Fast-Track Your Path to an MBA

Earn your MBA in as little as one additional year in the Schmidthorst College of Business at BGSU. We offer accelerated pathways for current BGSU students of any major and qualified high school students. 

Benefits of a BGSU MBA

  • Valuable internship experience while completing your degree 
  • Strong professional connections before you graduate 
  • Higher earning potential after you graduate 
  • Flexible formats – online and in person 

Graduate programs

Pathways for current BGSU students

4+1 Program

Earn your MBA in just one additional year after finishing your bachelor’s in any BGSU program. 

  • Schmidthorst student advantage: Complete your BSBA or a minor in general business including a supply chain elective, to be ready to step into your MBA upon graduation.

Apply now

Combined programs – bachelor’s to master’s

Start your master’s as an undergraduate.

  • Take graduate-level courses during your undergraduate program. 
  • Apply up to 9 credit hours toward both degrees, saving 30% of program costs.
  • Combined bachelor's to masters students will be able to finish remaining MBA coursework in one academic year (two semesters).

Bachelor’s to master’s program details

Advanced Undergraduate Status

Enabels students to take graduate level courses as an undergrad. 

  • 3.5 GPA required 
  • Specific course approval needed 
  • Classes will count toward grad and undergrad degree, max of nine credit hours

Advanced undegraduate status details

Pathway for high school students applying to BGSU

Direct admit 

High school students with a 4.0 GPA who are admitted to the Schmidthorst College of Business qualify for direct admission and are guaranteed a place in the MBA program as an incoming undergraduate student, if a 3.0 collegiate GPA is maintinated. 

  • Follow a clear, structured path from your bachelor’s to your master’s degree. 
  • Earn your MBA faster. 
  • Gain confidence knowing your next step is already in place.
  • Work with your advisor to pursue the MBA after graduation or through the combined bachelor's to master's program.
Requirements for direct admission
  • Incoming undergraduate students need to commit to BGSU by May 1 and take next steps after admission. 
  • Maintain a 3.0 collegiate GPA.
  • Use your direct admit seat no later than  4 years after you begin as an undergraduate.

Questions?

Graduate Programs

419-372-2747
Maurer Center 114

Frequently asked questions

Can I pursue an MBA if I’m not a business major?

Yes! The MBA program is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You don’t need a business degree to get started.

If you don’t have prior business coursework, you may need to complete foundation classes. Completing a business minor can fulfill these requirements and may allow you to waive up to 12 credit hours of the foundation graduate certificate – saving time and money. 

What’s the difference between the 4+1 program and combined programs?

4+1 program – Complete your MBA in one year AFTER finishing your bachelor’s degree.

Combined programs (bachelor’s to master’s) – Take graduate-level courses while still an undergraduate student. You can apply up to nine credit hours toward both degrees and finish your master’s faster after graduation.

What do I have to do to accept my direct acceptance to the MBA?

As an incoming student, you will be guaranteed a seat in our graduate program if you choose to use it. You can use this direct admit seat no later than 4 years after you begin as an undergraduate. To remain in good standing, you need to meet the minimum admission criteria:

Before coming to BGSU as an undergraduate student 

  • Take the next steps and commit to BGSU by May 1.  
As a current undergraduate student
  • Meet with graduate advisors about your plans to enroll in a graduate program.
  • Meet all collegiate requirements for Schmidthorst College of Business affiliated graduate programs.
  • Maintain at least a 3.0 collegiate GPA. 
I recieved a select admit offer, what is this?

Select Admit is extended to undergraduate business students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This distinction provides a streamlined path to the MBA program, including automatic admission.

  • No application fee 

  • No recommendation letters  

  • Streamlined process

Are MBA classes hard? Will I be able to succeed in them as an undergrad?

MBA courses are designed to be challenging, but they’re also built to support your success. 

If you begin taking graduate courses as an undergraduate through a combined program, you’ll typically start with a limited number of classes to help you adjust to the expectations. Recommendation is for students to double count one graduate class per semester in the last three semesters along side their other undergraduate classes. Many students find that these courses are manageable with good time management and the study skills they’ve already developed.

What’s the difference between taking MBA classes online and in person?

Both options offer the same high-quality curriculum and outcomes. Online courses provide flexibility to fit your schedule, while in-person classes offer face-to-face interaction and a more traditional classroom experience. You can choose the format that works best for you.

Undergraduate students are expected to take the in person classes for the MBA program. Once they start the MBA, they will be able to choose between the full-time on campus program or the online program.

I qualify for direct admit, can I pick a different master's program?

Yes, as a direct admit student, you may choose to pursue the MBA or other Schmidthorst College of Business graduate program options, including the Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.), Master of Science in Analytics (MSA) or Master of Science in Economics (MSE).

Updated: 07/09/2026 03:47PM