How to Apply for Online Specialized Master’s Programs


Admission is competitive. Our application process is easy.

Each applicant is carefully considered by the Olin Admissions Committee—using both objective and subjective criteria—and there is no formula used to arrive at a decision. Rather, the Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach to candidate evaluation, with specific interest in your academic ability, professional potential, leadership qualities, communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrated achievements, motivation, and diversity.

Online Specialized Master’s Application Deadlines | Fall 2025


Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and admission decisions will be made one to two weeks after completed applications have been submitted.

Application Due by Notification by
Round 1 November 10, 2024 December 1, 2024
Round 2 January 10, 2025 February 1, 2025
Round 3 March 10, 2025 April 1, 2025
Round 4 May 10, 2025 June 1, 2025
Round 5 July 10, 2025 August 1, 2025
Rolling Admissions After July 10, 2025 Before program start

Application Process


Application fee: We do not charge an application fee for the online specialized master's programs. Rather, we wish to consider all candidates who have a serious interest in our program, regardless of the ability to pay a fee.

Application process: Our application process requires submitting a complete online application. You must include these required items:

  • One-page resume
  • Academic transcripts (unofficial): For admitted candidates who ultimately choose to enroll at Olin, we require the submission of official transcripts prior to the start of the program.
  • Required essay: At WashU Olin, we recognize that our community is comprised of individuals who come to us from different pathways and perspectives. Similarly, each student’s journey during and after the program is unique. Please provide a personal statement that describes how your life experiences have shaped your decision to apply to graduate school and how you believe WashU Olin will help you achieve your long-term professional and personal goals. (500-word maximum)
    • Career Prompt: Please describe what your ideal career will be immediately following graduation from business school. (100-word maximum)
  • Application Video Interview

Applicants may choose to submit the following at their discretion.

  • Optional essay: Is there anything else you would like to share? If so, please provide additional information not previously addressed in the application that would help the admissions committee assess your candidacy. (250-word maximum)
  • Standardized test scores (GMAT or GRE): Standardized tests are recommended but not required. Candidates should review our test policy description below to determine the best course of action for their particular set of circumstances.
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Admission Documents and Policies


  • GMAT or GRE

    Standardized tests (GMAT or GRE) are one part of the application process used to evaluate academic ability. Submission of test scores is not required but is recommended for most candidates. It is up to each applicant to decide how best to submit their strongest case for admission. For those who choose not to submit a test score, the Admissions Committee will carefully consider how past academic and professional experiences have prepared them for the academic rigor of the program. In particular, the Committee will consider:

    • A strong undergraduate GPA from a US institution;
    • Demonstrated quantitative skills in prior academic and/or professional experience;
    • An advanced or terminal degree (e.g., JD, MD, PhD or quantitative MS);
    • A quantitatively oriented professional certificate (e.g., CPA, CFA);
    • An officer’s rank in the military;
    • Performance on an expired GMAT or GRE

    Test scores must be released when you submit your application. We can accept the online versions of the GMAT and GRE. See your program requirements for more information.

  • Transcripts and Academic Records

    Applicants must hold the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution at the time of enrollment to be eligible for the program. Most international three-year degrees meet this requirement.

    You must show proof of your degree. Our admissions committee accepts unofficial copies of transcripts and test scores for the sole purpose of rendering an admissions decision.

    For most US institutions (and many non-US institutions), an official transcript sent directly from the university or college will include the degree awarded and the date conferred. If you have not yet graduated, the official transcript from the degree-granting institution should be sent as it becomes available.

    Transcripts must include all coursework taken and grades received for each course, plus any transcript instructions or descriptions provided by the institution. Transcripts for study abroad programs or transfer credits are not required if the course titles, grades and credit hours are included on the transcript of the degree-granting institution. 

    Credential evaluations of transcripts, such as WES or ECE, are not required.

    For students who graduated from non-US institutions where the academic transcript does not show the degree awarded and date of degree conferral, you must bring your diploma, diploma book or another equivalent document with you to St. Louis. When you arrive—and before classes start—bring your transcript to Olin’s  Graduate Programs Office for visual verification. These documents will be returned to you. ​

    International students must submit both an original-language document and an English translation.

    Upon acceptance, you must submit official transcripts and valid, official test scores (if  included in your application) no later than two weeks before the start of orientation programming. Official transcripts may be submitted as follows:

    1. Electronic: An Official Electronic Transcript from your university emailed via eSCRIP-SAFE® or any other authorized provider, emailed to OlinGradAdmissions@wustl.edu
    2. Mailed by your university in a sealed, official university envelope to:
      Washington University in St. Louis
      Olin Business School
      Graduate Program Admissions Office
      Knight Hall 310, CB 1156
      One Brookings Drive
      St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
      Phone: 888-622-5115
    3. In person: An official transcript from your university in a sealed, official envelope brought to:

      Olin Business School
      Graduate Programs
      Admissions Office
      Knight Hall, Room 310
      Monday–Friday
      8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    If you have not yet graduated, the official transcript from the degree-granting institution should be sent as it becomes available.

    If your transcript does not show the degree awarded and date of conferral, you need to bring your diploma or equivalent document to St. Louis and present them to the Graduate Programs office for verification before the start of classes.

    Upon acceptance, you must submit official transcripts and valid, official test scores no later than two weeks before the start of orientation programming.

    International students must submit both an original-language document and an English translation.

  • Application Interview Video

    Applicants to the online specialized master’s program must submit a video interview as part of the application process. Once you submit your application to Olin, a unique URL link will be sent to your email address with instructions outlining the video submission process.