# Online MBA Programs Requiring GMAT

[Rama Negi](https://oneprep.in/authors/rama-negi) Admission Specialist, Team OnePrep

Oct 2026 • 4 min read

Some of the most respected online MBA programmes still ask for a GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment score. Carnegie Mellon Tepper, Georgetown McDonough, Ohio State Fisher, Rice Jones, UNC Kenan-Flagler, and Michigan Ross all officially require a test, though each offers waivers to applicants who meet certain criteria ([Clear Admit](https://www.clearadmit.com/mba-programs-that-dont-require-gmat-gre-or-ea-test-scores/online-mba-programs-and-hybrid-mba-programs/), 2026). If you are targeting these schools, a strong score is often your best route in.

Key Takeaways

- Several top online and hybrid MBAs require a GMAT, GRE, or EA score but offer waivers ([Clear Admit](https://www.clearadmit.com/mba-programs-that-dont-require-gmat-gre-or-ea-test-scores/online-mba-programs-and-hybrid-mba-programs/), 2026).

- A test requirement signals academic rigour and helps schools compare applicants fairly.

- A strong score can improve both admission odds and scholarship chances.

- Plan 2 to 4 months of preparation before your target application deadline.

1

## Which online MBA programs require a GMAT or other test?

Clear Admit lists these AACSB-accredited online and hybrid MBAs as requiring a GMAT, GRE, or EA score while offering waivers to qualifying applicants ([Clear Admit](https://www.clearadmit.com/mba-programs-that-dont-require-gmat-gre-or-ea-test-scores/online-mba-programs-and-hybrid-mba-programs/), 2026):

| School | Test policy | What it means for you |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Carnegie Mellon (Tepper)** | Test required; waivers available | Plan for a score unless you clearly meet waiver criteria |
| **Georgetown (McDonough)** | Test required; waivers available | Plan for a score unless you clearly meet waiver criteria |
| **Ohio State (Fisher)** | Test required; waivers available | Plan for a score unless you clearly meet waiver criteria |
| **Rice (Jones)** | Test required; waivers available | Plan for a score unless you clearly meet waiver criteria |
| **UNC (Kenan-Flagler)** | Test required; automatic waiver with 5+ years of experience | Under 5 years, request a waiver or submit a score |
| **Michigan (Ross)** | Test required; waivers available | Plan for a score unless you clearly meet waiver criteria |

UNC's automatic waiver for applicants with five or more years of full-time experience is confirmed on its official page ([UNC Online](https://online.unc.edu/online-masters-programs/online-mba/), 2026). For the others, check the current waiver rules on each school's admissions site.

2

## Why do some online MBAs still require the GMAT?

- **Academic readiness.** The test shows you can handle quantitative courses like finance, accounting, and statistics.

- **Fair comparison.** Applicants come from very different countries and universities; a common test gives schools one consistent yardstick.

- **Same standard as on campus.** Many of these schools want their online MBA to match the rigour of their full-time programme.

3

## Is a test-required online MBA better?

Not automatically, but there is a pattern. The list above includes several of the most selective schools offering online MBAs. A test requirement usually means a more selective admissions process, which can mean a stronger peer group and brand. It does not guarantee a better experience; compare curriculum, network, and outcomes too.

4

## Should you request a waiver or take the test?

| Your profile | Better move |
| --- | --- |
| **5+ years of experience and strong quantitative work** | Request a waiver, or check if it is automatic |
| **Weak maths grades or a non-quantitative degree** | Take the test to prove quantitative readiness |
| **Aiming for scholarships** | Take the test; a strong score helps your case |
| **Little time before the deadline** | Check if the Executive Assessment is accepted |

In my view, your GMAT score is the most important number you can still improve, and for these programmes it often decides whether you get in. [Start your free mock today](https://oneprep.in/signup), so you know exactly where you stand.

5

## What are your test options?

| Test | Length | Score range | Best for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **GMAT** | 2 hours 15 minutes, 64 questions | 205 to 805 | Most MBA applicants |
| **GRE** | 1 hour 58 minutes | 260 to 340, plus writing 0 to 6 | Applicants also considering other master's programmes |
| **Executive Assessment** | 90 minutes, 40 questions | 100 to 200 | Experienced professionals, where accepted |

Executive Assessment details are from GMAC ([GMAC](https://go.gmac.com/hubfs/07.Assessments/Executive%20Assessment/EA%202025/EA%20-%20Designed%20for%20Busy%20Professionals.pdf), 2025). Always confirm which tests each programme accepts.

6

## How should you plan your preparation?

Most people need 100 to 200 hours over 2 to 4 months for the GMAT, depending on their score gap. Start with a diagnostic, set a target from the class profiles of your chosen programmes, and work backwards from the application deadline.

Find your starting point before you decide between the test and a waiver. [Start your free mock today](https://oneprep.in/signup) on [OnePrep](https://oneprep.in/signup) and let your scores guide your next step.

7

## Frequently asked questions

### Which online MBA programs require the GMAT?

According to Clear Admit, programmes such as Carnegie Mellon Tepper, Georgetown McDonough, Ohio State Fisher, Rice Jones, UNC Kenan-Flagler, and Michigan Ross require a test but offer waivers to qualifying applicants.

### Can I get a GMAT waiver for an online MBA that requires a test?

Often, yes. Waivers usually depend on work experience, quantitative coursework, or professional certifications. Check each school's criteria.

### Do online MBAs accept the GRE or Executive Assessment instead of the GMAT?

Many do. Clear Admit's list covers programmes that require a GMAT, GRE, or EA score. Confirm accepted tests with each school.

### What GMAT score do I need for an online MBA?

It varies by school. Aim at or above the programme's published average, and check its class profile.

## Sources

- [Clear Admit, Online and Hybrid MBA Programs that Don't Require a GMAT, GRE or EA](https://www.clearadmit.com/mba-programs-that-dont-require-gmat-gre-or-ea-test-scores/online-mba-programs-and-hybrid-mba-programs/)

- [UNC Online, Kenan-Flagler Online MBA admissions](https://online.unc.edu/online-masters-programs/online-mba/)

- [GMAC, Executive Assessment overview (PDF)](https://go.gmac.com/hubfs/07.Assessments/Executive%20Assessment/EA%202025/EA%20-%20Designed%20for%20Busy%20Professionals.pdf)

About the author

Rama Negi

Admission Specialist at oneprep.in

15+ years teaching GMAT and counselling MBA applicants; 5 years with OnePrep.

[More articles by Rama Negi](https://oneprep.in/authors/rama-negi)

## Related reading

[Online MBA Programs With No GMAT or GRE](https://oneprep.in/blogs/online-mba-no-gmat-gre)[How Long to Study for GMAT? A Realistic Plan by Score Gap](https://oneprep.in/blogs/how-long-to-study-for-gmat)[What Is a Good GMAT Score? Percentiles and Targets for 2026](https://oneprep.in/blogs/what-is-a-good-gmat-score)

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Source: https://oneprep.in/blogs/online-mba-programs-requiring-gmat