What is the minimum GMAT or GRE score requirement?

GMAT/GRE testing is optional for the UC Davis MBA programs. The UC Davis MBA Program does not have a minimum GMAT or GRE score requirement. GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years and you may take the test as many times as allowed by the Graduate Management Admissions Council and ETS. Scores should be valid through September 1 of the year you plan to start your program. We will use the highest score submitted when considering your application for admission.

What is the minimum GPA requirement?

The UC Davis MBA Program requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate grade point average or its equivalent if not on a 4.0 scale. Applicants can request an exception with their application for admission.

What prerequisite courses are required for admission to the UC Davis MBA program?

We do not require any prerequisite courses for admission. However, it is strongly recommended that you complete course work in accounting, calculus, economics, and statistics prior to enrolling in the UC Davis MBA program, particularly if you do not have strong quantitative skills or do not achieve a high score on the quantitative section of the GMAT. It is also strongly recommended that you are proficient in the use of various computer software including Microsoft Word and Excel.

Does the Admissions Committee favor certain undergraduate majors or recommend certain undergraduate courses?

No particular area of undergraduate preparation is required, but completion of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or the equivalent, is required. You must have completed 16 years of education in order to be eligible to apply to the UC Davis MBA program.

Can I transfer units taken at another school to UC Davis to count toward my MBA?

Transferring units toward your UC Davis MBA varies from case to case. We examine each case on an individual basis. A maximum of up to 36 quarter units from a University of California campus or eight quarter units from another university (non-University of California) campus can be applied toward the fulfillment of the GSM’s elective requirement.

What if I have an MBA from another institution?

If you have already completed an MBA degree you are not eligible for admission to the UC Davis MBA program. This University-wide academic policy was designed to prevent students from completing work that is a duplication of a previous degree.

Does the UC Davis MBA program grant admission deferrals?

Admission is for a specific entry date. However, deferrals are rare and granted on an individual basis. Requests for deferrals must be made in writing and are not guaranteed.

Quantitative Preparation

For MBA and Master of Management

Quantitative Preparation For MBA and Master of Management

Successful students in our STEM-designated MBA and Master of Management programs are comfortable working with quantitative information and data-driven decision making. While advanced mathematics is not required, applicants should have a foundation in algebra, statistics and basic data analysis.

Students with limited quantitative coursework are encouraged to strengthen their preparation before enrollment through coursework in statistics, business analytics, accounting or other quantitative business disciplines.

Demonstrating Quantitative Readiness

Evidence of quantitative preparedness may include:

Undergraduate coursework in statistics, economics, accounting, finance, mathematics, engineering, computer science or related fields
Strong academic performance in quantitative courses
Professional experience involving budgeting, forecasting, analytics, or data analysis
Completion of quantitative preparatory programs or courses

Build Your Quantitative Foundations

Applicants whose quantitative coursework was completed more than five years ago, or who have limited quantitative experience, are encouraged to consider the following preparatory options to reinforce foundational knowledge:

Community college coursework in:
- Statistics
- Business Analytics
- Precalculus
- College Algebra
UC Davis Open Campus
GMAC Business Fundamentals
MBA preparation courses offered through institutions such as UC Berkeley Extension, UCLA Extension, Harvard Business School Online or similar providers

Required Quantitative Preparation Assessment

To ensure students are well prepared for the quantitative rigor of the curriculum, all incoming MBA and Master of Management students are required to successfully complete a quantitative preparation assessment prior to matriculation. The assessment is provided at no cost.

Note: Students who do not achieve the required score on the quantitative preparation assessment, or who enroll too late to complete the assessment, will be required to attend one or more mandatory review sessions before the start of the program. Sessions may be offered in person or virtually, with format and scheduling details provided upon enrollment.

Quantitative Preparation Assessment Waiver

Students may be eligible for a waiver of the quantitative preparation assessment by demonstrating sufficient quantitative proficiency through approved standardized test scores. Waiver eligibility is determined solely based on qualifying test scores; no other criteria will be considered.

Official GMAT scores (555 or higher)
Official GRE scores (160 or higher in Quantitative Reasoning)

Waiver requests are evaluated after a student has enrolled in the program and prior to the start of classes.

Please note that the UC Davis Graduate School of Management does not consider GMAT or GRE scores for admission or scholarship decisions.

Instructions for submitting official test scores can be found on our Transcripts, Test Scores, and Account Names page.