Our program begins annually in summer, around mid-June. Unfortunately，We do not offer a fall intake.
Are there any application fee waivers?
Foster doesn’t offer waivers. Visit the Graduate School’s website for potential need-based waivers. Fee waivers are not available to international students.
Am I an international applicant?
If you’re not a US citizen or permanent resident, apply as an international applicant.
What are the application deadlines, and do you offer rolling admissions?
“No, we don’t offer rolling admissions. All decisions are sent 6 weeks after the application deadline. However, if you’re an international applicant, we strongly advise applying by the priority deadline, either Round 1 or 2. This ensures sufficient time for visa processing, with the Round 2 deadline being the final cut-off.”
Can I apply to multiple Foster graduate programs?
Yes, separate applications and admissions processes and fees apply.
What if my application isn’t complete?
Your application isn’t reviewed until complete. Ensure all materials are received by the deadline.
Can I join if my undergrad isn’t finished when the program starts?
Sure, as long as you finish all your undergrad work before our program begins. After you officially graduate, please update us with your final transcript.
No, due to our program’s emphasis on team building and collaboration, all courses are required regardless of past studies.
Can I take electives in the MSBA program?
No electives are offered.Our program follows a lockstep design where all courses build upon each other throughout the 12-month program.
Are any application components more important?
We evaluate holistically, emphasizing program fit and professional growth potential.
Does this program qualify as STEM?
Yes, Foster’s MSBA program is STEM-designated. The CIP code is 52.1399.
Is the MSBA program full-time or part-time?
Full-time, with classes taking place during evenings and weekends.
Why does this program include business management courses?
This program balances technical data science skills with business acumen to foster professionals who can apply analytics effectively in business contexts.
Typically, we send out admission decisions within 6 weeks after the Round 1 or 2 deadline. Please see the Admissions webpage for approximate decision notification timelines by round.
How will I know my admissions decision?
All decisions will be sent via email to the email address you used in the application. The status on your application portal will also be updated if you’ve been admitted or denied.
Can Foster provide me feedback on my application if I am denied admission?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide denied candidates with feedback. There normally is not a single deciding factor that led to a denial, and the decision is usually dependent on the competitiveness of the entire applicant pool. If you are interested in reapplying for the program next year and wish to speak with an admissions counselor about ways to strengthen your application, you may contact [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
What if I want to defer my acceptance and attend the following year?
The MSBA program does not allow deferrals. If you would like to start studying the following year, we suggest you wait to start an application until that time.
If I’m admitted, how long do I have to accept the offer?
You will have approximately two weeks to accept our offer of admission. The exact date will be included in your offer email and official offer letter. When you accept, you are also required to pay the non-refundable enrollment deposit. This is the only way to reserve a spot in the upcoming cohort.
What if I don’t respond to my admission offer by the given deadline?
You will forfeit your offer and the offer will be rescinded.
Can I pay a portion of the deposit now and a portion later?
In order to reserve your seat in the program and accept your admission offer, you must pay the full $2,000 non-refundable enrollment deposit. Unfortunately, we don’t have the ability to accept partial payments.
I received an offer from a competing program with a deadline but I still have not heard from Foster’s MSBA. What should I do?
Please send an email letting us know about your deadline and we will try to update the status of your application in time for you to make a decision. While we can’t make any guarantees, we will do our best to make accommodations. In the email, please include proof of admission to the other program.
No, the video interview is recorded through Kira Talent. You will be asked a set of randomized questions and the admissions committee does not know which questions you will be asked ahead of time. For each question, you will have some time to prepare your thoughts and then you will have 1 minute to answer. Overall, you can expect to spend 15-20 minutes recording your answers to the video interview.
Do I have to complete the video interview?
Yes, it is a required component of the MSBA application. Your application will not move to review by the admissions committee without it.
When can I expect to receive my invitation to complete the required video interview?
You can expect an email invitation to complete your required video interview from Kira Talent within 2-3 business days after you submit your application. Please check the junk folder of the email address you used to apply to the MSBA program if you haven’t received your invitation within a few business days.
Do I have to complete the video interview before the application deadline?
You are expected to complete the video interview within approximately 72 hours of receiving it. This may or may not fall before the application deadline to which you are applying.
For example, if the deadline is on June 10th, you submit your application on June 8th, we send the video interview email invitation on June 10th, then you have until June 13th to complete the video interview.
Note: these dates do not align with an actual application deadline, they are for example purposes only.
I completed my video interview, but it isn’t marked received on my application.
There is a manual process for our staff to mark each application component received. We do our best to mark the video interview as received within 2-3 business days. Thank you for your patience if it isn’t marked received immediately after you’ve completed it.
You should report your employment history in reverse chronological order to best represent your professional growth and experience. This will also put your most recent role at the top.
In the Employment History section of the application, do I need to list all work experience, including part-time jobs or internships?
In the online application, you may list your post-college work experience in the Employment History section if you prefer. Please do make sure that your resume is comprehensive and includes all relevant work experience, including part-time work and internships.
Is work experience required before applying to the MSBA program?
Work experience is recommended, but not required for admission to the MSBA program. We admit students with a range of experience as well as students who enroll directly from an undergraduate program. Applicants without professional work experience are encouraged to include relevant project, volunteer, and internship experience in your application materials. What’s most important is how your prior knowledge and experiences prepare you for success in the program, and that this program is a great fit with your goals.
Can I work while I am in the program?
Yes, our program is designed to be work-compatible so that individuals may work a typical work week. Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:30pm and on occasional Saturdays from 8:30am-4:30pm.
GMAT/GRE is optional. Applicants demonstrating strong quantitative skills through academic work or professional experiences may apply without a test score.
Does Foster prefer one test over another?
No, there is no preference toward the GMAT or GRE and the choice is the applicant’s.
Should I consider applying without a test score?
What factors make an applicant well-suited to submit an application without a test score?
Applicants without test scores should demonstrate quantitative and program readiness by meeting at least two of the following criteria:
- Strong quantitative or analytical ability evidenced throughout educational records, with a cumulative GPA at or above 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, and similar grades in quantitative courses.
- An undergraduate, masters, or advanced degree in a STEM field (i.e., science, technology, engineering, statistics, economics, finance, information systems, mathematics) with robust academic performance.
- Completion of at least four 300-to-600-level (or U.S. equivalent) quantitative or analytical courses.
- Two or more years of progressively responsible professional work experience demonstrating deep quantitative or analytical skills.
* Please note that meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission to the Foster MSBA Program.
Can I report my official test scores if I want? If so, how do I go about doing that?
Yes, you may submit your official GMAT/GRE scores if you wish. For GMAT, use school code 459-75-20, and for GRE, use school code 4854.
Are there circumstances in which it might be helpful to submit a GMAT or GRE test score?
Yes, a strong test score can bolster your application, particularly if your undergraduate GPA is below 3.3.
How do I apply without submitting a GMAT or GRE score?
If you choose not to include GMAT or GRE scores, please ensure that you fill out every question in the “Test Optional Summary” part of your application and leave the GMAT and GRE sections blank. This will help us understand your quantitative and analytical skills and program readiness.
I have taken the GMAT, GRE, or TOEFL more than once. Which score will Foster consider?
We will always consider your highest overall test score.
How soon before the deadline do I need to report my official test scores?
Please send your official test scores no closer than two weeks before the application deadline. Sometimes it can take 10-15 days for scores to be matched to the application system, so we encourage you to send them from ETS or GMAC as soon as you can.
What if my official test scores do not arrive by the deadline?
We cannot guarantee that late test scores will be considered in our evaluation of your admissions application. You should instead fill out the “Test Optional Summary” section of the application and indicate you are applying without test scores.Be sure to email the program of this change.
I plan on re-taking the GMAT, GRE, or English exam after the application deadline. Will my new scores be considered?
You’re welcome to submit updated test scores. Please inform us at [email protected] with the updated scores and the expected date we can receive them. Please note that if we receive these scores before the final deadline, we will do our best to include them in your application review. However, scores received after the deadline are not guaranteed to be considered in your application evaluation.
Both. We recommend that you report and enter your GPA based on the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits, when prompted to “Self-Report GPA.” Though we recommend that you report and enter your cumulative GPA, as stated on your bachelor’s degree transcript when adding your transcript.
Do I need to calculate my GPA on a U.S. 4.0 scale?
Yes. We ask you to calculate your cumulative GPA on a U.S. 4.0 scale if your institution’s grading scale is not on a 4.0 scale. Please use the Scholaro GPA conversion resources provided in the application portal. You do not have to pay for a third party evaluation.
I attended a school outside of the United States. How do I report my GPA if it is not on a U.S. 4.0 scale?
All applicants should calculate their GPA to a U.S. 4.0 scale if the GPA isn’t already on this scale. Please use the Scholaro GPA conversion resources provided in the application portal to calculate your GPA to a U.S. 4.0 scale.
My school does not provide grades. How do I report my GPA?
Most schools provide some form of letter or number grades, marks, percentages or other forms of scoring. Please calculate your institution’s scoring methods to a U.S. 4.0 scale. If your university does not provide grades, there is a box on the application which you can check to indicate this.
My GPA is below a 3.0. Can I still apply?
Yes, you are welcome to apply if your GPA is below a 3.0. Each year we admit applicants with GPA’s that may fall below a preferred 3.0 GPA who have strong MSBA qualifications. We recommend that you refer to our Class Profile and consider how you can strengthen your application and demonstrate your academic readiness in other parts of your application. Our admissions counselors would be happy to talk with you more about this if you’d like to make an appointment by emailing us at [email protected].
We recommend that you either upload the PDF version of your unofficial transcript OR scan copies of your official transcripts and upload them as a PDF file to your application. Make sure to include all pages and any transcript keys that describe the institution’s grading scale. These are typically found on the back of most domestic transcripts.
Self-generated online grade reports or versions that have been cut and pasted into a Word document will not be accepted.
Where do I send my transcript?
Please do not send transcripts to our office by mail or digitally. You may submit your application using copies of your official or unofficial transcripts. Should you be admitted to Foster, we will provide further instructions on how to submit your official transcripts to the UW Graduate School once an offer of admission is extended.
How do I submit my transcript if the file is too large to upload to my application?
Please attempt to compress your transcript file size using tools such as Adobe Acrobat or other PDF compressors and upload it to your application. If your transcript is still too large, please email [email protected] for assistance.
Does my transcript need to be translated if it is not in English?
Yes, if your original transcript is not in English, you must submit an official translation in addition to the copy of your original transcript. Transcripts and degree documents that are in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official English translation (translated by a university, government official/organization, or a certified translation service, example: American Translators Association).
Do I need to submit transcripts for every school I have attended, including schools that I transferred from or where I did not earn a degree?
Please submit your transcript from the undergraduate institution where you earned your bachelor’s degree at a minimum. We also recommend that you include transcripts for all other coursework that you would like to be considered with your application, including community colleges with transfer credits. You should also include transcripts for any graduate degrees earned or additional coursework taken.
Do I need to submit a transcript if I took classes to earn a certificate or pursued continuing education?
No, transcripts should only be provided when a degree (bachelor, master, doctorate) has been earned. If you would like to highlight certificate or continuing education courses, please add these to your resume. If applicable, you may also add relevant information to the Self-Review of Qualifications section on the application.
I have a 3-year bachelor’s degree. Can I still apply?
The UW Graduate School requires that all graduate students have the equivalent to a 4-year undergraduate degree from the United States for admission. In some situations, additional course work or degrees in addition to a 3-year degree may meet the requirement. If you have questions about your degree prior to applying, please inquire at [email protected].
Yes. If you do not have a current or previous manager to use as a reference, you may use professors. We prefer two professional recommenders such as current supervisor, previous manager, peer team member, or someone you’ve worked with closely in another unit.
What is the deadline for recommenders? Will they still be able to submit their recommendation after the application deadline that I’m applying to?
All application materials must be submitted by the deadline; this includes letters of recommendation. Recommenders should complete their portion prior to the deadline that you’re applying to.
Is there a deadline for the recommenders to fill the online form in relation to the date it was sent to them (i.e. within 14 days of receiving the email)?
No, there is no timeline for them to complete it, other than it needing to be completed by the deadline you are applying to.
What can my recommenders expect?
Recommenders will receive an automated email once you designate them in the application system. Make sure you’ve notified and asked them to be a reference before you designate them. Then, they will be asked to fill out a short fill-in-the-bubble survey about traits we look for in a candidate. Lastly, they have the opportunity to upload a letter of recommendation or type it in directly to the text box. Recommenders can expect to spend 5-15 minutes completing the online form and then additional time to write the letter itself which may vary per person.
If I am a re-applicant from a previous year to the MSBA Program, can I reuse my letter(s) of recommendation from a previous year?
Unfortunately, you cannot reuse letter(s) of recommendation. We update components of the application each year and as such the recommendation letter may have a new prompt.
My recommender no longer works at my company, which email address should I use for them?
We recommend using official company email addresses over personal ones like Gmail or Yahoo. If they are at a new company, you may use their new email address, company, and title. If the only email address available is a personal one, please email [email protected] to explain the individual circumstances.
What if my recommender cannot complete the recommendation by the application deadline?
You should withdraw their information in the application system and then designate a new recommender. All application materials must be received by the deadline to which you apply.
What if my recommender hasn’t completed the recommendation?
We suggest that you reach out to your recommender and follow-up with them directly. If they are non-responsive, you can withdraw their information in the application system and designate a new recommender.
All applicants should meet the University of Washington’s English Language Proficiency requirement. We cannot waive this requirement and we cannot waive the TOEFL exam. However, you may choose a method other than the TOEFL exam to meet the requirement, if applicable. There are several ways to demonstrate English Language Proficiency outlined in the UW Graduate School Policy 3.2 if English is not your native language.
What are the English language exams that I can take to satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement?
TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- Complete the TOEFL exam. Minimum score requirement is 92 iBT/ 580 PBT, though we recommend a score of at least 100 iBT.
IELTS
- Complete the IELTS exam. Minimum score requirement is 7.0, though we recommend a score of at least 7.5.
Duolingo English Test
- Minimum score requirement is 120, though we recommend a score of at least 125.
My transcript is in English. Does this satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement?
No, transcripts in English do not satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement for a Medium of Instruction document. Your transcript or an official letter from your college or university must clearly state that the Medium of Instruction was 100% in English to fulfill the requirement.
My university conducts all courses in English, do I still need to take an English language exam?
You do not need to take an English language exam if the Medium of Instruction of your entire degree program was in English and your transcript clearly states that the Medium of Instruction was English. In this case, you may provide an official letter from your university stating that the Medium of Instruction was 100% English.
English is not my native language, but I am living and working in the United States. Do I still need to take an English language exam?
You must submit documentation of English Language Proficiency as outlined in the UW Graduate School Policy 3.2 if English is not your native language. Living and working in the United States does not satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement.
Do I need to submit official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores? How do I report my official scores to Foster?
Yes, official English test scores are required before your application will move to review by the admissions committee.
If you are submitting the TOEFL exam to meet the English Language Requirement, official TOEFL scores are required. Minimum score requirement is 92 iBT / 580 PBT, though we recommend a score of at least 100. Please submit them to the University of Washington using school code 4854 on the ETS website. If prompted, you should leave the department code blank or use 99.
If you are submitting the IELTS exam to meet the English Language Requirement, official IELTS scores are required. Minimum score requirement is 7.0, though we recommend a score of at least 7.5. Request that your official scores be sent directly to the University of Washington via the “E-Delivery service” option. Printed hard copy Test Report Forms will not be accepted.
If you are submitting the Duolingo exam to meet the English Language Requirement, official Duolingo scores are required. Minimum score requirement is 120, though we recommend a score of at least 125. Request that your official scores be sent directly to the University of Washington from Duolingo by selecting, “University of Washington Graduate Admissions (Bothell, Seattle, Tacoma).”
Does Foster MSBA accept the TOEFL My Best Score?
Yes, we accept the TOEFL My Best Score.
Does Foster MSBA accept TOEFL ITP Plus for China?
No, the Foster MSBA program does not accept TOEFL ITP Plus for China exam scores.