Frequently Asked Questions

Is the MMR available as a part time or distance program?

The MMR is an intensive, immersive educational experience, offered only as a full time program on campus.

Can I start the MMR during the fall or spring semesters?

Our program is based on a cohort model. Each year’s class begins in summer and completes the program the following spring.

What is a cohort-based program?

A learning cohort is a group of students who move through their courses and related learning experiences together from the beginning of their program to its completion. The interpersonal and group interactions of the cohort are important aspects of the learning experience. Cohort learning also prepares students for employers who value teamwork and collaboration.

Can I transfer credits from prior coursework toward the MMR?

We do not accept transfer credits. All students must complete the MMR 39-credit hour curriculum. In rare instances, and with prior approval, a student may be permitted to substitute a course if they have demonstrated exceptional competency in a required course.

How can I find out more about the MMR program?

We encourage prospective students to visit the campus while classes are in session. The program coordinator will help arrange a schedule which includes sitting in on a class as well as meeting with current students and faculty. Depending on the schedule, prospective students are welcome to attend an executive seminar and social. We can also arrange for prospective students to talk with MMR alumni and/or members of the MMR Advisory Board.

What criteria do you use to make admission decisions?

Admission to the program is highly competitive. Decisions are based on a combination of factors including:

• Demonstrated high aptitude for quantitative analysis and academic success as evidenced by prior coursework and standardized test scores (the minimum undergraduate GPA standard for admission to the Graduate School at the University of Georgia for applicants who do not have a prior graduate degree is 3.0);
• Work experience that suggests a propensity for success in the marketing research arena;
• Communication skills;
• Maturity, self-initiative and leadership potential;
• Career aspirations that align with the program's mission.

How much statistics should I have taken to qualify for admission?

The more statistical coursework in an applicant’s background the better. This is not meant to imply that an MMR degree is a math/statistics degree. However, many of the courses in the program include topics involving quantitative/statistical analyses and the application of related computer software.

What are some of the required courses?

Research Design, Qualitative Research, Advertising & Promotion Management, Conjoint and Discrete Choice Analysis, Econometrics, Marketing Strategy, Database Marketing & Customer Relationship Management, and a 2-course sequence in Applications of Marketing Research Techniques.

Am I required to take the GMAT?

Either the GMAT or the GRE is required. A GMAT quantitative score in the 90th percentile may be helpful in demonstrating quantitative aptitude for applicants who do not demonstrate a strong record of prior mathematics or statistics study. GMAT scores are valid for five years.

Can I substitute the GRE for the GMAT?

Yes, a recent GRE score can be sent in lieu of a GMAT score.

As an international student, am I required to take the TOEFL?

The TOEFL or IELTS exam is required of all international applicants whose primary language is not English, even if they hold a degree from an institution in the US or a country where English is the primary language. The minimum TOEFL should be 90 with IBT speaking scores over 25. The minimum IELTS should be 8.

What are the deadlines for application submission?

We encourage you to submit your application by February 15. Complete applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with decisions made by early April.

Do I have to have all of my recommendation letters, transcripts and scores before I submit my application?

No. You can submit your application and send other materials later, as long as we have all supporting documents in time for review of the folder.

Are interviews required?

In person interviews are not required, but the Admissions Committee may contact selected applicants for a brief phone or personal interview.

How will I receive an admission decision?

You will receive an email to notify you that a decision recommendation has been made, as well as a letter from the Dean of the Graduate School with the official decision. To protect student confidentiality, we do not provide admission decisions over the telephone. All admissions decisions are final.

How much does the MMR cost?

Tuition, including student fees, for summer 2011 through spring 2012 semesters totals $13,185 for Georgia residents, and $33,402 for non-residents. Tuition and fees are set each year by the University System Board of Regents, and more detailed information and updates can be found at the Bursar’s Office listing of Tuition and Fees.

Do you offer graduate assistantships?

Yes. A limited number of assistantships are available to highly qualified applicants. The stipend is $6,000 and includes a tuition waiver. Assistantships are competitively awarded on the basis of merit. In addition, the program typically has several out-of-state tuition waivers which allow a non-Georgia resident to pay the lower Georgia resident tuition rate.

How many hours per week does a graduate assistant work?

Graduate assistants are expected to work 13 hours per week on average.

Can I work while pursuing the MMR?

The MMR is an intensive full time learning experience. Students should not attempt to hold a job while completing the degree. Students who do can place themselves in jeopardy of failing the program.

Does the MMR program offer job placement assistance?

Yes. The Program hosts a career fair in the fall semester and on-campus interviews typically start in the spring semester. In addition to firms interviewing on campus, other firms post job descriptions with the program and ask interested students to contact them directly.

Who employs MMR graduates and for what positions do MMR graduates qualify?

Both marketing research supplier firms and client firms hire MMR graduates.

• Supplier firms that have hired MMR graduates in the past four years include ACNielsen, Affinova, BBDO, Bellomy Research, Brandware Research, Directions Research, dunnhumby USA, GfK, Gongos, Lieberman Research, M/A/R/C, MaPS, MarketRx, Merkle, Millward Brown, MMR Research, Optimal Strategix Group, Spire, Swire, and Synovate.
• Client firms that have hired MMR graduates in the past four years include Altria, Amway, Capital One, Case New Holland, Eli Lilly, General Mills, McNeil, MeadWestvaco, Michelin, Newell Rubbermaid, PepsiCo, The Home Depot, UPS, Vistakon, and Walmart.
• Typical job titles include Research Manager, Consumer Insights Analyst, Consumer Insights Manager, Marketing Research Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Research Consultant, Manager – Market and Consumer Insights, and Senior Consumer Insights Analyst.

What is the average salary for MMR graduates?

Salaries vary based on a number of factors including prior work experience. The average salary is approximately $70,000 (excluding any bonuses).

What is the employment outlook for international MMR students seeking jobs in the U.S.?

The economy and other factors may create obstacles to U.S. employment that cannot be predicted. Some employers, but not all, cannot or choose not to hire non-citizens.