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

Applying with Unofficial Transcripts

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

Domestic and international applicants should upload unofficial transcripts in English that show the degree received, along with course grades and cumulative grades.

International applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution, or the equivalent of a bachelor's degree from a non-U.S. institution of higher education.

 

Submitting Official Transcripts

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.

Below are the accepted processes when submitting official transcripts.

From a U.S. or Canadian Higher Education Institution

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 submit documentation to the following email address: business@lehigh.edu.

If the institution does not offer an official electronic transcript service, the official transcripts and degree certificates must be mailed in a sealed envelope with the institution seal and sent directly to our office using the address listed below.

From a non-U.S. Higher Education Institution

Official transcripts and degree certificates must be mailed from your college or university in a sealed envelope with the institution seal and sent directly to our office using the following address:

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

If your non-U.S. institution cannot mail your transcripts, you will have to supply a course-by-course evaluation (fees for this service are the responsibility of the applicant). Lehigh Business has 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! Lehigh's recommended companies for international transcript evaluations are the following:

• International Education Evaluations (Access IEE Evaluation Form)
• World Evaluation Services (Access WES Evaluation Form)
• SpanTran (Access SpanTran Evaluation Form)

You can find other accredited evaluation companies through the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

An additional course evaluation company for students from Chinese institutions is CHESICC. Students requesting course evaluations through this service should have all documentation sent to the following email address: business@lehigh.edu. The processing time for CHESICC documents is approximately 20 days.

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 may be required. After you have submitted all required application materials, you will be notified via email if a virtual interview is requested of you.

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