MSM Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of the most common questions asked about the Master of Science in Management (MSM) program.
Where do I send my official transcripts?
You do not need to send official transcripts until you are admitted to our program.
The College does not require official transcripts unless you are admitted to our program. After being admitted, a student may bring or send their official transcripts to:
The Graduate College
110 Coble Hall
801 S. Wright St.
Champaign, IL 61820
I have below a 3.0 GPA. Is it worth applying?
Yes, we don’t look at just GPA when admitting qualified candidates, but a low GPA can be countered by a strong GRE or GMAT score. In addition, we are looking for well-rounded candidates and consider all aspects of a candidate’s application including work experience, leadership qualities, and the optional essay which explains your GPA score to name a few areas. Don’t let a low GPA stop you from applying.
Since GRE/GMAT is optional, should I still submit it?
You are strongly encouraged to provide GRE/GMAT score report if:
- Your undergraduate curriculum does not include sufficient coursework that demonstrate strong quantitative skills.
- Your undergraduate GPA is below the program’s expectations and/or it does not meet the Graduate College’s minimum admission requirements and you do not have relevant full-time work experience in finance or other STEM-related fields.
- Your academic background is outside of business, finance or other STEM related disciplines.
Can I do more than one concentration or specialization or do I have to take one at all?
If you are interested in doing more than one concentration or specialization, it would likely require an additional semester, which you are permitted to do. However, you are not required to do a concentration or specialization. In fact, you can start in one specialization and decide on taking other courses outside of specialization if you wish. The specialization will allow you that flexibility.
If I didn’t study business, am I going to be lost in the program?
No, this program is designed for candidates with or without a business background to teach you the fundamentals of business management.
Common Questions for International Students
Where can I get a Declaration and Certification of Finances form?
The form is available in PDF format within the online application or on the Graduate College website.
Do I have to submit a Declaration of Finance Form when I submit my application?
It is highly recommended that this form be submitted with the application. It will save time if admitted to our program. Students who submitted their proof of funding at the time of application received their I‐20 approximately three weeks earlier than those who waited until admission.
My English proficiency score doesn't meet full status requirements. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can still be admitted with an English proficiency score below the full status requirements, but you will be required to take an additional English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT) upon arrival on campus. Based on the EPT results, students are generally required to enroll in noncredit English as a Second Language courses while enrolled in your graduate program. Limited status admission is not a conditional offer; you are still considered to have fully met the admission requirements. For more information, please review the Graduate College's English proficiency requirements.I completed a degree in a country where English is not the primary language, but my education was completely in English. Do I still need to submit my English Proficiency Score?
You will still need to submit English proficiency score. English proficiency score waiver is only granted to international applicants that meet one of the following criteria are exempt from the English proficiency requirement for admission:
- Received a post-secondary degree from a US institution (or an institution within an approved country) within five years of the proposed admission term.
- Completion of at least two years of post-secondary study in the US (or an approved country) within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment.
- Completion of at least two years of professional work experience in the US (or an approved country) within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment.
For more information, please review the Graduate College's English proficiency requirements.
Still have questions?
Our admissions team is here to help – connect with us for personalized guidance on the MSM program and application process.