UHD’s MBA program uses a few terms to describe different ways students can complete
the program of their choice. Students may choose between the Soft Start or Traditional
MBA. There’s also the option to pursue a Graduate Certificate instead. Let’s break
each one down.
SOFT START
The Soft Start MBA was crafted with busy professionals in mind. The Soft Start track
was designed to be completed in a minimum of two years. Students in their first-year
work completing Concentration requirements (plus any required Leveling courses for
students who did not pursue Business Administration for their undergraduate major).
Students who choose this path take one Concentration course per eight-week term in
their first year, and two Core courses per eight-week term their second year.
TRADITIONAL
The Traditional MBA is designed for professionals who wish to complete the degree
in as quickly as one yearInternational students (for the F1 Visa requirements), and
students pursuing the General Management Concentration. Most Traditional-track students
pursue full-time studies (up to three classes each eight-week term), and the one-year
track is ideal for students who do not need to take Leveling courses. Traditional-track
students may structure their MBA to complete their Concentration before starting Core,
combine their Concentration with Core classes, or complete Core before starting their
Concentration. While most students who choose the Traditional MBA complete their program
in one year, they have the option to work with their academic advisor to slow down
their pace of progress as needed.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Lastly, UHD provides a Graduate Certificate Program. Graduate Certificate students work to complete the Concentration requirements alone and do not have Leveling or Core requirements to complete. Many students complete their Graduate Certificates in three semesters, but they have up to five years to complete the Graduate Certificate. Admission to the Graduate Certificate program requires the same application components as the Soft Start MBA process.
A Week in the Life of an MBA Student
Alicia V. – Soft Start MBA
Alicia is an Early Childhood educator who is getting her MBA in Leadership.
After graduation, she intends to launch her dream endeavor: an innovative charter
school in the neighborhood where she grew up. Alicia enrolled in the Soft Start route.
In this case, she is taking one Concentration course and and one Leveling course in
the first eight week term in her first year, plus working at her current school and
co-parenting her two young children.
Alicia juggles many commitments, but she is accomplishing her goals every week. She
credits her success to two factors: The MBA’s evening classes, and her ability to
prioritize.
“If I can do it, I know you can do it too.”
Jorge C. – Traditional MBA
Jorge is enrolled in the Traditional MBA, and he chose the Concentration in International
Business.
While his undergraduate major was in Finance, and although he currently works as an
Investment Planner for a local firm, Jorge has realized that he wants to pivot and
become a Products Trader for a pharmaceutical company.
Jorge chose the Traditional route because he wants to accelerate his career transition
as quickly as possible. In this part of term, he goes to class two nights a week and
has a third online synchronous (HyFlex) course.
“Just keep going—you will get there, if you’re not afraid to ask for help.”
THE CHECKLIST
Curious about the application process? This checklist graphic shows which documents are needed for Soft Start / Graduate Certificate*, Traditional, and International students****.
| Checklist Requirements per Program | Soft Start/ Graduate Certificate | Traditional (for Domestic student only) | Traditional (for International students ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Application | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Application fee** | $35 | $35 | $80 |
| Resume | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Personal Statement | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transcript*** / Evaluation | Yes | Yes | Yes; transcripts from outside the USA may need to be evaluated |
| Two letters of recommendation | No | Yes | Yes |
| GMAT or GMAT Waiver | No | Yes | Yes |
| TOEFL/IELTS score(s)**** | No | No | Depends |
*Admission to the Graduate Certificate program requires the same application components
as the Soft Start MBA process.
**Application fee waived for all UHD alumni
*** Transcripts of UHD alumni automatically trigger retrieval by staff via an internal
process. UHD alumni do not need to request their own transcripts.