Master's Programs Admissions

Join our Leeds Community

The MS programs at Leeds are ideal for people who are ready to distinguish themselves with a specialized skill set and position themselves for high-growth opportunities.

As you approach the start of the application process, it is important to understand the programs, the selection committee’s criteria, and the specific documents, records and information you’ll need in order to complete your application.
 

MS Admissions

Our admissions committee selects students who will achieve academic and professional success while adding value to the graduate community. We identify the most talented and diverse candidates through a holistic review of the application materials. Decisions are based on academic background and individual potential to contribute in the classroom and within the graduate community.

MS Accounting and MS Taxation Admissions

The MS Accounting and MS Taxation Programs welcome highly motivated applicants from a variety of backgrounds. Learn more about the MS Accounting and MS Taxation Admissions here.

Application Checklist

Plan ahead by understanding and acquiring the specific documents, records and information you’ll need in order to complete your application.

Application Checklist

  • Professional Resume
  • One Letter of Recommendation*
  • $70 Application Fee
  • Essay
  • Unofficial Transcripts**
  • GMAT or GRE:
    • FT-MBA (Limited Waivers Available)
    • Evening MBA & Hybrid MBA (Test Optional)
    • Executive MBA (Test Optional)
    • MS Programs (Test Optional)

*Recommendations should come from peers, supervisors, or mentors who are familiar with your professional accomplishments and character.
**Confirmed students must provide Official Transcripts for all institutions within the first term of the program

MS Finance and MS Real Estate

Round 1: October 7, 2024

Round 2: December 2, 2024

Round 3: February 3, 2025

Final International Deadline: 
March 5, 2025

Final Domestic Deadline: June 2, 2025

 

MS Analytics Programs (including Business, and Supply Chain Analytics)

Round 1: October 7, 2024

Round 2: December 2, 2024

Round 3: February 3, 2025

Final International Deadline: 
February 5, 2025

Final Domestic Deadline: May 12, 2025

Online, Online+, and Certificate Programs have the same deadlines as the in-person MS programs.

MS Accounting and MS Taxation

Spring 2025 Start

International Deadline: October 7, 2024

Domestic Deadline: December 2, 2024

Summer 2025 Start

International Deadline: February 3, 2025

Domestic Deadline: March 31, 2025

Fall 2025 Start

International Deadline: March 3, 2025

Domestic Deadline: April 7, 2025

A Complete Application Includes the Following Items:
 

 

Transcripts

Upload an unofficial transcript from each collegiate institution you have attended into the online application form. This includes community colleges, study abroad, summer sessions, and extension programs regardless of the length of attendance, whether or not courses were completed and whether or not you believe the record will affect your admission. These unofficial transcripts must include all courses and grades, must be issued in the original language and be accompanied by certified English translations when applicable. If you are offered admission, one official transcript for each university attended will be required prior to your enrollment in the first semester.

Official US/domestic transcripts must be sent electronically, directly from the institution, to us to be considered official. When you order your transcripts, send them directly to Gradprocessing@colorado.edu and we will match them to your application. Transcripts uploaded by you (the applicant) will not be considered official.

Official Non-US transcripts/foreign transcripts should be sent electronically, directly from the institution to intlgrad@colorado.edu. We can accept signed and sealed transcripts as well. Should you have questions, please contact us at Leedsgrad@colorado.edu. If you need to physically mail them, please mail your official documents to us at one of the following addresses.

Overnight/Express Mailing Address (DHL, UPS, FedEx):
Office of Admissions/International             
                     
3100 Marine Street - 65 UCB
Bldg RL3 Suite A122
Boulder, CO 80303-1058 USA
 
For standard international mail or mail within the US, including USPS Priority and Express:
Office of Admissions/International
3100 Marine St Suite A122
65 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0065 USA
 
 

 

Recommendations

One letter of recommendation is required but two can be submitted One should be from a person who has supervised or managed your work, a supervisor, or a person with whom you have a professional relationship (i.e. co-worker, colleague, client, vendor, etc.). Recommenders should be able to evaluate your potential to lead and manage others, personal qualities, interpersonal skills, and professional accomplishments. Recommendations are submitted online as part of the application.

 

 

Essay

Depending on the program, applicants must submit one of the following essays (up to 750 words):

  • MBA applicants: Discuss your career goals, leadership skills, values, and background. Explain how you will contribute to the Leeds community and why you have chosen Leeds.
  • MS applicants: Share your reasons for pursuing an MS at Leeds, highlighting relevant interests, experiences, and goals not shown on your transcript or test scores.

 

 

Applicant Interview (MBA Programs Only)

The interview is the final and most insightful piece of the MBA application process. Because a holistic review is quintessential for our program in molding the strongest and most diverse cohorts of leaders, the interview allows the committee to dive deeper into the applicant’s business acumen, goals, and aspirations in this program. The interview is conducted with either the Director, Associate Director, Assistant Director or a current MBA student. You must interview via Zoom unless you are on active duty on a US Military Base and/ or work in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF). There is no interview requirement for MS applicants.

 

 

Resume

Applicants are required to submit a copy of their current resume or Vita. Word, RTF or PDF files only. Your resume is used for your MBA interview.

 

 

Test Scores

The Leeds School of Business requires all Full-Time MBA to take the  (GMAT - GMAT code: 11S-Z2-95, ) or the  (GRE - GRE code: 4841 ). We do accept the GMAT Focus Edition. Test scores are valid for up to five (5) years. If you have taken the GMAT or GRE test more than one time, your highest test score will be used in the admissions evaluation.

We are test score optional for all MS programs and the PT-MBA programs: Evening MBA, Hybrid MBA, and Executive MBA programs. 

Limited test waivers are available for FT-MBA with the submission of a test waiver essay (Details Below).

The Test Waiver Essay should be no more than 750 words and should address the following two areas:

  • Describe the academic you: Describe how you will succeed in your graduate studies by including examples such as previous test scores, academic records, or quantitative and analytical strengths you possess. 
  • Describe the personal you: While academic/quantitative skills are important for success, providing the admissions committee with information on your study skills, ambitions and determination is also important.  Share any skills and successes relating to your professional background.

English Language Proficiency Tests

The Leeds graduate programs are rigorous both quantitatively and qualitatively and an excellent command of written and spoken English is essential. All international applicants must meet a minimum standard of English proficiency.

Accepted Tests of English Proficiency:
  1.  (iBT): A required minimum score of 80+ with a preferred score of 100. 
  2. : A required minimum score of 6.5+ (7.0+ for the MS Accounting and MS Taxation programs)
  3. :  A required minimum score of 120+ (on the 160 point scale)
 
Providing Score Reports
International applicants are required to provide a Verifiable English Proficiency Score Report for the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exam with their application. The test date must be within two years of the intended admission term for consideration. Verifiable Score Reports should contain the following information:
  • TOEFL Score Report: Applicant Name, Appointment Number, Date of Birth, and MyBest® Scores as of date.
  • IELTS Score Report: Applicant Name, Test Report Form Number (TRF), Date of Birth, and Test Date.
  • Duolingo Score Report: Applicant Name, Secure link to the Duolingo Certificate, and Test Date.
 
Other Ways to Demonstrate English Proficiency
The English proficiency requirement can also be satisfied under either of the following conditions:
1. Your studies at a previous university-level institution met ALL the following criteria:
  • The institution is in the U.S. or a qualifying country from the table below.
  • You have completed at least one year of full-time ACADEMIC study at that institution.
  • The date you completed your studies (or left the institution) is within two (2) years of your desired admission term,
    • Example 1: Your desired admission term is Fall 2025. Studies that ended in the Spring (April – June) of 2023 would meet the criterion.
    • Example 2: Your desired admission term is Fall 2025. Studies that ended in the Fall (October – December) of 2022 would not meet the criterion.
  • You provide transcripts for the institution that verify ALL the criteria have been met.
2. You are a citizen of a qualifying country.
  • International applicants who are citizens of a qualifying country from the list below are not required to provide proof of English proficiency and do NOT need to submit a Verifiable English Proficiency Score Report.
  • Qualifying Countries: Australia, Belize, Botswana, Canada (except Quebec), Commonwealth Caribbean, Ghana, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe.
Note: Enrollment in an English language program, including within the USA, does not fulfill the English proficiency requirement. We do not accept Medium of Instruction (MOI) letters as proof of English proficiency.
 
Providing “Official” Test Scores
Applicants and admitted students must submit a Verifiable Score Report with the application. If an applicant cannot provide a Verifiable Score Report, “Official” valid (unexpired) test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to the . To submit official scores, follow these instructions:
  • Official TOEFL test scores are only valid for two years from the test date. Login to your  and request your TOEFL score to be sent to the . Our school code 4841. If prompted for a Department Code, please use 99.
  • Official IELTS test scores are only valid for two years from the test date. Please request your IELTS test center report your score to our school using the information below (IELTS does not use school codes).
    1. - Masters & PhD, 3100 Marine Street, Suite A122, UCB 65, Boulder, CO 80303
  • Official Duolingo test scores are only valid for two years from the test date.  and ‘Send Results’ from inside the Duolingo application. Choose, “ – graduate” when prompted.

 

Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of $70.00 USD is required. Application fees may be paid by credit card, and applications will not be reviewed without payment of the fee. Do not send cash. Application fees are not refundable. We only waive the application fee for active-duty US military personnel, US military veterans, and CU Boulder campus alumni. We do not provide application fee waivers for any other candidates. 

 

Contact the Graduate Programs Office

Leeds School of Business

995 Regent Drive UCB 419
Boulder, CO 80309-0419
303.492.8397
leedsgrad@colorado.edu