Graduate Entrance Exam Information
GMAT and GRE
Our admission review process is holistic, so we do not have firm minimum score requirements. However, our programs are selective and submitting a competitive score on the GMAT or GRE exam is necessary to gain admission to a program. Some programs provide alternative pathways that would allow you to demonstrate your ability to succeed in the program without taking an entrance exam.
Waiver Criteria
Approved entrance exam waiver criteria can be found below, organized by program.
Important notes:
- The admissons committee reserves the right to request a score as part of the application (even if waiver criteria are met).
- If a score has previously been submitted to the University it cannot be waived.
- PhD programs do not have any waiver options for GMAT or GRE.
- If you graduated from a University of Cincinnati degree program within the last three years and had a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher the GMAT/GRE will be waived automatically for all waiver eligible programs.
- No entrance exam required
- No entrance exam required
- I have completed a graduate degree in a relevant field.
- I have completed an undergraduate business degree from a domestic AACSB accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- I have 7+ years of relevant work experience with demonstrated advancement.
- I have completed a graduate degree in a relevant field.
- I have completed at least 6 graduate credits at UC in a relevant field with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- I have 7+ years of relevant work experience with demonstrated advancement.
- No entrance exam required
- No entrance exam required
- I have completed a graduate degree in a relevant field.
- I have 7+ years of relevant work experience with demonstrated advancement.
- I have completed an undergraduate business degree from a domestic AACSB accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- No entrance exam required
TOEFL and IELTS
All international students are required to submit scores from the TOEFL or IELTS exam or have an approved waiver. The English proficiency requirement is also met for students who have completed level 112 of Intensive English instruction at an ELS Language Center.
Waiver opportunities are available for students that meet one of the following criteria approved by the University Graduate School. Click here for more information.
If you plan to apply for a TOEFL/IELTS waiver please contact graduate@uc.edu after submitting your application and pay your application fee. Waivers are not available for the MS Business Analytics program with the exception of the exempt countries list.
Minimum TOEFL and IELTS Requirements
| Program | TOEFL** | IELTS*** Duolingo |
|---|---|---|
| MS Business Analytics | 95 | 6.5 110 |
| MS Information Systems, MS Marketing & PhD programs | 100 | 7.0 115 |
| All other programs | 90 | 6.5 110 |
*GMAT: Can be sent using college/program name
**GRE/TOEFL: Can be sent using school code 1833
***IELTS: Can be sent to University of Cincinnati - Graduate School account.
Special note for doctoral candidates: Upon arrival at the University, each international student's English language proficiency is re-tested. No international student will be permitted to teach in the classroom before they have demonstrated satisfactory oral and written English proficiency.