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Tepper School of Business – Carnegie Mellon University

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CLASS SIZE 171
FEMALE 36%
MEAN GMAT 705
MEAN GPA 3.26

Located in Pittsburgh, PA, The Tepper School of Business thrives at the heart of Carnegie Mellon University and embodies its forward-thinking culture and spirit of innovation; from artificial intelligence to intelligent systems; the Tepper School is the birthplace of the data-informed and emotionally intelligent approach to business: The Intelligent Future. Ranked among the world’s top business schools by leading international business publications, the school offers a STEM-certified MBA program in four formats: Full-Time, Part-Time Online Hybrid, Part-Time Flex, and Part-Time Accelerated.
cmu mba technology

Additional programs include MS degrees in Product Management, Business Analytics and Computational Finance; undergraduate business and economics, a doctorate program for Ph.D. candidates; and Tepper Executive Education. With the ability to leverage technology and analyze data, and by imparting behavioral skills that focus on emotional intelligence, the Tepper School fosters an innovative approach: a future fueled by data, powered by technology, and reimagined by human intelligence.

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FAQ

What is the tuition for Tepper’s MBA program?

Tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year is $75,712 for first-year students. With additional living expenses, however, Tepper estimates that first-years will spend around $107,084 as well as an additional $1,500 for a laptop purchase.

How hard is it to get into Tepper’s MBA program?

The acceptance rate for Tepper is 27.7%. It is important to consider the acceptance rate in the context of the student profile of those who are admitted. For example the average GMAT score is 705.

What is the average GMAT score for admission to Tepper’s MBA program?

The average GMAT score for the incoming class at Tepper is 705.

Does the Tepper MBA program accept the GRE?

Yes. The Tepper MBA program has accepted the GRE for a few years now.

What is the average GRE score for admission to Tepper's MBA program?

Th average GRE score for the incoming class at Tepper was 324.

What is the minimum number of years of work experience required for admission to Tepper's MBA program?

Tepper does not state a minimum requirement for years of work experience. However, it is important for candidates to be aware that they are being considered against other candidates with a median of 5.8 years of experience.

What is the average number of years of work experience for admission to Tepper's MBA program?

The average number of years of work experience among students in Tepper's MBA program is 5.8.

What is the median starting salary for graduates of the Tepper MBA program?

The median starting salary for Tepper MBA graduates is $134,847. The salary will vary by industry, with consulting and finance jobs generally commanding the higher salaries.

How long is Tepper’s full-time MBA program?

Tepper offers a traditional 2 year MBA program.

What are the application deadlines for Tepper’s MBA program?

The Round 1 MBA application deadline is October 2, 2023. The Round 2 application deadline is January 8, 2024. The Round 3 deadline is March 4, 2024. The Round 4 deadline (domestic students only) is May 6, 2024.

What percent of Tepper MBA students are women?

36% percent of the MBA class at Tepper are women.

What type of interview does Tepper use for MBA admissions?

Tepper offers interviews by invitation. The interviews are resume-based. This means the interviewer has not had access to the application materials.

Videos

Personalized Support With Michael Kong, MBA 2022 (he/him)

At Tepper, you'll learn in small, team-based classes with professors who know you and you’ll have the support you need to thrive.

Tepper MBA Curriculum With Kovi Shlomchik, MBA 2022 (they/them) and Justin Vannoy, MBA 2022 (he/him)

Tepper's unrivaled focus on leadership development and analytical decision-making will prepare you for The Intelligent Future — a future that’s innovative and inclusive, adaptable and collaborative.

Admissions

The Class Profile

Tepper welcomed a full-time class of 171 students in the fall of 2023. The average GMAT score for the Class of 2025 was 705 and the average GRE landed at 324. The average GPA of first-year students was 3.26, with 42% of the class majoring in engineering as undergraduates, 24% in business/commerce, and 8% in economics. Prior to matriculating at Tepper, students had amassed a median of 5.8 years of work experience. Thirty-six percent of the Class of 2025 are women, and 53% of students are international.

Application Procedures

Applicants can apply to Tepper’s full-time MBA program in one of three rounds, which typically occur in early October, early January and mid-March. Part-time and Part-time Online Hybrid candidates can apply in one of three rounds that coincide with the full-time program’s latter two rounds, in addition to one other deadline in late April. International students are encouraged to apply by the January deadline.  To apply, candidates must submit their application form, an essay, GMAT or GRE scores, a résumé, one recommendation letter, and transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Tepper also requires applicants to submit TOEFL scores, if applicable, and a $200 application fee.

After submitting an application, interviews are conducted on an invitation-only basis. Candidates invited to interview may schedule an on- or off-campus interview or a telephone interview with a member of the admissions committee, though Tepper notes that on-campus interviews are preferred. Applicants who have shown dedication to promoting diversity in business may also apply to Tepper through the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management.

Essay Topic Analysis

Need help with your essays? Get our experts' advice.

Interview Reports

Carnegie-mellontepper Q&As

Carnegie Mellon / Tepper LiveWire and DecisionWire

MBA LiveWire

March 23, 2024 11:02am ET
Accepted to Carnegie Mellon / Tepper
Round: Round 2
Received via phone on March 06, 2024
GPA: 3.49
GMAT: 690
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career Name: Non Profit / Social Impact
Application Location: Chicago
March 12, 2024 11:41am ET
Accepted to Carnegie Mellon / Tepper
Round: Round 2
Received via phone on March 06, 2024
GPA: 3.4
GRE: 319
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Note:

U.S. military applicant; very thankful to have been accepted!

March 11, 2024 10:04am ET
Accepted to Carnegie Mellon / Tepper
Round: Round 2
Received via portal
GPA: 3.57
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career Name: Other
Application Location: Kuwait
Note:

$40k/year scholarship

March 9, 2024 3:19pm ET
Accepted to Carnegie Mellon / Tepper
Round: Round 2
Received via phone on March 06, 2024
GPA: 3.51
GRE: 321
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career Name: Consulting
Application Location: North Carolina
Note:

Military. Received call around noon

March 7, 2024 3:54pm ET
Accepted to Carnegie Mellon / Tepper
Round: Round 2
Received via phone on March 07, 2024
GPA: 3.44
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career Name: Consulting
Application Location: Seattle
Note:

Military with GRE Waiver.

March 7, 2024 11:47am ET
Waitlisted at Carnegie Mellon / Tepper
Round: Round 2
Received via email on March 06, 2024
GPA: 3.01
GRE: 305
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career Name: Technology
Note:

No interview.

March 7, 2024 6:56am ET
Accepted to Carnegie Mellon / Tepper
Round: Round 2
Received via portal March 7, 2024
GPA: 3.4
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career Name: General Management
Application Location: US
Note:

Mil. No scholarship. Tough draw but hopefully that means they grew their Veteran class this year.

March 7, 2024 3:42am ET
Accepted to Carnegie Mellon / Tepper
Round: Round 2
Received via phone March 7, 2024
GPA: 3.64
GRE: 333
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career Name: Finance
Application Location: China
Note:

Received with scholarship.

MBA DecisionWire

?
March 26, 2024 10:55pm ET
Enrolled: Undecided
Admitted: Carnegie Mellon / Tepper , Emory / Goizueta $
$25000
,
USC / Marshall , Vanderbilt / Owen
Applied: Carnegie Mellon / Tepper, Emory / Goizueta, MIT Sloan, UCLA Anderson, USC / Marshall, UT Austin / McCombs, Vanderbilt / Owen
Entering Year: 2024
Post MBA Career: Consulting, Undecided
GPA: 3.4
Notes:

A bit torn deciding where to commit. Post MBA goals are a pretty fluid and I have not really nailed down what I want to do (working on that). Each of those schools have their own distinct brands and strengths but there is no clear breakout to me. I’m going to as many admit weekends that I can but not sure where I will land in the fall.

Mic
March 26, 2024 9:10pm ET
Enrolled: Michigan / Ross
Admitted: Michigan / Ross $
$80,000
,
UNC Kenan-Flagler $
$10,000
Applied: Michigan / Ross, UT Austin / McCombs, UNC Kenan-Flagler, Georgetown / McDonough
Entering Year: 2024
Post MBA Career: Other
GRE: 306
GPA: 3.4
Location: NC
Notes:

Write essays that adequately communicate your dream and how a MBA ties into that. Don’t be afraid to talk about your struggles/life difficulties but use that as a strength.

LBS
March 26, 2024 8:52pm ET
Enrolled: London Business School
Admitted: London Business School
Applied: London Business School
Entering Year: 2024
Post MBA Career: Undecided
GMAT: 690
GPA: 3.4
Location: Boston
Sta
March 26, 2024 4:39pm ET
Enrolled: Stanford GSB
Admitted: Berkeley / Haas $
$90000
,
U. Chicago Booth , Northwestern / Kellogg , Stanford GSB
Applied: U. Chicago Booth, Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan, Northwestern / Kellogg, Stanford GSB, UPenn / Wharton, Berkeley / Haas
Entering Year: 2024
Post MBA Career: Consulting, Investment Banking, Venture Capital
GRE: 330
GPA: 3.7
Location: East Coast
Notes:

Once I got the GSB admit, it was pretty straightforward, but was having a hard time deciding between the 3 dual-degree programs I loved (MBA/MS in Biomedical Sciences at Booth, MMM at Kellogg, and MBA/MPH at Haas). Was rejected w/o an interview at HBS and Wharton, which was frustrating, but ended up where I was meant to! Good luck folks!

Academics

Faculty

Tepper’s full-time MBA boasts a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1, and overall employs over 150 faculty members. Aside from teaching classes, these faculty members contribute to Tepper’s seven research centers, whose research and resources cover topics like leadership, green design and entrepreneurship.

Curriculum

A pioneer in management science, which takes an analytical approach to examining organizational issues, Tepper prides itself on offering a wide range of teaching methods in its classrooms. Professors employ lectures, business cases, group projects and in-class presentations, among other methods.  First-year students are not divided into cohorts or assigned to sections but instead take their core courses with a variety of classmates and professors.

Tepper’s academic year begins at the end of August and ends in early May, with graduation taking place later that month. The academic year is divided into four mini-semesters of 6.5 weeks each. Full-time students typically take four to five classes per mini-semester during the fall and spring and then use the summer to complete internships. Tepper also offers an early graduation option, which allows students to take courses during the summer in between their first and second year so that they finish by December of their second year.

Prior to the start of classes, the majority of first-year students elect to participate in BaseCamp, a pre-term program that runs throughout August and offers operations, finance, entrepreneurship, strategy, and marketing modules as well as career development programming. During the first year, students at Tepper complete required courses, covering business fundamentals in analytics, managerial economics, accounting, finance, and operations management, among others.

Students may take an optional elective in their second mini-semester, but officially begin taking elective courses in their third mini-semester alongside three other required courses. Full-time students must maintain a minimum course load of 36 units, or six courses, per full semester. To tailor their education to their career goals, students can specialize in one of five tracks in a particular career path or functional area such as Business Analytics or Technology Strategy and Product Management by taking specified elective courses. Students who do not wish to follow a track pursue the General Management curriculum, through which they can further their studies through 12 concentrations in general academic areas like finance, accounting and marketing. Tepper reports that most students complete three to four concentrations.

Tepper students interested in gaining international experience can participate in global treks or a semester abroad. Global treks are international trips to places like Dubai, China, India and South Africa that occur during winter and spring breaks and include company visits and networking events. Tepper has also partnered with the Otto Beisheim School of Management to offer a study abroad program located in Koblenz, Germany; as well as The Chinese University of Hong Kong Business School in Hong Kong, China.

Other MBA Degree Options

Along with its full-time MBA programs, Tepper also offers a part-time MBA option, called the Part-Time Flex MBA, and an online option, called the Part-Time Online Hybrid. The latter includes on-site classes every other month, hosted by Carnegie Mellon locations across the U.S. Studies are rounded out with live, online courses and independent work. Most students finish their degree within three years for each.

There are currently five options for students interested in obtaining a dual or joint degree. Students may pursue an MBA from Tepper concurrently with a master’s in Engineering, Software Engineering, Healthcare Policy, Public Policy, or a JD/MBA option with the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

Tracks & Concentrations at Tepper

Tracks

  • Business Analytics
  • Energy Business
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Management of Innovation & Product Development
  • Technology Leadership

Concentrations

  • Accounting
  • Business Technologies
  • Communications
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • Health Care Analytics
  • Marketing
  • Operations Management
  • Operations Research
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Strategy
  • Sustainability

Degree Offerings at Tepper

Full-time MBA Program
https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/programs/mba/program-options/full-time.html

Part-time Online Hybrid Program
https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/programs/mba/program-options/part-time-online-hybrid/

Part-time Flex MBA Program
https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/programs/mba/program-options/part-time-flex-pittsburgh/index.html

Part-time Accelerated MBA Program
https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/programs/mba/program-options/part-time-accelerated/index.html

Executive Education
https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/executive-education/

Dual and Joint Degrees
MBA/Soft­ware Engineering, MBA/Healthcare Policy, MBA/JD, MBA/Public Policy, MBA/Engineering
https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/programs/mba/curriculum/dual-and-joint-degrees/

Master of Science in Business Analytics
https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/programs/master-business-analytics/index.html

Master of Science in Product Management
https://ms-product-management.cmu.edu/

Master of Science in Computational Finance
https://www.cmu.edu/mscf/

Campus Life

Clubs, Conferences & Competitions

Despite a relatively small class, Tepper students still have many extracurricular activities to explore. There are a total of 40 clubs spread across professional, educational and social interests. The popular Consulting Club, for instance, offers members access to its case database and hosts lectures, discussion panels and guest speakers. The club also helps members prepare for post-MBA careers in consulting by conducting mock interviews and résumé reviews and organizing networking events. Tepper’s chapter of Net Impact, meanwhile, promotes corporate responsibility and business ethics through initiatives like working with local nonprofits on specific business issues and advocating for green initiatives on campus.

Tepper students also enter a number of case competitions each year. Members of the Alpha Club, the investment management club that oversees the Tepper Opportunity Fund, routinely participate in trading competitions each year. The Operations Management club holds an annual International Case Competition in which a dozen business school teams compete to present the best analysis of an operations case study. Tepper also hosts the W.L. Mellon Speaker Series that brings CEOs and other executives to campus six or so times a year to discuss strategies and current events related to global business.

Campus Spaces

The Tepper Quad is designed to maximize interconnectedness across the campus, the Tepper Quad mirrors today’s multidisciplinary marketplace.

At 315,500 sq ft. the Tepper Quad’s modern design emphasizes open spaces, an abundance of windows and natural light and space for “planned spontaneity” that energizes innovation and interconnected partnerships across campus. Smart and emerging technologies that promote LEED Gold standards of responsibility and sustainability. Tepper Quad materials and construction methodologies prioritize responsible environmental impact and sustainability.

Some features include:

Innovation Classrooms
Two innovation classrooms on the third floor feature a flexible layout to accommodate a variety of instruction styles.

Fitness Center
The center features locker and shower facilities, an exercise room, and an outdoor space encompassing a total of 7,500 square feet.

Breakout Spaces
There are six breakout spaces dedicated to undergraduate students and 12 dedicated to master’s students.

Simmons Auditorium
The Simmons Auditorium can accommodate up to 600 people and features a media wall and recording capabilities.

Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship
Our startup incubator is a global destination for entrepreneurs, investors and alumni. Campus-wide collaboration includes engineering, product development, computer science, robotics and design alongside Tepper School students and faculty.

MBA Careers

Career Services

The Masters Career Center (MCC) provides a range of resources and services to assist students and alumni with their job search. Students may work with a career counselor who has specific experience in their area of interest or attend MCC-sponsored workshops covering topics like résumé writing, interview preparation and cover letters. The COC also provides an on- and off-campus interview program, organizes corporate presentations and partners with clubs to create career treks to different cities.

Career Statistics

Ninety-seven percent of Tepper’s Class of 2022 seeking employment had received a job offer within three months of graduation. The median starting salary for Tepper graduates was $148,067.  Likely due to its affiliation with the science- and engineering-focused Carnegie Mellon, Tepper sent 28% of the Class of 2022 into post-MBA jobs in the technology industry. Meanwhile, another 39% of graduates entered into consulting, and about 16% chose to work in finance. About 6% of the class found jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare sector, and roughly 3% of graduates went into consumer products.

Twenty-five percent of graduates headed West post-MBA. Another 33% settled in the Northeast. Eighteen percent stayed in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. while nearly 12% landed in the Midwest. Nearly two percent found employment outside the U.S.

Financing

Tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year is $75,712 for first-year students. With additional living expenses, however, Tepper estimates that first-years will spend around $107,084 as well as an additional $1,500 for a laptop purchase. Although Tepper does not offer any need-based scholarships, there are a number of merit-based scholarships available to all admitted students, and Tepper encourages students to pursue additional outside scholarships through organizations such as the Consortium for Graduate Management Studies and the Forté Foundation. For further financial aid, federal loan programs are available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International students, meanwhile, may reference Tepper’s list of recommended private lenders, all of which require a US co-signer

Cost of Attendance

  • Tuition $75,712
  • University Fees $954
  • Room, Board & Misc. $23,710
  • Books/Supplies $1,450
  • Transportation $2,766
  • Health Insurance $2,816
  • Total $107,084

Contact

Mailing Address:
Tepper School of Business
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412-268-2268
Fax: 412-268-4209
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.tepper.cmu.edu
Twitter: @teppercmu