Applying to an MBA program is a significant investment in your future — but the application process itself can feel complex, time-consuming and unclear. From transcripts and essays to recommendations and interviews, it’s not always obvious what schools expect or how to prepare.

This guide breaks down exactly what you need to apply to the Jenkins MBA at NC State University’s Poole College of Management. You’ll learn what admissions committees look for, how to strengthen your application and how to choose the program pathway that aligns with your career goals.

Is applying for an MBA the right fit?

Before you apply to any program, consider if it’s the right fit for your goals and current skill set. Each admissions team is looking for candidates who align with the expertise in their faculty and the learning opportunities they provide. 

The Jenkins MBA admissions team looks for a track record of impact, whether that’s through professional achievements, volunteer initiatives or academic projects. Your background doesn’t have to be in business, either. We welcome career changers from fields like engineering, education, military service and liberal arts. This approach, which reflects a broader trend in modern business education, allows us to evaluate your leadership potential beyond test scores and grades.

Compare the two Jenkins MBA pathways

The Jenkins MBA program offers two pathways designed for different life situations and career goals. Both pathways lead to the same AACSB-accredited MBA and provide access to the same faculty, curriculum and lifelong career services.

Full-Time Jenkins MBA

The Full-Time Jenkins MBA works best for people who want the complete campus experience:

• Complete a summer internship between your first and second years, giving you hands-on experience and networking opportunities. 
• Attend classes on campus, participate in student organizations and build close relationships with classmates and faculty. 
• Complete your degree in two years of intensive study.

This format is particularly effective for career changers and early-career professionals.

Online Jenkins MBA

The Online Jenkins MBA serves working professionals who need to balance education with career and family responsibilities:

• Earn your MBA without pausing your career and working full-time (or part-time).
• Participate in two required campus visits to foster community and connection.
• Complete your degree in as little as 21 months or take up to six years.

This program format is particularly effective for professionals who want to advance in their current discipline or even with their current employer through upskilling and credentials.

Graduate certificates

Both Jenkins MBA programs are compatible with stackable certificates in high-demand areas like Business AI, Business Analytics and Leadership. These specialized credentials let you develop expertise in specific fields while earning your MBA, making you more competitive in the job market.

The admissions team welcomes your questions and curiosity about any of the Jenkins Graduate Programs and is happy to help you make this important decision. 

Jenkins MBA admission requirements

Every Jenkins MBA applicant must submit specific documents to be considered for admission. These requirements ensure we can evaluate your readiness for graduate business education and your fit with our program’s focus.

After you have submitted an online application and paid the application fee, the admissions team will request appropriate supporting documents and actions. These may include:

• Your academic transcripts
• A current resume 
• Two MBA application essays
• Two professional recommendations
• Participation in an interview if invited 

Unlike many business schools, we do not require GMAT or GRE scores from all applicants, though submitting strong scores can strengthen your application.

Bachelor’s degree and transcripts

To be eligible to enroll in a Jenkins Graduate Program, you need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Your degree can be in any field — business, engineering, liberal arts, sciences or other areas.

Official transcripts must come directly from every college you attended. These documents show your grades, courses and graduation date. If you studied outside the United States, you’ll need a credential evaluation service to verify that your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

Resume and MBA work experience requirements

Our work experience requirements are tailored to each program format. Because the Online MBA is designed for immediate application in the workplace, it requires at least two years of post-college experience, whereas the Full-Time MBA is structured to accommodate recent graduates with strong internship experience or exceptional academic records. Quality matters more than quantity.

Essays and recommendations

Essays let you explain your career goals and why you want to join the Jenkins MBA specifically. Strong MBA application essays connect your past experiences to future plans while showing you understand our program’s strengths in business analytics and leadership development.

Your MBA letter of recommendation writers should know your work well enough to discuss your potential for graduate business education. Choose people who can give specific examples of your accomplishments, like a current or former supervisor or client you’ve worked with closely. Help them out by sharing the program website and letting them know why you want to pursue a Jenkins MBA.

Interviews by invitation

Selected candidates receive interview invitations after initial application review. These conversations help us understand your communication skills and career vision. Interviews happen virtually or on campus and are required for admission if requested.

Do you need the GMAT or GRE for the Jenkins MBA?

MBA GMAT/GRE requirements vary among business schools. The Jenkins MBA doesn’t require GMAT or GRE scores from all applicants. We offer test waivers to candidates who demonstrate strong analytical skills through other means. This approach recognizes that standardized tests don’t always reflect your ability to succeed in business school or your career.

However, submitting strong test scores can help your application, especially if your undergraduate grades were lower or you studied in a non-quantitative field. We accept both GMAT and GRE scores equally and focus on the math sections as indicators of your readiness for our analytics-focused curriculum.

When a test score strengthens your application

Test scores particularly benefit applicants whose college studies were in fields like English, history or art. They also help if your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 or if you want to qualify for merit scholarships. International applicants often find that strong scores demonstrate their readiness for U.S. graduate education standards.

Strong quantitative scores show you can handle the data analysis, statistics and financial modeling that are central to modern business education. This is especially relevant to our STEM-designated MBA, which emphasizes business analytics and data-driven decision making.

Waivers and alternative quantitative preparation

Professional certifications can demonstrate analytical competency without test scores. Examples include Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Project Management Professional (PMP) credentials. Work experience in data analysis, financial modeling or operations research also supports waiver requests.

You can strengthen your application by completing courses in statistics, calculus or business analytics if you lack formal quantitative preparation. Online platforms offer these courses, and community colleges provide affordable options. Taking these steps shows initiative and prepares you for MBA coursework.

MBA requirements for international applicants

International applicants must meet additional requirements beyond the standard application materials. These include:

• Proving your degree equals a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree 
• Demonstrating English language proficiency

This requires verification through a credential evaluation service, which typically takes four to six weeks. You’ll also need to show English proficiency through standardized tests unless you earned your degree from an English-instruction institution.

English Proficiency Testing

English proficiency requirements ensure you can succeed in classes conducted entirely in English. To ensure you can succeed in a curriculum taught entirely in English, we accept several common proficiency tests. For example:

• The TOEFL iBT requires a minimum score of 80.
• The IELTS requires an overall band of 6.5.
• The Duolingo English Test requires a minimum score of 120.

You may qualify for an English proficiency waiver if you earned a degree from a U.S. institution or from universities in English-speaking countries. This includes schools in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand where instruction was conducted primarily in English.

International Credential Evaluation Process

To provide the most reliable assessment of your academic credentials, choose an approved evaluation service like World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). Request a course-by-course evaluation that shows how your international coursework compares to U.S. standards. The evaluation report must be sent directly to NC State University’s Poole College of Management to be considered official.

Start this process early because it involves international mail and processing time. Some evaluation services offer expedited options for additional fees. Having your credentials evaluated also helps you understand any prerequisite courses you might need before starting the MBA program.

Applying to the Jenkins MBA

The application process starts with creating an account in NC State University’s Graduate School application portal. You’ll choose between the Full-Time MBA for on-campus study or the Online MBA for working professionals. Each program has different deadlines and requirements, so selecting the right format ensures you get accurate guidance.

Application deadlines and decision timeline

The Full-Time MBA has three application rounds with deadlines in October, January and March for August enrollment. 

The Online MBA uses rolling admissions with priority deadlines in November, February and April for January or August starts. Applying in earlier rounds often improves your chances of admission and scholarship consideration.

Admission decisions typically arrive four to six weeks after each deadline. Interview invitations may come sooner, usually within two to three weeks of the deadline. We recommend applying as early as possible to allow time for any additional materials we might request.

Jenkins MBA application step by step

Most applicants need four to six weeks to gather all required materials. This includes requesting transcripts from previous schools, asking for recommendations and writing essays. The online portal saves your progress, so you can work on your application over multiple sessions.

1. Create your application account

Visit the Graduate School application portal and select “Create New Account.” Choose either “Master of Business Administration” or “Master of Business Administration – Online.” This selection determines which requirements appear and which admissions team reviews your application.

Complete your personal information accurately, including your legal name as it appears on official documents. Double-check your contact information since this is how the admissions team will communicate about your application status and interview invitations if needed.

2. Prepare and submit required materials

Upload your resume as a PDF file, making sure all employment dates and achievements are clearly presented. Write your essays carefully, addressing each prompt fully and specifically mentioning why you want the Jenkins MBA. 

Give your recommenders at least three weeks’ notice with clear instructions about deadlines and submission requirements.

Request official transcripts early from all colleges and universities you attended. These must be sent directly from the schools to NC State’s Graduate School. International transcripts require additional processing time for credential evaluation.

3. Schedule and complete an interview if requested

A member of the Graduate School admissions team will contact you to schedule an interview for your application if needed. If you are invited to interview, it becomes a requirement to complete your admissions process. We will work with you to find a time that is as convenient as possible.

Start your Jenkins MBA application

We hope this helps you feel prepared to apply to an MBA program that fits your life and professional goals. Get to know the Jenkins MBA and start your admissions journey!

• Schedule an advisor consultation: Connect with Jenkins MBA admissions to discuss your background and goals.
• Attend an information session: Join virtual or in-person events to meet faculty and current students.
• Explore funding options: Research scholarships, employer tuition assistance and federal aid eligibility.
• Connect with alumni: Request introductions to full-time and online Jenkins MBA graduates working in your target industry or role.

FAQs

Learn more

To learn more about the Jenkins MBA program, including tuition, curriculum, career opportunities and more, please submit the form below.