FAQ

MBA & MHA

What is the difference between the MBA program and the MHA program?

The University of Ottawa MBA program exposes you to pioneering, global perspectives - perspectives that capture the changing face of management in the 21st century. The MHA Program is affiliated with the MBA program because of the core component that represents approximately 50 percent of program credits, where students learn fundamental business-management skills and focus on essential disciplines in the field of health management.

Nevertheless, the MHA program is different from the MBA program because of its focus on health care management. The mission of the MHA program is to prepare ethical and socially responsible professionals to assume management and leadership positions in the changing health service system primarily in Canada but also internationally, and to strive for excellence in professional education, scholarly research and community service in health management.

Contrary to the MBA, the MHA requires an administrative residency of at least four (4) months. This provides students with an opportunity to work in leading health care organizations, enabling them to participate in management decisions and experience day-to-day life in the health care system. The administrative residency component includes the participation of faculty, mentors and a network of health care professionals known as preceptors. Residencies are an integral part of the MHA program and take place in a student’s final academic session (the fourth session in the full time program). For part-time students, this activity takes place after completion of the common core and at least nine HAH courses.

The residency is an integral part of the program and takes place in the last academic session, fourth session in the full-time program. The residency may be spent in a variety of health agencies and institutions, including federal government agencies across Canada, the U.S.A. and abroad. The MHA Program is the first critical entry point to a professional career as a health care leader. MHA degree allows students to distinguish themselves from large body of MBA graduates in Canada.

What is the difference between the MBA and the Executive MBA?

The Telfer School of Management offers a MBA and an Executive MBA. Although both have a lot of the same characteristics, they are different. The difference is in the format, course curriculum, admission criteria, candidate profile and the variety of services offered. The Executive MBA is adapted to the needs of the Senior Executives active life.

At the completion of the program requirements (MBA or EMBA format), the students will be awarded an MBA degree from the University of Ottawa.

http://www.emba.uOttawa.ca/

Do you have a lot of case studies compared to lectures?

You will have a mix of the case-study approach and the lecture approach in your courses, depending on the professor and the course. Some teachers like to use cases for each lecture, while others use case work simply for assignment and evaluation purposes. Most of the faculty uses some aspect of the case-study approach within their respective courses.

Is it possible to work during the MBA program?

It is strongly discouraged. The heavy workload and the adjustment period required within the first semester make it difficult to work more than 10 hours per week. However, there are a few students that manage work while studying each year. After the first semester (blocks 1 and 2), some students take on part-time employment. In addition, many students pursue work as Teaching Assistants. These jobs are available to graduate students and tend to pay well, and also serve to get you in closer touch with other students on the campus.

Do you know if the MBA Program is well regarded within Canada or Internationally?

The Telfer School of Management is very well regarded within Canada and internationally. The School is now amongst the 1% of business schools in the world to have achieved the triple crown of accreditations (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS). Less than 50 business schools in the world have achieved the triple crown of accreditations. The Telfer School becomes the 3rd in Canada to realize this accomplishment.

The AACSB accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. The Telfer School of Management received AACSB accreditation in 2003.

The Association for MBAs (AMBA) is a UK-based organization that promotes high-quality graduate education in business. AMBA accreditation confirms that a school's MBA is both of the highest quality and relevant to the changing world of business. The Telfer School of Management was accredited by AMBA in 2005.

On November 25, 2009, the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) awarded EQUIS accreditation to the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa. EQUIS is the leading international system of quality assessment, improvement and accreditation of higher education institutions in management and business administration. EQUIS is run by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) and its fundamental objective, linked to the mission of the EFMD, is to raise the standard of management education worldwide.

Only a small number of schools have been granted this accreditation in Canada. This gives our program another differentiator and is proof that the program is recognized and valued.

Admission

Should I apply if I don’t have the minimum 3 years of full-time work experience?

If you do not have the minimum three years of full-time work experience you should wait to apply. Nonetheless, the admission process is based on the competitive setting, since each admission file is evaluated on an individual basis. Here are some facts that might help you assess whether or not you should apply:

• 280 applications are received each year on average;
• approximately 120 places are available for all students, including full-time, part-time, French and English programs;
• the minimum requirement regarding work experience is 3 years, but the average is 7 years full-time for those entering the program. Emphasis is placed on career progression or potential for career progression in management. Demonstration of leadership, management and supervision skills is important; and.
• the average GMAT score is 627.

Do I need mathematical skills?

The Quantitative Analysis for Business Modules will be recommended to admitted candidates who lack mathematical background. Quantitative preparation is offered online. These modules will also provide candidates with the basic knowledge required for our statistics, finance and microeconomics courses

Do coop terms, internships or full time summer work count towards the two years of work experience?

Coop placements and work internships completed to meet the requirements of a post secondary academic program will be viewed favorably at the time of admission, but do not constitute a replacement for the full-time work experience requirement. Unfortunately, full-time summer work does not count toward the minimum of two years of full-time work. The work experience needs to be post-degree. However it is important to mention any work experience that you may have.

Is the GMAT necessary?

Yes! You must achieve a competitive score in the Graduate Management Admission Test. Last year's average score for the MBA program was 627 and 621 for the MHA. The range was between 550-780.

To learn more about the GMAT visit www.mba.com or contact the GMAT Customer Service:

Americas
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Telephone (toll-free) : 1-800-717-GMAT (4628)
Ottawa region: 613-230-2902

To prepare for the GMAT:

• Kaplan (Test Prep and Admissions)
  www.kaplan.com
• Veritas Prep GMAT
  http://www.veritasprep.com/gmat/Ottawa/
• Knewton – online GMAT prep courses
  http://www.knewton.com/GMAT/Ottawa
• Richardson Prep Center
  http://www.prep.com/

What is the institution code for sending GMAT and TOEFL scores?

The institution codes are:

GMAT: 4BZ-76-75 (MBA Program)
GMAT: 4BZ-76-78 (MHA Program)
TOEFL: 0993

If I have been working or studying in Canada or the U.S.A do I need proof of proficiency in English?

You may be exempted from taking a proficiency test if you can provide proof of recent prolonged residence and exercise of a profession in an English speaking country (normally at least four years over the last six years) or proof of completion of a previous degree program in an English language university (within the last five years).

Do you accept other language proficiency tests other than the TOEFL?

Candidates applying to the English MBA must submit one of the following to the Telfer School of Management Graduate Office to confirm their English proficiency (the test scores cannot be more than two years old as of September 1 of the year of potential entry into the MBA program):

• A score of at least 250 (100 Internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), with a score of at least 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE) and a score of at least 50 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE). The TOEFL is administered by Educational Testing Service, Box 899, Princeton, New Jersey, USA, 08540; see also www.toefl.org
• A score of at least 7 in at least three of the four International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tests (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) and at least 6 in the fourth. The IELTS is administered by the British Council: www.ielts.org
• A score of at least 14 on the CANTEST, administered by the University of Ottawa (http://www.cantest.uOttawa.ca), with no individual test score below 4.0, along with a score of 4.5 on the oral component of the test.
  Proof of completion within the last five years, of a previous degree program in an English language university
• Proof of recent prolonged residence and exercise of a profession in an English speaking country (normally at least four years over the last six years)

Can I be admitted as a mature student?

Occasionally, mature applicants are admitted without having completed an undergraduate degree. Those admitted usually have at least 10 years of work experience in a senior management position, a superior GMAT score, and very strong letters of recommendation. Furthermore, many already have professional designations. Each case is considered on an individual basis.

I completed a Bachelor of Commerce; can I transfer some credits to the MBA?

No advanced standing is granted for undergraduate courses or work experience. At the time of admission, students may be granted exemptions or advanced standing for graduate courses in management previously completed as a regular student in a Canadian MBA program or similar program accredited by the American Association of Colleges and Schools of Business (AACSB) or equivalent.

Exemptions and advanced standing may also be granted for graduate courses previously completed in a University of Ottawa interdisciplinary program in which the Telfer School of Management is involved.

The maximum number of credits that can be granted as exemption or advanced standing is 24, and all students must complete a minimum of 30 credits of MBA courses following admission to be granted the degree. No exemption or advanced standing will be granted for courses completed more than five years ago or for which the grade was lower than B (70 percent). Advanced standing is granted only for 5000-level MBA courses.

Student, Alumni & Networks

Is there a MBA and MHA student association?

Yes! Many students join the MBA Student’s Association (MBASA) or MHA Student's Association (MHASA) in order to be more involved in shaping the program and to gain practical management skills. The association meets once a month, and organizes events and activities for the MBA student body. Visit their website http://sites.telfer.uottawa.ca/mbasa/

Another important advantage point of joining the MBASA or MHASA is for the social involvement. Business is based on relationships; therefore, it is very important to interact and network on a social level. The MBASA holds at least one social event every month. Becoming involved in events and activities is the best way to build your business network. This enables you to create linkages that will stay with you for the rest of your life. It is these bonds that will serve as your network in the future.

When does the MBA and MHA Student Associations hold elections?

The MBASA and MHASA will likely hold an election in September. This will give all new students a chance to get settled and accustomed to the program. Joining the MBASA or MHASA is something that every student should consider. It is an excellent way to build your experience as a manager, and it looks great on a C.V. There are many positions available in the MBASA or MHASA, so there is an opportunity to get involved at varying degrees depending on your availability and interests.

Yes, students have a representative from the MBASA that attends all Alumni Association meetings. The MBASA tries to get involved with the Alumni events in order to capitalize on some of the Alumni’s standing in the business world and their expertise.

Are students in contact with the MBA and MHA Alumni Associations during the program?

Yes, students have a representative from the MBA/MHA Student Association that attends all Alumni Association meetings. The MBASA tries to get involved with the Alumni events in order to capitalize on some of the Alumni’s standing in the business world and their expertise.

http://www.telfer.uOttawa.ca/mbaaa or www.telfer.uOttawa.ca/mhaaa

How does the MBA Program benefit from the cultural, business and social environment of Ottawa?

In many classes, you will be asked to focus your project work around companies and actual problems. You will be asked to hold interviews with these companies and to collect data from both the public and private sectors. Thus, you are exposed to many types of businesses and many business people. You will be able to expand your network of contacts through collaboration with these industry leaders. Also, you will be required to complete your MBA by undertaking a final MBA consulting project. You will be required to work with a company to define and resolve a business issue it is facing.

In addition there are many opportunities for MBA students to attend various corporate functions in the Ottawa area such as Alumni breakfasts, Wine and Cheese, Guest Speakers, Business events, Career Fairs, OCRI events, and many more.

How many international students are there in the class?

Over 25% of MBA students come from nations outside of Canada. There are students from over 24 countries from as far as Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, as well as the United States. This diversity enriches the educational experience by bringing a wide variety of perspectives, skills and knowledge to classroom discussions.

Who are some of the guest speakers the Telfer School of Management has hosted over the past years?

The following is a partial list of speakers we have hosted over the past year. The quality of speakers is a prime example of our “linked with leadership” brand.

• Mr. Pierre-Paul Allard, President of Cisco Canada, and uOttawa Alumnus
• Mr. Rod Bryden, CEO and President of The WorldHeart Institute
• Barbara Stymiest from TSX Venture
• Mr. Robert Ashe, CEO of Cognos
• The Honourable Maria Theresa Garcia S. De Madero, the Ambassador of Mexico
• The former Mayor of Ottawa (The Honourable Bob Chiarelli)
• Bill Rancic, First winner of Donald Trump’s The Apprentice
• Carl Grenier, Executive Vice-President and General Manager of the Free Trade Lumber Council

MHMA Residency

What is the MHA Residency?

Residencies are an integral part of the MHA program and take place in a student’s final academic session (the fourth session in the full time program). For part-time students, this activity takes place after completion of the common core and at least nine HAH courses. Residencies provide students with opportunities to work in leading health care organizations, enabling them to participate in management decisions and experience day-to-day life in the health care system. During their residencies, students are assigned to specific preceptors but remain under program supervision. Residencies may be spent in a variety of health organizations, including federal government agencies across Canada, the United States and abroad.

Could you give my some examples of client organizations the Telfer School of Management partners with for the administrative residency?

Here are some examples of organizations past MHA students have completed administrative residencies with:

• Montfort Hospital, Ottawa
• Canadian Nurses Association, Ottawa
• The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, Toronto
• Ottawa Life Science Council
• St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto
• SunnyBrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto
• St. Patrick's Home of Ottawa Inc.
• Toronto East General Hospital
• Canadian Blood Services
• The Ottawa Hospital
• Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, CHEO
• Queensway Carleton Hospital
• Praxia Information Intelligence

Career

How will an MBA benefit my career?

The University of Ottawa MBA program exposes you to pioneering, global perspectives- perspectives that capture the changing age of management in the 21st century. Through the MBA program, you will gain a clear understanding of management foundations and the global business environment, develop a strategic perspective, understand the strategic importance of major functions within organizations and learn how to manage in a technology-driven global economy.

All the knowledge, skills, tools and experience that you will acquire during the MBA program will allow you to fast track your career and give you access to higher positions that are available within your organization. Furthermore, they will help you to be a leader in your chosen field or to become an entrepreneur.

Does the Telfer School of Management have a good business network?

The MBA program is continuously building this network. In fact, as each year passes, the network expands. Involvement of the Alumni and the success of the MBA projects undertaken each year are beneficial to further expansion of this network. The MBA program has a solid foundation within the business community, with many ties with various companies throughout the world. That being said, it is important to highlight the role that each student has in continuing the growth of this network.

Living in Ottawa

Is the campus urban or rural?

The campus is located in the heart of the city of Ottawa, Canada's captial. We have the luxury of being right downtown, so that everything is within walking distance. The Byward Market is an area in Ottawa where you have museums, art galleries, bars, restaurants, pubs, clubs, shopping, etc… The Telfer School is 5 minutes from the Byward Market and across the street from the Rideau canal. Also, the University is about 15 minutes away from the National Art Gallery, the Museum of Civilization, the Gatineau Hills, and Parliament Hill.

What information can you provide me about housing?

There are several options regarding housing depending on your needs. You may stay on campus or off campus. To learn more about housing visit www.residence.uottawa.ca/en/ or contact:

Housing Services (residence)

University of Ottawa
100 Thomas More St,
Room 308,
P. O. Box 450, Station A,
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 6N5
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Tel: (613) 562-5885
Fax: (613) 562-5109

Off Campus Housing Office

90 University Private
Room 145
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 1H3
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Tel: (613) 564-5400 ext. 5061
Fax: (613) 782-6100

Business Hours:
Monday to Friday
9:00 to 12:00, and 13:00 to 17:00