Important Information for Full Time and International Students

Thank you for your interest in the Penn State Behrend MBA program. Our program is truly unique; it offers students the opportunity to earn an internationally-recognized Penn State graduate degree within a small university setting.  We offer both full-time and part-time enrollment.

Admission as an International Student
MBA Programs at other Penn State Campuses
The MBA Degree
The Campus
Graduate Students at Penn State Behrend
Student Housing
Financial Aid
The Erie, Pennsylvania Area

Admission as an International Student

International students, who require an I-20 visa, should have a complete application submitted six months prior to the semester in which he/she wishes to begin his/her studies. 

A requirement for those applying for an I-20 is a statement of Financial Guarantee which indicates the availability of personal funds for expenses and Health Insurance.  The current estimate for expenses exceeds $46,100 U.S.  Without these documents and proof of financial support, a student visa cannot be issued.  Please research these requirements in further detail from the International Programs web site prior to applying for admission.

Penn State University will not evaluate applications without an admissible TOEFL or IELTS score. 

TOEFL scores must meet or exceed the minimum requirements:

  • There are no exceptions to the minimum requirements; Penn State Behrend does not offer provisional admission or intensive English courses to those who do not meet the minimum standards.

GMAT scores must meet or exceed the minimum requirements, as well:

  • The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment score must be a 4.0 or better.
  • Penn State Behrend does not offer provisional admission to those who do not meet the minimum standards on both the Writing Score and the Total Score.

References/Recommendations:

  • Recommenders must complete the online form.
  • Register your recommenders online; they will be sent an email directing them complete the form.
  • Do not send recommendations through postal mail. 

MBA Programs at other Penn State Campuses

Penn State Behrend, located in Erie, PA, is one of 25 campuses in the Pennsylvania State University system. 

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In addition to the MBA program at Penn State Behrend, Penn State University offers an MBA at its University Park, Harrisburg, and Great Valley campuses. Students can also complete Penn State's web-based iMBA offered through the World Campus.  For a complete listing of all graduate programs offered at all Penn State University locations, visit the Penn State Graduate School.

The University Park campus is located in State College, Pennsylvania. There are approximately 34,500 undergraduate and 6,200 graduate students at this location. The Smeal College of Business Administration houses the MBA program at University Park. This program requires full-time study, several years of work experience, and students are admitted only for the fall semester.

Penn State Harrisburg is located in the state's capital, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The students served by this evening MBA program are primarily working professionals who wish to complete their MBA on a part-time basis.

Penn State Great Valley is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The campus does not offer a full time MBA program, daytime classes or residence facilities.

The MBA degree

Penn State Behrend's MBA program does not offer formal concentrations; students utilize the 12 credits of electives to enhance their skills in particular areas. 

The Campus

At Penn State Behrend, 4,600 students benefit from the opportunities, resources, and prestige of a major research university set in the atmosphere of a small university. Most students are full-time undergraduates. Students and faculty enjoy the beauty of the college's 725-acre campus located only minutes away from the heart of Pennsylvania's fourth-largest city. Approximately 150 students are enrolled in our MBA program; almost 30% are enrolled full time.

Graduate Students

A large majority of students enrolled in the MBA program attend classes on a part-time basis. Many of them have more than three years of work experience. Students attending full-time may complete the MBA program in one to two years depending on degree requirements. At this time, we are offering daytime courses for full time students who then enroll in electives held during the evening.  MBA classes will continue to be held in the daytime if there is a sufficient amount of full time students to support them.

Student Housing

There is limited on-campus housing reserved for graduate students at Penn State Behrend: it will be offered to those students whose admission is approved on first come first served basis. Graduate students interested in living on campus should indicate their interest by emailing the Penn State Behrend Housing Office.  Accommodations include a two-bedroom apartment that is completely furnished and equipped with a full kitchen and bath. Four students live in each apartment. Off-campus housing is available in the area immediately surrounding the campus and in downtown Erie. A listing of off-campus accommodations is available.

Financial Aid

Penn State Behrend does not offer fellowships for MBA students. International students must provide proof of financial support with an official bank letter. A requirement for those applying for an I-20 is a statement of Financial Guarantee for expenses and Health Insurance.  The current estimate for expenses exceeds $46,100 U.S.  Please research these requirements in further detail from the International Programs web site prior to applying for admission.

The Erie, Pennsylvania Area

Click here for directions, ground transportation, and additional information on traveling to Penn State Behrend.

Erie, a metropolitan area of 280,000, is located on Lake Erie's beautiful Presque Isle Bay and offers a wide variety of cultural, sports, and recreational resources.

The region boasts a thriving arts community, including a philharmonic, several theatre companies, dance companies, and historical art museums. A 7,000-seat civic arena draws big-name performers to match every musical taste. Erie is home to the baseball SeaWolves, a Class Double A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers in the Eastern League, and you can also watch the Otters of the Ontario Hockey League. Penn State Behrend is a fifteen-minute drive from downtown Erie. 

Public transportation is available from the campus to the city and the surrounding area.


Web site contact: ame136@psu.edu
Updated August 2009
© 2005 The Pennsylvania State University