FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

>
What degree programs do you offer?
>
Do you offer any dual degree programs?
>
What is the Accelerated BA/MBA program?
>
What are the admissions requirements?
>
I don't have an undergraduate degree in business. Can I still apply to the program?
>
Can I apply online?
>
How many classes will I have to take to complete the degree?
>
How long will it take to finish my degree?
>
Is the program accredited?
>
Is work experience counted for credit?
>
Who should write my recommendation letters?
>
Can I transfer my credits from another graduate business program?
>
Can the GMAT requirements be waived for candidates who have already completed another graduate degree?
>
Can the GMAT requirement be waived for candidates with a substantial amount of work experience?
>
How do I schedule a time to take the GMAT?
>
What score do you require for the GMAT and TOEFL?
>
I have not taken the GMAT yet. Can I begin taking classes as I prepare to take the exam?
>
Do you offer a GMAT review?
>
I am an international student, but I received my bachelor's degree from a US university. Can the TOEFL exam be waived?
>
My TOEFL score is lower than what is required. Can I still be considered for admission?
>
Do you allow deferred admission?
>
What is the deadline for admissions?
>
How long after I apply will the admissions committee make a decision?
>
Is financial aid available?
>
Is financial aid available to international students?
>
What is the tuition?
>
Is the program on a semester, trimester or quarter system?
>
When are classes offered?
>
Do you offer online classes?
>
Do you offer courses at a location other than River Forest?

What degree programs do you offer?

We offer 2 Master's degrees:

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)

Do you offer any joint degree programs?

Yes, the Brennan School of Business offers 3 dual degree programs:

  • MBA/MLIS degree program in conjunction with Dominican's Graduate School of Library and Information Science
  • JD/MBA degree program with The John Marshall Law School
  • MBA/MSW degree program with Dominican's Graduate School of Social Work

We also offer an MBA with a coordinated program in Dietetics. 

What is the Accelerated BA/MBA Program?

The Accelerated BA/MBA is available to qualified Dominican University juniors and seniors. Qualified Dominican University students may be able to complete the bachelor’s degree and the MBA in a total of five calendar years. During the undergraduate program, the equivalent of the required foundation courses are taken. In the senior year, two MBA courses are completed, one each semester, and credited toward the undergraduate degree. Assuming all six foundation courses are waived based on successful completion of the undergraduate equivalents, the remaining ten MBA courses can be taken during the summer, fall and spring semesters of the following year.

What are the admissions requirements?

If you have completed a bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution, you are eligible to apply. You need to submit a completed application, a $25 application fee, resume, official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you attended, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement and official GMAT/GRE scores. In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission, applicants who were educated outside of the United States and/or students requiring a visa and I-20 form must submit official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores and evidence of financial support.

My undergraduate degree is in a field other than business. Can I still apply to the program?

Yes. You do not have to have an undergraduate degree in business or computer science to be considered for admission to the Brennan School of Business programs.

Can I apply online?

Yes, you can either apply online here.

How many classes will I have to take to complete the degree?

A candidate for the MBA degree will normally need to complete 12 to 18 courses. The total number depends on the candidate’s undergraduate coursework, academic performance and GMAT test score, which may result in the waiver of up to six foundation courses. Foundation courses required for degree programs may be waived if students have successfully completed equivalent course work at another accredited institution as part of their previous studies. In order to be eligible for waivers, students must have achieved a grade of B or better in an equivalent three-credit course. Waivers for GSB 611 Economics for Managers and GSB 612 Financial Accounting each require completion of two courses (six credits) of appropriate undergraduate course work with a grade of B or better in each course.

Original transcripts are required for consideration of waivers. Transcripts will be reviewed for waivers at the time of admission, but final approval of waivers may be withheld for students accepted provisionally until full acceptance is granted. In addition to course waivers, students who have successfully completed relevant course work at another accredited graduate program may request to have two courses (maximum of six credits) transferred and applied toward degree requirements.

How long will it take to finish my degree?

Students proceed through the programs at different paces, but all are expected to complete their degrees within a six-year time frame.

Is the program accredited?

Yes. Dominican University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504 (800) 621-7440, www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org. The Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Accounting degrees are accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (913) 339-9356, www.acbsp.org.  These accreditations recognize that Dominican's business and accounting curriculum have a foundation in solid management theory and practice and exhibit the highest scholastic standards and academic purposes.

Who should write my recommendation letters?

Letters of recommendation should be written by people who can attest to your ability to learn, potential for a career in management, motivation and communication skills. One letter could come from a supervisor where you are currently employed, another could come from a faculty member who has taught you in the past. The second letter may also come from a previous employer, a close friend or co-worker.

Can I transfer my credits from another graduate business program?

The Brennan School of Business can accept up to six semester hours in transfer from an accredited graduate business program. You must request, in writing, that the Brennan School of Business accept the transfer of credits as electives before you begin Dominican's graduate business program.

Can the GMAT requirement be waived for candidates with a substantial amount of work experience?

No. The GMAT can only be waived if you have already completed another graduate degree from an accredited American university and request, in writing, that you be waived from taking the test.

How do I schedule a time to take the GMAT?

Call 1-800-GMAT-NOW or visit the official GMAT website.

What score do you require for the GMAT and TOEFL?

GMAT scores are evaluated on a case by case basis. The Brennan School of Business requires a TOEFL score of 79 on the internet based exam, 213 on the computer based exam or 550 on the paper based exam.

I have not taken the GMAT yet. Can I begin taking classes as I prepare to take the exam?

Yes, you may request provisional acceptance if your undergraduate degree is from an accredited US university. Please include a letter requesting provisional acceptance with your application. If provisional acceptance is granted, you will be required to take the GMAT and submit acceptable scores during your first semester of study.

Do you offer a GMAT Review?

Yes, the Brennan School of Business offers an eight week GMAT review session in the fall and spring semesters. To register or obtain more information, please contact the Brennan School of Business.

I am an international student, but I received my bachelor's degree from a US university. Can the TOEFL exam be waived?

Yes. Please include a written request with your application and the Committee on Graduate Admissions will determine whether or not to waive the TOEFL.

My TOEFL score does not meet your minimum requirement. Can I still be considered for admission?

Yes. International students who do not achieve the minimum TOEFL score but who otherwise meet all requirements for acceptance may be accepted with one additional requirement.  They must complete an additional course, Business Communication, in their first semester to enhance their language skills. This course does not qualify for degree credit.

Do you allow deferred admission?

Yes. Just contact the Brennan School of Business to advise us of your plans.

What is the deadline for admissions?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for all semesters. All application materials for U.S. students should be submitted at least one month before the beginning of the semester in which the student desires admission.  Materials for international students should be submitted two months before the beginning of the semester. Applicants may apply online.  For additional information, students should contact:

Andrea Leinweber
Director of Admissions and International Programs
Brennan School of Business
Dominican University
7900 West Division Street
River Forest, Illinois 60305-1066

Phone: 708-524-6181
Fax: 708-524-6939
E-mail: aleinweber@dom.edu
Web site: http://www.business.dom.edu

How long after I apply will the admissions committee make a decision?

Prospective students are usually notified of the decision within two weeks from the time the admissions file is complete.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. Student loans, graduate assistantships and merit based scholarships are available. For more information on student loans, please contact Dominican's financial aid office. For more information on graduate assistantships and merit based scholarships, please contact the Brennan School of Business office.

Is financial aid available to international students?

There are no federally funded financial aid programs available for international students, however graduate assistantships are available. For more information, please contact the Brennan School of Business office.

What is the tuition?

See the Brennan School of Business tuition page.

Is the program on a semester, trimester or quarter system?

The Brennan School of Business is on a semester system. Classes are offered in the fall, spring and summer semesters. For convenience and flexibility, we offer three different schedules of courses during the summer semester.

When are classes offered?

The majority of classes are held one evening per week from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Do you offer online classes?

Yes, each semester some courses are offered online.  The MBA with a general management concentration may be completed entirely through online coursework. 

Do you offer courses at a location other than River Forest?

We offer MBA courses in Elk Grove Village, a northwest suburb of Chicago.