Performance-based Admissions Track (PAT)
Your pathway to an online master's degree from Gies
If you're concerned that your profile might not be strong enough to gain admission to one of our online degree programs, the Performance-based Admissions Track (PAT) could be a good fit. This first-of-its-kind pathway into the iMBA, iMSA, and iMSM gives learners the opportunity to apply to PAT as a non-degree student to to take graduate-level courses – and earn credit – before officially entering a degree program.
- No application fee
- No enrollment deposit
- Experience the online classroom
- Earn transcriptable academic credit
How the program works
After applying and being admitted into the PAT program, you will take a set of non-degree graduate level courses (one at a time), as specified by the degree they wish to pursue (see right). Successful completion of the track requires maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA and receiving a B or better in two of the three courses.
When those requirements are met, PAT participants gain automatic admission to their desired program as a degree-seeking student. The courses they've completed are transferred toward their degree.
iMBA PAT Course Requirements
As a student in the PAT Program, you will need to complete all 3 courses in Core 2, Managerial Economics and Business Analysis. This includes:
- FIN 574 — Microeconomics
- BADM 572 — Statistics
- FIN 571 — Money and Banking
You must complete these 3 courses while maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and must receive a B or better in 2 of the 3 courses above. You should take 1 course at a time.
iMSA PAT Course Requirements
In order to complete the iMSA Performance-based Admissions Track (PAT), students must successfully complete a set of two iMSA courses either concurrently or within two consecutive semesters. You must complete:
- ACCY 501: Accounting Analysis I
- Either: ACCY 503: Managerial Accounting or ACCY 505: Federal Taxation
You must complete these courses while maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and you must receive a B or better in both courses. Students should only take the below PAT courses. If you choose to take other courses during your time in the PAT program, they will not be considered toward your admission consideration. These courses will however be counted towards your degree requirements if offered admission.
Nearing the completion of your PAT program, our team will reach out with next steps regarding your degree offer based on the success in your PAT coursework.
iMSM PAT Course Requirements
As a student in the PAT Program, you will need to complete all 3 courses:
- BADM 567: Operations Management
- BADM 520: Marketing Management
- ACCY 503: Managerial Accounting
You must complete these 3 courses while maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and must receive a B or better in 2 of the 3 courses above. You should take 1 course at a time.
How to apply
If you think this is the right pathway for you, follow the regular admissions process for your desired program, indicating that you would like to be considered for the PAT. You'll undergo the same rigorous application review as a degree-seeking student, including a possible interview.
Is the PAT program a good fit for you?
Do you…
- Not meet minimum undergraduate GPA requirement?
Are you…
- Unsure if an online program is right for you?
- Unsure about the time commitment needed to earn a graduate degree?
Then the PAT program could be the best option for you.
What are the benefits of the PAT program?
- Free application
- No enrollment deposit
- Opportunity to experience the courses in a graduate program and earn academic credit
What happens after I complete all three courses?
Nearing the successful completion of your PAT program, our team will reach out with next steps regarding your degree offer.
