Introduction
Admissions criteria: Criteria of admission to MBA programs are:
- quality of full-time work experience,
- Graduate Examination Score (GMAT, MAT, GRE)*
- cumulative grade point average,
- letters of recommendation,
- extracurricular activities
* Some programs do not require the submission of a graduate examination score if the applicant's undergraduate cumulative grade point average exceeds a program designated level.
Persons with strong interpersonal skills, creativity, an ability to engage in critical thinking, an awareness of the globalization process, and an ability to communicate effectively are the most successful in business. For this reason, a liberal arts background can provide a solid base on which to build a successful business career.
Recommended Courses and Requirements for Minors and Programs
Advice to students considering an MBA program
Course selection
While a Pre-MBA student can select any major at the college, it is helpful to take certain courses that will orient the student more specifically in the business field. Below is a list of two categories (most useful and recommended) of such courses.
Most useful
Economics
ECON 111, Introduction to Microeconomics
ECON 112, Introduction to Macroeconomics
International Business and Management
INBM 100, Fundamentals of Business
INBM 110, Fundamentals of Accounting
INBM 200, Global Economy
INBM 220, Managerial Decision Making
INBM 230, International Organizational Behavior
INBM 240, Marketing in Global Context
INBM 250, Finance
INBM 400, International Business Strategy and Policy
Mathematics
MATH 121, Elementary Statistics
MATH 170, Calculus I
or MATH 151, Introduction to Calculus
Internships and independent studies
Business-oriented internships and independent studies can be an important component of this program.
Recommended
Additional courses in International Business and Management as well as courses in Economics, Philosophy, Psychology, and Political Science are recommended, in addition to competency in a foreign language.
For additional information, see the
Additional Remarks
Business careers after graduation
Many entry-level positions of responsibility in business are available to the liberal arts graduate. Students desiring a business career should plan their course of study as early as their sophomore year by consulting with the Center for Advising, Internships & Lifelong Career Development as well as their academic advisor.
Graduate Examination Test
While most MBA’s require significant work experience, a small number do not. If a student intends to proceed to one of these programs immediately after Dickinson, then the Graduate Examination Test (GMAT, MAT, GRE) should be taken by the fall semester of the senior year.
If the student intends to work for 2-3 years prior to applying, which is a more common path, then the appropriate test can be taken at some point after graduation. However, it is a good idea to take it relatively soon after leaving Dickinson, when one’s mental acuity is likely to be at its highest and the habits of studying are still fresh.
Admissions process
See the Center for Advising, Internships & Lifelong Career Devlopment staff for information and assistance with admission to MBA programs. Contact the INBM department at x1177 to set up an appointment to speak to a member of the INBM faculty.