Mississippi State University’s MBA programs are designed for those ready to lead - with flexibility, focus, and impact. Whether you're looking to earn your degree in just one year through our accelerated, cohort-based on-campus experience, or need the flexibility of our fully online, top-ranked program, we offer a path that works for you. Taught by nationally recognized faculty and driven by real-world impact, both our accelerated and online options deliver the same rigorous curriculum, professional development opportunities, and unmatched support.
Admission Information
The 30-hour MBA program begins in the summer semester, and you'll finish your degree in 12 months, all while being immersed in a supportive, collaborative learning environment. To be considered for admission, we encourage applicants to submit their materials by the preferred deadline of November 15. The final application deadline is January 15. Visit grad.msstate.edu to begin your application.
Application Materials include the following:
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Official Academic Transcripts
- Application Fee
- $60 for Domestic
- $80 for International
International applicants not holding degrees from U.S. institutions are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. The College of Business requires a minimum TOEFL score of 575 PBT, 233 CBT, or 84 IBT or an IELTS score of 7.0. You can find more details about the international application process here: Graduate Catalog – International Students.
Program of Study
Once accepted into the program, all incoming students must attend a mandatory one-week orientation, also known as Springboard Week, session before classes begin. Springboard Week is an intensive professional development program for incoming MBA students with seminars on the following topics:
- Career Management (from resume development through job acceptance)
- Interest Assessments
- Personal Branding
- Professional Presentation Skills
- Speaking Competition (individual and team)
- Etiquette and Networking
- Conflict Negotiation and Team Development
- Summer 1: Accounting
- Summer 2: Leadership Skills
- Elective
- Business Decision Analysis
- Strategic Marketing Management
- Strategic & Entrepreneurial Management
- Elective
- Corporate Finance
- Supply Chain & Operations Management
- Strategic Business Consulting
While not a requirement, the following coursework focus areas are available to MBA students:
- Project Management
- Marketing
- Business Analytics
- Information Systems
- Global Affairs and Leadership
Professional Development
Our Career Launch MBA+ program prepares students for life beyond the classroom through ongoing professional development, industry exposure, and hands-on learning experiences. From day one, students are supported in building the skills, knowledge, and network needed to succeed in a competitive job market.
Program Highlights:
- Year-round professional growth seminars (Summer, Fall, and Spring)
- Networking events with industry leaders, CEOs, and career experts
- Off-site experiential learning across diverse industries
- Guidance for effective job search strategies - now and post-graduation
- Access to targeted MBA-level job opportunities
- Real-world insights into post-MBA career challenges
- Engaging, interactive learning experiences that build confidence and competence
In your final semester, you'll put your MBA skills to the test in a real-world consulting project. Working in teams, students partner with local companies to solve current business challenges - delivering strategic recommendations that make a real impact.
Course Features:
- Collaborate with local and regional businesses on real consulting projects
- Apply classroom knowledge to solve real-time business issues
- Gain hands-on experience in client communication, analysis, and strategy
- Build your portfolio with impactful, results-driven work
Case competitions challenge MBA students to solve real business problems, think on their feet, and present to industry leaders - all while competing against top programs across the SEC and beyond. These high-stakes events are a powerful way to build skills, make connections, and gain recognition.
What to Expect:
- Compete against SEC and regional MBA programs
- Tackle real-world business cases in team settings
- Present to panels of executives and industry experts
- Win grand prizes, scholarships, and professional recognition
Graduate Assistantships
Once you've completed the admissions and interview processes, you'll be automatically considered for one of 13 competitive graduate assistantships offered through the Graduate Programs of Business - no additional application materials are required. These assistantships are the only funding option provided directly through the MBA program and include:
- Full tuition coverage
- Waiver of out-of-state tuition
- A $1,000 monthly stipend for a 20-hour-per-week assignment
While MBA program assistantships are limited, students are strongly encouraged to explore additional graduate assistantship opportunities available across campus. These positions are open to all graduate students and can be found by reaching out to other departments or offices directly. For more information on assistantships and other funding resources, please contact the Financial Aid Office.
Controller Website: https://www.controller.msstate.edu/
Financial Aid: https://www.sfa.msstate.edu/
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer both in-person and over-the-phone meetings to fit your schedule. If you're interested, you can book a time to meet with our recruiter, Anna Henson, by visiting https://go.oncehub.com/AnnaHenson.
Yes, all incoming MBA students are required to attend our one-week orientation, known as SpringBoard Week, before classes begin. This orientation is a key part of the program and is designed to prepare you for the year ahead. There is no separate fee - orientation is included in your program costs.
The MBA program begins each year in the summer semester. This 30-hour program is designed to be completed in just 12 months, allowing students to earn their degree on an accelerated timeline.
Our MBA program does not offer formal minors or concentrations. However, students can customize their experience by selecting from several coursework focus areas designed to align with specific career interests: Project Management, Marketing, Business Analytics, Information Systems, and Global Affairs and Leadership.
Yes, we offer an online MBA option designed for working professionals. You can learn more about the program and how to apply here: https://www.online.msstate.edu/mba