FAQs
Source: https://haskayne.ucalgary.ca/future-students/mba-programs/flexible-mba/faqs Parent: https://haskayne.ucalgary.ca/
Frequently asked questions and answers.
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Master of Finance / Master of Management\ Full-time, Flexible & Accelerated MBAs / Executive MBA
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Program FAQs
What is the difference between the Flexible MBA and Full-time MBA?
The Flexible MBA is a flexible program designed for working professionals. The program typically takes students around 32 months to complete but can be accelerated or extended over a longer time if the student’s personal and / or professional situation changes.
The Full-time MBA is an immersive full-time study experience for early to mid-career professionals; the program is structured to enable students to explore career opportunities through a summer internship between the first and second year.
Note that minimum admission criteria are the same for both programs; international (visa) students are not eligible to join the Flexible MBA.
What is the difference between the Flexible MBA and Executive MBA?
An Executive MBA is targeted at mid to senior-level professionals who have already achieved significant success in their careers and typically manage a team, business unit or organization. The teaching style is designed to leverage the collective experience of the cohort. In addition, additional support is provided to enable the students to be effective learners despite the fact that they have not been students for potentially many years.
What is the reputation of the program?
The Flexible MBA program has a strong reputation locally, nationally and internationally.
The Haskayne School of Business is an AACSB accredited business school, a recognition awarded to less than 5% of business schools worldwide. Haskayne is ranked in the 20 best business schools in Canada in 2021 by Maclean’s.
With 85% of our alumni remain in Calgary and the surrounding area, we also have a very strong local reputation with employers.
How will the Flexible MBA impact my career?
Many students are seeking to make a career transition or accelerate their career through their MBA. In addition to enhancing your critical thinking skills and business knowledge there are a myriad of opportunities to expand your leadership capacity. Students benefit from networking opportunities with other MBA students and alumni, faculty and local business leaders.
Can I specialize?
Students in the Flexible MBA program have the option to specialize in one of eight areas:
- Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Finance
- Global Energy Management and Sustainable Development
- Management Analytics
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Real Estate Studies
For more information, see Specialization Options.
Alternatively, students can select from across the broad range of electives available.
What is the typical makeup of the class?
The typical composition of the class is as follows:
- 3.3 average GPA
- 620 average GMAT
- 7 years’ average work experience
- 45% female and 55% male
Will I stay with the same group of people throughout the program?
Several classes will be completed with a cohort, which will help you form meaningful connections with your classmates. You will also have the chance to take some required courses and electives with a mix of individuals from different cohorts, expanding your networking opportunities.
What sort of networking opportunities are there?
Integrated across the program are opportunities to network with your classmates, other MBA and EMBA students at Haskayne, MBA students from other universities, faculty, alumni and business leaders. These networking opportunities could take numerous forms, such as case competitions, guest speaker events or the Leadership Development Program.
Can I work while completing the program?
The Flexible MBA is a flexible program designed for working professionals. Courses are typically delivered in block week and evening format. The program typically takes students around 3 years to complete but can be accelerated or extended over a longer time if the student’s personal and/or professional situation changes.
How much time will I need to study?
Students in the Flexible MBA program typically study, complete class work and group work for 20-30 hours per week (more in block weeks).
If I need to travel for work, can I still complete the program?
In the case of missing an individual class, students are expected to make arrangements with their faculty member and study team. If you travel extensively during the week and meet with minimum admission criteria the Executive MBA program may be a better fit with your needs.
What is the mix of classroom versus online learning?
The Flexible MBA program is a classroom based program; faculty may choose to provide supplemental tutorials online through our learning management system as part of class preparation or review.
Is there more than one start date?
There is only one intake of the Flexible MBA program each year, commencing in Fall.
How long does the program take?
The program duration is typically 32 months; there are accelerated options available for students who previously completed an undergraduate business degree in Canada.
What is a typical schedule for a semester?
Students typically study one block week class and two evening classes (Monday / Wednesday or Tuesday / Thursday) during Fall and Winter semester and choose to study one or two evening classes during Spring and Summer.
What qualification do I receive when I complete the program?
Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a Masters’ Degree in Business Administration; if an individual fulfills the relevant requirements, their specialization will also appear on their parchments and transcripts.
Admissions FAQs
Do I need an undergraduate degree in business to apply?
No. There are a broad mix of educational disciplines represented in the program.
Do I need an undergraduate degree to apply?
Yes. The minimum admission criteria for both the Full-time MBA and Flexible MBA include a 4 year undergraduate degree.
If you do not hold a 4 year undergraduate degree from an accredited institution but you have 7+ years of work experience, you may be eligible to apply for the Haskayne Executive MBA.
Do I need to complete the GMAT?
If you achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher in a Canadian or US undergraduate business degree, you may be eligible to request that the GMAT requirement be waived.
If your GPA is between 2.5 and 3.0 (out of 4.0), you may be eligible to apply to the program with a score of 550 or higher on the GMAT or a score of 515 or higher on the GMAT focus edition (or an acceptable equivalent score on the GRE exam).
How long is my GMAT score valid?
We accept GMAT scores within 5 years of the test date.
Can I submit the GRE instead of a GMAT?
Yes. Please contact the admissions team to confirm the required score on the GRE.
What type of references are preferred?
Ideally, we would prefer at least one of the references to come from an individual to whom you have directly reported. Both references should be well-placed to comment on your strengths, areas for development and leadership potential.
Should I submit more than two references?
There is no need to submit more than two references; we will accept a third reference if you deem it necessary.
If I fulfil the minimum criteria for admission, will I be accepted?
Of the 300 applicants each year, 120 are admitted. Whilst we review applicants holistically, the vast majority of the students admitted meet or exceed our minimum criteria.
When should I apply?
The Evening MBA admits students and awards scholarships on a rolling basis. Therefore please apply as early as possible to maximize your chances of being successful.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadlines are as follows:
Fall Entry
Final deadline: June 1
Will my application file be reviewed if some supporting documents are missing?
All required documentation is required including official transcripts before an evaluation will occur.
I’m not sure which MBA program I want to apply to. Can I apply to more than one?
No, please only apply to one program (daytime or evening). Select the option that is the best fit for you at the time of applying. Please make a note on your application form that you are considering both evening and daytime, and then contact our office after you have submitted your application at mba@haskayne.ucalgary.ca.
Financing FAQs
What is included in the tuition?
The tuition for the Evening MBA includes course instruction only; you will also be required to pay general fees which are set annually by the University.
What should I budget on top of tuition and fees?
Students should expect to spend approximately $1,500 to $2,000 each year on books, cases and supplies.
How does the government view the program for loan and tax purposes?
The government views this program as full-time for student loan and tax purposes. The program can provide a letter in support of your loan application if required. You will receive a tuition tax receipt (T2202A) each year from the University.
What is the typical ROI of the program?
Based on our graduate surveys, our alumni recover their investment in the program within 2.2 years of graduating on average.
Can I apply University of Calgary Tuition Support to this program?
Yes. Many University of Calgary staff members are eligible to apply for tuition support.Please refer to the University of Calgary's Tuition Support Program page for more information.
International Applicants FAQs
Can I apply to the program as an international student?
No, we do not accept international applications for our Evening MBA program. Our Daytime MBA and Executive MBA accept international students.
Other FAQs
Can I enter directly into the program with my undergraduate business degree?
No. The Evening MBA program is designed for early to mid-career professionals who already have at least two years of professional work experience after graduation.
Am I eligible for any course waivers?
Candidates who have previously completed a business degree at a Canadian university may be eligible for up to 5 course waivers. Please contact our admissions team for more information.
Can I transfer in to the program from another school / program?
No. This program does not accept transfers.
Domestic candidates who have been accepted into the Daytime MBA program but have not yet commenced their studies may be able to transfer to the Evening MBA program depending on capacity.
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