Booth is the University of Chicago's full-time and part-time MBA program

Booth School of Business is the business school at the University of Chicago, located in Chicago, Illinois. It offers a full-time MBA program, an evening and weekend part-time MBA, an Executive MBA for working professionals, and specialized master's degrees in finance, analytics, and other fields. The school is one of several MBA programs in the United States and is known for its curriculum structure and placement outcomes.

If you are considering a business school and want to understand what Booth offers, how its programs work, and what the admission process involves, this guide walks you through the basics. This is informational content about the school — it does not represent an official Booth resource or admissions guidance.

Key Takeaways

  • Booth offers a full-time two-year MBA, a part-time evening and weekend MBA, and an Executive MBA for experienced professionals.
  • The full-time MBA uses a flexible curriculum where you choose most of your courses after the first year, rather than following a fixed track.
  • Admission typically requires the GMAT or GRE, transcripts, essays, and an interview.
  • Booth is located in Chicago and draws students from across the United States and internationally.

Full-Time MBA Program Structure

Booth's full-time MBA takes two years to complete. The first year includes required courses in accounting, economics, statistics, and core business functions. After the first year, you choose your own courses from a wide range of electives, allowing you to focus on areas like finance, consulting, marketing, or entrepreneurship.

The program emphasizes case method teaching in some courses, where you analyze real business situations and discuss solutions in class. You also complete group projects and internships, typically during the summer between your first and second year. Most students use the internship to test out a career path or industry before graduation.

Class sizes vary. Core courses in the first year have larger enrollments, while electives in the second year are smaller. The school brings in guest speakers and hosts recruiting events where employers interview students for full-time positions after graduation.

Part-Time and Executive MBA Options

Booth's part-time MBA is designed for people who work full-time. Classes meet in the evenings and on weekends, and the program takes three to five years depending on how many courses you take per term. The curriculum is similar to the full-time program, but the pace is slower to accommodate work schedules.

The Executive MBA is for professionals with significant work experience — typically at least ten years. It runs for 21 months with classes on weekends and some weekday modules. Cohorts are smaller and more focused on senior-level strategy and leadership topics.

Booth also offers specialized master's degrees in finance, analytics, and other fields that take one to two years. These are separate from the MBA and are designed for people who want deep informed in a specific area rather than a broad business education.

Admission Requirements and Process

To explore to Booth's full-time MBA, you typically need to submit GMAT or GRE scores, your undergraduate transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. The school does not publish a minimum score, but admitted students generally score in a certain range — you can find current class profiles on Booth's website.

The process includes essays where you explain your background, goals, and why you want to attend Booth. After you submit your process, the admissions office reviews it and may invite you to interview. Interviews are usually conducted by admissions staff or trained alumni and last about 30 minutes.

Part-time and Executive MBA applications follow a similar process but may have different timing and interview formats. Some part-time applicants interview virtually or in person depending on location.

Tuition, Costs, and Financing

Booth's full-time MBA tuition varies by year and is set by the University of Chicago. You also pay fees for student services, technology, and other expenses. The total cost of attendance — tuition plus living expenses — is substantial and varies depending on whether you live on or off campus and your personal spending.

Many students finance their MBA through loans, scholarships, employer sponsorship, or personal savings. Booth offers merit-based scholarships to admitted students, and some employers reimburse tuition for employees who pursue an MBA. The school's financial aid office can discuss loan options and scholarship opportunities during the admission process.

Part-time students often spread costs over a longer period since they take fewer courses per term. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for part-time study, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Location and Campus Life

Booth is located on the University of Chicago's campus in Hyde Park on the South Side of Chicago. The campus includes classrooms, a library, student lounges, and dining facilities. Chicago itself is a major business hub with headquarters for many Fortune 500 companies, which creates internship and job opportunities.

Full-time students live in or near Hyde Park, and the school has housing resources to help you find accommodation. Part-time students often live throughout the Chicago area and commute to evening classes. The school organizes student clubs, networking events, and social activities throughout the year.

Career Outcomes and Recruiting

Booth graduates work in consulting, finance, technology, marketing, and other industries. The school hosts recruiting events where employers interview students, and the career services office helps you with resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategy.

Many Booth graduates work for management consulting firms, investment banks, tech companies, and Fortune 500 corporations. Some start their own businesses. The school tracks employment outcomes and publishes data on where graduates work and what they earn, though individual results vary widely based on your background, goals, and the job market at the time you graduate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need work experience to get into Booth's full-time MBA?

Booth does not require a minimum amount of work experience for the full-time MBA, but most admitted students have some professional background — typically three to five years. The school values diverse backgrounds, so applicants with less experience can still be admitted if they show strong academics and clear goals.

Can I transfer between Booth's full-time and part-time programs?

Transferring between programs is possible but not common and requires approval from the admissions office. Most students choose one format at the start and complete it. If your circumstances change during the program, speak with your academic advisor about your options.

What is the difference between Booth's MBA and its specialized master's degrees?

The MBA is a broad business degree covering accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and strategy. Specialized master's degrees like the Master of Science in Finance focus deeply on one field. Choose an MBA if you want a general business education; choose a specialized master's if you want informed in a specific area.

Does Booth offer scholarships?

Yes, Booth awards merit-based scholarships to admitted students based on academic credentials, work experience, and other factors. Scholarship amounts vary. You learn about scholarship offers when you receive your admission decision. The financial aid office can also discuss loans and other funding sources.

How long does the admission decision take?

Timeline varies depending on when you explore and whether you interview. After you submit your process, the admissions office typically reviews it within a few weeks and contacts you if they want to interview. A final decision usually comes within a few weeks after your interview, though this varies by process round.