General Questions

Application and Admission Questions


GMAT


TOEFL


Financial Assistance Questions


Illinois Residency Questions

Answers To General Questions

Q: How is your program structured?
A: The UIC Liautaud MBA program is a 13.5 course (54 credit hour) program. Students start their program by completing six core courses (24 credit hours) and then continue to complete 7.5 advanced electives (30 credit hours). All students are required to complete a concentration and maintain a GPA of 3.0/4.0 throughout their program.

Q: What are your core courses?
The core courses are designed to provide students with a basic business foundation. These courses will teach you the fundamental concepts need to deepen your functional business knowledge. The core curriculum consists of the following six courses (24 credit hours): financial accounting, corporate finance, marketing, microeconomics, operations management, and organizational behavior.

Q: What concentrations do you offer?
Following the completion of the core courses, 30 credit hours of advanced elective courses are taken. Using advanced electives, MBA students customize their curriculum to meet their individual career interests and goals by emphasizing one or more concentration(s). In order to complete a concentration, you must complete three courses within one of the following fields of study: accounting, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management, management information systems, marketing, real estate and self-directed.

Q: What is the self-directed option?
The self-directed option is for individuals who would like to customize their plan of study to reflect specific career goals. Students work with their advisors to prepare a study plan. Once approved, this option provides a broad range of course work as well as exposure to different disciplines.

Q: How long does it take to complete the UIC Liautaud MBA program?
A: The UIC Liautaud MBA program may be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis. Part-time students register for one or two courses per semester and complete the program in three to four years; full-time students complete the degree in approximately two years.

Q: How much is tuition?
A: Tuition is determined by how many hours are taken per semester. There are three ranges in the fee structure: Range III: 1-5 hours, Range II: 5-11 hours, Range I: 12 hours or over. Please click here for updated tuition and fees information.

Q: When are your courses offered?
A: Each course meets once a week for 16 weeks, 6:00pm - 8:30pm, Monday through Thursday. All of our core courses are also offered online and some courses are offered on Saturday mornings.

Q: Where can I learn more about online courses?
A: Online courses are often very different than traditional face-to-face courses in terms of how the material is presented, the nature of the interaction among class members and the overall learning experience. However, the course load is at the same level as the face to face version; the only amount of time saved is your commute time to and from campus. Our online courses use the Blackboard software.

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Q: Can I take courses as a non-degree seeking student?
A: You may be admitted to the Liautaud MBA program on a non-degree basis only in the following two cases:
1. If you have already completed an MBA or other approved management degree from an AACSB accredited institution and wish to pursue further course work, you may enroll in Liautaud MBA classes on a space available basis as long as you maintain good academic standing. The application for admission and proof of MBA degree (a photocopy of your transcript or diploma showing completed MBA degree) must be submitted by the application deadline for the desired term of study.
2. If you are currently enrolled in an MBA program at another AACSB institution and wish to take courses that will be accepted by your university as transfer courses. You may enroll in Liautaud MBA courses to the extent approved by your MBA program, and by the Liautaud MBA Program. The Liautaud MBA application for admission, application fee, proof of baccalaureate degree, and letter from the director of your MBA program indicating that you are in good academic standing and list the courses approved to be transferred must be submitted by the application deadline for the desired term of study. You may also be asked by the admissions committee to provide additional information regarding your academic credentials.

Q: Do you have a career services office to help students obtain internships, part-time and full-time positions?
A: UIC Liautaud MBA Career Services provides a wide range of services to our students. Whether they are seeking professional growth with their current employer or are interested in changing careers, we assist them in meeting their career goals. With seminars, workshops, and online programs covering all aspects of the career development process, we give our students the necessary tools to advance their careers. Please click here to learn more about what services we offer.

Q: Do you have any exchange/study abroad programs?
A: The Liautaud Graduate School of Business offers students exciting opportunities to gain first-hand knowledge about foreign business systems and cultures. Know Europe is a four-week course, through the ESC Normandy, on the current business environment within the European Community. Doing Business in Brazil is a two-week course in Sao Paulo, Brazil at the Fundação Getulio Vargas, considered one of the top business schools in South America. This English-language course covers Brazilian and South American business issues, the political and social climate, national culture, consumer marketing, and Mercosur. Click here for more information.

Q: Is there a minimum GPA I have to maintain while I am in the program?
A: All students must maintain a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

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Answers To Application and Admission Questions

Q: What are your application deadlines?

Fall Spring Summer
Domestic May 15 November 1 March 15
International February 15

Q: What are your application requirements?
Domestic
1. A completed MBA application (submitted online)
2. Nonrefundable application fee ($50)
3. Two copies of official transcripts: Transcripts from all post-secondary institution in sealed, signed envelopes from the registrars of the institutions.
4. GMAT score: Please provide your unofficial score report so the review process may begin, pending receipt of the official copy. And admissions decision will not be processed without an official test score.
5. Two letters of recommendation: Applicants are asked to provide two letters of recommendation from persons who have known you in a professional capacity.
6. Personal statement: This essay allows you to elaborate on your professional goals and reasons for seeking an MBA. It also offers you the opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants.
7. Current résumé: The admissions committee strongly recommends at least two years of work experience following completion of your undergraduate degree and prior entering term. However, if you feel that you have sufficient experience, you are encouraged to apply and meet with a counselor.

International
1. A completed MBA application (submitted online)
2. Nonrefundable application fee ($60)
3. Two copies of official transcripts: Transcripts from all post-secondary institution in sealed, signed envelopes from the registrars of the institutions.
4. GMAT score: Please provide your unofficial score report so the review process may begin, pending receipt of the official copy. And admissions decision will not be processed without an official test score.
5. Two letters of recommendation: Applicants are asked to provide two letters of recommendation from persons who have known you in a professional capacity.
6. Personal statement: This essay allows you to elaborate on your professional goals and reasons for seeking an MBA. It also offers you the opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants.
7. Current résumé: The admissions committee strongly recommends at least two years of work experience following completion of your undergraduate degree and prior entering term. However, if you feel that you have sufficient experience, you are encouraged to apply and meet with a counselor.
8. TOEFL score: Please provide your unofficial score report so the review process may begin, pending receipt of the official copy. An admissions decision will not be processed without an official test score.
9. Completed Declaration and Certification of Finances form with evidence of financial support: Please note that you will not be admitted to the university and I-20 (student visa) documents will not be issued without proper financial verification.

Q: For application purposes, I'm not sure if I would be considered a domestic or an international student. Could you please explain what qualifications make a student international?
A. Domestic:
U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or temporary resident (please provide copy of both sides of your Alien Registration Card, Temporary Resident Card, or other USCIS document).
International:
A citizen or permanent resident alien of a country or political area other than the United States who has a residence outside the United States to which he or she expects to return and either is, or proposes to be, a temporary alien in the United States for educational purposes.

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Q: Does the UIC Liautaud MBA program require prerequisites?
A: Applicants are expected to have taken a statistics course (with regression analysis) before entry into the program. If an applicant does not have a statistics course in their academic background, one can be taken during or before their first semester.

Q: Is an interview required?
A: All completed applications are reviewed by the admissions committee and qualified candidates will be invited for an interview. The interview is meant to provide the admissions committee with more information on your qualifications, career goals, and potential contribution to the Liautaud community. The interview also provides you with the opportunity to meet with us and address all of your questions about your program.

Q: Do you have a minimum undergraduate GPA requirement?
A: A B average is required. Assessment is made on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work (3.0 on a 4.0 scale, 4.0 on a 5.0 scale).

Q: Should I apply even though I do not have any work experience?
A: We strongly recommend two to three years of work experience before beginning the UIC Liautaud MBA program. However, if you feel that you have sufficient experience, you are encouraged to apply and meet with a counselor.

Q: Do I have to have an undergraduate degree in business to be accepted into the program?
A: An undergraduate degree in business administration is not required and we invite and accept applications from all academic backgrounds. Approximately 60 percent of our student body does not have an undergraduate business background.

Q: How long will it be until I hear from you after you have received my application?
A: Once the application is complete (all supporting documentation has been received) a decision will be made within approximately three to four weeks. Incomplete applications will not be assessed. In addition, your status will be updated on our online application system; therefore, you will be able to track your application during the admissions process.

Q: Can I take courses before I have been accepted into the program?
A: No. All students must be fully admitted into the program before taking courses.

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Answers To GMAT Questions

Q: What is your minimum GMAT score requirement?
A: We do not have a minimum score requirement. Our average GMAT for this year's entering class is 610.

Q: Is there any way I can waive the GMAT?
A: Every applicant is required to take the GMAT.

Q: Can I take the GRE instead of the GMAT?
A: No, we only accept the GMAT.

Q: Where can I find out more information about the GMAT?
A: You may find more information about the GMAT exam at www.mba.com or http://www.gmac.com/gmac/thegmat/

Q: How long are my GMAT scores considered valid?
A: GMAT scores are considered valid for five years.

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Answers To TOEFL Questions

Q: Who has to take the TOEFL?
A: All international applicants are required to submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language, unless they meet the TOEFL exemptions listed below.

Q: How can I be exempt from taking the TOEFL?
A: TOEFL exemptions are as follows: 1) Native English speakers 2) Non-native English speakers who have completed two consecutive years of full-time high school or university study in the U.S. or other country where the official language of the country is English 3) Non-native English speakers who have a minimum of one-year full-time employment in the U.S. or other country where the official language of the country is English. Applicants must submit a letter from their employers verifying at least 12 consecutive months of employment and describing their English proficiency. Special note: Students from countries where the official language is not English, but who attended a university where English was the language of instruction, are not exempt from submitting TOEFL scores.

Q: Where can I find out more information on the TOEFL exam?
A: You may find more information about the TOEFL exam at www.toefl.org.

Q: What is the minimum score I need on the TOEFL? A: On an Internet-based test, a total of 80 with the following minimums in each category: listening 17, reading 19, speaking 20, and writing 21.

Q: What is your program code used by ETS for TOEFL?
A: The school code for UIC is 1851.

Q: How long are my TOEFL scores considered valid?
A: The TOEFL must have been taken within the last two years before the start of the entry term of application.

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Answers To Financial Assistance Questions

Q: What financial assistance is available from the Liautaud MBA program?
A: A limited number of partial tuition and fee waivers are available for incoming UIC Liautaud MBA students who plan to study on a full-time basis. The waivers are usually for one semester and are based on academic merit. The LGSB programs office evaluates all applicants for these awards during the admission process; therefore, students do not need to apply separately for a waiver. You will be notified during the admissions process if you are being considered for a Liautaud scholarship and/or a partial tuition and service fee waiver.

Q: Can I apply for graduate assistantships?
A: Students who enroll for eight or more credit hours during the fall and spring semesters are eligible to apply for a graduate assistantship. These on-campus opportunities provide students with a partial tuition waiver and a stipend that varies in amount according to time worked. Students are responsible for finding their own assistantships, just as one would find a job.

Q: Where can I find information on student loans?
A: There are a few avenues that you can investigate in order to help you finance your studies.
1. The UIC Financial Aid Office is the best resource for such information: money@uic.edu .
2. FastWEB is a fast, free way to find scholarships: www.fastweb.com
3. The Graduate Management Admissions Council sponsors a number of loan programs for full-time, part-time and international MBA students through "MBA Loans." For further information contact 1-800-440-4MBA or visit www.gmac.com.
4. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for loans if they meet the federal criteria. To be considered for federal financial aid, applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov). Priority filing date for the fall term is March 1. Part-time students enrolled for at least six credit hours in a semester are also eligible for federal student loans.
5. Veterans who are eligible for education and training benefits while attending the university, or who require information concerning veterans benefits for education, should call the UIC Veteran's Information Office at 312-413-2697.

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Answers To Illinois Residency Questions

Please refer to the University of Illinois In-state and Out-of-state residency information found at:http://www.usp.uillinois.edu/residency.asp in order to answer your Illinois residency questions.

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CONTACT THE LGSB:

Liautaud Graduate School of Business (MC 077)
815 W. Van Buren
Suite 220
Chicago, IL 60607

Phone: (312) 996-4573
Fax: (312) 413-0338

E-mail: mba@uic.edu