Application Requirements
Our students demonstrate professional achievement, academic aptitude, and leadership potential and come from a wide variety of industries and backgrounds.
The Berkeley Haas MBA for Executives admissions team takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications, seeking to understand all aspects of a candidate’s character, qualifications, and experiences.
Start Your ApplicationUC Berkeley MBA for Executives Application
The first step is creating your Application Portal through our secure online system. Your Portal will be your guide through the admissions process from the time you begin your application through the time you submit your enrollment deposit.
- You will complete the application, upload all required documents, monitor the status of your application, and receive your application decision through your Portal.
- You may enter, update, and save information in your application any time until you’ve submitted your application.
- Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Pacific Time on the date of the application deadline.
- Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make changes to your application, but be sure to monitor your Portal for updates on your application status.
- We will send you a confirmation email upon receipt of your application and supplemental materials.
- Be sure to remember the email address you use to create your account. All communications regarding your application will go to this email address.
Reapplying to the UC Berkeley MBA Program
If you've previously applied to any UC Berkeley MBA program, including the MBA for Executives Program, you still need to create a new application. See our information for Reapplicants.
International Applicants
If you received your undergraduate degree outside of the United States and/or are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, see our information for International Applicants.
- We require copies of transcripts from all institutions you have attended or are currently attending. However, we only require official or original transcripts from the institution where you were awarded your bachelor's degree.
- Transcripts must arrive in a sealed envelope as issued by the school.
- If the institution provides official electronic transcripts, they can be emailed directly from the institution to: mbaforexecs@haas.berkeley.edu
You must upload to your application copies of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs you have attended or are currently attending since graduating high school/secondary school.
You must also list each of these schools in the Academic History section of the application.
Do not send transcripts for seminars, ESL classes, professional development courses, computer certifications, etc.
U.S. Transcript Submission
Transcripts must arrive in a sealed envelope as issued by the school. Transcripts may be sent directly by the issuing institution or by the applicant (still sealed), together with other supplemental materials to the following address:
UC Berkeley MBA for Executives Program Admissions
Haas School of Business
430 Student Services Bldg. #1910
Berkeley, CA 94720-1910
Non-U.S. Transcript Submission
Please see our information for international applicants.
To review the progression and milestones of your career, we ask that you provide us details of your professional roles since you have finished your undergraduate studies.
Upload a current resume through the online application. We prefer chronological resumes no longer than 2 pages, in PDF format. Learn more about how we review your professional experience.
Standardized tests help convey your ability to effectively manage the academic demands of a business school curriculum. Widely accepted by leading programs globally, results can signal that you are well-prepared to re-enter the classroom and handle the level of rigor you will encounter.
As part of demonstrating academic readiness, all applicants are asked to satisfy the testing requirement in one of three ways:
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Automatic Test Waiver. Candidates who meet the criteria are automatically eligible to waive the entrance exam.
OR
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Submit a test waiver review request. If you do not meet the automatic waiver criteria but can demonstrate strong quantitative ability through your academic and professional achievements, you may submit a test waiver review request, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We encourage anyone who believes they may be eligible to submit a request.
OR
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Submit a standardized test score. We accept Executive Assessment (EA), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
Please Note: If you are unsure whether you need to take a test, we encourage you to connect with Admissions to determine the best path forward.
MBA for Executives Standardized Test Options
For candidates submitting scores, UC Berkeley Haas accepts the following exam types:
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Executive Assessment (EA)
All standardized test scores are valid for five years from the date you take the test.
When requesting your official results, please use the following institution codes:
- EA Institution code: N2V-PT-85
- GMAT Institution Code: N2V-PT-85
- GRE Institution Code: 0667
While we accept multiple formats, the Executive Assessment is often the preferred choice for busy professionals.
We view all three tests equally and there are no minimum scores to apply to the program. For those not familiar with the Executive Assessment, the EA is specifically designed to evaluate the business school readiness of seasoned professionals. The assessment focuses on skills that are critical both at work and in an MBA for Executives program: higher order reasoning, critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving. The test is administered by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC).
Preparing for the Executive Assessment
Join the Haas MBA for Executives admissions team and guest, Eric Chambers of GMAC, to learn how to prepare to take the Executive Assessment. During this discussion, you will learn about the test content, structure, and resources to help you prepare in under four weeks. Eric will also walk through practice problems from each section. You’ll leave ready to conquer the test!
Applicants with a quantitative bachelor's or master's degree from a U.S. college or university in Business, Economics, or a STEM field with a GPA of 3.4 or greater (on 4.0 scale), are not required to submit Standardized Test Scores. While optional, they are recommended. To see if your major qualifies as a STEM degree, please complete the Test Waiver Major Worksheet.
Applicants with a PhD in a STEM field or a doctoral level medical degree, as listed below, are not required to submit Standardized Test Scores.
- MD (US-based)
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
- DDS or DMD
- DNP or DPT
- OD
- DVM
- PharmD
Applicants who are alumni of UC Berkeley are not required to submit standardized test scores, however they are highly recommended for those with limited quantitative coursework. If you choose to not submit a test, you will be required to submit an essay that provides evidence of your quantitative readiness. Find more details in our Test Waiver FAQ here.
MBA for Executives Test Waiver Review Request
Candidates who do not meet the automatic waiver criteria but can demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical ability through their academic and professional experience are welcome and encouraged to request a test waiver review.
Test waiver review requests are evaluated holistically by the MBA for Executives Admissions Committee and draw on many of the same materials required in our application. Strong waiver requests will typically reflect a combination of the following:
- Academic transcripts: Strong performance within a quantitative undergraduate or advanced degree (e.g., engineering, economics, finance, mathematics)
- Resume/CV, professional experience, and certifications: Evidence of advanced quantitative skills in analytical or data-driven roles
All waiver decisions are communicated within five to seven business days of submission. Requesting a waiver will not negatively impact your application. If your request is not approved, you will be asked to submit a standardized test score.
The Haas Quantitative Readiness Course
100% of EMBA prospective students who completed the QRC would recommend it to others.
Bolster your application and prepare for MBA coursework
The optional QRC provides a no-cost option for demonstrating academic readiness and prepares you for the rigors of MBA coursework. The virtual course is self-paced and includes online support from an instructor.
Who should take the course?
The QRC is for MBA applicants who have limited experience using quantitative skills in their academic or professional background and would like to provide more evidence of academic readiness to support their MBA candidacy. The QRC also benefits incoming students who would like to brush up on and/or enhance their quantitative skills in preparation for their MBA.
QRC Course Format and Cost
- The course videos and instructor access are offered free of charge. You may complete the course or portions of the course by watching the videos at your own pace with online support from the professor.
- Your QRC registration is valid for 12 months. If you enroll at Haas, you will be granted access to the materials until you graduate.
- The course is divided into 7 modules:
- Math Fundamentals for Business Part I
- Math Fundamentals For Business Part II
- Statistics Part I
- Statistics Part II
- Finance Part I
- Finance Part II
- Microeconomics
- Each module is intended to take about one week to complete; however, it is possible to go slower or more quickly depending on your experience with the topics and how much time you invest each week. You may also accelerate through the first two modules by testing out of them.
To Enroll in the Course
- Applicants must start an application
- Select the ‘Test Scores’ tab where you can indicate you are interested in the QRC course and complete the request to enroll.
- If you have already submitted your application, you may use this link to log into your portal and complete the request to enroll.
Quotes from former students
“I haven't taken a math class since high school. I feel significantly more prepared for my MBA program now taking this course. Thank you!”
"There were things I took away from QRC that I was able to apply immediately in my Term 1 Data & Decisions class. The QRC made me feel more prepared going into the program, considering I’ve been out of school for a few years."
“Thank you for patience, for taking the time to meet, for encouraging me, and for helping me get to the level I need to succeed in the MBA program, which was especially intimidating after being more than 20 years since I graduated college.”
“I am positive that the professors in the program will notice a big difference in the preparedness of the students that have taken your course. I will share my success story every chance I get!”
Applicants who received their undergraduate degrees in countries other than the U.S., UK, Australia, English-speaking Canada, or Singapore are required to take the TOEFL exam or the IELTS exam.
- Tests taken before June 2025 will not be accepted.
- Review our International Applicants page for information on ordering these scores
If you have completed at least one year of full-time academic coursework with grades of “B” or better in residence at a recognized US institution at the time of your application, you are not required to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score.
The following courses will not fulfill this requirement:
- Courses in English as a Second Language
- Courses conducted in a language other than English
- Courses that will be completed after you apply
- Courses of a non-degree or non-academic nature
We’re looking for honest, thoughtful responses that help us get to know you; there truly is no one “right” answer to our essay questions. While you should answer each question thoroughly, you should not exceed the specified lengths.
Essay 1 - Personal Story
Tell us what makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why?
Please share something about yourself that may not be evident in other parts of your application. We are looking for an authentic and introspective response that demonstrates how you will contribute to the MBA class and culture at UC Berkeley Haas. (Ideally 300 words, up to 400)
Essay 2 - Professional Statement
Why are you seeking a UC Berkeley Haas MBA at this time? What are your short-term and long-term career objectives, and how will our unique culture and curriculum help you reach them? (200 words maximum)
We require one letter of recommendation that addresses your management and leadership potential. Your letter of recommendation provides the admissions committee with outside perspective on your leadership to date and the impact you've made at work.
- It is recommended, but not required, that your letter be from your current direct supervisor.
- The letter will be submitted through our online system.
An interview with the Admissions Committee is required for applicants before admission to the program can be offered.
- The interview is approximately 30 minutes long and will be with a member of the Admissions Committee.
- During the interview you will have the opportunity to ask specific questions as well as help us better understand your career, background, and interests.
- For greater accessibility, you will have the opportunity to interview virtually or in person.
- The mode of your interview will have no impact on your admissions decision.
Scheduling your Interview
For your convenience, you can choose to schedule your interview before or after you submit your application.
You can find information about scheduling your interview in the Interview section of the application. You will need to have completed the Contact Information section of your application and have your current resume uploaded before you interview. After that, you may schedule your interview by clicking the button in the Interview section.
A $200 non-refundable application fee is required and payable by credit card within the online application.
Fee waivers are available for:
- Nonprofit / Public Service Employees. Employees of nonprofit and public service are eligible for a fee waiver.
- U.S. military service members. U.S military service members (active, veteran, or honorably discharged). Please include documentation of service or certificate of eligibility. (Do not submit a copy of your military ID.)
- Participants in the Summer Institute for Emerging Managers & Leaders (SIEML) program.
- Participants in the Haas Thrive Fellows Program.
- Applicants who hold citizenship in a country on the African Continent.
- A Reapplicant. Applicants who applied to one of the Berkeley MBA or MFE programs within the last 2 years.
Quick Tips
Application
Make it manageable. In just five minutes, you can create your login, input your basic information, or jot down some essay ideas.
Create Your Application LoginEssays
There truly is no one "right" answer. We just want to get to know you better.
Transcripts
Ask ahead. It can take schools two to three weeks to mail a transcript.
Entrance Exams
Prepare well for the GMAT, GRE, or EA. Berkeley EMBA student Manoj Thomas discusses his test prep experience in this podcast.
Listen to the PodcastLetter of Recommendation
Give your recommender enough time. As a professional courtesy, you should aim to request your letter 3-6 weeks ahead of the application deadline.
Six Fears Students Face when Applying for an MBA (and How to Overcome Them)
Applying for an MBA can call up lots of emotions, from insecurity about being compatible with the program, to worry about the cost, to uncertainty about the return on investment. Read on to learn more about the fears that keep students from applying for an MBA and find out how to squash them.
Learn More & Apply
The Berkeley Executive MBA is a prestigious program designed for executives looking to earn their MBA. Learn from world renown faculty and join a cohort of accomplished peers. All this in the heart of Silicon Valley and on a schedule that respects the rest of your life.