Answer: Yes – In fact, many online master’s degree programs in marketing and its various specializations do not require applicants to submit GRE or GMAT test scores, or at least offer GRE/GMAT waivers for students who meet certain qualifications. There are, however, some programs that do include GRE or GMAT scores as an admission requirement, either outright or on a conditional basis. Those that require standardized test scores on a conditional basis, or allow certain students to waive the requirement, typically base this decision on one of three factors: applicants’ undergraduate GPA, work experience, or previous degree attainment.

Admission requirements for online master’s in marketing programs vary from school to school. In most cases, prospective students will need to complete an application form and submit it to the school along with a small fee. Applicants typically must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Most programs also ask for an official copy of students’ undergraduate transcripts, as well as graduate school transcripts from those who already hold a master’s in another field. There may be a certain GPA threshold students must meet in order to be considered for admission, such as a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Sometimes this requirement is established by the program itself, other times it is a set threshold for all graduate programs at the institution.

Some programs may accept students who do not meet minimum GPA requirements on a provisional or conditional basis. Students who are admitted provisionally must typically achieve a specific GPA in their first and/or second terms in order to continue in the program. Programs that offer provisional admission may require students to submit GRE/GMAT scores as part of the application process.

Depending on the program, students may need to submit a resume detailing their previous work experience. Some programs also require one or more letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. A personal statement essay (or answers to multiple essay questions) is another common requirement, as is a formal interview with program faculty. For online programs, this interview generally takes place over the phone, Skype, or another video conferencing application.

Students should note that the majority of online master’s in marketing programs use a selective admissions policy. This means that even if an applicant meets or surpasses all of the minimum criteria for admission to the program, they are not guaranteed acceptance. In many cases, the actual qualifications of students admitted into the program may exceed the minimum requirements for admission. For example, while a program might have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, the average GPA of students admitted to the program may actually be higher, like 3.3 or 3.5.

In any case, prospective students should carefully review all admissions criteria before applying to an online master’s in marketing program, particularly the program’s policy regarding GRE/GMAT scores. Those that do require students to submit scores as part of the application process typically stipulate that the exams must have been taken within a certain timeframe, often the last five years, in order to be considered. Additionally, some programs have minimum GRE/GMAT scores that students must achieve in order to be considered for admission. These requirements vary by program and can change over time. As such, students should be sure to contact a school representative before applying to get the most up-to-date information.

Online Master’s in Marketing Programs that Require the GRE on a Conditional Basis

While there are some online master’s in marketing programs that require all students to submit GRE or GMAT scores with their application, many that ask for standardized test scores do so on a conditional basis. This means that applicants are not required to submit scores, or can apply for a GRE/GMAT waiver, if they meet certain qualifications. In most cases, these conditions are based on undergraduate GPA, previous work experience, or academic achievement.

For example, Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business offers an online Master of Science in Marketing program that allows applicants to waive the GRE/GMAT requirement if they possess any of the following:

• An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in a quantitative discipline
• At least two years of professional work experience that demonstrates quantitative proficiency and management abilities
• A master’s degree or doctorate from an accredited college or university

For programs that base the GRE/GMAT requirement on undergraduate GPA, applicants are typically required to submit test scores only if their GPA is below a specified threshold. This is usually 3.0, but may be higher (e.g. 3.25 or 3.5) or lower (e.g. 2.5 or 2.75) depending on the program. If an applicant’s undergraduate GPA fails to meet this minimum, admissions committees often use GRE/GMAT scores to determine if a student is ready for graduate study. There are also programs that ask for test scores, but will grant students a waiver if their GPA exceeds a certain threshold (like Santa Clara University in the example above).

Programs may also use professional experience as a qualification for waiving the GRE/GMAT, allowing applicants to skip the requirement if they have worked in a related field for a certain number of years. This amount of work experience varies by program, ranging from as few as two years to over five or six, in some cases. To apply for this waiver, students typically must submit a resume and personal statement outlining their professional accomplishments. They may also need letters of reference from previous work colleagues who can vouch for their aptitude or experience in the field.

Finally, there are programs that allow students to waive the GRE/GMAT requirement if they already possess a graduate degree. In these cases, students who have previously earned a master’s or doctoral degree in another field are not required to submit test scores when applying. As with the other conditions outlined above, applicants who qualify may still need to apply for a GRE/GMAT waiver, depending the program.

Note: Some programs that require GRE/GMAT scores on a conditional basis will automatically waive the requirement if a student is able to demonstrate they meet or exceed the stipulated qualifications. For other programs, however, this process is not automatic, and students must specifically apply for a GRE/GMAT waiver. In the event that the waiver is not granted, students will be forced to submit test scores if they still want to be considered for admission to the program.

Examples of Online Master’s in Marketing GRE Requirements

Below is a list of schools that offer online master’s degree programs the field of marketing, along with their specific requirements when it comes to GRE/GMAT test scores:

• Bellevue University: Master of Science in Strategic Marketing – GRE/GMAT not required
• Emerson College: Master of Arts in Digital Marketing and Data Analytics – GRE/GMAT not required
• Golden Gate University: Master of Science in Marketing – GRE/GMAT not required
• Johns Hopkins University: Master of Science in Marketing – GRE/GMAT required on conditional basis (waiver available based on work experience and academic background)
• Liberty University: Master of Science in Marketing – GRE/GMAT not required
• Michigan State University: Master of Science in Marketing Research – GRE/GMAT required on conditional basis (automatically waived for applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.5 of higher; professionals with significant and/or relevant work experience can apply for a waiver)
• Northern Illinois University: Master of Science in Digital Marketing – GRE/GMAT not required, but can be submitted
• Southern New Hampshire University: Master of Science in Marketing – GRE/GMAT not required