Admission requirements and process

One-Year MBA Program

The Atkinson Graduate School of Management one-year MBA program allows exceptional students with AACSB accredited undergraduate degrees in business to earn their MBA in 12 months.

Professional work experience is not required. Willamette MBA students build the professional experience they need to succeed in a competitive job market by actively participating in our renown real-world learning environment.

All applicants to the one-year MBA must have:

• An AACSB accredited undergraduate degree in business administration within the previous five years with a minimum GPA of 3.34.
• Minimum entrance test score of one of the following:
  • 600 on the GMAT or
  • 294 on the GRE or
  • 159 on the LSAT

Applicants must submit all of the application documents listed below. 

1. Online Application - Complete the free Willamette MBA application. You will use the online application to submit general information about yourself, essay, and names of references as described below. You do not need to complete all of your application information at once. You may save your work and return to your application later.
2. Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts of all academic coursework can be uploaded to the application online and used for the initial admission decision. Official Transcripts will be required if a student is admitted, and must be sent directly from each institution previous attended by email to mba-admission@willamette.edu, or mailed to: Willamette University, Atkinson Graduate School of Management, 900 State Street, Salem, OR 97301. Official transcripts submitted directly from applicants must be received in a sealed envelope and must display the appropriate official signature and/or seal of the transcript institution. Transcripts from institutions outside of the U.S. must be in English or accompanied by an official English translation of the transcript.
3. Two references - Provide the names and contact information for two individuals who are familiar with your work performance, professional or leadership experience, and character. Recommendations from family members will not be accepted. Your recommenders will receive a hyperlink by which they will provide their recommendation.
4. Resume - Your resume should detail your work experience, if any, and include achievements and awards earned in school, co-curriculars, community involvement, or on the job.
5. Personal Statement (Essay) - The personal statement helps the admission committee understand your motivations for seeking an MBA and how we can help you achieve your desired goals.
6. Official GMAT or GRE score - The GMAT code for Willamette MBA is 3MZ-PZ-27. The GRE code is 1181.
7. Admission Interview - All applicants must interview via Zoom, telephone, or in-person. Interviews are scheduled by invitation.
8. Supplemental Application Materials - Applicants may submit supplemental information electronically, via email at mba-admission@willamette.edu, or by mail to: Willamette University, Atkinson Graduate School of Management, 900 State Street, Salem, OR 97301.

All application materials and documents submitted as part of the application process become the property of the Willamette University MBA program and cannot be returned.

Your admission team is here to help you through the process. Please contact us directly with your questions and information needs.

Application Deadlines for Fall Semester 2024