Frequently Asked Questions

The application can be filled out online, or you may contact the Office of Graduate Admission at grad@elms.edu for further information.

Yes, classes are structured in a flexible format and may be taken on-campus, online or through a combination of both.

Classes are held on week nights in the evening scheduled to begin at 6pm.

Each session is 8 weeks long.
Mandatory pre-work begins two weeks prior to the beginning of each session.

There are 5 sessions in an academic year:

• Fall I
• Fall II
• Spring I
• Spring II
• Summer I

Yes, eligible graduate students may apply for financial aid by completing a FAFSA at studentaid.gov. The Elms College FAFSA code is: School Code: 002140. Students must be enrolled in at least 3 credits per semester to continue to be eligible for any financial aid offered to them for the semester. Please contact the Financial Aid office at 413-265-2249 or email finaid@elms.edu with any questions.

While Elms College does not offer any specific scholarships for its graduate programs, there are outside scholarships available. Students are encouraged to apply for outside scholarships through reputable scholarship search engines. Outside scholarships can reduce educational borrowing or reduce a student’s remaining balance. All outside scholarship search websites listed below are provided as a courtesy and do not imply an endorsement by Elms College.

• CollegeBoard Scholarship Search
• Fastweb.com
• Western Mass Community Foundation
• Tuition Funding Sources
• Big Y’s Scholarship Program
• Horace Smith Fund Scholarships and Fellowships

Please use caution when applying for outside scholarships to avoid possible scams. See Finaid.org’s Scholarship Scams – if you have to pay money to get money, it’s probably a scam.

Yes. Upon approval from the program director, a maximum of nine (9) credits of coursework from another institution will transfer into the MBA or MS program.

Yes, please follow these steps after being accepted and admitted to Elms College:

1. Contact a Department of Veterans Affairs counselor at 1-888-442-4551 to discuss your education benefits.
2. Complete the VA’s Application to start using your education benefit: https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/
3. Submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to the Financial Aid Office on the first floor of Berchmans Hall or scan a copy to our email address at finaid@elms.edu. The VA will mail this Certificate to you once they process your application for benefits.
4. Apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
5. Meet with your advisor or program director to register for classes.
6. Contact the Financial Aid Office with any questions at 413-265-2249 or finaid@elms.edu.

Yes! Elms College offers a comprehensive knowledge-bridging module-based, learn-at-your-own-pace, program to help students bridge any knowledge gaps between their undergraduate studies and the academic requirements for admission into the MBA program.

We have rolling admission but the deadline is one month prior to the semester starting date.

• • A signed completed application
• • Official undergraduate transcripts
• • A one page personal goal statement
• • Copy of your current resume
• • An interview with the director of the master of business administration program

No. The GMAT is not a requirement.

Business Principles

Effecting Change

Today’s executives know success depends on a strong understanding of business principles, but the ability to apply those principles and create change on many levels is even more important.

The Elms MBA program was devised with this in mind: giving students the skills to navigate a global economy and contribute to their local communities.

Student Learning Assessment for: MBA with Concentrations in Accounting, Healthcare Leadership, Management, Financial Planning and Dual-Degree MSN/MBA Healthcare Leadership

1. Students will analyze business problems to find ethical solutions.
2. Students will critically evaluate business decisions from a multidisciplinary perspective.
3. Students will create compelling communications in oral, interpersonal, and written formats.
4. Students will collaborate and work effectively in diverse teams.
5. Students will apply technological tools to solve practical management problems.

Student Learning Outcomes Master’s: Financial Planning and Accounting

1. Students will apply ethical theories and professional standards to address business problems in accounting.
2. Students will apply accounting theory in accordance with GAAP in analyzing problems to make business decisions.
3. Students will effectively communicate financial information in both oral and written formats.
4. Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the content found within the Financial Planning curriculum and effectively apply and integrate this information in the formulation of a financial plan.
5. Students will analyze personal financial situations, evaluate clients’ objectives, needs and values to develop an appropriate strategy within the financial plan.
6. Students will apply the CFP Board of Financial Planning Practice Standard to the financial planning process.