Frequently Asked Questions
How are the Professional MBA and the Executive MBA Programs different?
Admission requirements are different: Executive MBA (EMBA) applicants must have a minimum of five years of managerial experience. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is not required for admission to the Executive MBA Program.
Professional MBA applicants are required to take the GMAT. While work experience is not required for admission to the Professional MBA Program, most applicants work full-time, but not necessarily in a management position.
Class formats are different: Executive MBA students take classes in a lock-step format, with the same classmates in each course for the duration of the program. EMBA students have a choice of campus locations and program formats. EMBA Program students receive honors, pass, or fail grades.
Professional MBA students choose the classes they will take each quarter. All classes are held on the Moraga campus in the evenings or Saturdays. Students are graded using the traditional letter grade system.
The Program Comparison Chart provides more information to help you choose the program that's best for you.
Is the GMAT required? If so, what are the minimum scores and GPA averages?
The Graduate Management Admissions Test is required for the Professional MBA and MS in Financial Analysis and Investment Management (MS-FAIM) Programs; the GMAT is not required for our EMBA Programs. We do not have set minimum requirements for the GMAT and GPA; however, the GMAT average is 550 and the GPA average is 3.0.
If English is my second language, do I need to take the TOEFL?
International applicants who studied in a non-English language at the undergraduate level are required to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). We require a total minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based test) or 213 (computer-based test). Please contact us if you would like more information.
When is the application deadline?
Saint Mary’s programs do not have application deadlines; however, prospective students are encouraged to submit their applications at least one month prior the program start date. Qualified candidates will be considered as long as vacancies exist. Applications are received year-round and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis.
The Program Comparison Chart provides more information about the program start dates.
Are your courses taught on a quarter or semester system?
The Graduate Business Programs are on a quarter system. Each quarter is 11 weeks.
Do you offer classes at satellite locations?
The Professional MBA Program is offered exclusively in Moraga. The Executive MBA is offered in Moraga, San Ramon, and Santa Clara. The Trans-Global MBA is offered in San Ramon, and the MS in Financial Analysis and Investment Management is offered in San Francisco.
The Program Comparison Chart provides more information about these programs.
Does Saint Mary's College hold information sessions about the graduate business programs?
Yes, we hold information sessions, which we call Open House Events, throughout the year in various locations.
Is financial aid available?
Many Graduate Business students receive partial funding for tuition from their employers. We will work with your company's tuition assistance program to complete any necessary documentation. Graduate business students are eligible for a variety of loans, including both the subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans and the Graduate PLUS Loan. For more information, contact Saint Mary's Financial Aid Office at (925) 631-4370 or visit www.saintmarysmba.com/financialaid.
We also offer several payment options, including installment plans and accept major credit cards.
Is my MBA tuition tax deductible?
We would like to share some interesting articles about tax deduction. However, we highly recommend that you consult a professional tax advisor to learn more.
- Business Week Article from January 29, 2010 titled "Smart Tax Strategies for MBAs" - click here.
- NY Times Blog Article from January 20, 2010 titled "When you can deduct the cost of your M.B.A." - click here.
- Business Week from April 2009 titled "MBA: The Mother of All Tax Deductions?" - click here.
Who can I contact to discuss which program fits me best?
Please contact our Director of Admissions, Bob Peterson, at 925.631.4504 or email smcmba@stmarys-ca.edu.
