BSBA Business Professional Admissions
The Eller College of Management BSBA degree program requires professional admission to the individual majors.
Students must apply to advance to their upper-division coursework. This application process is separate from the admission application to the University of Arizona for new first-year and transfer students.
The BSBA Admission process is designed to emulate a job search and vocationally prepare BSBA students. The application requires: reviewing minimum parameters, submitting an application, scheduling an advising appointment with an advisor, uploading professional documents, and participating in an interview experience.
Please fully review this page for information on the timeline, requirements and process. We also encourage you to review the FAQs. Once you are ready, you may apply for admission via the online application below.
Fall 2026-start APPLICATION (Coming February 2026)
Fall 2026-Start Application Details Coming In November
Follow a link below or scroll down to view details on the Eller College BSBA Professional Admission:
| Requirements and Process | Tips and FAQs |
|---|---|
| Timeline | Program Options |
| Eligibility Requirements | Orientation |
| Application Process | FAQs |
| Major Selection | |
| Important Notes |
Timeline
As a summary, you must complete these actions by the appropriate deadlines listed below:
- Attend orientation via Zoom, where you will learn about the application process and engage in breakout sessions to learn more about each major.
- Submit your application through eSMS. Do this ASAP, before working on documents.
- Schedule an advising appointment.
- Return to your application to upload your cover letter and resume.
- Review the values case and resources from the application packet.
- Participate in your interview experience.
The timeline below is for students planning to start in the Fall 2026 semester:
| Dates and Times | Required Professional Admission Activity |
|---|---|
| January 21st & 22nd 5-7pm Arizona time | Attend Professional Admission Orientations via Zoom Transfer students should plan to attend an additional session on January 22nd from 4:15-5pm, as well as RSVP for the January 22nd 5-7pm session. |
| January 21st at 5:00 pm through February 6th at 12pm noon Arizona time | Complete the Online Application in eSMS. A $55 fee will be applied to all students submitting a Professional Admission application. If you experience technical issues, please reach out to Chris Sogge at csogge@arizona.edu. |
| January 22nd - February 6th | Attend Mandatory Advising Appointment to confirm your eligibility. This step is required, and you must have submitted an application to schedule an appointment. These appointments may be in-person or via Zoom. |
| February 6th at 12pm noon Arizona time | Deadline for submitting an application. At this time, new transfer students must also apply for admission to the University of Arizona itself. |
| February 9th at 12pm noon Arizona time | Deadline for returning to submitted application with professional documents. Students who have submitted their application and scheduled their advising appointment have one final step to do. They must go back into their application portal to upload their Cover Letter and Resume by this date. You must have submitted the application itself first, after which you can upload your documents. Students who anticipate a scheduling conflict must also upload their Cohort Justification to the eSMS application portal as well. Students who submit a Cohort Justification by this time will be accommodated. After decision, cohorts will only be swapped for extreme situations. Review this step-by-step video of how to upload your documents to eSMS. Applications will be closed by this date. It will be too late to apply on Monday, February 9th. Applications were due Friday, February 6th at 12 Noon Arizona time. |
| February 20th & February 21st | Participate in Admissions Interviews *Friday February 20th afternoon: Virtual interviews. Interviews will ask you about the Values Case, available via the admissions packet at the top of this website. |
March 6th 5pm | Decision emails are sent to all applicants’ University of Arizona catmail accounts. Time and date are approximate and subject to change. |
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible to apply for Professional Admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Cumulative GPA
Minimum of a 2.75 based on your completed and graded units. These are defined as courses in which a student earned a grade of A, B, C, D, E, or F. Courses designated as pass/fail do not calculate. This minimum is subject to change in future semesters.
- If you have 12 or more completed and graded University of Arizona units, only your UA GPA is used for this cumulative GPA requirement. If you are below a 2.75 UA GPA, speak to an advisor to explore options to raise your GPA.
- If you have between 1 and 11 completed and graded University of Arizona units, a Transfer GPA will be calculated using coursework from all transfer institutions attended, with all attempts included. This transfer GPA is used for your admissions GPA and must be a minimum 2.75. You must also ensure that you have a minimum 2.0 UA GPA by the time you would begin the upper-division coursework to meet academic eligibility. Speak to an advisor for a personalized review of your GPA if you have any questions.
- If you have 0 completed and graded University of Arizona units, a Transfer GPA will be calculated using coursework from all transfer institutions attended, with all attempts included. This transfer GPA is used for your admissions GPA and must be a minimum 2.75. Do not forget to also apply to UA itself to become a UA student. If you are below a 2.75 Transfer GPA, speak to an advisor to explore options to raise your GPA.
Units
Have completed a minimum of 36 units of work acceptable to UA and be on track to complete 50 credits by the end of the semester in which applying.
Foundational Coursework
- All applicants must have appropriate completion of their foundation coursework, with some allowable in progress. Any in progress courses must be successfully passed by the end of the semester in which a student applies. Students who do not pass every progress foundation courses will have their Professional Admission revoked. The required courses are:
- Accounting Sequence:
At least one complete and the other can be in progress. Acceptable courses include:
ACCT 200 and ACCT 210 - Business Math and Statistics Sequence:
At least two complete and the third can be in progress. Acceptable courses include:
MATH 116, BNAN 276 and BNAN 277.
Note: Math 116 can be replaced with an approved Calculus course - English Composition Sequence:
At least one complete, and the final course in the sequence can be in progress. Acceptable course sequences include:
ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 OR
ENGL 101A and ENGL 102 OR
ENGL 107 and ENGL 108 OR
ENGL 106, ENGL 107 and ENGL 108 OR
ENGL 109H (requires a minimum grade of C, and may be in progress) - Economics Sequence:
Acceptable course(s) include:
ECON 200 (may be in progress) OR
ECON 201A and ECON 201B (one complete and one may be in progress) - Management Information Systems Course(s):
Up to two classes may be in progress. Acceptable courses include:
MIS 111 and MIS 112
Note: If you are an Arizona transfer student, please speak with an advisor for more information on the MIS 112 requirement. - Business Communication Course:
Up to one class may be in progress. Acceptable courses include:
BCOM 214
Note: Transfer students who do not have a BCOM 214 equivalent at their school may still apply. Instead, they will be required to take BCOM 315 for their communication need once they are in the upper-division.
- Accounting Sequence:
Foundation GPA
In addition to ensuring that the above courses are satisfied, a Foundation GPA calculation will be used as an additional application evaluation metric. The Foundation GPA is comprised of all attempts at all foundation courses, including from transfer institutions, and regardless of any repeat or exclusion policies. While Foundation GPA impacts an applicant's ranking, there is no minimum GPA at this time, though it is subject to change in future semesters.
For example, if a student received a D in a course, and repeated it with an A grade, the foundation GPA calculation would utilize both attempt grades. As another example, if a student received a D in a transfer course, and took the course again at the UA with a B grade, the foundation GPA calculation would utilize both attempt grades.
Academic Eligibility
Students must have an Academic Eligibility status (UA GPA of 2.0 or higher) at the UA in order to be eligible to start the cohort. Students may not start the upper-division cohort on Academic Warning or Academic Probation (UA GPA below 2.0). If you have at least 1 credit of coursework at the UA, confirm that you will be at a 2.0 by the time you would begin your upper-division coursework.
A $55 fee will be applied to all eligible students submitting a Professional Admissions application. The fee will be charged to the Bursar Account of all UA students. Transfer students who do not have a UA Bursar Account must pay the fee with a credit card when they submit their application.
In addition to the requirements above, there are considerations for various populations:
All students entering the Professional Program must possess a high level of language proficiency (speaking, writing, listening and reading) and a high level of interpersonal competency for success and satisfaction.
To demonstrate receptive language proficiency (reading and listening), all applicants who were admitted to the University of Arizona as an International student must submit proofs of high-level of English proficiency. Students must have completed this requirement, and the official scores must be displayed in UAccess at the time of application:
- TOEFL score of at least 79. MyBest or iBT (internet based test) are acceptable.
- IELTS score of at least 6.5
- CESL endorsement
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing at least 580 or ACT English at least 21 upon admission to the UA
- CEPT Full Test score of at least 110 (See more information below regarding UA CEPT test)
Duolingo score of at least 105
Transfer Students (who have earned less than 12 UA graded credits) may apply for Professional Admission during their last semester at their Community College even if they have not been officially accepted to The University of Arizona. The University of Arizona application must be in progress at the time of application.
Transfer students will RSVP for the Thursday Orientation session in the Timeline section above. They also must plan to attend an additional session at 4:15pm prior to that Orientation, providing an overview of what to expect as a transfer student.
Please review the foundation courses offered through Arizona's Community Colleges under Admissions for Transfer Students.
The Admission With Excellence (AWE) initiative was designed to recognize the academic efforts of all high-achieving Eller students and support them in their professional development during their time at UA as they prepare for future career opportunities.
Effective in Fall 2024, student AWE qualifications are:
- Enrollment as a University of Arizona student
- A minimum 3.75 Cumulative GPA at the time of application, as calculated above.
- A minimum 3.75 Foundation GPA at the time of application, as calculated above.
Students who meet the above criteria for AWE will be guaranteed:
- Professional admission to the Eller College in their first choice of major.
- Professional Admission interview experience related to their field of interest.
The Professional Admission timeline and process will look slightly different for AWE students. Students who have calculated their GPA to confirm they meet the qualifications should attend the AWE Professional Admission Orientation, submit the online application through eSMS and then meet with an Academic Advisor. More information will be shared at the required advising appointment (following submission of the online application through eSMS).
Although admission to the Eller College is guaranteed for Admission With Excellence applicants, each student is still expected to meet all stated deadlines and requirements throughout the Professional Admission process.
The BSBA Admission process is designed to emulate a job search and vocationally prepare BSBA students. Accordingly, all applicants must adhere to the timeline above.
The Professional Admission process requires the following steps:
- Review eligibility and confirm that you meet all requirements.
- Attend either day of Professional Admission Orientation.
- Submit the Application online. You must first submit the online application to then schedule your advising appointment.
- Late applications will not be accepted.
- Submit your application before you begin to work on your cover letter and resume.
- Attend a mandatory academic advising appointment. Advising appointments will be conducted via Zoom or in-person. Casual attire is acceptable.
- Upload your required materials to your eSMS Application Portal online by the required deadline (late uploads will not be accepted).
- Cover Letter: explains reason for pursuing chosen major, as well as personal accomplishments and career goals
- Resume: highlights your experiences and accomplishments
- Cohort Justification: This optional document is for anyone who anticipates a schedule conflict when they begin the upper-division coursework. Students who submit a Cohort Justification by this time will be accommodated. After decision, cohorts will only be swapped for extreme situations. Some examples of proof of time conflicts include but are not limited to:
- Letter from employer detailing work schedule
- Letter from childcare provider indicating hours of accommodation
- Any other documentation that demonstrates your need
- Any students needing accommodations due to health concerns should contact the Specialist for Professional Admission.
- Having issues uploading your documents? Check out this step-by-step video of how to upload your documents to eSMS.
- Prepare for the interview. There are several components, which include a one-minute introduction; questions related to the characteristics valuable to Eller, such as business knowledge and interest, communication, collaboration, engagement, and social responsibility; and a question on a values case that changes each semester. The specific values case and recommended analysis model are provided on the application packet via the blue box at the top of this page, directly below the application link.
- Participate in a Professional Admission Interview. Interviews will be scheduled during the mandatory advising appointment.
Whether you need help on your cover letter, resume and interview skills, you are encouraged to use the resources that the Professional Development Center offers.
Major Selection
Each department admits as many students as possible, but some majors may fill to capacity. Applicants are ranked based on their metrics and performance in the following:
- Cumulative GPA and Foundation GPA
- Some competitive majors may also review grades in individual Foundation courses. The Dhaliwal-Reidy School of Accountancy will consider the final grades of ACCT 200 and/or ACCT 210 for students applying for the Accounting major.
- Combination score of Cover Letter, Resume, and Interview
In the application students indicate their top 3 choices of major. Eller works to accommodate students in their top choices, moving to their second and third choice only if their first is already at capacity. In rare cases, students are accommodated for a fourth choice major in any majors that are not yet filled.
Students admitted to alternate majors are provided with the following options:
- Transition into the assigned major, recognizing many disciplines have similar career outcomes. Check out 'What Can I Do With My Major?' for helpful information. Consider supplementing the admitted major with an Eller certificate, or planning for a graduate program. Meet with your advisor to discuss adding a certificate.
- Begin the assigned major and apply to add or change your primary major in the 1st or 2nd semester of the upper division. Note that the opportunity to add or change a major is still dependent upon space in that major. You can learn more on the Add or Change Undergraduate Major website.
- Decline admission and reapply for Professional Admission in a future semester. Note that students have only 2 chances to apply, and a decline counts as 1.
- Historically, higher percentages of students are admitted to their preferred choice of major in Spring-start application periods.
- Connect with your advisor to explore course enrollment options if you are thinking of declining your admission offer.
Important Notes
Students are guaranteed Business Management.
All students meeting minimum eligibility are guaranteed the Business Management major for upper-division coursework. All majors other than Business Management are still competitive and not guaranteed.
Students have a maximum of two attempts at application to the Professional Program.
Deferrals are not an option in the application, and students have two attempts at applying. A student attempt includes: not being admitted, admitted but then revoked admission due to not completing all eligibility requirements, declining admission offer prior to starting the cohort, or dropping all classes during the first semester of the cohort.
Students worried about travel or study abroad conflicts should connect with an advisor to explore timelines. Note that applicants may participate in the interview process virtually and may complete their application submission from anywhere.
Students are conditionally admitted to both the College and the individual major.
We are committed to admitting a talented class to our cohort every semester. As such, admission is based on both College and department demands. Students who were admitted to a major and wish to change that major must wait to apply to change until their first or second semester of the upper-division. Students are encouraged to research their major choice carefully before submitting their completed application.
Students are conditionally admitted to the College based on the following areas:
- All remaining Foundation courses must be successfully completed with a passing (or transferable) grade at the end of the regular semester in which you are applying.
- A total of 50 units must be completed at the end of the semester in which you are applying.
- Students must demonstrate professional competencies in the areas of a cover letter, resume, and interview. Admitted students who score below a level determined to be satisfactory will be required to attend a Professional Development Competency Workshop and complete any supporting assignments. Students who do not meet the competency requirements will be revoked and the applicant must re-apply for Professional Admission in a future semester.
- Students must be in Good Academic Standing with a 2.0 (or higher) GPA in order to start the professional program. This includes students who have at least 1 unit of credit at UA, even if they have not attended the UA in some time. Connect with an advisor if you have less than a 2.0 UA GPA.
Students will complete their cohort in the regular fall/spring semesters. Courses are available during the day. Majors available in this cohort include Accounting (ACCT), Business Analytics (BNAN), Business Economics (BNEC), Business Management (BMGT), Finance (FIN), Management Information Systems (MIS), Marketing (MKTG), and Operations & Supply Chain Management (OSCM).
At the time of Professional Admission, students will be randomly assigned to a cohort, which will determine the scheduling of the majority of their upper-division classes. For example cohort schedules, please view the sample schedules.
Students who have concerns about time conflicts should speak with an advisor during the application process. Students will also need to submit appropriate documentation of their time conflict. All requests will be considered, but we cannot guarantee that all students will be accommodated. Cohort assignments will be included in decision emails. After decisions, only extenuating circumstances will be reviewed for a cohort swap due to capacity constraints.
Students will complete their first semester core upper-division courses over the Summer in another country, accompanied by Eller staff and faculty. Majors available in this cohort include Accounting (ACCT), Business Analytics (BNAN), Business Economics (BNEC), Business Management (BMGT), Finance (FIN), Management Information Systems (MIS), Marketing (MKTG), and Operations & Supply Chain Management (OSCM).
Students are eligible to start the Eller Global Cohort program in Summer only and must be applying for Professional Admissions for a Fall-start semester. The Global Cohort is designed to accelerate student’s first semester core upper-division coursework over the Summer, as well as enhancing their global perspectives. Upon successful completion of the Global Cohort program, students will be integrated into the Traditional Cohort in Tucson for the Fall semester. Please review the Eller Global Cohort program page to determine if the program is right for you.
Students will complete their upper-division courses fully online. Majors available include Business Administration (BNAD) and Accounting (ACCT) as well as several (optional) Eller certificates. Students are eligible to start the Eller Online Undergraduate program in fall, spring or summer. The Online Cohort is designed to be completed in four semesters, with 12 credits per semester.
Students will complete their upper-division courses through the Bachelors of Arts in Economics in the Eller College of Management. Students are required to complete a minor, which can be through the Eller College or any other minor.
Professional Admissions Orientation & Recordings
Orientation attendance is mandatory for all students applying for Professional Admission. Dates and times are found on the timeline section above, and are subject to change.
General Orientation: RSVP through eSMS.
- RSVPs will open through eSMS on the second day of the semester.
- Navigate to the "RSVP" option across the top menu, select the department as "Eller Undergraduate Programs", and the type "Professional Admissions" to search. Attend the session based on your last name if possible. If you have a time conflict, attend the other session.
- As it is virtual, casual attire is appropriate for all Professional Admission Orientation sessions.
Transfer Student Orientation: No RSVP required.
- New and Incoming Transfer Students: Attend an Orientation Session to learn more about the unique differences for Transfer students.
- Thursday, September 4th at 4:00 p.m. Arizona time
- Modality: Zoom (link coming late January 2026)
- Plan to also attend the General Orientation on Thursday from 5-7pm. See "RSVP" section above for details.
- If you have questions, please contact Siena Coronado, Eller Undergraduate academic advisor.
Breakout Sessions: After the initial presentation there are two breakout sessions for you to learn more about each major. These sessions are also recorded, and links will be provided here after the orientation.
Recordings: Fall 2025 recordings are now posted and are available for 130 days
Orientations and Information Sessions
- Traditional Student Orientation
- Admission with Excellence (AWE) Orientation
- Transfer Student Orientation Session
Major Break-Out Sessions
- Accounting
- Online Majors (BNAD and ACCT)
- Business Analytics
- Business Economics
- Business Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance Major
- Management Information Systems & Operations and Supply Chain Management Majors
- Marketing
FAQs