Enrollment Requirements Baker's online students must have experience with computers, know how to load software and know how to use a word processing program (ie: Microsoft Word). Your first online course will be an orientation course to familiarize you with the online system. You must complete this course before starting any courses in your program. Your Development Coordinator will provide instructions for completion of this course. Doctoral Programs: An MBA or related master's degree from a U.S. school accredited by one of the regional accrediting associations, or from a non-U.S. institution with comparable accreditation. Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) must evaluate a degree awarded from a non-U.S. institution as equivalent to a master's degree awarded by a U.S. institution. A minimum grade point average of 3.25 on a 4.0 in their master's course work. International students must either have completed a bachelor's or master's degree at a university where English is the language of instruction; or have a minimum 575 score on the paper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or a minimum 233 score on the computer-based TOEFL. A minimum of five years of professional experience in business, management or administration. Three professional references. Completed application form and application fee. Writing sample. Access to a computer and the internet. Master Programs: Students applying for the Master's degree programs must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4 point scale in order to be eligible for admission. These students must also have a minimum of three years work experience, complete three letters of recommendation, and a written essay. Undergraduate Programs: Undergraduate students have various admissions requirements based on the program offered. Please contact a Development Coordinator for specific program admission requirements. For full admissions requirements call 1-800-469-3165 or request more information. Technical Requirements Current students must have, as a minimum, the following hardware or software: PC Requirements Pentium III compatible processor or higher Windows XP or higher required (Windows XP Professional may be required in some courses. 256 MB of RAM; 512 recommended CD ROM drive; DVD ROM drive recommended 20 GB hard drive or greater Internet service provider (ISP); broadband connection recommended Microsoft Office 2003 (Professional recommended and may be required in some courses.) Netscape 7.1, Internet Explorer 6.0, Mozilla 1.7, and/or Firefox 1.0 or higher browser(s). AOL's browser is not compatible. Virus Protection Software Java 1.4.2 or later Webcam recommended and may be required in some courses. Mac Requirements G4, Mac OS X-compatible processor or higher Mac OS X Version 10.2.8 or later 256 MB of RAM required 512 MB recommended CD ROM drive required; DVD ROM recommended 20 GB hard drive or greater Internet service provider (ISP); broadband connection recommended Microsoft Office: Mac 2004 Virtual PC with Windows XP or greater required; additional Windows software and/or Windows XP Professional may be required in some courses. Safari 1.1, Netscape 7.1, Internet Explorer 5.2, Mozilla 1.7, and/or Firefox 1.0 or higher browser(s). AOL's browser is not compatible. Virus Protection Software Java 1.4.2 or later Webcam recommended and may be required in some courses. Requirements for Success While work and family commitments can make earning a degree difficult, online "distance" learning is convenient, accessible, and one of today's best solutions for continuing your education. Understanding the time involved and the commitment necessary to achieve higher education goals, Baker Online offers these tips to help you be successful: Be disciplined. Not having an official class time has advantages, but you need to manage time well to prevent assignments from falling through the cracks. Establish a routine. Although Baker Online offers the flexibility of attending any time, a routine will help ensure your course work gets done. Learn to type. If you're not able to effectively communicate with online teammates, you may feel left out and miss vital information. Be creative. If you travel for work, consider investing in a laptop computer with CDROM and staying at hotels that offer a good Internet connection. Do your share. Team projects and papers are a big part of online education. Doing your fair share will increase learning and help your reputation for future teams. Apply what you learn. If you, like many distance learners, work while you learn, try new information out in your workplace and discuss the results with your online classmates. Make an effort. What you get out of your program is directly related to what you put into it. Learn to collaborate remotely. Working on a project with a team from a remote location is highly applicable in today's business world. Draw from the experience of others. Interacting with fellow online students can offer insight into a variety of business situations. Use professors as learning facilitators. Understand what you learn. Get questions answered. Focus on the goal. At times, you'll be frustrated during the process, and your family, work, and social life may suffer. But when things get tough, remember what you?re trying to achieve, and who made sacrifices for you along the way. Requirements for International Students Baker welcomes diversity among its student population, yet recognizes the special needs presented by international students. Please note that enrollment in a program offered by Baker College Online does not in any way require or facilitate a student visa. Before Baker College can officially consider any international student the following requirements must be met: The student must send transcripts (an official record) showing satisfactory completion of secondary school or its equivalent, as well as any post-secondary school (college/university). Transcripts in any language other than English must be accompanied by certified, literal English translations. These translations can be obtained through ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.) www.ece.org. All international students must be proficient in the English language to successfully gain admission to Baker Online. This must be demonstrated by a TOEFL score of 550 (213 on the computer-based exam) prior to enrolling. Applications to take the TOEFL test must be made directly to Educational Testing Services (and not to Baker College). For information about test dates, fees, testing centers, and to obtain registration materials, visit www.toefl.org. All courses will be taken online and as such students must posses a personal computer and reliable access to the Internet. Your computer system must meet the technical requirements listed above.