Frequently Asked Questions
Educational Background
Is an undergraduate degree in an area of business required to get the MBA?
No. A bachelor's degree in the area of business is not required; however, to be considered for the program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree.
If and applicant's undergraduate degree is not in business, are additional courses required?
No additional courses are required. However, webinars are required by all students, no matter their undergraduate degree. Webinars in the following areas are completed prior to quantitative-based core coursework: accounting, spreadsheets (Excel), statistics, finance and economics. Each webinar must be completed prior to taking the corresponding course in the Online MBA curriculum. Webinars are self-paced, can be repeated, and serve as a reference tool. The webinars serve as a review for those with a business education background, and an instrument for those without a business education background to enter into MBA courses with the confidence to succeed.
What math knowledge and skill do applicants need to be proficient in to start the program?
Students should be proficient in algebra. Some exposure to intuitive calculus is helpful, but the subject can be learned while in the program.
Program Academic Details
What is the course delivery like?
Classes are taught asynchronously, meaning students do not need to access the course at set times with other students or the instructor. Further, online classes occur within the Blackboard Learn learning management system. All course materials, including lectures, videos, course assignments, discussion boards, etc. are contained in Blackboard Learn.
What are the major differences between the Online and Executive MBA programs?
While both are designed for the working professional, the Online program offers flexibility and the opportunity for the student to go at his or her own pace. Students have the option of taking electives in the same subject area and pursuing a concentration. No prior work experience is required for admittance to the Online MBA program.
The Executive MBA program, designed for the more experienced professional, delivers courses to a cohort. The EMBA cohort meets one weekend per month, supplemented with online content. The EMBA program's summer session is entirely online. Additional features of the EMBA program are a beginning residency, an international business experience and an ending capstone project. Seven years of full-time, professional, work experience is required for admittance to the EMBA program.
Program Administrative Details
When does the Online MBA program begin?
This flexible program can be started any semester: fall, spring or summer. Application deadlines are typically about six weeks before the start of the intended term.
What happens if I have to stop the program for work or family issues?
In cases where the student will be out for a year or more, a formal Leave of Absence request is required to keep the student active in the University's system.
Completing the Degree
How long do I have to complete the Online MBA Program?
Students have six years to complete the Online MBA, however the average time to complete the program for those working full-time while pursuing the MBA is two to two and a half years. Time approved as a Leave of Absence does not count toward the six-year limit.
How are employer tuition benefits handled by the Bursar's Office?
Kent State has deferred billing for those with tuition benefits. A form is submitted each semester with the student/employee’s information. Find more details about employer tuition assistance and the form.