We encourage and welcome anyone interested in gaining graduate management skills to apply to the MSM program. The admissions committee typically looks for the following qualities in applicants:
- academic excellence
- leadership potential
- effective communication skills
- teamwork
We evaluate each application based on a holistic approach of the following:
Academics
All majors are welcome to apply. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded to your application and are sufficient for evaluation. If you are admitted to the program, final official transcripts will be required from every institution attended prior to your first day of class.
Essays
Demonstrated written communication skills are essential and as you share your career plans, how you think the MSM program will help realize your goals, and how your background and experiences will help enrich the program.
We require two essay responses with an optional third if you’d like to provide more details. The 2024-25 admission essay questions are:
- Describe the key skills and competencies you hope to develop during the MS in Management program at the Kelley School of Business. How do you envision these skills supporting your short-term and long-term career goals? (500 words)
- In what ways do you plan to contribute to the academic and social environment of the MS in Management program? How will your presence enrich the experience for your peers? (500 words)
Letters of recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required. At least one of these recommendations must from come from your undergraduate program faculty that can discuss either your academic performance and/or professional performance.
Resume
A one-page resume showcasing your internships, work history, military experience, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work provides valuable insights into your background beyond academics. While work experience is not a requirement for admission, it helps us learn more about you.
Standardized test scores: GMAT or GRE
The committee has no preference regarding which exam you take. We accept tests taken at a test center or online. Current Kelley School of Business students are not required to submit GMAT or GRE scores. Applicants may qualify for a standardized test waiver. For more details, contact msm@iu.edu.
- GRE Institution Code is 001324. Department code is not required. If you have entered the wrong institutional code, you will need to resubmit your scores. If the department code is incorrect, no change is needed since all scores are sent to a central IU location and uploaded into the student information system.
- GMAT Institutional Code is 8ZG-41-61.
English-language proficiency
If English is not your native language, you must demonstrate proficiency by taking either:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (Minimum 105 on new iBT). TOEFL code: 001324
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Minimum score 7.0)
Interviews
Interviews are exclusively by invitation, either in-person or virtually. Not all applicants will be interviewed, and the interview process does not determine whether a candidate is being considered for admission. If you're invited for an interview, anticipate questions covering behavior, your resume, and application details. We're not assessing your academic prowess, but rather your critical thinking and potential contributions to the Kelley community.
Application fee
There is a $75 USD nonrefundable application fee required when submitting your application.
If you have additional questions, contact msm@iu.edu.
