One-Year MBA Admissions

To be considered for admission in the Penn State Smeal One-Year MBA, it is important to fulfill the specific admission criteria and complete all required application components. In Part 1 of the application process, you will submit the Penn State Graduate School Online Application, which includes your resume, copies of official educational transcripts (and degree certificate if applicable), reference contacts (3), official English language proficiency exam scores (for international applicants), and the $65 application fee. Part 2 involves a virtual interview and essay conducted via Kira Talent. The MBA program offers multiple application deadlines, with decisions made on a rolling basis. Please note that admission is granted in two stages: first by Smeal admissions and then by the Penn State Graduate School, with the Graduate School requiring a recommendation from the Smeal admissions office. Academic integrity and plagiarism are of utmost importance, and the admissions committee upholds a strong commitment to ethics and integrity. All essays will be verified through iThenticate authenticity software to ensure academic integrity. To check the status of your application and confirm receipt of materials, please contact the Smeal admissions office at oneyearmba@smeal.psu.edu.

Admission Criteria

The Penn State Smeal One-Year MBA features a two-part application process. During this process, you will be required to submit the following:

  • Part 1: Penn State Graduate School Online Application
    • Resume
    • Copies of official educational transcripts (and copy of degree certificate if applicable)
    • Reference contacts (3): Provide the names, titles, relationships, and contact information for three professional or academic references
    • Official English language proficiency exam scores (for international applicants)
    • Application fee: $65
  • Part 2: Virtual Interview and Essay via Kira Talent
    • Within 24 hours of starting your Graduate School Online Application, you will receive a link to complete your virtual interview and essay. The virtual interview consists of answering three behavioral questions in a recorded video format within a timed session. The essay portion requires a written response to an admissions essay question within a timed session. Your interview and essay should be completed within seven days of submitting your Graduate School Online Application.

To be considered for admission, all components of the application process must be completed, submitted, and received by the respective deadline.

Application Deadlines

The Penn State Smeal MBA has multiple application deadlines throughout the year. Applications are reviewed and decisions are made on a rolling basis.

Deadlines for Fall 2024 Intake Submit Your Application By Expect a Decision By
1st Round October 1 December 1
2nd Round December 1 February 1
3rd Round: Priority deadline for international applicants  February 1 April 1
4th Round April 1 June 1

Admission Decisions

All applications will undergo a comprehensive review process conducted by both the Penn State Smeal MBA program admissions office (assessing MBA requirements and admissions criteria) and the Penn State Graduate School (verifying educational documentation, credentials, and international visa requirements). You may receive communications from representatives of either department.

Admission is granted in two stages: first by the Smeal MBA program and then by the Penn State Graduate School. The Graduate School requires a recommendation from the Smeal admissions office before taking action on your application. To confirm the receipt of your application materials and check the status of your application, it is recommended that you contact the Smeal admissions office at oneyearmba@smeal.psu.edu.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

The Penn State Smeal College of Business has a strong commitment to ethics and integrity as reflected in our Honor Code. The admissions committee will not tolerate any form of plagiarism or appearance of impropriety in an applicant’s materials. To ensure academic integrity, all essays will be confirmed through iThenticate authenticity software. 

For more information on academic integrity and plagiarism: "Academic Integrity" and "Academic Integrity, Plagiarism, and Copyright"

Failure to follow these guidelines will result in a deny decision.

Ready to begin your application? Visit our Apply page to take the next step.