MBA Application Requirements
There are separate applications and essay questions for The Evening MBA for Career Accelerators, The Daytime MBA for Career Explorers, and The Portland Online MBA.
- Meet PSU minimum admission requirements
- Professional resume
- Unofficial transcripts/mark sheets from any institution where a bachelor's degree was awarded and any institution where graduate-level credits were completed. Upon admission, applicants will be required to provide official transcripts from these institutions. Visit the PSU Admissions website for detailed transcript requirements.
- Interview by the admissions committee. After an initial application review, selected candidates may be invited to an on-campus or virtual interview. This is a positive indicator of our interest in your application but does not guarantee admission.
- $67 application fee - Attend an Information Session to waive this.
- Contact information for two or more references (at least one professional reference preferred). Forms will be emailed to these contacts and we must receive at least one submission before applications are reviewed.
- Essay questions (1 video and 3 written): Essays are your opportunity to tell us who you are beyond your GPAs, test scores and resume. Use this opportunity to provide us with a better understanding of your personal journey, unique background and goals associated with the program.
- Video essay (1): Applicants are required to record a short video of themselves answering the following question - "Introduce yourself and tell us your story. Where are you in your career right now and why is this the right program for you?" The application system provides detailed guidance on how to complete this process. Reading your response is strongly discouraged.
- Written essays (3):
- 250 words maximum per essay question
- Answers to all three questions are required
- See questions below
- GMAT and GRE Optional: We recognize that standardized exams are not always a fair reflection of a candidate's abilities as a result of the inequity of those exams. Therefore we have suspended the GMAT and GRE requirement. This means the GMAT or GRE are no longer required for admission to the MBA program at PSU. We recommend that applicants with limited work experience and undergraduate or graduate GPAs lower than 3.0 consider taking the GMAT or GRE to improve the competitiveness of their application. However, we routinely require the completion of self-paced online primers from students admitted to the MBA program who need additional preparation.
Essay Questions
The Portland MBA for Career Explorers (Daytime):
- Introduce yourself and tell us your story. Where are you in your career right now and why is The Portland MBA the right program for you? (video, 3 minute maximum)
- Which classes in the MBA curriculum are you most interested in and why? In your response, describe what draws you to these courses, what you hope to learn from them, and how you anticipate applying this knowledge and these skills in your studies or future career. (written, 250 word maximum)
- Success in graduate study requires preparation in multiple areas. Please describe the specific steps you have taken to prepare for success in this program in three areas: academically, financially, and personally. In your response, provide concrete examples of your preparation in each area. (written, 250 word maximum)
- Describe your career goals for the five years following graduation from the MBA program. In your response, explain how the program will help you achieve these goals, how your goals align with the values and outcomes of the program, and why these goals are both realistic and compelling to you. (written, 250 word maximum)
The Portland MBA for Career Accelerators (Evening):
- Introduce yourself and tell us your story. Where are you in your career right now and why is The Portland MBA the right program for you? (video, 3 minute maximum)
- Which classes in the MBA curriculum are you most interested in and why? In your response, describe what draws you to these courses, what you hope to learn from them, and how you anticipate applying this knowledge and these skills in your studies or future career. (written, 250 word maximum)
- Success in graduate study requires preparation in multiple areas. Please describe the specific steps you have taken to prepare for success in this program in three areas: academically, financially, and personally. In your response, provide concrete examples of your preparation in each area. (written, 250 word maximum)
- The Evening MBA is designed for professionals with post-baccalaureate career experience. You’ll apply your real-world insights to deepen your understanding of academic concepts and drive discussions within your cohort. Please describe your professional journey to this point, highlighting achievements and lessons learned. Explain how you will bring these experiences into the MBA classroom. Finally, detail how this degree will support your future career goals. (written, 250 word maximum)
The Portland Online MBA:
- Introduce yourself and tell us your story. Where are you in your career right now and why is The Portland MBA the right program for you? (video, 3 minute maximum)
- Success in an online MBA program requires strong collaboration, communication, and self-motivation. Describe how you plan to collaborate with your classmates, and what strategies you will use to stay engaged, manage your time, and maximize your learning in a virtual environment. (written, 250 word maximum)
- Describe your short-term and long-term career goals. How will Portland State’s Online MBA program help you achieve these goals, and how do you plan to apply what you learn in your current or future professional roles? (written, 250 word maximum)
- Graduate study involves academic, financial, and personal planning. Please share the routines and support networks you rely on to balance your personal and academic responsibilities. Your response should demonstrate how these habits will help you finish your program. (written, 250 word maximum)
AI Usage Policy for Graduate Business Admissions
The admissions team is interested in your authentic voice which reflects your academic, professional, and personal experiences and goals. We engage in a holistic review process when evaluating application materials because we want to understand what has inspired you to commit to the graduate program you're applying to. We also want to learn how your experiences will complement the experiences of other members in the cohort you may join.
Given this context, we encourage applicants to submit work that reflects their own voice and perspective. While there may be appropriate uses for AI, such as outlining ideas or checking grammar, essays must be written in your own words. AI-generated content should not replace your personal writing or storytelling. Submissions that rely heavily on AI-generated content or lack meaningful personal detail may affect the admissions decision.
Additionally, because scholarships awarded by The School of Business are based on a holistic review of academic and personal achievements, including your written materials, excessive use of AI may also affect scholarship eligibility.
This policy aligns with the university’s academic integrity standards.
If you have questions about using AI in your application materials, please contact our Recruitment Advising or Admissions Team.
Additional International Student Requirements
Learn More about The Portland MBA