FLEX MBA Admissions

Submit your application through Lehigh's online application system. 

There is a $50 application fee.

All applicants are required to submit an essay as part of the application process. The essay gives the admissions committee insight into your background, motivations, and goals.

Essay guidelines:

• Length: 1–2 pages
• Format: PDF or Word document
• Submission: Upload in the designated section of the application portal

The essay prompt is provided within the application portal. We encourage you to reflect on the topic and articulate your thoughts effectively.

Upload a professional resume or CV listing your education, professional experience, and computing skills. Candidates must have at least two years of full-time, professional post-baccalaureate work experience. Internships and co-ops do not count toward the two-year minimum.

The FLEX MBA does not require GMAT or GRE test scores—applicants may submit scores if they believe they strengthen their application. Those who choose not to submit scores should provide other evidence of their ability to succeed in a graduate business program. Accepted forms of evidence include:

• A strong undergraduate and/or graduate academic record from an accredited university
• A strong professional track record, including company reputation, seniority, and evidence of upward progression
• Professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CFA, JD)
• A completed master's or doctoral degree from an accredited university

Applicants who do not submit test scores will receive one of three responses from the admissions committee:

1. Acceptance into the FLEX MBA program
2. A request to submit a GMAT or GRE score
3. Denial of admission

Important notes:

• If you are requesting merit-based scholarship consideration, GMAT or GRE score submission is required
• The optional test score policy is subject to change at the sole discretion of Lehigh University
• Official scores must be available through the testing service at the time of submission; scores normally arrive at the Graduate Programs Office within two weeks of the exam date
• GMAT scores are kept on file for five years

Test resources:

• GMAT: mba.com 
• GRE: ets.org 

Program codes for submitting official scores:

FLEX MBA

• GMAT Code: 6ZB-FN-21
• GRE Code: 2365

MBA & Engineering

• Use the FLEX MBA program code for all engineering disciplines except Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science, which require GRE scores only

Unofficial transcripts are accepted when submitting your application and are sufficient for application review. Upload transcripts in English showing the degree received, course grades, and cumulative grades. International applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution or the equivalent from a non-U.S. institution.

Official transcripts are required upon admission. Official transcripts must bear the registrar's signature, the institution's seal, and the name and date of the degree awarded.

From a U.S. or Canadian institution:

Electronic transcripts via a secure transcript service are preferred and can be sent to business@lehigh.edu. If electronic submission is not available, mail official transcripts in a sealed institutional envelope to:

Lehigh University — College of Business
Graduate Programs Office
Lehigh Business Innovation Building, Suite 201
201 E. Packer Ave
Bethlehem, PA 18015
USA

From a non-U.S. institution:

Mail official transcripts and degree certificates in a sealed institutional envelope to the address above. Hand-delivered transcripts are accepted only in the original sealed envelope issued by the institution.

If your institution cannot mail transcripts directly, a course-by-course evaluation is required (fees are the applicant's responsibility). Lehigh Business has partnered with IEE and SpanTran to offer custom evaluation forms for graduate applicants, ensuring you select the right evaluation type at a discounted rate.

• Recommended evaluation services include International Education Evaluations (IEE), World Education Services (WES), and SpanTran.
• Additional accredited services can be found through the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
• Students from Chinese institutions may use CHESICC for course evaluation. Students using this service should have all documentation sent to business@lehigh.edu. Note that processing time for CHESICC documents is approximately 20 days.

Enter your recommenders' information through the online application. A link will be automatically emailed to each recommender. Recommendations should come from current or previous supervisors who can speak to your leadership potential, work ethic, and professional performance.

The following will not be accepted:

• Letters from direct reports, subordinates, family members, or friends
• Paper copies of letters of recommendation

Lehigh Business Graduate Programs provides multiple pathways to demonstrate English language proficiency. Learn more about English proficiency requirements and accepted pathways.

• Completing prerequisite courses (financial accounting, statistics, or principles of economics) for the FLEX MBA
• Taking individual courses or electives that may apply toward the FLEX MBA program
• Transferring credits to another institution

Non-degree application deadlines:

Domestic students

• Fall: July 15
• Spring: December 15
• Summer: May 1

International students

• Fall: May 1
• Spring: December 1
• Summer: N/A

Non-degree application requirements:

• Online application for non-degree graduate admissions
• Essay
• Resume or CV
• Transcripts from all previous universities
• Two letters of recommendation
• Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
• GMAT/GRE (optional)

Enrollment deposit: 

$500 for domestic students; $1,000 for international students (applied to tuition)

Financial aid:

Non-degree students are not eligible for merit financial aid through the College of Business. Students may be eligible for federal or state financial aid or alternative education loans through the university's financial aid office. 

Transferring coursework: 

Students who intend to transfer credits to another institution must include a letter of good standing from that institution confirming that Lehigh coursework will be accepted into their degree program.

Credits earned under non-degree status may be applied as electives or toward prerequisite requirements for the FLEX MBA, provided a regular application is submitted within four years of course completion. Admission as a non-degree student does not imply acceptance into the FLEX MBA degree program.

Apply for Non-Degree Admissions

To apply for a Lehigh graduate program, or access an in-progress application, use Lehigh's online application system. Application fees may apply.

The FLEX MBA accepts applications on a rolling basis, with MBA application deadlines of December 15 for Spring, April 15 for Summer, and July 31 for Fall. We recommend gathering your materials at least a few months in advance to allow time for transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any supporting documents.

The Graduate Programs Office staff is happy to arrange a campus visit for you. While at Lehigh, you may opt to meet with an admissions counselor, tour the college or university, meet current students, visit a class, or schedule a formal interview. Please contact the Graduate Programs Office at business@lehigh.edu or by phone at (610) 758-4450.

No. The FLEX MBA program is a hybrid online MBA program with no GMAT or GRE requirement—test scores are optional. Applicants who choose not to submit a GMAT or GRE score should provide evidence of academic readiness. 

No. Unofficial transcripts are accepted for application review. Domestic and international applicants should upload unofficial English-language transcripts showing the degree received, along with course and cumulative grades. You will only be required to submit official transcripts if admitted to the program. Learn more about how to submit official transcripts here.

The FLEX MBA has three start dates per year: Spring, Summer, and Fall. Admission is rolling, so you can apply at any point during the year.

A minimum of two years of professional work experience is required for admission and should be reflected in your resume or CV at the time of application.

There are no specific course prerequisites for FLEX MBA admission. However, the program does require a working foundation in financial accounting, statistics, and microeconomics—these are called corequisites, meaning they can be fulfilled after admission, as part of your personalized degree plan, rather than something you need to complete beforehand. Your academic advisor will help build these into your course sequence.

Lehigh offers the prerequisite courses online, a convenience most students take advantage of. Principles of Economics and Statistics may be taken at another university upon submission and approval of a course syllabus. Financial Accounting may be taken at another university; however, students must pass the FLEX MBA program’s accounting proficiency test to complete the prerequisite.

Yes. Through non-degree admissions, you can take up to 12 credit hours of graduate coursework without enrolling in the full degree program. Credits earned may be applied toward the FLEX MBA if you apply within four years.

While not required, interviews are offered at the request of the admissions committee, typically to clarify or further explore an aspect of the application. 

Each applicant presents a unique skill set for consideration. Your application is carefully evaluated on your academic abilities, motivation, and maturity to complete graduate studies successfully. Evaluated areas also include past academic performance, leadership skills, accomplishments, and contribution to the learning environment.

The Graduate Programs Office is happy to schedule an individual appointment with you to discuss your credentials and your goals, and to discuss with you the opportunities available to you as a Lehigh FLEX MBA student. To schedule an appointment, please contact us at business@lehigh.edu.

Any prior graduate-level business coursework will be evaluated for a waiver of the FLEX MBA prerequisites (accounting, statistics, and principles of economics). FLEX MBA core courses will not be waived due to their integrated nature. Direct course transfer towards elective coursework will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The request to transfer will be evaluated by the FLEX MBA Program Director, appropriate Department Chair, Graduate Associate Dean of the College, and the University Registrar. 

Students must submit an official transcript, a course description, a course syllabus, and a transfer petition. The courses may not be part of an earned degree and must be graduate-level coursework completed within 4 years of the first enrollment in the Lehigh FLEX MBA. The minimum grade for transfer courses is "B" and the maximum number of hours permitted to transfer is six.

Generally, 2-4 weeks after your completed application has been submitted.

You may change your pace at any point during your program by notifying the Graduate Programs Office at business@lehigh.edu.