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Graduate Program Application Requirements and Information

Congratulations on choosing to apply for a master’s degree at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business. The following guidelines will help you to understand our admission requirements. 

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Specializations and Requirements

Learn about our specializations and the requirements necessary to successfully complete your degree.

Am I required to take the GMAT or GRE in order to apply to your program?

Applicants to The Tobin College of Business Graduate programs will automatically be considered for GMAT/GRE waivers.  Applications with a GPA below 3.25 may be strengthened by submitting a GMAT/GRE score. 

For more information about eligibility, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission at [email protected] or 718-990-1345.

Are interviews required?

Evaluative interviews are extended by invitation only at the discretion of the Admission Committee. If an interview is deemed necessary applicants will be contacted by the Graduate Admission Office to schedule a convenient time to meet.

Students are welcome to make an appointment for an informational interview with a member of the admission staff in order to learn more about our programs and/or address any questions they may have. To make an appointment for an informational interview, please send an email to [email protected].

What is the application fee?
The application fee for all graduate programs at the Tobin College of Business is $70.

I am still an undergraduate student in my last year of study. Am I eligible to apply?
If you are an undergraduate student in your last year of study, you may apply to a Tobin graduate program. You must provide a transcript of all coursework to date, and all applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are accepted, you must receive your undergraduate degree prior to enrolling at the Tobin College of Business. Your offer of acceptance will be contingent upon receipt of your final transcript indicating that you have completed all of your undergraduate degree requirements and that your degree has been formally conferred by your undergraduate institution.

Can I start my master’s degree in the spring semester?
Our spring semester begins in mid-January of each year. You may apply for a spring start to any of our master’s degree programs except for the following which begin only in the fall semester:

  • MS Finance
  • MS Actuarial Science

How long will it take for me to get a decision on my application?
Once you have fulfilled all of the checklist items in your applications, you will receive an automated email notifying you that your application will go to our committee for review. From that date, you should receive an admission decision within two weeks.

I have been accepted. How do I confirm that I want to attend?
Once you have received confirmation from our office that you have been accepted, we require you to pay a $300 tuition deposit in order to hold your place in the program. The $300 deposit will be applied to your first semester’s tuition bill and is non-refundable.

What is the tuition rate?
For the 2022-23 academic year, the tuition rate is $1,415 per credit hour. There is also a non-refundable general fee of $175 for students carrying more than 1 credit hour and a technology fee of $250. 

How long will it take for me to complete my master’s degree?
All students are given a maximum of 5 years in which to complete the program. The majority of our full-time students complete the degree in one and a half to two academic years, and our part-time students in two and a half to three academic years.

My application was declined. Will I be able to get feedback?
The Peter J. Tobin College of Business spends considerable time evaluating the candidacy of our applicants. Through our portfolio approach, we are able to take a comprehensive look at the application, carefully assessing each part that was submitted. Although we receive an increasing number of applications each term, and although it is difficult for members of our Admission team to personally attend to the many requests we get, we make every effort to schedule a counseling appointment, in-person or by telephone to suggest ways in which a declined applicant's candidacy may be improved for a future term.

 

Admission for International Students

What should I do if I completed my undergraduate outside of the United States?

Tobin Graduate Admissions requires all academic transcripts with coursework completed outside of the United States to be evaluated by a NACES approved evaluation service provider. All evaluation reports must list each course taken, an equivalent letter grade and an overall converted cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. Each applicant must also provide an official transcript sent directly from the institution to St. John’s University. Many of our applicants use World Education Service (ICAP course-by-course evaluation report). Students applying to the Accounting and Taxation programs must have their credits evaluated by a NACES member.

I have a three-year bachelor’s degree. Am I eligible to apply?
There are several universities outside the United States that offer a bachelor's degree upon the completion of three years of study. The Peter J. Tobin College of Business accepts applications only from those applicants that hold the equivalent of a U.S. four-year degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

In almost all cases, the evaluation report (see above) will reveal if the three-year foreign degree is equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. Should you submit an application and the Admission Committee determines that your degree is not eligible, you will be advised accordingly, and suggestions will be made for the steps that you can take to meet our requirements.

Do I need to take the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo?
Official test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) is required of all applicants that do not hold a degree from a regionally accredited academic institution where the language of instruction is English. The Tobin Graduate Admissions team reserves the right to demand a TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score report from any applicant.

Based on your TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores some students may need to take English courses to improve on their general language and business communication skills. These courses may be taken with your graduate business courses; however, the courses do not count towards your graduate degree requirements. Students who are required to enroll in ESL courses will be notified in their acceptance letter.

Your TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores are valid for only two years, and a new score will have to be submitted if your existing score exceeds the two-year limit.

St. John’s University’s TOEFL School Code is 2799

Request to have your IELTS scores sent to:
St. John’s University
The Peter J. Tobin College of Business
Graduate Division
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439

I want to take the CPA exam in New York. What do I need to do as an international student?

If you are an international student applying for an Accounting or Taxation degree and hope to take the CPA exam in New York you will need your credits evaluated by a NACES member.

As an international graduate student, can I work while studying?
Students enrolling in ACC605 or MKT699 have the opportunity to do a for-credit internship external to the university in the areas of accounting/finance or marketing. Curriculum Practical Training for F-1 International Students (CPT) is only available prior to the completion of your degree program and you must have an internship offer at the time of application. For further information, international students should contact the International Student Services Office.

Will I be able to apply for OPT?
Upon completion of final classes in satisfaction of degree requirements, International Students may apply for Optional Practical Training for F-1 International Students (OPT) which allows students to stay and work in the United States for a period of one year. Students must apply for OPT within 60 days of completion of final classes. Further information is available from the International Students Services Office.

How can I contact the Graduate Admission Office?

The Peter J. Tobin College of Business
Office of Graduate Admission
718-990-1345
[email protected]

All applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or the international equivalent prior to enrollment at the graduate level. Applicants to the M.S. in Accounting program must have been an undergraduate business major.

In addition to the application form and non-refundable application fee candidates should submit the following:

  • Statement of professional goals and Resume which can be uploaded as part of the application for admission
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate and professional schools attended. Applicants with international coursework must submit a course-by-course academic transcript evaluation from a NACES approved provider
  • Two letters of recommendation, obtained from professional or academic references
  • Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores are required for applicants whose native language is not English

For further details regarding our requirements, please contact
Graduate Advisement 
8000 Utopia Parkway
The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, Room 114
Queens, NY 11439
Tel: 718-990-6417

I do not have any full-time work experience. Am I eligible to apply to the program?
On average, our accepted full-time students hold two years of full-time work experience and our accepted part-time students hold four years of full-time work experience.

Although work experience is not a requirement for those wanting to apply to our program, it does help to enhance the application. We expect applicants that do not have full-time work experience to have some part-time work or summer internship experience. Significant volunteer work is also considered favorably.

I already have an MBA. Will I be able to pursue a second MBA at Tobin College?
Tobin College will accept applications only from those individuals who hold an MBA that was obtained from an institution outside of the United States.

Applicants who already hold an MBA from an international institution must clearly justify to the Admission Committee the reason why they need to pursue additional study in business.

What information should I include on my resume?
Please provide a detailed business resume in reverse chronological order. At minimum, be sure to include titles, dates of employment and whether the position was held on a full-time or part-time basis. Also include a summary of your educational history and any activities, community service, awards and noteworthy achievements.
What are your application deadlines?

Recommended Application Deadlines

The Peter J. Tobin College of Business uses a rolling admission policy. Applications are acted upon once they are complete. While the College makes every attempt to advise candidates of missing application items, the application process is self-managed, and it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all materials reach the Tobin Graduate Admission Office in time for a decision to be made for the upcoming term. Students applying from countries outside of the United States are advised to apply well in advance of these deadlines, owing to the longer timelines required to process credentials and make visa arrangements.

For fall applicants:

Admission Application Deadline:

Admission Decision Mailed By:

November 1st

December 15th

March 1st

April 1st

June 1st

July 1st

Rolling Admissions *

Rolling

For spring applicants:

Admission Application Deadline:

Admission Decision Mailed By:

September 1st

October 15th

November 1st

December 1st

Rolling Admissions *

Rolling

*Rolling admissions means that we continue to accept and review qualified candidates as space permits or until the semester begins 

Executive-in-Residence Program (EIRP) - The Executive-in-Residence Program (EIRP) is a unique feature in that it provides to both the undergraduate and graduate students in-school opportunities to engage in real-world business consulting with actual business and non-profit organizations.

Student Managed Investment Fund - This course is designed to give students a hands-on experience at performing investment research, investing money and managing a portfolio prior to entering the work force.

Service Learning - This program allows students to experience firsthand the rewards that come from making a positive contribution to the lives of other people. Students learn for themselves that giving to others will help lead to success.

International Programs -The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University offers of exciting international study abroad opportunities for graduate students.

English Requirements For F-1 and J-1 Visa Students:
Foreign students entering the Tobin College of Business with an F-1 or J-1 visa must take the English Language Placement Test. If they are found to be deficient in the above, they must successfully complete the ESL (written and speech) program prior to beginning the second year of their graduate program. The exam is administered by the English as a Second Language Program.

Curriculum Practical Training for F-1 International Studentes (CPT):
Students enrolling in ACC605 or MKT699 have the opportunity to do a for-credit internship external to the university in the areas of accounting/finance or marketing. CPT is only available prior to the completion of your degree program and you must have an internship offer at the time of application. For further information, international students should contact the International Student Services Office, at extension 5076.  

Optional Practical Training for F-1 International Students (OPT):
Upon completion of final classes in satisfaction of degree requirements International Students may apply for OPT which allows students to stay and work in the United States for a period of one year. Students must apply for OPT within 60 days of completion of final classes. Further information is available from the International Students Services Office, extension 5076.

The MBA curriculum is designed to allow for innovative approaches to in-class learning and expands on the development of a real world skill-set that students can apply immediately to their emerging careers.

The MBA Structure is as follows:

8 Core Courses (24 credits)

  • ACC 602: Global Financial and Managerial Reporting
  • DS 602: Business Analytics
  • ECO 606: Industrial Economics
  • FIN 607: Financial Management
  • LAW 600: Law, Ethics and the Principled Path in Business
  • MGT 601: Managing for Global Success
  • MKT 600: Decisions in Marketing Management
  • RMI 601: Risk Management

1 Required Capstone Course (3 credits)

  • MGT 700: Seminar in Business Policy

3 Concentration Field Courses (9 credits)

Maximum Courses & Credits
12 Courses, 36 Credits (69 credits for the MBA in Accounting program)

Estimated Time to Complete
3 Years for part-time; 3 semesters for full-time

Alpha Delta Sigma
Alpha Delta Sigma is the national advertising honor society sponsored by the American Advertising Federation. Membership is based on the recommendation of the Advertising Club Moderator.

Alpha Mu Alpha
Alpha Mu Alpha is a national marketing honor society sponsored by the American Marketing Association to recognize and reward scholarship among students of marketing. Membership is only available to individuals who attend a school having an established AMA Collegiate chapter. To be eligible for membership, students majoring in marketing must have a grade point average (GPA) ranking in the top 10 percent of their class.

Beta Alpha Psi
Beta Alpha Psi is the national scholastic honor society in accounting. Its objective is to encourage and recognize scholastic excellence in that field. Membership is open to students who have attained junior standing and who have distinguished themselves as outstanding students in all subject areas, including accounting.

Beta Gamma Sigma
Iota Chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma, the national scholastic honor society for colleges of business administration, was established at St. John's University in 1968 following the accreditation of the College by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business. Candidates for membership may be elected from seniors who rank in the upper 10 percent of their class at graduation, or from juniors who rank among the highest four percent of their class. Transfer students who meet the qualifications above may be elected to membership after completing a minimum of one full year of study in the Tobin College of Business. Invitations for membership are extended during the spring semester.

Gamma Iota Sigma
Gamma Iota Sigma is an honorary fraternity with selective membership criteria. Members must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. In addition to the recognition associated with membership in an honorary organization, members have opportunities for extensive contact and interaction with industry representatives, through the meetings and special conferences sponsored by the fraternity, and through the services offered through the Gamma Iota Sigma Grand Chapter. The objectives of the Fraternity include: to promote friendly interaction between students, faculty and Insurance executives; to foster the scientific study in the field of Insurance; to develop sound thinking in Insurance theories, and a more exact knowledge and definition of Insurance principles; and to develop a better public understanding and appreciation of Insurance problems.

Omicron Delta Epsilon
Theta Chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the national honor society in economics, was established at St. John's University in 1958. New members are formally inducted in the fall semester of each academic year. Seniors who have completed at least 12 credits in Economics and Finance courses are eligible if they have a 3.0 cumulative index and a 3.5 index for all Economics and Finance courses.

Sigma Iota Epsilon
Sigma Iota Epsilon is the national scholastic honor society in management. Its general purpose is two-fold: to encourage and recognize scholarly excellence, and to promote cooperation between the academic and practical aspects of management. Membership is open to students majoring in Management who have attained junior status and have demonstrated outstanding scholastic achievement.

Financing Your Graduate Degree at the Tobin College of Business

The Tobin College offers a variety of opportunities for our students to receive financial assistance in their pursuit of a graduate degree.

  • Graduate Assistantships
  • Scholarships

There is a lot of planning that goes into the decision to pursue a graduate degree in business. Not only will this transition in your life require a significant commitment of your time, but there is also a large financial investment involved as well. Although such a significant investment in your future will bring solid returns, much consideration should be given on how you will finance your degree. For more information about financing a graduate degree at  St. John's University, reference the website.

Graduate Assistantship

Contact Us

We welcome inquiries from prospective graduate students, corporate partners and anyone interested in learning more about the programs offered by the Tobin College of Business.

Office of Graduate Admissions
8000 Utopia Parkway
The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, Room 114
Queens, NY 11439
Tel: 718-990-1345
[email protected]

Graduate Advisement
8000 Utopia Parkway
The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, Room 114
Queens, NY 11439
Tel: 718-990-6417

Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 am to 3 p.m. on Friday.