FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions are important to us. You may find the answers to your questions below. If not, staff members at the local administrative office are available to help you. Remember, the MBA office in Cedar Falls, Iowa is only a phone call or email away!

Is the UNIMBA International the same degree as the MBA is the U.S.?

Yes. Students receive their MBA degree from the University of Northern Iowa. There is nothing printed on the degree or on the transcript to indicate that the classes were taken anywhere other than the UNI campus. That is because the program offered at all locations is the same. All graduating students can come to Cedar Falls, Iowa to participate in the commencement ceremony!

How much previous education do I need before I can start the UNIMBA program?

Students need to have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited University or College. This is typically offered as a 4-year undergraduate degree in the U.S. Some countries require 5 years of high school and confer a bachelor’s degree after three years of college. Students in the program have degrees from many different institutions in Hong Kong, China, the U.S., Canada, Europe, and across Asia.

What information do I have to provide concerning my education?

You are required to have official transcripts mailed directly to UNI. from all the institutions where you studied. These official transcripts must be received before you can be fully admitted to the MBA program. However, by providing a copy of your transcripts with your application, your record can be evaluated and used to determine whether you can start the program. You may take up to three courses before UNI receives the official transcripts.

Are there certain times when I can choose to begin the program, or can I begin at any time?

Exact details vary by location, and the local administrative office can best advise you about an advantageous start date.

Do you require work experience?

Yes. You need work experience prior to beginning an MBA program. You are at a competitive disadvantage in the classroom without it. Historically, students in the UNI MBA program have had an average of 7 ½ years of work experience, with a range from 3 to 25 years of experience.

Who teaches the classes?

Most classes are taught by regular, full-time UNI faculty members. Professors take advantage of holiday or summer breaks to travel to teach the face-to-face component of the courses. Occasionally, visiting faculty with significant work experience and outstanding academic credentials may teach in the program. These can be retired or former UNI faculty as well as international colleagues who have previously served as visiting professors at the Cedar Falls campus.

Where are international classes offered?

Classes are currently offered in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

When are the classes offered?

Class meetings are held on two consecutive meetings within the six-week course, but the exact weekends vary with each course. Refer to the schedules shown on the specific location for details.

How many classes do I have to take?

The program consists of 10 courses plus the business capstone experience.

What if I have to miss a class?

If you review the schedule and find that you must miss a significant portion of the course, contact the faculty member well in advance and ask whether this will be possible. Attendance policies are set by each faculty member, and these are provided in the course syllabus. Realize that each class day covers more than a full week of class meetings. Missing even an hour of the day can cause you to miss important material.

If you find that you cannot satisfactorily complete a course due to missed class days, you should discuss deferring the course with the local administrative office. Deferment may or may not impact the time it will take to complete the program, and there is a charge associated with a deferment.

Class meeting dates are provided at least three to four months in advance. We hope that this allows each student to plan work related travel around their courses.

How long does it take to complete the program?

Courses are scheduled so that they can be completed within 18 months. The business capstone experience, a team-based project completed after all other courses are completed, takes about 3 months.

How much will it cost me to enroll? Are books included?

The total cost of the program can be calculated by the local administrative office. Books, software, and required online activity costs are not included in the tuition. The costs of books for each course ranges from US$25 for a course packet of readings to approximately US$250 for a finance textbook. Generally, a combination of materials will be required, and the specific details will be listed in the course syllabus.

Students may purchase books from a variety of sources, and prices are set by the publishers and/or book sellers. The local administrative office can advise you about current prices and optimal sources, which can change with market conditions.

Where can I get information and application material?

To learn more about enrolling in this program, you can contact either the local administrative office or the College of Business at the University of Northern Iowa. See Contact Us for all contact information.

How do I order my transcripts from UNI?

Transcripts requests are handled by the UNI Registrar's office. The request must be made online using your secure University ID credentials. No other entity can request a copy of your transcript. There is a charge for a copy. Payment can be made with credit card. Click here for more information.