Admission Requirements 

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary by program, please review the application deadline chart for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found by using the One Stop calendars.

Admission

An applicant must meet Graduate School requirements plus the following program requirements to be considered for admission:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Submission of score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
• Review by the Master of Science Program Committee to assess academic achievement and ability to do intensive graduate-level work.
• A statement of purpose (1 to 2 pages on why you would like to earn your degree at the Lubar College of Business and your plans after graduation).

Applicants admitted to the MS program may be required to complete management foundation courses. Foundation courses will be waived if students have completed equivalent coursework. Credits earned in these courses do not count toward the degree.

If a student is waived out of a required course, an approved elective course must be substituted in its place and approved by Graduate Program Services (Lubar N458).

The major professor, in consultation with the student, reviews the student’s academic background and career goals and designs an appropriate program of study consistent with degree requirements. In developing a program of study for a student who has no undergraduate background in business administration, care is taken to ensure a basic exposure to different aspects of the management field as well as an in-depth preparation in the chosen field of specialization.

Credits and Courses

Additional Requirements

Students in the MS program have the option of doing a management research project. This option gives students the opportunity to apply methodological techniques and area studies. The urban location and strong ties with the business sector provide opportunities for student projects.

Major Professor as Advisor

Students in the MS program must choose a major professor during the first ten weeks of their first semester of graduate enrollment to advise and supervise their studies. A listing of faculty by area of interest is sent to each MS student to aid in their selection of a major professor. This list is also available in the Graduate Programs Services office, Lubar N251.

The Management Research Project/Thesis

The Management Research Project/Thesis is a variable 2-6 credit management research project.

Comprehensive Examination

Students must pass a final oral examination if they choose a 4-6-credit management research project or thesis.

Time Limit

The student must complete all degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment. In areas of concentration in which the total number of degree credits required exceeds 30, the student must complete all degree requirements within seven years of initial enrollment.

Lubar School of Business MS Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from a UWM Lubar School of Business MS program will: 

• Synthesize a business case or project and produce a well-written paper.  
• Gain analytical skills through the use of appropriate techniques and evidence.  
• Identify and examine the concepts and techniques of financial analysis. 
• Identify and analyze alternative methods for solving real world financial problems. 
• Use data analytics to solve business problems. 
• Explain how to implement an IT solution. 
• Identify consumer behavior theories. 

Accelerated Program Option

This program is offered as part of an accelerated graduate program. For more information, see Accelerated Graduate Degrees.