Only 633 business schools worldwide are accredited by the AACSB.

The Argyros School is also accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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How can I request a copy of your brochure?

You may visit Request More Information. 

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Do you host events for Prospective Students?

We host events throughout the year on-campus, off-campus and online. Visit Prospective Student Events.

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How do I visit a class?

We strongly encourage prospective students to visit a class to meet current students and faculty, while gaining an understanding of the curriculum. If interested in visiting an MBA or MSA class, please contact Serena Healey at healey@chapman.edu and include your contact information, and preferred days and times.  If interested in visiting an EMBA class, please contact Chris Lowe at clowe@chapman.edu.

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Is full-time work experience required?

We do not require full-time work experience for the Full-Time and Flex MBA programs, however, a minimum of two years is strongly desired. For the Executive MBA, at least 8 years of full-time work experience in a managerial capacity is strongly preferred. 

The MS in Accounting program does not require work experience.

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Is there any academic preparation required prior to applying/enrolling? Do I need an undergraduate degree in business to apply? Are there any prerequisite courses?

The MBA program welcomes applications from college graduates in all areas of concentration, including but not limited to humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, and engineering. Prerequisite coursework is not required for admissions or prior to enrolling. 

The MS in Accounting program has 18 prerequisite credits, however, you may be admitted prior to completing all prerequisites.  Please contact Serena Healey for more information at healey@chapman.edu.

MS in Accounting prerequisites include:

   Introductory Business Statistics
   Legal Environment of Business
   Intermediate Financial Accounting I
   Intermediate Financial Accounting II
   Individual Tax or Corporate Taxation
   Auditing

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Do I need to submit my application materials at once?

You may submit your application online without your supplemental materials. Supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation, official transcripts and test scores, may be received after you submit your application. 

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Are there advantages to applying early?

Yes, merit scholarship decisions are based on the application deadlines. 

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How does the Admissions Committee review applications?

Each and every application is reviewed holistically, and all application requirements are considered.  

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Should my letters of recommendation be from a supervisor/colleague at work or from a professor?

Strong letters of recommendation will speak about your professional and/or academic achievements, leadership potential, teamwork experience, analytical and communication skills. At least one letter of recommendation should be from a supervisor to address your professional performance. 

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How are letters of recommendation submitted?

You will add your recommended's contact information directly to your online application. When you save the recommended's contact information, an automated email will be sent to the email address. Recommenders are prompted to complete a formed letter. If a recommended cannot access the email, then a PDF copy may be emailed to mba@chapman.edu or mailed to:

Chapman University
Office of Graduate Admissions
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866

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May I submit additional recommendations?

We require only two letters of recommendation. If you plan to submit more than two letters of recommendation, email the additional letters to mba@chapman.edu. 

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Where should I send my transcripts?

Transcripts may be sent electronically or mailed.

Mailing address:

Chapman University
Office of Graduate Admissions
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866

Electronic transcripts may be sent to admtranscript@chapman.edu. 

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Is an essay required for the application? If yes, what are the formatting requirements?

Yes, we require a Statement of Intent. The Statement of Intent should be a maximum of 250 words with standard font and margins and discuss how Chapman University and the Argyros School will help you achieve your career and personal goals.  

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How should I submit the essay?

Please upload your Statement of Intent to your online application in a Word or PDF file.

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Is an interview required?

Full-Time MBA and Executive MBA applicants are required to complete an interview. We host interviews on-campus, and we coordinate online interviews on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to schedule your interview, please contact Serena Healey for Full-time MBA at healey@chapman.edu and Chris Lowe for Executive MBA at clowe@chapman.edu.

Interviews are optional for Flexible MBA and MS in Accounting applicants.

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Do you accept transfer students?

You must apply as a new student. Students may transfer a maximum of 6 units from an AACSB-accredited graduate business program. Approval from the Program Director and Graduate Faculty Committee is required. 

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What is the application fee?

The application fee is $60.

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Applications are accepted year round. Students are encouraged to submit by the recommended deadlines for priority consideration.  

Fall

Full-Time and Flexible MBA 
Executive MBA 
JD/MBA
MBA/MFA in Film and Television Producing 
Accelerated MBA  *Available to Chapman University undergraduates only
M.S. in Accounting
Accelerated M.S. in Accounting *Available to Chapman University undergraduates only

Full-Time and Flexible MBA Applicants

• Submit the online application at Apply Now
• Resume 
• Statement of Intent
• Official academic transcript from undergraduate degree granting institution
  • Send electronically to admtranscript@chapman.edu
  • Send via mail to:
    Chapman University
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    One University Drive
    Orange, CA 92866

• Official GMAT or GRE score (institution code 4047) may be waived for Flex MBA
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview required for Full-Time MBA applicants only
• International applicants must also submit the following items:
  • Official TOEFLT, IELTS or PTE score report
  • Copy of your diploma
  • International Graduate Student Supplemental Form 

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Executive MBA Applicants

• Submit the online application at Apply Now
• Resume
• Statement of Intent
• Official academic transcript from undergraduate degree granting institution
  • Send electronically to admtranscript@chapman.edu
  • Send via mail to:
    Chapman University
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    One University Drive
    Orange, CA 92866

• Official GMAT or GRE score may be waived based on work experience and interview
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview 
• International applicants must also submit the following items:
  • Official TOEFLT, IELTS or PTE score report
  • Copy of your diploma
  • International Graduate Student Supplemental Form

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JD/MBA Applicants

• Applicants are required to apply to both the Full-Time MBA program and School of Law
  Please see admission requirements above for Full-Time MBA program.

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MBA/MFA in Film and Television Producing Applicants

• Applicants are required to apply to both the Full-Time MBA and MFA in Film and Television Producing programs
  Please see admission requirements above for Full-Time MBA program.

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Accelerated MBA Applicants  

      Open to Chapman University undergraduates only 

• Complete 75 or more units of undergraduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher
• Submit online application at Apply Now
• Official GMAT (institution code 4047) score submitted by July 1 during summer of applicant's senior year (minimum GMAT 600)
• Resume
• Statement of Intent
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview

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M.S. in Accounting Applicants

• Submit the online application at Apply Now
• Resume
• Statement of Intent
• Official academic transcript from undergraduate degree granting institution
  • Send electronically to admtranscript@chapman.edu
  • Send via mail to:
    Chapman University
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    One University Drive
    Orange, CA 92866
• Official GMAT or GRE score (institution code 4047) may be waived 
• Two letters of recommendation
• International applicants must also submit the following items:
  • Official TOEFLT, IELTS or PTE score report
  • Copy of your diploma
  • International Graduate Student Supplemental Form

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Accelerated M.S. in Accounting Applicants  

      Open to Chapman University undergraduates only 

• Complete 75 or more units of undergraduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher
• Submit the online application at Apply Now
• Official GMAT score submitted by July 1 during summer of applicant's senior year (minimum GMAT 550). Official GMAT or GRE score (institution code 4047) may be waived for students with a GPA of 3.2 and above.
• Resume
• Statement of Intent
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview

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Do you require a minimum GMAT or GRE score to apply?
What is your average GMAT/GRE and GPA?
How long are GMAT and GRE scores valid?
How do I register for the GMAT or GRE?
What is the last date on which I can take the GMAT?
Do you average GMAT scores if I take the test more than once?

Do you require a minimum GMAT or GRE score to apply? 

There is no minimum score (except for Integrated MBA and MSA programs), but higher scores strengthen your application and consideration for merit scholarship decisions. 

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What is your average GMAT/GRE and GPA?

Full-Time MBA

GMAT: 600-710
Average GPA: 3.41

Flexible MBA

GMAT: 530-610
Average GPA: 3.2

M.S. in Accounting

Average GMAT: 660
Average GPA: 3.03

International applicants must also submit an English language proficiency test. Below are the score requirements:

TOEFL: 87
IELTS: 7

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How long are GMAT and GRE scores valid?

GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years.

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How do I register for the GMAT or GRE?

You may register for the GMAT at mba.com or the GRE at ets.org. 

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What is the last date I can take the GMAT or GRE?

The earlier you submit your entire application, including your GMAT or GRE score, the better your chances for admissions and merit scholarship decisions. We encourage applicants to submit their test scores close to the application deadlines. If you would like to schedule an admissions consultation, please email us at mba@chapman.edu. 

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Do you average GMAT or GRE scores if I take the test more than once?

We accept a maximum of three tests and use your highest score only. 

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Do you waive the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE for admission?

Yes, if your undergraduate studies or prior master's or higher graduate degree were at a university/college where English was the primary language of instruction, then the English language proficiency exam may be waived. 

Do I need to transcripts in English if the originals are in another language?

Yes, we require both your official transcript in its original language and translated in English.

Are there any special requirements for international applicants?

In addition to the application requirements, international applicants must also submit: 

• TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or CAE
  
  • TOEFL minimum requirements: 87 (iBT), 600 (PBT) or 22 each section (revised Paper-Delivered Test)
  • IELTS minimum requirement: 7.0
  • PTE Academic minimum requirement: 59
  • CAE: 180
• Copy of your diploma
• Transcripts in the original language and translated in English

Following an offer of admission, students must fill out the following Supplemental Form:

• International Graduate Student Supplemental Form

Do international applicants qualify for merit scholarships?

Yes, international applicants are considered for merit scholarships. International applicants do not qualify for federal loans. 

Are there any Student Clubs/Organizations?

The Chapman Graduate Business Association (GBA) governs the Argyros School graduate student body, ensuring a high quality of student life, cultivating relationships between students, faculty, alumni, and the business community. Through its executive branch and in conjunction with the student body, the Chapman GBA provides an essential infrastructure that organizes, coordinates, and funds a number of social, networking and charity events designed to enrich the educational and extracurricular experiences in your graduate program. The Chapman GBA also coordinates events with the MBA Alumni Association. 

The Accounting Society is dedicated to being the medium for bringing accounting students and accounting firms together. Our goal is to ensure that every accounting student is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed in starting their professional careers in the accounting profession, through seminars, workshops, accounting firm events, and annual spring banquets.

The Women in Business seek to inspire and empower women in the Argyros School by connecting students with business leaders, creating networking opportunities and providing additional opportunities to develop new skills.

How can I stay involved as an alum?

All alumni are encouraged to join the MBA Alumni Association. This group provides numerous opportunities for alumni to stay connected to the school. Alumni also have access to Argyros School Career Services.

I am new to Orange County. Where should I live? 

Students interested in living in one of our university owned properties must complete a Graduate Student Housing Wait List form. Housing is not guaranteed, and students will be contacted if a property becomes available. Graduate students are encouraged to research alternative living arrangements off campus by visiting our Introduction to Off-Campus Living page.