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Admission Requirements

What You Need to Apply

The documents outlined below are required components of the application. A file is not complete until all documents have been submitted by the student and processed by the university.

Submit the online application and application fee.

 in the application portal and select the School of Business Graduate Application. You do not need to complete the form in one sitting. The EDBA offers one entry term per year, the Fall semester.

Upload required materials into the application.

  1. Transcript(s) with university-level and graduate level coursework
    1. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for consideration of admission.*
  2. Standardized test scores (optional)
    1. Standardized test scores are not required. If a student chooses to submit scores, the GMAT exam is preferred.
    2. Self-reported test scores must be accompanied with an unofficial student score report submitted in the application or an official score report sent directly to the university.*
  3. One-page cirriculum vitae
    1. An updated copy of your cirriculum vitae outlining educational and professional experience is required. 
  4. Cover letter
    1. Use this opportunity to write a well-crafted, brief review of your background, why you plan to pursue an EDBA at the College and your career goals post-graduation. There is no word limit.
    2. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) content is prohibited. Applicants may use AI for grammar, style, and formatting support but must ensure the core content reflects their own thoughts and experiences. The Admissions Committee will review cover letters for authenticity, and overuse of AI may lead to further review or denial of admission. All AI assistance must be disclosed in the application.
  5. Writing Sample
    1. Articulate your research interests, explaining their significance and potential impact on your field and what methodologies you would use to justify your research. Connect these topics to your professional experience and current industry trends, highlighting how your research could address real-world business challenges. Your response should demonstrate critical thinking, a clear research vision, and alignment with the DBA program’s emphasis on applied scholarship.
  6. Reference list
    1. Three professional and/or academic references must be provided including their full name and contact information. References may be contacted by the program during the admissions process.
    2. While not required, a recommendation letter can be submitted directly from the recommender to the program by emailing edba@cofc.edu with the applicant's name in the subject line.


Submit all required materials as early as possible to allow time for documents to be received and processed by the deadline.

*If admitted, you will be required to provide all official transcripts and test scores directly from the university or test agency.

Received documents are not returnable or transferable.

 

When to Apply

The EDBA program’s admission cycle has two deadlines. Qualified students will be invited to interview with the director of admissions and other members of the EDBA program staff. Students are encouraged to apply when their application is strongest. Only completed applications with all required documents will be considered for interviews.

Round Application Deadline Decision By
Priority/Round 1 December 1 March 1
Round 2 February 1 April 1

What We Look For

We accept candidates with diverse undergraduate degrees including business, humanities, social sciences, the arts and engineering. The program looks for talented, motivated individuals who will succeed academically. Our EDBA cohort members are expected to contribute to a dynamic classroom with team-based learning and participate fully in the program. Professional work experience and a master degree is a requirement for admission.
  • Transcripts

    ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø requires all students to have earned a bachelor’s degree and a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution at the time of matriculation of the applied start term. A competitive GPA with an A/B average is expected. Official transcripts will be required if admitted.

  • GMAT or GRE

    Standardized test scores are not required. If a student chooses to submit scores, the GMAT exam is preferred.

    Test prep is available free of charge for current ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø students through the . 

  • Resume

    Please submit a business curriculum vitae that includes your employment and educational history in reverse chronological order (most recent first). For your work experience, include titles, dates and whether you worked part-time or full-time. Your educational record should indicate dates of attendance and degree(s) earned. Other information appropriate to a business resume is encouraged, especially as it quantifies your experience and puts your achievements into context.

  • Cover Letter

    Craft a cover letter that describes your primary goals for pursuing a DBA and how this degree aligns with your career or personal aspirations. Explain the skills and knowledge you hope to gain and how they will enhance your professional expertise. Also, discuss how the DBA will impact your current role and your long-term career trajectory. Your response should demonstrate how this advanced degree will contribute to your professional growth.

    Guidance Regarding the Use of Generative AI: The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) content is prohibited. Applicants may use AI for grammar, style, and formatting support but must ensure the core content reflects their own thoughts and experiences. The Admissions Committee will review cover letters for authenticity, and overuse of AI may lead to further review or denial of admission. All AI assistance must be disclosed in the application.

  • Writing Sample

    Articulate your research interests, explaining their significance and potential impact on your field and what methodologies you would use to justify your research. Connect these topics to your professional experience and current industry trends, highlighting how your research could address real-world business challenges. Your response should demonstrate critical thinking, a clear research vision, and alignment with the DBA program’s emphasis on applied scholarship.

    Guidance Regarding the Use of Generative AI: The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) content is prohibited. Applicants may use AI for grammar, style, and formatting support but must ensure the core content reflects their own thoughts and experiences. The Admissions Committee will review cover letters for authenticity, and overuse of AI may lead to further review or denial of admission. All AI assistance must be disclosed in the application.

  • Interviews

    Interviews are by invitation only. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in an online video assessment. Video responses to the questions are recorded by the applicant and reviewed by members of the admissions committee. This gives us the opportunity to virtually meet you, get a sense of your personality and potential, and understand how well you think on your feet. Assessments should only take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete and can be done on your own time.

    The assessment platform is full accessible in accordance with WCAG 2.0 AA standards. If you require additional accommodations, please contact us at mba@cofc.edu .