Deciding whether to pursue a graduate degree or certificate is a big step—and it’s normal to have questions along the way. At the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business at San José State University, we regularly hear from prospective students who are exploring how to advance their careers, expand their skills, or pivot into new opportunities.
To help reduce some of the uncertainty, we are answering a few of the most common questions we receive from prospective graduate students. If you’re considering one of our Master’s or Certificate programs, these FAQs are a great place to start, or dive even deeper at our upcoming Virtual Open House on January 24, 2026.
Do your programs and certificates require a specific undergraduate degree for admission?
Short answer: No.
Our Master’s programs are open to students from all academic backgrounds. Whether you studied business, engineering, humanities, science, or another discipline, you may be eligible to apply.
That said, some programs do have prerequisite requirements to ensure students are prepared for graduate-level coursework. These prerequisites vary by program, so we encourage applicants to review their program’s FAQ page for specific details on the admission requirements.
Are the GMAT and GRE required?
Good news: The GMAT and GRE are optional. While not required, it is recommended if your GPA is below a 3.0 (3.2 for MSFA).
How long does it take to receive an admission decision?
Admission timelines can vary. Once you submit all required application materials—including documents and any test scores required by Graduate Admissions and the Lucas Graduate School—your application will be reviewed. In most cases, this review takes approximately three weeks, but can vary if documents are not submitted timely.
Applications completed earlier in the admission cycle are typically reviewed more quickly, while those submitted later may require additional time. The Lucas Graduate School of Business admits on a rolling basis during the application period.
Take the Next Step: Join Our Virtual Open House
If you still have questions, or want to hear directly from program directors, students, and alumni, our Lucas College of Business Virtual Open House is the perfect next step. Registration is required, and we encourage you to sign up early.
At the event, you’ll:
- Learn how to navigate the application process
- Explore Business Master’s and Advanced Certificate programs
- Discover student opportunities, support, and resources
- Experience how we bring Silicon Valley to the classroom
- Participate in a live Q&A with program leaders
Register for the Virtual Open House.
Questions? Reach out to our office at lucas-school@sjsu.edu or 408-924-3420
About the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business
Lucas College and Graduate School of Business faculty, staff, students and alumni consistently make a significant impact in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Many graduates have gone on to excel in various industries, with a notable presence in Silicon Valley. These organizations recognize and value the exceptional education and skills our alumni bring to their roles, making San José State University a key contributor to the region’s thriving economy. With competitive tuition and outstanding career outcomes, our college is among the top institutions for return on investment (ROI), delivering unparalleled value for money in higher education. We offer MBA, PMBA, MSFA, MSAA and MSTM degrees at the graduate level and 14 different BSBA concentrations at the undergraduate level, the largest set of offerings among the CSUs. These include accounting, accounting information systems, business analytics, corporate accounting & finance, entrepreneurship, finance, general business, hospitality, tourism, & event management, human resources management, international business, management, management information systems, marketing, and operations & supply chain management.