Test-Optional and No-GMAT/GRE Programs
The old assumption that competitive technology-management master’s applicants universally need high GMAT or GRE scores is outdated. Current policies vary by school and sometimes by modality. MSITM.com separates “optional/not required” from “waiver or conditional” because they are not the same admissions policy.
| Policy pattern | Current examples | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Optional / not required | UT Austin, Kelley, UT Dallas, Rutgers, Georgia State, Illinois MSIM, Syracuse, Michigan, Stevens, GW, Cincinnati, Florida, CU Denver, BU MET, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Nebraska Omaha, Fordham, UConn, Utah Eccles, UC Berkeley, UGA | You can apply without a score under the current published policy; some schools still allow a strong score to support the application or scholarship consideration. |
| Waiver / conditional pathway | Carnegie Mellon, Auburn, Oakland, FIU, Houston, Temple, Arkansas Walton | A test may be expected unless you meet waiver criteria, or the committee may require one based on GPA/background. |
| Clearly required in the profiled path | Arizona Eller residential MS MIS; Maryland’s current graduate catalog lists GMAT/GRE among application requirements; Alabama Manderson MS MIS | Plan for testing unless the university publishes a new policy for your entry term. |
| Needs exact-policy verification | Programs where MSITM.com has not found a sufficiently clear current program-specific statement | Do not infer a policy from another master’s program at the same university. |
| Program | Current Test Policy |
|---|---|
| UT Austin MS Business Technology & AI | GMAT/GRE optional |
| Indiana Kelley MSIS | Optional; admissions committee may request a score |
| Rutgers MITA | GMAT/GRE optional |
| Georgia State MSIS | Standardized test not required |
| Michigan MSI | GRE not required |
| Florida MS ISOM / IT | Program currently states GMAT/GRE not required |
Newly verified examples
- Boston University MET – MSCIS: GRE/GMAT not required.
- Oakland – MSITM: GMAT/GRE is waived for applicants meeting several GPA, graduate-degree, certification or professional-experience criteria.
- Fordham Gabelli – MS IT: GMAT/GRE optional.
- UConn – MS BAPM: GMAT/GRE optional.
- Utah Eccles – MSIS: GMAT/GRE not required.
- UC Berkeley – MIMS: GRE/GMAT not required.
- UGA Terry – MS Business & AI: GMAT/GRE not required.
- Arkansas Walton – MIS: waiver eligibility depends on academic/professional background.
- Alabama Manderson – MS MIS: current regular-admission criteria publish GRE/GMAT thresholds, with a limited waiver path.
See AI-focused programs with optional or no GMAT/GRE →
Counterexample: Arizona Eller’s residential MS MIS currently requires GMAT or GRE scores.
Test policies are among the fastest-changing admissions fields. Confirm the policy for your entry term before applying.