Full-time MBA

Admission Requirements

• Online application
• Application fee - $30 domestic applicants | $70 international applicants
• Transcripts
• GMAT or GRE scores
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (international applicants). The minimum score requirements for the fulltime MBA program are:
  • TOEFL: 550 paper-based; 213 computer-based; or 80 Internet-based.

  • IELTS: 6.5

• Resume
• Three letters of recommendation 
• Essay of goals and objectives

• Graduate Assistantship application (optional)

DOWNLOAD THE GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP APPLICATION (PDF)

Full-time MBA Deadlines

• International Applicants and Domestic Applicants applying for Graduate Assistantships 
  March 15
• Domestic Applicants NOT applying for Graduate Assistantships
  June 1

HOW TO SUBMIT APPLICATION MATERIALS

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Full-time MBA

Curriculum Structure

FALL SEMESTER

Spring Semester

Summer Semester

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Online MBA and Full-time (in-person MBA)

Tuition, Fees and Financial Assistance

Kent State offers a best-value MBA Program compared to several other universities with Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, the top credential for business schools.

Online MBA Tuition*

Tuition cost is $830 per credit hour, regardless of state or country of residency.

The Online MBA program is 36 credit hours, making the total tuition cost under $30,000. Based on current courses, an estimate per course for books and supplies is $150. There is a separate fee for webinars which come in an 18-month subscription. The subscription is comparable in cost to that of books and supplies for one course.

Full-time MBA Tuition

Tuition cost per credit hour for full-time MBA students:

Ohio resident $515 per credit hour | Non-resident $928 per credit hour

Program fee per semester for full-time MBA students:

$600 per semester

Enrollment cost per semester for full-time MBA students:

Ohio resident $5,655 per semester | Non-resident $10,198 per semester

Financial Assistance available to full-time MBA students:

Merit-based scholarships

Merit-based Graduate Assistantships   

Loans and Work Study (domestic students only)

Employer Tuition Reimbursement. Applicants should check with their employer to see if this benefit is offered.

* The tuition and fee information provided reflects, at a glance, generalized rates and is intended to act as a guide. Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. Detailed information regarding tuition and fees can be found in the University Fee Register.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Program Structure

When does the full-time MBA program start?

The full-time MBA program starts only in fall semester. 

How long does it take to earn a full-time MBA?

Students can complete the full-time MBA program in 12 months, or 15 months with a concentration in one of the following six areas:

• Accounting
• Economics
• Finance
• Information Systems
• International Business
• Supply Chain Management

Do I have to choose a concentration in the full-time MBA program?
No, a concentration is entirely optional. In the full-time MBA program, students can pursue a general MBA or a degree with a concentration. 

Are any of the fulltime MBA courses offered online?
Several electives are offered online during the summer, but less than 20% of the program is delivered online.

Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in a business to pursue my MBA?
Not at all. We accept applicants with undergraduate degrees from all areas of study.  

If my undergraduate degree is not business, will I have trouble with the coursework?
To gain a basic understanding of the subject matter, new students start with webinars in accounting, statistics, economics, finance and spreadsheet usage. In addition, the MBA courses are carefully sequenced, building on each other, so by following prerequisites, all students (regardless of your major) are well positioned to successfully complete the MBA program.  

If I have a business degree or have taken several business courses, may I be waived out of any courses? 
Core courses may be waived if the applicant has attended an AACSB accredited institution and received a grade of "B" or better in two relevant undergraduate courses or one relevant graduate course within the last ten years.   

Is your full-time MBA accredited?  
Yes, it is accredited by the AACSB. The AACSB is one of the most prestigious and rigorous accrediting bodies in higher education. Kent State University's College of Business Administration and Graduate School of Management first earned AACSB accreditation in 1964.  Fewer than 20% of the business schools world-wide have earned AACSB accreditation. Kent State University’s College of Business Administration is among this exclusive group of business schools.

What type of career assistance is available?  
The College of Business Administration Career Services Office provides students networking opportunities, internship and career searches, resume review, customized career coaching, and career development appointments and workshops. Their Employer Relations and Outreach Team partners with corporations for recruitment and hiring by connecting them with talented business students.

What type of housing is available for graduate students?  
There are residence halls available on campus and also many housing options located in the city of Kent that are available to students.

Admissions:

What is the size of the Full-time MBA program?
On average, 45 students a year.

Do international applicants have to take an English language test?
Yes, they have to take the TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB or PTE.

Is there a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score required for admission?  
The minimum TOEFL score required for admission is 550. If you have studied in the U.S. more than two years, then the TOEFL score may be waived.  Computer based test 213, internet based 80, and IELTS band 6.5.  

When are classes scheduled?
Monday through Friday, throughout the day 

Is there a minimum grade point average required for admission?  
There are no set minimums for GPA, although ranges from 3.2 - 3.4 on a 4.0 scale.

Is there a minimum GMAT or GRE score required for admission?  
There is no set GMAT or GRE score that guarantees admission.

Are there programs available to prepare for the GMAT, or is it possible to self-study?  
It is possible to self-study for the GMAT by using one of the many study guides or software programs published through a variety of sources. Visit MBA.com for more information about the GMAT and the practice tests they offer.  Our College of Business Administration’s Graduate Programs Office normally offers a GMAT prep workshop each fall and spring.  

What other factors are considered in admission?
Courses taken, grade point average (transcripts), goals and objectives essay, work experience (resume) and letters of recommendation. 

Can I be reviewed for admission if I haven’t taken the GMAT or GRE?
All application materials, including the GMAT or GRE, must be received before you can be reviewed for admission. 

Do you have conditional admission?
We do not offer conditional admission.

When is the application deadline?
International applicants and Domestic applicants applying for Graduate Assistantships: March 15
Domestic Applicants not applying for Graduate Assistantships: June 1

Tuition and Fees

What is the cost per credit hour for Ohio residents and non-residents?
Ohio resident: $485
Nonresident: $827
There is a $600 per semester program fee for the full-time MBA program. 

What is the full-time enrollment cost per semester for Ohio residents and non-residents?
Ohio resident:  $5,326
Nonresident:  $9,084

Is financial assistance available?  
Our office awards MBA scholarships to high-achieving full-time students based on academic merit. For domestic students, additional information about loans and work study is available from the Student Financial Aid Office.  

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