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Graduate admissions

Your path to the Mike Ilitch School of Business 

Begin your journey with Wayne State University's Mike Ilitch School of Business as an graduate student. We're here to help you earn a top-tier business degree in a supportive and engaging atmosphere while empowering you to reach your full potential. Our coursework paired with real-world experiences will equip you with the knowledge, skills and networks essential for a thriving career in the dynamic world of business.

Review undergraduate admission requirements during the application process, and discover unique opportunities for involvement. At the Ilitch School, we'll guide you every step of the way, helping shape a future that enhances your passions.

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Graduate programs

The Ilitch School offers several graduate business programs to help advance your career and professional development journey, including:

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

The Mike Ilitch School of Business offers GMAT waivers to qualified applicants.

To be considered for a GMAT waiver for admission into a master's degree program, with the exception of the Master of Science in Finance program*, you must meet the minimum GPA requirement for graduate admission and one of the following criteria:

  • An acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) entrance exam
  • GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Or at least three years of relevant professional experience that shows increased responsibility

There is no need to request a GMAT/GRE waiver from the Graduate Programs Office. Once your application is reviewed and determined to have met one of the above criteria for test waiver consideration, the application will be pulled and reviewed for an admission decision. If the application is reviewed and an applicant is determined to need a GMAT/GRE for admission into the graduate program, a member of the Graduate Programs Office staff will provide feedback on the application indicating so. Contact the Ilitch School Graduate Programs Office for more information on GMAT waivers or equivalency requirements.

If you've taken the GMAT more than once, we will use your highest GMAT score in the last five years when evaluating your application.

Admission applications may be submitted in advance of taking one of these tests.

The GMAT and GRE are offered continually at testing centers throughout North America and select international sites.

*To be considered for a GMAT waiver for admission into the Master of Science in Finance program, you must meet the minimum GPA requirement for graduate admission and one of the following criteria:

  • An acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) entrance exam.
  • GPA of 3.3 or higher from an AACSB-accredited business program.
  • GPA of 3.3 or higher from a regionally-accredited university in any major.
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA and at least three years of relevant professional experience that shows increased responsibility over that period.
  • You have passed level one of the CFA exam.
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher in a major in Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics.

Admissions process

The minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA for admission into a graduate program is 2.75. Review Wayne State's graduate admissions requirements.

To apply for admission into a graduate business program:

  1. Complete an application for graduate admission (GMAT/GRE score is not required to begin or submit an application)
  2. Submit official transcripts from all collegiate institutions attended by postal mail or courier to:

    Wayne State University
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    5057 Woodward Ave., Suite 6000
    Detroit, MI 48202

    Electronic transcripts will be accepted if they are delivered securely from the registrar of the issuing institution directly to the Wayne State University Office of Graduate Admissions (gradadmissions@wayne.edu). An electronic (secure, certified PDF) transcript is official as long as it is not altered. A printed copy of a PDF transcript is not official. Wayne State will not accept an attested or notarized copy of a transcript, a hand-delivered transcript or a transcript that reads "issued to student."

  3. Submit an updated resume detailing work experience within the last ten years (must include start and end dates for each position held.)

  4. Alternate graduate admissions/enrollment for current business undergraduate students include AGRADE and Senior Rule.

  5. International students review the international student admissions page for additional admissions requirements.

Application deadlines

The admissions application and all other required documents are due by:

Domestic

  • August 1 for fall semester admission
  • December 1 for winter semester admission
  • April 15 for spring/summer semester admission

International

  • June 1 for fall semester admission
  • October 1 for winter semester admission
  • February 15 for spring/summer semester admission