Frequently Asked Questions

I’m not sure an MBA is right for me. How can I be sure?

The MBA Program at Rockford College is the only program in the area to offer students the option of taking up to four graduate classes and ALL prerequisite courses before formally enrolling in the program. Take a class and see if you like it!

I’ve heard Rockford College is expensive. Is earning an MBA at Rockford College more expensive than other institutions?

The cost of earning an MBA at Rockford College is surprisingly very cost competitive with other MBA programs, both locally and nationally. Public and not-for-profit employees serving the Rock River Valley receive a significant discount on tuition because most not-for-profits are unable to offer the same advantage of tuition reimbursement.. Part-time student grants are available for students who are paying tuition out of their own pocket. In addition, Rockford College offers deferred payment for students whose employers are reimbursing them for classes.

How can an MBA from Rockford College help me in my career?

The benefits of earning an MBA are numerous. Rockford College MBA graduates often earn promotions and pay raises faster than if they hadn’t.

I wasn’t a business major in college. Do I need to take any classes before enrolling?

There are several prerequisite courses that need to be satisfied before graduating with an MBA. There are several ways to satisfy there courses. One way is to already have taken them at another college or university. Another way is to take the courses that are offered at Rockford College. Yet another way is to take proficiency exams in the areas in which you need credit. Passing one of these exams will fulfill the prerequisite requirement.  The cost is $50 per exam. Information regarding these exams is available from the graduate office at 226-4040. Self-taught tutorials for these exams are available for purchase at: www.mbaprimer.com.

I have a very busy schedule. How often do MBA classes meet?

Rockford College takes into consideration the busy schedules that students have and makes every effort to offer class times that will fit into a hectic schedule. Classes are offered evenings, early mornings and weekends. Evening classes meet once a week and morning classes twice per week.

Do I need to take the GMAT before I take any classes?

No. You will need to take the GMAT before you are fully accepted into the program, but you can up to four graduate classes and ALL prerequisite courses before formally enrolling in the program. Take a class and see if you like it!

Where do I find information about the GMAT?

There is information about the GMAT here.

Can I just take a few courses that interest me and not get the MBA degree?

Yes you can. Given the flexibility of the program you can take up to four graduate courses and ALL prerequisite courses as a non-matriculated student. You could take additional courses with the permission of the MBA director. You may be interested in our Graduate Certificate Program which is comprised of five of our core MBA courses. Each class is designed to build and improve upon your basic business skills.

How do I know if my undergraduate work meets the prerequisites for the classes?

Have a copy of your undergraduate transcript sent to the graduate office for an evaluation. Generally speaking, if you had two semesters of undergraduate accounting from an accredited institution, you have met that prerequisite. One semester of undergraduate finance usually satisfies the finance prerequisite. An undergraduate calculus class typically satisfies the math prerequisite. A term of macro economics and a term micro economics most often satisfies the economics prerequisite.

Is the Rockford College MBA program accredited?

Yes. Rockford College is accredited both by the North Central ssociation of Colleges and Universities (NCA) and the International Association of Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).

I’ve heard that some MBA programs are VERY theoretical and others are all application without much theory, where does the Rockford College fit?

Rockford College joins the theoretical with the applied. Our philosophy is to provide practical education with the foundation of theory so that students know how to handle current situations, but also have the tools to think and reason out new situations they will encounter throughout their careers.