Graduate programs FAQ

Frequently asked question about our graduate programs at the College of Business

You’ve got questions

We’ve got answers

Program information

How long will it take to complete my degree?

Our MBA programs range from 45 – 60 credit hours in length. Our master's programs are 45-credit hours in length.

The minimum amount of time it takes to complete a degree in Corvallis is nine months with a fall term start (45-credit programs). The minimum amount of time it takes to complete a degree fully online or via our Portland Hybrid program is 21 months with a fall start (45-credit programs). The length of time to complete may vary per student. For more information, please contact a recruiter.

I am a current graduate student at OSU, can I apply for a concurrent MBA while I complete my graduate degree?

Our recruiters would be happy to discuss your options with you. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.

I am a current undergraduate student at OSU, can I apply for an MBA even if business is not my major?

Yes! You can absolutely apply for MBA admissions even if you aren’t majoring in business. Our recruiters would be happy to discuss the MBA program and application process with you. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.

I have additional questions, who can I speak to?

We’d love to talk more about our program and the application process. Please contact us to schedule an appointment or connect with our recruiting staff.

I hear that OSU is on a quarter system, what does that mean?
  • OSU has three terms (called “quarters”) each academic year (Fall, Winter, Spring). Classes are 10 weeks of instruction plus one week for finals (for comparison, semester systems typically have two 15-week terms in their academic year).
  • OSU also has a Summer term that offers different sessions for classes including accelerated course formats. Most graduate business classes meet only during fall, winter, and spring terms.
  • Please see the OSU for more information.
When can I start?

In most cases, part-time students can start our programs any term.

Full-time students in Corvallis will need to start either in Summer (12-month program), or Fall (9-month program).

Start terms may vary per student. For more information, please contact a recruiter.

Where and when are the in-person classes held for the Portland Hybrid program?

In-person classes for the Portland Hybrid MBA programs are held at the Robertson Life Sciences Building on the South Waterfront in Portland. Classes are typically held on a weekday evening from 6 to 9 pm.

Which programs are available fully online?

All of our MBA and master's options and certificates are offered online. Please visit our program finder to filter and sort our graduate business offerings for up-to-date information. (July 2025).

Which programs are available in Corvallis?

Most of our MBA and master's options and certificates are offered in-person on the Corvallis campus. Please visit our program finder to filter and sort our graduate business offerings for up-to-date information. (July 2025).

Which programs are available through the Portland Hybrid?

All of our MBA options are available through the Portland Hybrid. Please visit our program finder to filter and sort our graduate business offerings for up-to-date information. (July 2025).

Application process

Are there requirements for work experience?

Professional experience is not required for admission to State’s graduate business programs. However, professional experience can provide important insights into the applicant’s ability to complete the rigorous degree program that might not otherwise be evident in the academic record.

When reviewing your résumé we are looking for evidence of leadership, initiative, commitment and accomplishment. Please include full-time positions as well as part-time jobs, relevant internships, volunteer service, and any professional associations or affiliations.

Do you offer application fee waivers?

The OSU Office of Graduate Education controls application fees and fee waivers.

DOMESTIC APPLICATION FEE WAIVERS
The Office of Graduate Education is able to grant application fee waivers only in limited circumstances for domestic applicants who meet specific criteria. Visit the page to learn more.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION FEE WAIVERS
The Office of Graduate Education does not have application fee waivers for international students. International applicants can check with their local to see if there are educational opportunity programs or local recommendations to fund study in the United States.

How do I apply?

Along with the online application, you are required to submit a resume, transcripts, and two professional (or academic) references. You can read more about our requirements on our graduate application process page. 

How do I know if I am a competitive applicant? What do you consider when reviewing applications?

You can read more about our selection criteria here. 

When are the application deadlines?

The State graduate business programs have a series of priority and regular application deadlines. To be considered for admission, all of your application materials must be received by the deadline associated with the application term:

View the exact deadlines.

Tuition & financial aid

Do I qualify for financial aid or scholarships as a graduate student?

There are opportunities for financial assistance. We offer several scholarships based on merit and other specific criteria. We also offer scholarships to OSU alumni who meet our admission criteria. For more information, please visit: Tuition & Financial Assistance.

A list of scholarship opportunities available exclusively to can be found on the OSU Admissions website.

A list of scholarship opportunities through the at can be found on the Grad School website.

How do I determine if I am an resident?

All i can be found on the OSU admissions website.

How much does the program cost?

There are some variables in determining cost of tuition. To determine your approximate cost, and for more information. please visit: Tuition & Financial Assistance 

Student resources at OSU

Does OSU help me with my job search? Can someone review my resume?

The College of Business has a Career Success Center with advisors specifically dedicated to working with business students. For more information, please visit the Career Success Center.

I am relocating to Corvallis and need assistance with housing. Where should I be looking?

There are a variety of options for graduate housing on the Corvallis campus. Please visit to learn more about housing communities that welcome graduate students.

If this interests you, please with University Housing and Dining Services as soon as possible. You can with any questions.

I'm a veteran, what kinds of resources are available to me?

All resources available to can be found on the OSU student life website.

Where can I gather information on registering for classes and verifying my enrollment?

Please contact the Graduate Business Programs office at gradbusiness@oregonstate.edu or call 541-737-5510.

International students

Are there scholarships available specifically for international students?

Yes. A list of all the scholarship opportunities available exclusively to international students can be found online. For more information, please visit:

How do I apply?
  • To apply for an MS in Business, please visit
  • To apply for an MBA, you need to submit alongside the online application, a resume, transcripts, and two professional (or academic) references. You can read more about our requirements on our application process page.
How to submit English Language Test Scores?

When you take the test, you will have the opportunity to send your scores to . State’s ETS code is 4586.

  • For more information on sending in your TOEFL scores, please visit:
  • For more information on sending in your IELTS scores, please visit:
  • For more information on submitting your Duolingo scores, please visit:
I am an international student and have been admitted to the MBA program. How do I get my I-20?

The International Student Advising Services Office will assist you with your immigration processing and paperwork. To view their contact information as well as their available advising hours, please visit:

What are the minimum English Language requirements to be eligible for admission?

The English language proficiency requirement is waived for applicants who hold either citizenship or a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a recognized or accredited institution in any of the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Overseas Territories, British Virgin Islands, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Montserrat, Namibia, Nigeria, New Zealand, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zambia, Zimbabwe

All others are required to submit scores from either the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.

If you are required to demonstrate English proficiency by submitting scores, please review the following minimum score requirements:

  • TOEFL iBT: 91 total score with a subscore of at least 22 on each section
  • TOEFL PBT: 575 and a separate interview to assess speaking will be required
  • IELTS: 7
  • Duolingo: 130

The College of Business graduate programs do not offer conditional admission. If you are required to submit English Language Proficiency scores, then you must meet the minimum requirements to be admitted.

For more information on admissions requirements for international students, please visit the page.

Where can I gather more information on English Language Requirements?
  • For more information on the TOEFL, please visit:
  • For more information on the IELTS, please visit:
  • For more information on the Duolingo Test, please visit:

Your scores are valid for two years after the test date.

Who should I contact to learn about the application process and required doccuments that I will need to submit?
  • Students interested in the MS in Business, should contact the .
  • Students interested in the MBA, or those who completed their studies in the USA or Canada can learn more about our requirements on our application process page.