Graduate Program Admissions

Girl in class

Our promise to our graduate students is relevance, opportunity, and enhanced potential.

Whittemore School Graduate Programs develop outstanding professionals who excel in their chosen fields. Our students are prepared with a rigorous and integrated education. The crucial requirement for admission is a personal history that demonstrates high academic achievement.

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  • Applicants are required to submit an official transcript, test scores, three letters of reference, four essay questions, a copy of their résumé and a complete Graduate School application. The GMAT is required for MBA and MS in Accounting applicants; the GRE is required for admission to graduate study in Economics. The TOEFL or IELTS is required for international students as well.
  • A four-year baccalaureate degree program (or equivalent) must be completed prior to beginning the program.
  • Admissions decisions are made on a space available basis. Deadlines vary based upon the program and international vs. U.S. applicants. It is best to apply early.

Graduate Application Requirements

The crucial requirement for admission is a history that demonstrates the applicant has the potential and desire for graduate study.  In the portfolio approach to admission, the following factors are all considered:

Academic Credentials

A copy of a transcript from each institution you have attended must be submitted with your application. Official transcripts should remain in their sealed envelopes and be submitted with the application. In instances where educational institutions will not release transcripts directly to the student, they may be sent to the Graduate School, University of New Hampshire, Thompson Hall, 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824-3547. A grade-point average (GPA) will be calculated based on academic coursework taken at all institutions you have attended.

GRE/GMAT Scores

The GRE is required for admission to the MA and PhD in Economics programs. Candidates are considered competitive with scores in the mid-600's.

The GMAT is required for admission to the MS Accounting and MBA programs. The average GMAT score is 560. To register for the exam or for more tools to help you prepare for the exam, please visit the Graduate Management Admissions Council homepage. Applicants to the part-time or executive MBA program with greater than five years of significant supervisory, managerial, or strategic responsibilities may request a GMAT waiver by including a letter of explanation with the application.

References

Three letters of recommendation must be submitted with your application. References should detail your strengths, weaknesses, and potential for academic and managerial success. Executive MBA applicants must submit a letter of reference from their current supervisor. Personal references are not recommended.

Interview

Full-time and  Executive MBA applicants are required to have an interview as a part of the application process. The interview allows the admissions committee to gain a greater understanding of the applicant's professional background. Interviews are not required for admission to the other Whittemore School graduate programs, but may be requested by either the applicant or the admissions committee.

Essay Questions

There are essay questions required for the MBA and MS in Accounting programs. The MA/PhD in Economics requires a personal statement. Please scroll down to the bottom of this page for program-specific essay questions and personal statement instructions. Through your answers to the specific essay questions you will offer the admissions committee members insight into your reasons for pursuing a graduate business degree. It is important that we are able to accommodate your academic needs and that your interests are in line with our curriculum objectives. There is no minimum or maximum requirement for the essays, however we expect that you will convey your responses in a clear and concise manner.

Work History

Executive MBA - A minimum of seven years of professional work experience is required for an applicant to be considered for this program.

Full-time MBA - Two years of work experience is recommended but not required for applicants considering the full-time MBA program.

Part-time MBA -Two years of work experience is recommended but not required for applicants considering the part-time MBA program. Currently, the average applicant has four to seven years of professional work experience.

MA and Phd in Economics and MS in Accounting - Work experience is recommended for applicants considering these programs, but not required.

Potential for Leadership

An effective leader is an active listener as well as a dynamic speaker, a participant as well as an organizer, and a manager as well as an innovator. We believe leadership skills can be learned, but it takes a unique person to apply these skills. At the Whittemore School, you will have the opportunity to participate as a leader and team member throughout your academic career. Your individual strengths and weaknesses will be complimented within your teams and allow you opportunities to develop these skills. The admissions committee is charged with creating a class comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds to foster an atmosphere that promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and international awareness.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The minimum TOEFL requirement is 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test. International applicants are required to submit official TOEFL scores less than two years old. While we have established minimum scores for admissions purposes, competitive applicants seeking financial aid from the Whittemore School, have on average, had TOEFL scores of 650 on the paper-based test and 280 on the computer-based test.

Deadlines

Program 

Fall 2010 Deadlines   

International Student Deadlines 

 Full-time MBA

 June 1, 2010

 April 1, 2010

 Executive MBA

 July 1, 2010

 N/A

 Part-time MBA

 July 1, 2010

 N/A

 MS Accounting

 June 1, 2010

 April 1, 2010

 MA/PhD Economics

 June 1, 2010

 April 1, 2010

As admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis it is in an applicant's best interest to apply early.

Applications for Admission

International Students who live outside the US must submit a pre-application prior to submitting a formal application.

MS Accounting
MA/PhD Economics
Full-time/Part-time MBA

Executive MBA

Application Form
Application Form
Recommendation Form
(print 3 copies)
Recommendation Form
(print 3 copies)
Essay Questions Essay Questions
Statement of Residency Form N/A

All applications and supporting documents should be mailed to:

Graduate School
University of New Hampshire
Thompson Hall
Durham, NH 03824