Barry PhilipsTexas is one of the most attractive states in the United States for students who want to study business, management, finance, accounting, entrepreneurship, marketing, business analytics or related disciplines. The state is home to major economic centres such as Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio, creating opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with large corporations, startups, financial institutions, technology companies and other industries.
There are numerous business schools in Texas offering undergraduate business degrees, Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes, specialized master’s degrees, executive programmes and doctoral degrees.
However, admission requirements vary considerably from one institution and programme to another. Some schools require GMAT or GRE scores, while others have moved toward test-optional or test-waiver policies. International students may also need to provide evidence of English-language proficiency.
This guide highlights prominent business schools in Texas and their general admission requirements, with particular attention to graduate business and MBA programmes.
Top Business Schools In Texas
1. The University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business
The McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin is one of the most prominent business schools in Texas. It offers undergraduate, MBA, master’s and doctoral programmes across several business disciplines.
For graduate applicants, the university generally requires a bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution or an equivalent international qualification. UT Austin’s general graduate admission requirements also include academic requirements, while individual programmes establish additional requirements. McCombs master’s and doctoral applicants are required to submit a satisfactory GMAT or GRE score unless the particular programme provides an applicable alternative or waiver.
For the Full-Time MBA, McCombs recommends applicants have at least two years of professional experience by the time the programme begins. Applicants should also prepare academic transcripts, test scores where applicable and the other programme-specific application materials.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Academic transcripts
- GMAT/GRE where required
- Professional experience, particularly for MBA applicants
- Application form
- Essays and supporting materials
- Recommendations where required
- English-language proficiency for applicable international applicants
2. Rice University – Jones Graduate School of Business
Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business is located in Houston and offers several MBA formats, including full-time, professional, executive and online options.
For the Full-Time MBA, applicants need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. Rice also requires an application, application fee, standardized test score such as GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment, and an interview for applicants invited to interview. Test-waiver possibilities exist for certain applicants.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Academic transcripts
- MBA application
- GMAT, GRE or accepted alternative where applicable
- Essays
- Resume
- Recommendations
- Interview when invited
- English proficiency where applicable
3. Texas A&M University – Mays Business School
Mays Business School at Texas A&M University in College Station is another major Texas business school.
It provides undergraduate and graduate business education in areas such as accounting, finance, management, marketing, supply chain and other fields.
MBA applicants should expect to provide an undergraduate degree, transcripts, application materials and evidence of academic and professional preparation. Requirements can differ depending on whether an applicant is applying to the Full-Time MBA, Professional MBA or another graduate programme.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Academic transcripts
- Resume
- Application
- Essays or personal statements
- Professional references
- GMAT/GRE or an approved waiver where applicable
- English proficiency for qualifying international applicants
4. Southern Methodist University – Cox School of Business
Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business is located in Dallas and benefits from its proximity to one of America’s major business centres.
Cox offers full-time and one-year MBA programmes as well as specialized business master’s degrees.
For its Full-Time MBA, the application includes an online application, professional résumé, essays, transcripts and two professional references. GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment scores are currently optional for the programme, while interviews are conducted by invitation. International applicants may need TOEFL or IELTS scores.
The One-Year MBA similarly uses a test-optional approach, with applicants submitting an application, résumé, essays, transcripts and professional references.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Professional résumé
- Essays
- Professional references
- Optional GMAT/GRE/EA
- English proficiency for applicable international applicants
- Interview if invited
5. Baylor University – Hankamer School of Business
Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business is located in Waco and offers a range of business programmes.
Its graduate offerings include MBA programmes designed for different professional stages and career objectives.
Requirements depend on the specific MBA format. For example, Baylor’s Dallas MBA lists an undergraduate degree, official transcripts, résumé, essay, two recommendation letters and at least three years of professional work experience among its requirements.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Résumé
- Essays
- Recommendations
- Professional experience for applicable MBA programmes
- Programme-specific test requirements
6. University of Texas at Dallas – Naveen Jindal School of Management
The University of Texas at Dallas is particularly attractive to students interested in business, technology, analytics and management because of its location in the Dallas–Fort Worth business ecosystem.
The Naveen Jindal School of Management offers MBA and specialized master’s programmes.
For the MBA, applicants are generally expected to provide a recommendation, statement of purpose or essays, résumé and GRE/GMAT scores, although test-waiver provisions may apply to qualifying applicants.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Résumé
- Statement of purpose
- Recommendation
- GMAT/GRE or qualifying waiver
- Additional essays for certain MBA formats
- English proficiency where applicable
7. University of Houston – C. T. Bauer College of Business
The C. T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston is a major business school serving students in one of America’s largest commercial and energy centres.
Bauer offers full-time, professional, executive and online MBA options.
For its Professional MBA, applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree or higher, application materials, résumé/goal statement, recommendation and relevant academic information. Bauer also allows qualifying applicants to request GMAT/GRE waivers.
For international applicants, English-language requirements depend on the applicant’s educational background and circumstances.
Typical requirements include:
- Four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Transcripts
- Résumé
- Goal statement
- Recommendation
- GMAT/GRE or waiver where applicable
- English proficiency where required
8. Texas Christian University – Neeley School of Business
The Neeley School of Business at TCU in Fort Worth offers undergraduate and graduate business education.
Its Full-Time MBA requirements include transcripts, résumé, basic mathematics proficiency, professional recommender information and application essays. GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment scores are optional under the current holistic admissions approach for the Full-Time MBA, although the school notes that test scores can be considered. Interviews are conducted by invitation.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Résumé
- Basic mathematics preparation
- Essays
- Professional recommendations
- GMAT/GRE/EA where applicable
- Interview if invited
9. Texas Tech University – Rawls College of Business
Texas Tech University’s Rawls College of Business in Lubbock offers business education at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Graduate admission is based on factors including undergraduate GPA, test scores where applicable and the applicant’s overall profile. Rawls also requires graduate students to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA during their programme.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Academic transcripts
- Competitive GPA
- GMAT/GRE where required
- Résumé or professional profile
- Programme-specific application materials
- English proficiency where applicable
10. University of Texas at San Antonio – Alvarez College of Business
The Alvarez College of Business at UT San Antonio provides business education in a major Texas metropolitan area.
Its MBA programme uses holistic evaluation. Applicants are expected to submit an application, transcripts, personal statement, résumé and references. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted examination when required.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Personal statement
- Résumé
- At least two references
- English proficiency for applicable international applicants
- Additional university requirements
11. University of North Texas – G. Brint Ryan College of Business
The G. Brint Ryan College of Business at the University of North Texas in Denton offers undergraduate, graduate and professional business education.
Its location in the Dallas–Fort Worth region gives students access to a large commercial and employment market.
Applicants should expect programme-specific requirements that can include a bachelor’s degree, transcripts, résumé, statement of purpose, recommendations and standardized test scores or qualifying waivers.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Application
- Résumé
- Statement of purpose
- Recommendations
- GMAT/GRE where applicable
- English proficiency for international applicants
12. Texas State University – McCoy College of Business
Texas State University’s McCoy College of Business offers undergraduate and graduate business programmes.
For its MBA, applicants need an online application, application fee, bachelor’s degree, transcripts and a competitive academic record. The programme has specific English-proficiency requirements for applicants who are not exempt. For the in-person MBA, GMAT/GRE requirements can depend on GPA, while the accelerated online MBA does not require the GRE/GMAT.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Competitive GPA
- Application
- Application fee
- GMAT/GRE depending on programme and academic profile
- English proficiency where required
13. University of Texas at Arlington – College of Business
The University of Texas at Arlington College of Business offers undergraduate and graduate programmes in areas such as accounting, finance, management, marketing and business analytics.
Its location between Dallas and Fort Worth makes it particularly relevant for students interested in the North Texas business market.
MBA and graduate applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree, transcripts and programme-specific application materials. Some programmes may require or recommend GMAT/GRE scores, while waiver options can be available depending on the programme.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Application
- Résumé
- Statement or essays where required
- GMAT/GRE depending on programme
- English proficiency where applicable
14. University of Texas at El Paso – Woody L. Hunt College of Business
UTEP’s Woody L. Hunt College of Business provides business education in El Paso, a major commercial centre along the U.S.–Mexico border.
The school offers undergraduate and graduate business programmes.
MBA applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, transcripts and programme-specific application materials. International applicants may also need to demonstrate English proficiency.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Application
- Résumé
- Statement or essays
- Test scores where applicable
- English proficiency where required
15. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship
The Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship at UTRGV provides business programmes across the Rio Grande Valley.
Its offerings cover traditional business fields as well as entrepreneurship and related disciplines.
Graduate applicants should generally prepare a bachelor’s degree, transcripts, application materials and any programme-specific test or English-proficiency requirements.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Academic transcripts
- Application
- Résumé
- Statement of purpose where required
- Recommendations where required
- GMAT/GRE if applicable
- English proficiency where applicable
16. Trinity University – Business Programmes
Trinity University in San Antonio offers business education with an emphasis on undergraduate and graduate-level professional development.
Students interested in management, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship and related fields can explore its business offerings.
Graduate admission requirements vary by programme and may include an undergraduate degree, transcripts, application essays, résumé and recommendations.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Academic records
- Application
- Résumé
- Essays
- Recommendations
- Programme-specific requirements
17. St. Mary’s University – Greehey School of Business
St. Mary’s University in San Antonio operates the Greehey School of Business, which offers business education at different levels.
Its programmes cover areas including accounting, finance, management, marketing and entrepreneurship.
Applicants to graduate business programmes should check the specific programme because requirements can differ between an MBA and specialized master’s degree.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Application
- Résumé
- Essays or personal statement
- Recommendations where required
- GMAT/GRE depending on programme
- English proficiency where applicable
18. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi – College of Business
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers business programmes through its College of Business.
The university provides opportunities for students interested in business administration, accounting, finance, management and related areas.
Graduate applicants generally need an appropriate bachelor’s degree, transcripts and application materials. Additional requirements depend on the chosen graduate programme.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Application
- Résumé
- Statement or essay
- Test scores where required
- English proficiency for applicable international applicants
19. Texas A&M University-Kingsville – College of Business Administration
Texas A&M University-Kingsville provides undergraduate and graduate business education.
Its MBA admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, completion of prerequisite foundation courses and an acceptable GMAT or GRE score. However, applicants with at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA may qualify for a GMAT/GRE exemption, while applicants with an advanced degree may also qualify for waiver consideration. International applicants may need TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Prerequisite foundation courses
- GMAT/GRE or qualifying exemption
- Transcripts
- English proficiency where required
20. Sam Houston State University – College of Business Administration
Sam Houston State University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate business programmes.
Its College of Business Administration is located in Huntsville, Texas, while some programmes are designed to accommodate working professionals and students seeking flexible study arrangements.
MBA applicants should generally prepare a bachelor’s degree, transcripts and programme-specific application materials. Standardized testing requirements depend on the particular programme.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Application
- Résumé where required
- Statement/essay where required
- GMAT/GRE depending on programme
- English proficiency where applicable
21. Lamar University – College of Business
Lamar University in Beaumont offers business programmes for students interested in fields such as accounting, finance, management and marketing.
Its graduate business offerings can be particularly relevant for students looking for a Texas MBA or related master’s degree.
Requirements vary by programme, but applicants should normally expect to submit academic records, an application and evidence of meeting the relevant academic requirements.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Application
- Résumé where required
- Statement or essay
- GMAT/GRE where applicable
- English proficiency where applicable
22. West Texas A&M University – Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business
West Texas A&M University offers business education through the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business.
The university provides programmes covering traditional business disciplines as well as graduate business education.
Applicants should check the specific MBA or master’s programme because admission requirements can differ according to programme format and applicant status.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Application
- Academic requirements
- Résumé or professional information where required
- GMAT/GRE where applicable
- English proficiency for international applicants
Common Requirements for Business Schools in Texas
Although every school has its own admission process, there are several requirements that appear repeatedly.
Bachelor’s Degree
For most MBA and graduate business programmes, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
International students normally need an academic credential that the university considers equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
Academic Transcripts
Universities generally require transcripts from institutions previously attended.
Transcripts allow admissions committees to evaluate an applicant’s academic performance, courses completed and preparation for graduate-level study.
GMAT or GRE
The GMAT and GRE remain relevant at some Texas business schools, but testing policies have become more flexible.
For example, UT Austin’s graduate requirements identify GMAT/GRE requirements for McCombs master’s and doctoral applicants, while schools such as SMU Cox and TCU Neeley currently offer test-optional approaches for certain MBA programmes.
Therefore, applicants should not assume that every Texas MBA requires the GMAT.
Work Experience
Professional experience is particularly important for many MBA programmes, although the amount required varies.
Some programmes are designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals, while Executive MBA and Professional MBA programmes generally target applicants with substantial professional experience.
Résumé or CV
A professional résumé is commonly requested for MBA applications.
Applicants should highlight:
- Employment history
- Leadership experience
- Volunteer activities
- Professional achievements
- Entrepreneurship
- Community involvement
- Relevant certifications
- Internships
- Major projects
Essays and Personal Statements
Business schools often want applicants to explain their career objectives, leadership experiences, motivations and reasons for choosing a particular programme.
A strong essay should demonstrate a clear connection between the applicant’s previous experience, present goals and future career plans.
Recommendations
Some business schools request recommendation letters, while others simply ask applicants to provide the contact information of professional references.
The number varies by school.
English-Language Proficiency
International applicants whose previous education does not meet a university’s English-language exemption rules may need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or Duolingo English Test scores.
For example, UT San Antonio lists minimum English-language scores for applicants who are required to demonstrate proficiency, while Texas State also specifies minimum scores for its MBA programme.
Application Fee
Application fees vary considerably.
Some schools charge application fees, while others may waive fees for particular programmes or applicant categories. SMU Cox, for example, currently lists no application fee for its MBA applications.
Business School Requirements for International Students
International students can apply to many Texas business schools, but there are several additional considerations.
First, the applicant’s bachelor’s degree must generally be considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
Second, international transcripts may need evaluation or verification depending on the institution.
Third, English-language proficiency may be required.
Fourth, international students seeking an F-1 visa should pay attention to programme delivery format, financial documentation and university immigration requirements.
Applicants should also check whether a programme has a separate international application deadline. Some schools establish earlier deadlines for students who require visas.
How to Choose a Business School in Texas
Rather than looking only at a school’s name, prospective students should consider several factors.
Programme Specialization
Someone interested in investment banking may have different priorities from someone interested in entrepreneurship, marketing, technology management or supply chain.
MBA Format
Texas business schools offer different formats, including:
- Full-time MBA
- Part-time MBA
- Professional MBA
- Executive MBA
- Online MBA
- Accelerated MBA
Choosing the right format can be as important as choosing the university.
Location
Austin, Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth and San Antonio all provide different business environments.
Students should consider where they want to build professional relationships and potentially work after graduation.
Cost
Tuition is only one part of the total cost. Students should also consider:
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Food
- Insurance
- Books
- Technology
- Student fees
- Visa-related expenses for international students
Career Services
Prospective students should investigate internships, career coaching, employer relationships, alumni networks and employment opportunities associated with their programme.
Comparison Table: Business Schools in Texas and General Requirements
| Business School | Location | Major Business Options | Common Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| UT Austin McCombs | Austin | MBA, Master’s, Undergraduate | Bachelor’s degree, transcripts, programme-specific test, essays, recommendations |
| Rice Jones | Houston | MBA, Master’s | Bachelor’s degree, transcripts, GMAT/GRE/EA or applicable waiver, application, interview |
| Texas A&M Mays | College Station | MBA, Master’s, Undergraduate | Bachelor’s degree, transcripts, application, résumé, programme-specific testing |
| SMU Cox | Dallas | Full-Time & One-Year MBA, Master’s | Bachelor’s degree, résumé, essays, transcripts, references, optional test |
| Baylor Hankamer | Waco | MBA, Master’s, Undergraduate | Bachelor’s degree, transcripts, résumé, essays, recommendations |
| UT Dallas Jindal | Richardson | MBA, Master’s | Bachelor’s degree, résumé, statement, recommendation, GMAT/GRE or waiver |
| UH Bauer | Houston | MBA, Executive MBA, Online MBA | Bachelor’s degree, application, résumé, goals, recommendation, test/waiver |
| TCU Neeley | Fort Worth | MBA, Professional MBA, Executive MBA | Degree, transcripts, résumé, essays, recommendations, test depending on programme |
| Texas Tech Rawls | Lubbock | MBA, Master’s, Undergraduate | Degree, GPA, transcripts, test/profile requirements |
| UTSA Alvarez | San Antonio | MBA, Master’s | Degree, transcripts, statement, résumé, references, English test if required |
| UNT Ryan | Denton | MBA, Master’s, Undergraduate | Degree, transcripts, résumé, statement, recommendations |
| Texas State McCoy | San Marcos | MBA, Undergraduate | Degree, transcripts, GPA, application, test depending on format |
| UT Arlington College of Business | Arlington | MBA, Master’s, Undergraduate | Degree, transcripts, application, programme-specific requirements |
| UTEP Hunt | El Paso | MBA, Master’s, Undergraduate | Degree, transcripts, application, programme-specific requirements |
| UTRGV Vackar | Edinburg/Brownsville | MBA, Master’s, Undergraduate | Degree, transcripts, application, programme-specific requirements |
| Trinity University | San Antonio | Business & Management | Degree, transcripts, application, essays/recommendations where applicable |
| St. Mary’s Greehey | San Antonio | MBA, Business Master’s | Degree, transcripts, application, programme-specific requirements |
| Texas A&M-Corpus Christi | Corpus Christi | MBA, Business Degrees | Degree, transcripts, application, programme-specific requirements |
| Texas A&M-Kingsville | Kingsville | MBA, Business Degrees | Degree, prerequisites, GMAT/GRE or qualifying exemption, English test if required |
| Sam Houston State | Huntsville | MBA, Business Degrees | Degree, transcripts, application, programme-specific requirements |
| Lamar University | Beaumont | MBA, Business Degrees | Degree, transcripts, application, programme-specific requirements |
| West Texas A&M | Canyon | MBA, Business Degrees | Degree, transcripts, application, programme-specific requirements |
Related
Conclusion
Texas offers a broad selection of business schools for students at different stages of their academic and professional journeys. From large research universities such as UT Austin and Texas A&M to private institutions such as Rice, SMU, Baylor and TCU, prospective students have numerous options.
The admission requirements also vary significantly. While a bachelor’s degree and academic transcripts are common requirements, GMAT and GRE policies differ from school to school. Some institutions have introduced test-optional policies or provide test waivers for applicants who demonstrate academic, quantitative or professional strength.
For international students, English-language proficiency is another important consideration. Applicants should also pay attention to application deadlines, visa timelines, financial requirements and programme format.
The best approach is to identify the type of business programme you want first—such as a Full-Time MBA, Executive MBA, Online MBA, Master’s in Finance, Business Analytics or undergraduate business degree—and then compare the Texas schools offering that programme.
Because admission policies can change, prospective students should always verify the requirements, deadlines and testing policies for their chosen programme before applying.