MS-Marketing Frequently Asked Questions

How does the MS-Marketing degree differ from an MBA degree?

An MBA degree from the University of Cincinnati provides you with a graduate-level portfolio of learning in all aspects of business, including finance, accounting, economics, and management. The MS-Marketing program is structured to concentrate on the breadth and depth of learning and experience available in marketing and marketing-related areas. For those who are interested in a degree that concentrates solely on marketing, the MS-Marketing is the more appropriate program.

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How long will it take me to complete the MS-Marketing program?

The MS-Marketing program is a 48-credit-hour degree program.

  • Full-time students can complete the MS-Marketing program starting in the Autumn quarter and finishing in just 3 quarters, or approximately 9 months. Any additional coursework required to complete basic business knowledge (BBK) requirements may add additional quarter(s) before completion of degree requirements.
  • Part-time students are generally working professionals who select 1 or 2 courses per quarter while working full-time in their profession.  By taking 8-credit-hours per quarter, part-time students can complete the MS-Marketing program degree requirements in 6 quarters, or approximately 2 years. Any additional coursework required to complete basic business knowledge (BBK) requirements may add additional quarter(s) before completion of degree requirements.

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I do not have a business background.  How will this affect my chances of getting into the MS-Marketing program?

Students in the MS-Marketing program come from a variety of backgrounds. While some of the MS-Marketing students do have undergraduate business degrees, many others have degrees and experience in sociology, design, liberal arts and political science, to name a few. The diversity of background provides a richer and fuller shared experience for all MS-Marketing students.

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Can full-time students begin studies only in the Autumn quarter?

The Full-Time MS-Marketing program is structured for completion in the Spring quarter, requiring an Autumn quarter start date for completing degree requirements.

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Do I have to take the TOEFL exam?

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test is a requirement for admission into colleges and universities where instruction is in English. The University of Cincinnati uses TOEFL scores to evaluate the English proficiency of people for whom English is not their native language.  This test is required for all International students. Minimum scores are:

  • Internet-Based Test: 100
  • Computer-Based Test: 250
  • Paper-Based Test: 600

 For more information on TOEFL, visit www.toefl.org or www.ets.org.

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Are Scholarships available?

The University of Cincinnati does have some scholarship funding available through University Graduate Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships.  University Graduate Scholarship (UGS) funding is available on a merit-basis, based on overall applicant excellence.  Graduate Assistantships may also be available, which require students to assist Marketing faculty up to 10 hours per week on a variety of tasks and projects. Both UGS and GA positions are awarded prior to the beginning of the Autumn quarter.

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Which test is better to take: GMAT or GRE?

Students have a variety of preferences and opinions on the options for graduate-level standardized testing. There really is no clear preference for either exam, and the MS-Marketing program accepts scores from either exam.

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What are the minimum GMAT or GRE scores you will accept?

The MS-Marketing program has developed a reputation for accepting those students with strong standardized test scores.  Minimum GMAT score for consideration is a 550 with an Analytical Writing score minimum of 4.5.  Minimum GRE total is 1000 (with a minimum of 500 on each component) with an Analytical Writing score minimum of 4.5. 

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What is the minimum acceptable GPA for admission?

In general, UC considers a grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or higher to be a minimum competitive score for acceptance into the MS-Marketing program.  Once accepted into the MS-Marketing program, students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 to prevent being placed on academic probation.

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What is the deadline for admission?

Application Packages are accepted and reviewed on a quarterly basis, and applicants are notified of their admission decision within 2 months following the deadline.  Deadlines are:

  • October 15 (Decisions will be made by November 15)
  • January 15 (Decisions will be made by February 15)
  • April 15 (Decisions will be made by May 15)
  • August 15 (Decisions will be made by September 1)

Please visit our Admissions section for complete information on admission requirements and deadline dates.

For International students, the deadline for application to the program is April 15th.  This deadline allows a sufficient length of time for accepted students to complete the paperwork necessary for international matters to be resolved.

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