One-Year MBA Program Application Requirements

Lehigh Business makes applying easier with no application fees!

To apply for free to the 1-MBA program, use Lehigh's online application system.

As part of the application process, we require all applicants to submit an essay. This essay is an essential component of the evaluation process and provides us with valuable insights into your thoughts, experiences, and motivations. Please find the details below.

Essay Guidelines:

• Length: 1 to 2 pages
• Format: PDF or Word document
• Submission: Please upload the document in the designated section of the application portal

The essay prompt will be provided within the application portal, and we encourage you to take the time to reflect on the topic and articulate your thoughts effectively.

Your professional resume or CV should list your education and professional achievements. Include your computing skills. The resume or CV should be uploaded in the online application.

Candidates must have at least two years of full-time, professional post-baccalaureate employment. Internships and co-ops do not apply to the three-year rule.

The GMAT or GRE test score submission is Optional* for 1-MBA applicants. Applicants who choose not to submit a GMAT or GRE test score should provide us with evidence in their application that they can be successful in the 1-MBA program without a GMAT or GRE score. Applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee, but this is no guarantee of acceptance. 

Please see a list of examples below that would be considered as evidence of the ability to be successful in the program without a GMAT or GRE exam:

• A strong undergraduate and/or graduate record, including performance in analytical coursework, no less than 3 courses
• Professional or Licensed Certifications (CPA, CMA, CFA, PE)
• Master’s or advanced degree in an analytical discipline

The admissions committee reserves the right to request a GMAT or GRE score for any applicant, as well as MBA leveling work as part of any offer of admission.

Test scores are required for Tier 1 merit based scholarship consideration, such as the Asa Packer Social Entrepreneurship Award (ASPEA) and Dean's Scholarship. 

Applicants choosing not to submit test scores will receive one of three responses from the admissions committee upon completion of all other application materials:

1. Acceptance into the 1-MBA program
2. Request from the Admissions Committee for a GMAT or GRE test score submission
3. Denied Admission into the 1-MBA Program

* “OPTIONAL” means it is at the discretion of the applicant whether they feel a GMAT or GRE test score submission strengthens their application.

GMAT scores will be accepted for evaluation as long as your official score is available through the testing service. Please indicate on your online application the date you are taking [or have taken] the GMAT.

GMAT test center, test information, and test preparation materials can be found by visiting the Graduate Management Admission Council ® [GMAC] website at www.mba.com.

Please use the proper program code shown below to have your official scores sent to Lehigh. Our office keeps GMAT scores on file for a period of five years. Official scores normally arrive at the MBA office two weeks after the exam has been taken.

Program Codes:

Program: 1-MBA | GMAT Code: 6ZB-FN-50 | GRE Code: 2365

Unofficial transcripts are accepted when submitting an application. Unofficial transcripts are also acceptable for application review.

If admitted into the program, you will be required to submit official transcripts from all universities attended, and all post-secondary education including transfer credits. Official final transcripts must bear the signature of the university’s registrar, the seal of the issuing institution, and contain the name and date of the degree awarded.

 

Submission

Official electronic transcripts via an official secure transcript service are the preferred method of receipt. If the institution offers an electronic secure transcript service please have the institution send them directly to business@lehigh.edu.

If the institution does not offer an official transcript service, the official transcripts and degree certificates must be mailed directly to our office in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution. Please have the institution mail the transcripts to: 

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

 

International Applicants

In general, you must have 16 years of formal education, including four years at the university level, to be considered for admission to the program. Applicants should submit official English translations.

• If credentials do not record the awarding of the degree received, you must submit certified true copies of your diplomas.
• If credentials do not show the grading system used by the university, you must submit a separate official statement from the university that gives this information.

International students who cannot provide the required documentation will have to supply a Course by Course Evaluation (fees for this service are the responsibility of the applicant). The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) lists a number of accredited evaluation companies that can provide Course by Course Evaluations. Lehigh Business has also created a custom evaluation form for graduate applicants to Lehigh’s College of Business through IEE and SpanTran that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate!

Three NACES-approved member organizations for international transcript evaluations are:

1. International Education Evaluations (Access IEE Evaluation Form). 
2. World Evaluation Services (Access WES Evaluation Form).
3. SpanTran (Access SpanTran Evaluation Form).

 

Applicants from China

CollegeNet China Credential Service

Applicants from Chinese institutions may request and submit official transcripts directly through the graduate application. Requests are submitted and processed by CHESICC. A service fee of $12 is charged by CollegeNET.

After entering your college/institution in the educational history section of the graduate application, you will have the option to order official documents.

The processing time for the CHESICC documents is approximately 20 days.

When your CHESICC electronic documents are processed and received by Lehigh University, you will not need to send paper transcripts.

Questions should be directed to the Graduate Programs Office at business@lehigh.edu. Provide your full name, name of college/university and whether your application has been submitted or is in progress.

You will enter your recommenders' information through the online application. Once complete, a web link will automatically be emailed to the recommender. Applicants are asked to submit recommendations from current and previous supervisors who can attest to their leadership potential, work ethic, and overall performance within the organization.

Letters from company direct reports/subordinates, family members, or friends will not be considered. Paper copies of letters of recommendation will not be accepted.

A virtual interview with a member of our admissions committee is required. 

Lehigh Business Graduate Programs provides multiple pathways for applicants to demonstrate English language proficiency. Learn more about the various English proficiency pathways.