Mendoza School of Business

Notre Dame MBA launches new deferred admission program

Published: August 29, 2025 / Author: Carol Elliott



Three Notre Dame MBA candidates walk across campus talking and smiling.

Photo by Barbara Johnston/University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame MBA program is unveiling a new opportunity for undergraduates and early career professionals to gain admission and take the next step in their business education.

The Notre Dame MBA Deferred Admission Program allows candidates with little or no work experience, including college seniors, to secure admission before reaching the recommended three years of work experience to enroll.

A group of four MBA students sit in front of a window in Stayer Center and discuss classwork with their laptops in front of them.

Photo by Matt Cashore/University of Notre Dame

“Notre Dame’s College of Business is eager to support those candidates who have strong career aspirations, but who may not yet have the work experience recommended to enroll in our College,” said Gianna Bern, associate dean for the Notre Dame MBA. “We are excited to build upon the high standards of our Notre Dame MBA program by welcoming applications from prospective students who have great potential and impressive trajectories.”

The steps for the Notre Dame MBA Deferred Admission Program include:

  • Candidates submit their applications during their final undergraduate year and up to two years post-graduation.
  • They may receive their deferred admission offer to join the Notre Dame MBA program once they have gained three to five years of work experience.
  • They spend their deferred years gaining work experience and staying engaged with the Notre Dame community.
  • When ready, the candidates submit their final application materials and enter the Notre Dame MBA program.

“The Deferred Admission Program prepares students for success in the program and their careers,” said Claire Fitzgibbon, senior director of Graduate Enrollment at Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. “They gain peace of mind by mapping out their future and can focus on building the career experience that employers value. At the same time, they are building their support network here at Notre Dame through engagement with our staff and opportunities to attend events.”

During the deferral period, candidates have access to annual fall check-ins with a dedicated admissions contact, a professional development portal and invitations to campus events. For more information, including application requirements, please visit the Notre Dame MBA website.

“The Notre Dame MBA Deferral Program is about more than securing a seat in a future MBA class. It’s about starting a relationship with Notre Dame that will grow throughout a student’s career,” said Bern. “By providing a clear path and strong support network, we’re helping future leaders not only prepare for professional success, but also carry forward our mission to ‘Grow the Good in Business.’”

For more information about the Notre Dame MBA Deferred Admission Program, contact Claire Fitzgibbon, senior director of Graduate Enrollment, at mba.business@nd.edu.


Topics: Mendoza