Admission Requirements

The UNBC MBA program is a practical experience that enhances a student’s ability to gain from the curriculum and contribute to the program and their peers.

The UNBC MBA Admissions Committee establishes cohorts for the program that are diverse, dynamic and well-balanced. The number of available seats for the program is limited to facilitate quality interaction with faculty and enrich the learning environment for students.

Admission to the UNBC MBA program is competitive. In addition to the admission requirements outlined in Section 1.0 of the Graduate Academic Calendar, candidates are required to provide:

Note: A Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score report is not required, but is accepted.

Please send transcripts to:

University of Northern British Columbia
Office of the Registrar, Attn: Graduate Admissions Office
3333 University Way
Prince George, B.C., V2N 4Z9 Canada

Admission Criteria

The UNBC MBA program as described within is subject to the recommendation of the British Columbia Degree Quality Assessment Board and approval by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education. To be eligible for consideration, each applicant to the UNBC MBA program must meet the general admission criteria outlined below. Those who do not meet these criteria may be considered for admission according to the Exceptional Admission criteria listed below. One of the goals of the admissions process is to establish cohorts that are diverse, dynamic and balanced.

For additional information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Admissions website.

Basic Admission Requirement

A four year undergraduate degree from an accredited university with a GPA of 3.00 or above and at least three years of managerial experience with supervisory and operational decision making responsibilities.

Much learning in the MBA is realized when program participants apply theorized concepts taught in the MBA program to applied managerial problems at various organization levels. Previous managerial experience is essential to this learning process.

Academic Background

A four-year (120 credit hours) undergraduate degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university with a grade point average of at least 3.0 (B) in the work of the last 60 credit hours (approximately the last two years) leading to the baccalaureate degree is required. No specific major is required, and students from a variety of undergraduate disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Transfer Credits

Courses delivered at other institutions can support preparation for the MBA program. However, undergraduate and diploma business courses from other institutions do not count as credits towards an MBA degree. While some of the MBA course titles may sound similar, the level at which they are delivered is significantly different.

Professional Background

Three years of relevant full-time work in a managerial or professional position, with supervisory and operational decision making responsibilities and excluding any training period, is required. These responsibilities must be at a medium level of people and informational complexity or higher, e.g; analyzing budget data, coordination the activities of subordinates. 

A curriculum vitae or resume must be submitted summarizing all positions held beginning with the most recent and specifying for each:

  • Name of company
  • Type of company
  • Exact position title
  • Duration of employment
  • Nature of duties, responsibilities and achievements

Exceptional Admission

Under special circumstances, applications from applicants who do not possess an undergraduate degree, have a three-year undergraduate degree or who have an undergraduate degree with a grade point average of less than 3.0 (B) in the last 60 credit hours may be considered.

Normally this will equate to an acceptable professional designation and at least six years of managerial experience with supervisory and operational decision making responsibilities.

These applicants may be required to participate in a personal interview. Admission interviews are conducted in person, by telephone or via video conference using Skype. If all admission requirements have clearly been met, an interview may not be necessary.

English Proficiency

Applicants must be able to speak, write and understand English well in order to be successful in the UNBC MBA program. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of English proficiency prior to admission

Statement of Academic Interest or Letter of Intent

All applicants are required to submit a statement of academic interest. This information is used to gain a more thorough and comprehensive picture of you as an individual. Please respond thoughtfully and thoroughly.

The following questions can serve as guidelines for the letter.

  • Describe yourself, emphasizing your strengths and weaknesses and any major influences that have shaped your interests.
  • Describe how the UNBC MBA program can help you achieve your career goals.
  • Much of the learning value derived from the UNBC MBA program will come from your peers. Describe how you, your background and your experiences will contribute to learning in the UNBC MBA program.