Admissions

To demonstrate knowledge of business fundamentals, one or more of the following are expected to be completed by the start of the program:

• Undergraduate degree with business major or minor
• Completion of a Certificate in Business or Summer Certificate in Business Fundamentals at UW–Madison
• Completion of a Certificate in Entrepreneurship at UW–Madison
• College coursework in microeconomics, accounting, and finance
• Completion of General Business 310 at UW–Madison. This course is offered every semester and during the summer. Applicants can complete this course online as a special student.*
• At least one year of full-time work experience in one of the business disciplines mentioned above

Applicants must also complete the following:

• Completion of REAL EST 306-The Real Estate Process, or equivalent

* If you still need to complete either General Business 310 or REAL EST-306 and wish to start the program in the spring semester, you must submit your application by mid-August in order to enroll as a special student to take General Business 310 or REAL EST-306 online during the fall semester.

Essay responses are limited to 300 words maximum.

1. What sparked your interest in real estate? Describe any experiences, which could include coursework, internships, jobs, research, volunteer work, or personal experiences, that have helped you learn more about the field. How will the Wisconsin Master’s in Real Estate help you build the knowledge and skills needed to achieve your career goals?
2. Describe a time when things did not go as planned or when you faced a challenge or setback. This could come from school, work, extracurricular activities, or your personal life. How did you respond, how did you adapt, and what did you learn about yourself from the experience?
3. The way we build and use spaces keeps changing due to shifts in society, technology, and the economy. Pick a trend, disruption, or specific project in real estate that genuinely interests you. Why does it stand out to you, and what challenges or opportunities do you think it creates?

Essay responses are limited to 600 words each.

Please use this optional essay to communicate additional information about yourself that is not otherwise represented in the application, and that you feel would benefit the admissions committee.

Include past work experience, educational accomplishments, demonstrations of leadership, and ways in which you have grown professionally.

Your past academic history—particularly your four-year degree—indicates to us your ability to succeed in a structured study program.

• Bachelor’s degree from an approved (accredited) institution is required.
• You can submit your application with unofficial transcripts; certified copies of transcripts from your degree institution are required once admitted.
• The preferred method to receive official transcripts is electronically from your institution. Please access the Parchment website or contact your institution to make this request and send to masters@wsb.wisc.edu. Official transcripts may also be mailed directly from your undergraduate institution in a sealed and stamped envelope sent to:

  MBA & Master’s Program Office
  Wisconsin School of Business
  2450 Grainger Hall
  975 University Avenue
  Madison, WI 53706

  Official transcripts must be received on or before July 1. If your official transcript, with degree posted, is not available by July 1, you must send an updated unofficial transcript with all course grades by July 1.

International applicants are required to have the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. View the minimum degree equivalents for different countries. You may wish to have your transcript evaluated by World Education Services (WES) to ensure you meet the four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalency requirements.

• $75 for both domestic and international students (additional $6 processing fee for international students).
• Fee waivers available if active duty in the U.S. military within five years of applying.
• Payment by credit or debit card through the online application system; receipt required to learn of admissions decision.

• Admission interviews are by invitation only.
• Conducted in person, by phone, or by video

The Wisconsin specialized master’s programs require the GMAT or GRE to assess academic readiness. However, applicants who can demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical preparation through prior academic achievement and professional experience may request a test waiver.

Test waivers are granted selectively and do not guarantee admission.

Criteria:

Applicants must meet all baseline eligibility requirements and demonstrate readiness through specific quantitative indicators.

Baseline requirements (all required)

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited (or equivalent international) college or university
• 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA
  • International GPAs must be equivalent to a 3.0 GPA
• One area of demonstrated quantitative readiness and a quantitative statement

Demonstrated Quantitative Readiness (Must Meet at Least One)

Applicants must demonstrate strength in at least one in any of the following areas:

Academic Indicators

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in STEM, business, economics, finance, accounting, mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science, or similar quantitative field
• GPA of 3.2+ overall or strong performance (B or higher) in quantitative coursework (e.g., calculus, statistics, finance, accounting, econometrics)
  • Quantitative coursework must be evaluated based on at least 3 courses

Professional Indicators

• 2+ years of progressively responsible experience in an analytical, financial, technical, or quantitative role

Credentials

• CPA, CFA, PE, FRM, or similar quantitative certification
• Submission of Executive Assessment, MCAT, LSAT, PCAT, or expired GMAT or GRE score
• Successful completion of an MBA prep course: MBA Math, GMAC Business Fundamentals, or HBS CORe

Advanced Degrees

• Master’s or terminal degree (JD, MD, PhD, MS)

Submitting a Request

To request a waiver, applicants must:

1. Start (but not submit) their master’s application
2. Submit a Test Waiver Request Form (in the application) including:
   • Resume
   • Unofficial transcripts (all institutions attended)
   • 250-word “Quantitative Readiness Statement” outlining evidence of preparedness

Waiver requests must be submitted at least 1 week prior to the application deadline for the desired round.

Decisions are released within 10 business days. After approval, applicants will be able to submit their application.

• Candidates who wish to submit a test score can submit a GMAT, GMAT 10th Edition, GMAT Superscore, or GRE score with their application.
• A TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score is required for international students. The requirement can be waived if you have an undergraduate or master’s degree that was taught in English.

You may submit a letter of recommendation as part of your application; however, it is not required. Select a recommender who is qualified to evaluate your potential for leadership or management. They should have a strong understanding of your abilities and be familiar with solid examples of your accomplishments. This individual may be a current or past supervisor or manager, a client or vendor, or a representative of a volunteer or community organization in which you are involved.