Admission is open for the one-year full-time MBA program at Lehigh University School of Business in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania for its fourth batch beginning classes on June 25, 2020.

While the priority application deadline for 1-MBA, as the school calls the program, is on January 10, 2020, the final application deadline for international students will be April 19 and May 15 for domestic students.

Program Director Kevin J. Ezzell on The Unique Aspects of Lehigh’s 1-MBA

In an e-mail interview to OneYearMBA.com, Kevin J. Ezzell, Program Director, 1-MBA gave details about the program and its unique features like small class size, sizable presence of international students, the introduction of the STEM-designated Business Analytics concentration, excellent student-faculty ratio besides availability of scholarships and student loan opportunities.

Small Cohort, Sizable International Presence

Asked about the number of participants in the program, Kevin said, “The program is designed to be a small cohort of MBA students averaging 15 students per cohort since its inception, with plans to increase the cohort to 25-30 students annually.  Because the program, by design, is a small cohort-based program, the increase in student interest can easily be managed.

“The current cohort of 1-MBA students is an incredibly diverse group of professionals with 57% of the cohort comprised of international students.  The program has enrolled international students from eleven different countries in the last two cohorts, including India.

“At present, India is the third most represented country at Lehigh University across the university,” he added.

9:1 student-faculty ratio

He said Lehigh University has a 9:1 student to faculty ratio. The one-year MBA, designed as a full-time, on-campus residential program, does not have any online component.

About the introduction of the STEM-designated Business Analytics concentration in the program, he said, “We do anticipate seeing an increase in international 1-MBA applications with this announcement and have the program supports in place to work with new international MBA students.

“While the concentration will garner attention from many candidates, it will also introduce prospective MBA students to the other components of the 1-MBA program, such as each student being provided with a team of mentors including a Career Coach and an Industry Mentor,” he pointed out.

Currently, 1,100 students or 16% of the student body at Lehigh University is comprised of international students, representing 93 different countries.  The University is incredibly diverse with supports in place across the campus for international students.

“Yes, we do anticipate an increase in international interest around Lehigh University’s STEM-designated 1-MBA,” Kevin said in reply to a question.

Scholarships and Student Loans

About financing opportunities for the program, he said several full and partial tuition scholarships are available for highly qualified applicants to the program.

“Our applicants understand the ability to see a more rapid return on investment with a one-year MBA.  Also, international students at Lehigh University may be eligible for student loans to aid in offsetting the cost of tuition through MPower Financing.  The 1-MBA program is very competitive with scholarship offers for highly qualified candidates,” he added.

1-MBA Admission Requirements

The Application is to be completed and submitted through Lehigh’s online application system along with the Application Fee of $75.

Along with the application, you should submit an application essay giving a summary of your career objectives and relevant work experience concerning the chosen field of graduate study besides the leadership experience and skills you will bring to your peer group. Keep in mind that this would be an opportunity to set yourself apart from the other applicants, in your own words.

Next on the list is the resume listing your education and professional achievements as also your computing skills. The program requires you to have at least two years of full-time, professional post-baccalaureate employment. Internships and co-ops do not apply to the three-year rule.

All applicants should submit either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores using the program code 6ZB-FN-50 for GMAT and 23655 for GRE.

Applicants who hold an academic doctorate, Juris doctorate, or medical doctorate will automatically be exempt from having to submit GMAT/GRE scores (must be equivalent to a U.S. Doctoral degree from an accredited university).

Applicants may also be considered for a waiver of this requirement if they have a bachelor’s degree combined with 10 years of full-time professional experience or a master’s degree combined with a minimum of 6 years of full-time professional experience.

You must submit official transcripts from all universities attended, all post-secondary education including transfer credits. Official transcripts should bear the signature of the university’s registrar and the seal of the issuing institution.

Letters of Recommendation are to be submitted by entering the recommenders’ information through the online application. Once complete, a web link will automatically be emailed to the recommender.  Applicants are asked to submit recommendations from current and previous supervisors who can attest to their leadership potential, work ethic, and overall performance within the organization.

Letters from company direct reports / subordinates, family members, or friends will not be considered. Paper copies of letters of recommendation will not be accepted.

Candidates will have to undergo an Admissions Interview. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam.  All international students must show proof of English Proficiency to be admitted to Lehigh.

Got a comment, question or input? Share it below!