iMSM Admissions
The iMSM program is designed for learners who are interested in gaining fundamental business management knowledge. Admission decisions are based on the individual’s previous academic accomplishments, personal statement, full-time work experience, resume, references, and demonstrated potential for success in the iMSM program and in their careers.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)*
- All required application materials
*Though recommended, we do review applications holistically and consider work experience, positive references, and a strong personal statement as indicators of future success as well. If you feel your profile may not be strong enough for admittance, please consider the Performance-based Admissions Track (PAT).
Application deadlines and incentives
Apply today for our next cohort. View deadline benefits by clicking the drop down options below.
Fall Priority 1 Benefits: Thursday, May 4, 2023
Fall Priority 1 Deadline: Thursday, May 4, 2023
- No Application Fee
- Apply for Scholarship Consideration
- Priority Registration
- Early Access to Coursera for Illinois
- Begin Engaging with Classmates via our Networking Platforms
Fall Priority 2 Benefits: Thursday, June 1, 2023
Fall Priority 2 Deadline: Thursday, June 1, 2023
- Final Deadline to Apply for Scholarship Consideration
- Priority Registration
- Early Access to Coursera for Illinois
- Begin Engaging with Classmates via our Networking Platforms
Final Deadline (August Start): Thursday, July 6, 2023
Final Deadline (August Start): Thursday, July 6, 2023
- Final Deadline to Start Courses in August
- All completed applications will receive full consideration
Final Deadline (October Start): Thursday, September 7, 2023
Final Deadline (October Start): Thursday, September 7, 2023
- Final Deadline to Start Courses in October
- All completed applications will receive full consideration
Final deadline to start in August
Application Requirements
It's simple to apply online for the Gies iMSM program. All materials below will be submitted through the University of Illinois Graduate College application portal.
Graduate College Application
All of the steps below must be completed online through this Graduate College application. Be sure to select your program as "Business Administration", then "Management online - MS" as degree.
Academic Credentials
A bachelor's degree is required. The recommended GPA for admission is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent), however we do review applications holistically and consider work experience, positive references, and a strong personal statement as indicators of future success as well. For the application review process, applicants do not need to submit official academic credentials, unofficial or scanned credentials are acceptable. If admitted, however, you will be required to submit official academic credentials.
- Credential evaluations (such as WES or ECE) are not accepted.
- Uploaded credentials must include applicant’s name, institution name, and a transcript legend, grade scale, or grade criteria.
- For international degrees, you must include the certificate of degree. If the credentials were originally in a language other than English, credentials in native language and English must be uploaded.
- If you are currently completing your undergraduate degree at the time of application, we will review your application based off the unofficial transcripts you have uploaded.
Resume
Your professional resume should include personal information (name, address, telephone number, and email address), educational background, work experience (start and end dates for each position and a brief description of responsibilities), internship experience, educational training, professional associations, and leadership experiences. Technical resumes are not required. Please limit your resume to 2 pages.
Personal Statement
At Gies, we are committed to expanding access to world-class business education, fostering excellence in scholarship and teaching, fueling innovation, focusing on inclusion in all our commitments, and facilitating meaningful life-long engagement with the Gies Community in our pursuit of a shared purpose.
After carefully reading the statement above, please discuss the following questions in a 750–1000-word, double-spaced essay:
- How do your personal and professional goals fit within Gies’ commitments?
- How will completing a Gies iMSM degree help you achieve those goals?
Letters of Reference
Two letters of reference are required. At least one letter should be a professional reference from a current or former supervisor. Once you enter their information into the online application, your recommenders will be notified to submit a letter of reference or complete a brief online information form. Letters of reference can be received after an application is submitted. Letters must come directly from the recommender, letters submitted by the applicant are not accepted.
English Proficiency Scores
(International applicants only) If you are a non-native English speaker or do not meet one of the Graduate College’s exemptions, you will need to upload your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores directly to your application. If you do not have scores and do not meet an exemption, you may also upload an essay requesting an exemption. Please note that if your test scores fall within the limited status range, you may be admitted to the Performance-based Admissions Track (PAT) program to satisfy the English proficiency requirement.
Optional Materials
GMAT or GRE score (optional): The GMAT or GRE is not required for the application, but you are welcome to submit scores to supplement your application. Unofficial scores can be loaded into your application, but your official GMAT scores must be sent directly to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Institution Code – 1836.
Optional essay: You can use this to address any concerns you may have with your application profile. Additionally, if there is something you would like to highlight that you have been unable to discuss in other areas of the application, you can do so in this essay.
Gies Online Coursera Scholarship application essay: Gies College of Business and Coursera have partnered to offer a limited number of need-based scholarships covering 70% of tuition for qualified students. All new applicants are eligible to apply based on application deadlines for each cycle. To apply, indicate your interest in the application and upload your essay with your application. Essay submissions must be received with the application for full consideration for the scholarship.
Transfer Request Form: Requests for transfer credits will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed even if the following criteria are met. A maximum of 12 credit hours can be transferred. Transfer requests must be submitted with the application.
- Institution must be AACSB accredited
- Course(s) cannot have been previously applied toward a degree or other transcripted credential
- Course(s) must have been taken at the graduate level
- Course(s) must have been completed within the past 4 years
- Student must have earned an A- or better
- A maximum of 12 credit hours will be approved for transfer
Admissions Help Videos
Our admissions team has put together a few helpful videos to assist you as you work on your application. These videos address the most common questions regarding your essay, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and resume.
Do I have to take the GMAT or GRE to apply?
No, a GMAT or GRE are not required for admittance into the iMSM program. If you feel it strengthens your application, you are welcome to upload your test scores.
Do I need to hold an undergraduate degree?
Yes, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution in a foreign country. If you earned your degree(s) from outside the United States, refer to the following webpage for academic requirements by country: http://www.grad.illinois.edu/admissions/countries
Should I apply to the iMSM or the iMBA program?
The iMBA offers a combination of practical business management mastery and theoretical knowledge typically over the course of 2-3 years. The average age of an iMBA student is 37 with an average of 11 years work experience. If you are in your career and desire a program that can be completed in one year, the iMSM will help you accelerate your career by providing a foundation of fundamental business management skills.