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W. P. Carey MBA - Fast-Track Program

W. P. Carey MBA - Fast-Track Program

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / W. P. Carey MBA - Fast-Track Program

Entrepreneurship, approved for STEM-OPT extension

Take your work experience and previous business master's degree a step further. Acquire the essential business skills and knowledge that will make a difference right now and throughout your career. Analyze problems, make effective decisions and advance your leadership potential.

Program description
Degree awarded: MBA  W. P. Carey MBA

The purpose of the W. P. Carey School of Business MBA program is to provide a solid foundation and knowledge base in the core business disciplines and to develop the analytic capabilities, decision-making and leadership skill sets essential for making sound business decisions.

The curriculum is delivered in a case-based, team-oriented and discussion-style learning environment. Elective courses provide additional depth and breadth to enhance the student's area of emphasis, knowledge base and career goals.

The fast-track Master of Business Administration program is perfect for working professionals who need a Master of Business Administration degree to advance in their careers. Classes are held two nights a week --- with online courses also available --- allowing students to graduate with a Master of Business Administration degree in 12 to 18 months, depending on the student's incoming discipline.

As a STEM-designated master's degree, the program allows eligible graduates on student visas access to an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months, helping international students gain additional skills and experience in the U.S.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
Degree requirements

31 credit hours including the required capstone course (MGT 589)

Required Core (3 credit hours)
LES 582 Ethical Issues for Managers (3)

Electives and research (25 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
MGT 589 Strategic Management (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
While there are no business course prerequisites, potential students must demonstrate strong quantitative ability and effective written and oral communication skills.

The business school does not accept graduate credits earned while students are in nondegree status or courses taken prior to admission to the Master of Business Administration program or taken while enrolled in another Master of Business Administration program outside the W. P. Carey School of Business. Registration in School of Business courses numbered 501 and above is limited to students who have been admitted to a graduate degree program and have the approval of the MBA program office.

The core course is designed to provide a foundation in business knowledge and skills. Elective courses build upon the business core and center on the further development of an optional area of emphasis. There may be additional requirements that vary by area of emphasis.

All students must successfully complete the comprehensive exam requirement established by the school of business and the Graduate College for the Master of Business Administration. The comprehensive exam is integrated with the MGT 589 Strategic Management capstone course culminating experience. Students who pass this course with a grade of "B" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher satisfy the comprehensive examination requirement.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the W. P. Carey School of Business.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. two letters of recommendation
  4. current resume
  5. essays
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The letters of recommendation should comment on the student's motivation, commitment, achievements, work experience and opportunity for success in the program.

In addition to having two years of work experience, successful applicants for the fast-track MBA have earned a master's degree in a specific business discipline. If the previously earned master's degree is not from an AACSB-accredited school, GRE or GMAT test scores may be requested from the applicant. ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

Applicants should see the department's website for more information.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 07/01Final
Career opportunities

The Master of Business Administration program includes the essential academic preparation for students who are interested in pursuing professional careers as leaders within organizations in diverse functions such as human resources, finance or marketing.

Career examples include:

  • CEO
  • finance manager
  • marketing manager
  • supply chain manager
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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