When you're ready to apply to the College of Business Online MBA, we're here to help

You’re ready for the next step in your career — whether that’s in your current job or an entirely new field. As a part of the Online MBA program at CSU’s College of Business, you’ll learn the skills you need to use business to advance your career and better the world around you.

Professionals pursuing our MBA are motivated self-starters interested in advancing their careers and earning potential, while making a difference in their organizations or communities to address today’s business challenges and drive opportunities to innovate. While you might not have a background in business, the value of an MBA is using your newfound knowledge in the real world. Learning the language of business can help you elevate your career, or even kickstart a business of your own.


Sarah Miracle, MBA graduate
“The program helped me develop the skills, language and confidence to know that I could have a seat at the table. It enabled me to get to where I wanted to go quicker. Every single day I’m implementing the lessons I learned from the MBA.”

- Sarah Miracle, CSU College of Business | Online MBA Graduate


Eligibility and Requirements

We know you're more than a test score or a grade. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach when considering applications, which means we look at who you are as a person and what you would bring to our program and campus community. While we encourage our applicants to meet the minimum criteria, the inability to meet one may be offset by strengths in other areas. If you do not meet the full eligibility requirements, there may be alternative paths to admission. Ask an enrollment counselor about our MBA Access option, which offers a pathway for those who have a GPA less than 3.0 or less than two years of professional working experience.

Application Deadlines

  • JanuaryApply by Dec. 1
  • MarchApply by Feb. 1
  • MayApply by April 1
  • AugustApply by July 1
  • OctoberApply by Sept. 1

Please be aware that deadlines for financial aid may occur before the application for admission deadlines.

Application Process

The time it takes to complete the application process mostly depends on how long it takes you to gather your materials. Completing your portion quickly will allow us to give you a decision sooner. The information below should help you with the application process, but please request information if you have any questions.

We accept applications for five start dates: August, October, January, March, and May. We strongly suggest that you not wait until the deadline, but submit the application well in advance. Admissions are competitive and made on a rolling basis.

  1. Submit CSU Graduate School Application online
    • Visit gradadmissions.colostate.edu/apply to start your application.
    • Under "Select an application type," choose the term that you are applying to.
    • Under "Program," choose Business Administration (M.B.A.)–Distance.
    • Request/upload application materials directly to your online application and then submit. 
      As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. You do not need to wait for recommendations, scores, or transcripts to move your application forward.
  1. Pay the application fee
    Use a credit card to pay your application fee ($60 for domestic applicants, $70 for international applicants).
  2. Submit the online applicant data sheet
    Use your CSU ID number to complete and submit the College of Business applicant data sheet. After you submit your application online, you will receive a CSU ID number in approximately two to three days, unless you already have one (alumni and current students).
  3. Check your status
    We know you are eager to hear about your application status, so you can check it any time to make sure your application is complete or to keep an eye on updates. You will receive a confirmation email once your application is complete.
  4. Schedule an Admissions Interview (invitation only)
    Effective Fall 2024

    You will be invited to complete an admissions interview. Interviews are conducted by invitation only. You are selected based on the quality of the completed application. We will only offer admission to a candidate once they have completed an interview with a member of the Program Admissions Committee and a completed application has been received.
  5. Apply for Scholarships, Assistantships, and Fellowships
    To increase your chance for funding, you are encouraged to apply for funding as soon as you submit your application. More information about assistantships can be found here.
  6. Accept your admissions
    Confirm your decision to attend through your admissions application

Interview Policy and Process

Interviews are conducted by invitation only. Applicants to the graduate program are selected to interview based on the quality of a completed application. We will not offer admission to a candidate until they have completed a personal interview with a member of the Program Admissions Committee and a completed application has been reviewed.

If you are chosen to interview, we will send you an email message that describes the process for scheduling an interview. Interviews may be conducted virtually via Slate Scheduler.

Interviews are typically conducted with the applicant and two Program Admissions Committee representatives. Interviews usually take approximately 20 minutes and include questions focused on teamwork, leadership, career goals, and professional/academic experience. If time allows at the end, applicants are welcome to ask questions about the program and admission process. The suggested attire for the interview is business professional. Unless otherwise notified, applicants do not need to bring any materials to the interview.