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Business Administration - M.B.A.

Online

If you're looking to take your career in business to the next level, the M.B.A. degree might just be the game-changer you've been searching for. The program covers a broad range of topics, including finance, marketing, accounting and management, and offers specialized concentrations in areas such as business analytics, healthcare administration and organizational leadership. Read more...

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Take Advantage of Kent State’s Online MBA Program

An Ohio-Based Online MBA Program, Available Wherever You Are

About the Online MBA

The Kent State University Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship is AACSB accredited, making the Kent State Online MBA a high-quality and flexible option for students interested in earning their master’s in business. It is also 100% online, meaning you can complete your courses from just about anywhere, on a schedule that is convenient for you.

Kent State University's Online MBA program is the only Online MBA program in Ohio ranked among the Top 50 Online MBA Programs for 2023, according to The Princeton ReviewThe Online MBA also ranks #35 in the nation according to Fortune. In addition, all of Kent State’s core MBA courses are Quality Matters certified, meaning they meet rigorous standards of quality.

Below, you will find a number of features that make us stand out compared to other Online MBA programs. As you read through this list, if have any questions about Online MBA programs, please do not hesitate to give us a call today at 330-672-2282.

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Program Information

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Business Administration degree prepares students for responsible leadership positions in private, nonprofit and public  organizations. Upon completion of the M.B.A. degree, graduates demonstrate a global mindset and competence in critical thinking, digital technology, communication, teamwork and ethical and sustainable management.

The program welcomes students from the full range of undergraduate degrees. Regardless of their undergraduate education, students will find a challenging program designed to prepare them for management positions in organizations.

The degree is structured for full-time/in-person and full-time or part-time online students:

  • The full-time/in-person program is targeted to early career professionals, both nationally and internationally, who wish to jump-start their business career, and to those who wish to make a business-related career change. The program operates in cohorts so that students proceed through the sequence of required courses as a group. Students take six to seven courses each semester (offered in eight-week modules) and are expected to participate in experiential activities such as internships, mentoring and professional development activities. Delivery of the program is accelerated; students are able to earn the M.B.A. degree in 12 to 16 months.
  • The online program is designed for those who want maximum flexibility in pursuing their M.B.A. degree. Students can take courses to suit their life: from one course at a time to a full-time course load. This is an ideal program for professionals who intend to keep working full-time while pursing the M.B.A., and for those students who want to pursue their M.B.A. without commuting to campus.

The Business Administration major includes the following optional concentrations:

  • The Accounting concentration allows students to specialize their degree with courses in managerial and financial accounting, business valuation using financial statements and international accounting. Completion of this concentration is not sufficient to sit for the CPA exam in Ohio unless the student has an undergraduate accounting major.
  • The Business Analytics concentration allows students to gain the technical, analytical, communication, decision-making and leadership skills needed to glean useful information from data to make strategic business decisions.
  • The Economics concentration allows students to specialize their degree with advanced topics in various areas in economics.
  • The Finance concentration allows students to specialize their degree with advanced courses in investments, financial markets and institutions, real estate and other related areas.
  • The Healthcare Administration concentration provides business students with knowledge of the healthcare setting that will support their capacity to work effectively in a variety of healthcare organizations.
  • The Human Resource Management concentration allows students to specialize their degree with advanced topics in employee selection and appraisal, organizational analysis and the opportunity for real-world applications.
  • The Information Systems concentration allows students to specialize their degree with advanced topics in database management systems, emerging hardware and software technology and other related area courses. Applications to the Information Systems concentration are not being accepted at this time.
  • The International Business concentration allows students to specialize their degree with courses in accounting, marketing, finance and strategy with an international focus. Study abroad options are possible, with no language skills required.
  • The Organizational Leadership concentration allows students to develop advanced skills that will support their capacity to lead in higher level positions.

Students may pursue an online stackable certificate pathway to the M.B.A. by completing the Leadership and Management graduate certificate, the Quantitative Business Management graduate certificate and a set of remaining courses to earn the M.B.A. degree. Students who choose a Business Analytics, Financial, Human Resource Management, International Business or Organizational Leadership concentration can take one additional course and stack an additional graduate certificate in Business Analytics, Financial ManagementHuman Resource Management, International Business or Leading Through Challenge

The following dual degree programs with the M.B.A. are possible. A separate application must be submitted for each program. 

  • Dual degree with the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree prepares students to run their own Podiatric Medicine practice. Students can view admission requirements for each program on their respective catalog page.
  • Dual degree with the Master of Architecture degree is designed for architects or undergraduate architectural students whose career goals include assuming middle or executive management positions in architectural practices, or who are interested in starting their own businesses.
  • Dual degree with the Master of Engineering Technology degree is designed for students with the dual goal of pursuing the a highly technical degree while at the same time preparing for a career that will hold increasing levels of management positions.
  • Dual degree with the Master of Library and Information Science degree is designed for managers of large libraries and information centers. Individuals in these positions need knowledge pertaining to planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. Advanced education to obtain knowledge and learn skills related to these management functions enables students to take advantage of career opportunities both in library settings and other information settings, both in the profit and nonprofit sectors.
  • Dual degree with the Master of Public Health degree prepares students for responsible leadership positions and offers an integrated business and public health curriculum designed to help students develop real-world knowledge and skills needed to pursue success and management opportunities in the public health industry.
  • Dual degree with the Master of Science in Nursing degree is designed for experienced nurses whose career goals include assuming middle- or executive-management positions in health services agencies or in health-related companies, or who are interested in starting their own business. The program combines the strengths of advanced nursing preparation with the practical management knowledge needed to develop significant leadership capabilities.
  • Dual degree with the M.A. degree in Communication Studies is designed for students and professionals whose career goals focus on communication, particularly global communication. The program provides direction and leadership in economic and business development processes.
  • Dual degree with the M.A. degree in Sport Administration is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and experiences to enable them to become successful professionals in the field of sports and recreation management. The program integrates management theory and application in sports settings with a broad business curriculum to give graduates a competitive advantage.
  • Dual degree with the M.A. degree in Translation is designed for linguists. By combining the practices and language of business, students can pursue language-based careers in the private, public and governmental sectors.
  • Dual degree with the M.Ed. degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs is designed for professionals who aspire to responsible leadership positions in higher education. The program provides an integrated curriculum grounded in theory and focused on practice to support diverse student populations. Students are equipped with necessary skills to make the business decisions required of leaders in higher education.
  • Dual degree with the M.S. degree in Aviation Management and Logistics prepares students for responsible leadership positions and provides an integrated business and aviation management and logistics education with an emphasis on regional, national and global implications in the field of aviation.
  • Dual degree with the M.S. degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management prepares students for responsible leadership positions and provides an integrated hospitality and tourism education with an emphasis on regional, national and global implications of the field.
  • Dual degree with the M.S. degree in Knowledge Management is designed for students who seek the capacity to develop and apply knowledge to improve organizational strategies. Graduates will be able to design, deliver, support and lead knowledge-management programs at project and enterprise levels.
Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Completion of two quantitative undergraduate courses (e.g., advanced algebra, statistics) with minimum B grade
  • Official transcripts
  • GMAT or GRE scores (effective for spring 2024 admission term, GMAT/GRE scores are no longer required)
  • Résumé
  • Goal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
    • Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score
    • Minimum 77 MELAB score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 Duolingo English score

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester (in-person program only)
    • Funding deadline: March 15 (domestic student)
      Applications must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position.
    • Application deadline: March 15 (international student) and June 1 (domestic student)
      Applications received after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.
  • Fall Semester (online program only)
    • Rolling admissions
  • Spring Semester (online program only)
    • Rolling admissions
  • Summer Term (online program only)
    • Rolling admissions
Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  1. Critical Thinking: analyze the elements of a business problem and construct well-reasoned solutions.
  2. Digital Technology: employ appropriate tools in order to analyze business problems.
  3. Written Communication: write effective business communications.
  4. Oral Communication: make effective business presentations using appropriate technologies.
  5. Teamwork: collaborate effectively with others to achieve a common business purpose.
  6. Business Ethics: recognize ethical business dilemmas and use ethical decision-making to resolve the dilemma.
  7. Responsible Management: analyze the complex issues confronting organizations and craft solutions to business problems that create long-term value and shared prosperity for the broad array of stakeholders.
  8. Global Mindset: distinguish and analyze the key global factors when making business decisions.
Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
ACCT 63037FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION MAKING 2
ACCT 63038MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION MAKING 2
BA 64005ANALYTICS FOR DECISION MAKING 2
BA 64041OPERATIONS, SERVICE AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT 2
CIS 64042GLOBALIZATION AND TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY 2
ECON 62021MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS 2
ECON 62022MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS 2
FIN 66050LAW AND ETHICS 2
FIN 66060MANAGERIAL FINANCE 2
HRM 64271HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 2
MGMT 64158LEADERSHIP AND MANAGERIAL ASSESSMENT 2
MGMT 68051BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT I 1
MKTG 65051MARKETING MANAGEMENT 2
Capstone Requirement
MGMT 64185BUSINESS STRATEGY 3
Additional Requirements or Concentrations
Choose from the following:9
Minimum Total Credit Hours:37

Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration

Major Requirements
Electives 19
Minimum Total Credit Hours:9
1

Students may select courses from all concentrations and are not required to concentrate in any one area, although they are strongly encouraged to do so. Students who are currently enrolled in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree may fulfill this requirement with CMD 80326, CMD 80327 and PMD 80417.

Accounting Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
Concentration Electives, choose from the following: 19
ACCT 53013
ADVANCED MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING
ACCT 53089
INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING EXPERIENCE
ACCT 63025
ANALYSIS AND VALUATION OF BUSINESS USING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ACCT 63092
INTERNSHIP
Minimum Total Credit Hours:9
1

Students with a B.B.A. degree in Accounting may apply the following courses toward concentration electives: ACCT 53009, ACCT 53020, ACCT 53033, ACCT 53043, ACCT 63022, ACCT 63024 and ACCT 63031.

Business Analytics Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
BA 54050DATA VISUALIZATION 3
or BA 64038 ANALYTICS IN PRACTICE
or BA 64082 DATABASE MANAGEMENT AND DATABASE ANALYTICS
BA 64036BUSINESS ANALYTICS 3
BA 64060FUNDAMENTALS OF MACHINE LEARNING 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:9

Economics Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
Concentration Electives, choose from the following (minimum two courses from one category):9
Econometrics
ECON 62054
ECONOMETRICS I
ECON 62055
ECONOMETRICS II
ECON 62056
TIME SERIES ANALYSIS
International
ECON 52076
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ECON 62075
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
ECON 62076
INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
ECON 62077
ECONOMIC PROBLEMS OF DEVELOPING AREAS
Macroeconomics
ECON 52065
PROBLEMS OF MONETARY AND FISCAL POLICY
ECON 62051
MACROECONOMIC THEORY I
ECON 62061
MONETARY THEORY AND POLICY
Microeconomics
ECON 52068
INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATION: FIRMS AND STRATEGY
ECON 52081
URBAN ECONOMICS: CITIES AND HOUSING
ECON 52085
PUBLIC ECONOMICS: GOVERNMENT AND POLICY
ECON 52086
ECONOMICS OF HEALTH CARE
ECON 62050
MICROECONOMIC THEORY I
ECON 62072
ECONOMICS OF LABOR MARKETS
Economics (ECON) Electives (50000 or 60000 level), except ECON 62010, ECON 62015, ECON 62021 and ECON 62022, with economics faculty advisor approval
Minimum Total Credit Hours:9

Finance Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:9
FIN 56055
ADVANCED DERIVATIVE SECURITIES
FIN 56056
ADVANCED FIXED INCOME MANAGEMENT
FIN 56059
APPLIED FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
FIN 56061
REAL ESTATE FINANCE
FIN 56064
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FINANCE
FIN 56067
ADVANCED PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS
FIN 56068
COMMERCIAL BANK MANAGEMENT
FIN 56070
ADVANCED COMMERCIAL BANK MANAGEMENT
FIN 56072
BUSINESS FINANCIAL DISTRESS AND BANKRUPTCY
FIN 56280
GOLDEN FLASH ASSET MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR
FIN 66040
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES IN BANKING AND FINANCE
Minimum Total Credit Hours:9

Healthcare Administration Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
ECON 52086ECONOMICS OF HEALTH CARE 3
HPM 52016PUBLIC HEALTH ADMINISTRATION 3
HPM 62017HEALTHCARE LAW AND REGULATION 3
or HPM 63003 HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS
or HPM 63008 HEALTHCARE PRIVACY AND SECURITY
Minimum Total Credit Hours:9

Human Resource Management Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:9
HRM 54183
DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING HUMAN RESOURCES IN ORGANIZATIONS
HRM 54185
STAFFING HUMAN RESOURCES
HRM 54445
GLOBAL HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
HRM 54660
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND COMPENSATION SYSTEMS
HRM 64108
APPLIED TOPICS IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
MGMT 64160
LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE
Minimum Total Credit Hours:9

Information Systems Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:9
BA 54011
SYSTEMS SIMULATION
CIS 64080
EMERGING HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES
CIS 64081
DATA COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING IN BUSINESS
BA 64082
DATABASE MANAGEMENT AND DATABASE ANALYTICS
Minimum Total Credit Hours:9

International Business Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:9
BA 64026
GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES
FIN 56064
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FINANCE
FIN 66040
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES IN BANKING AND FINANCE 1
HRM 54445
GLOBAL HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
MGMT 54009
THE BUSINESS CASE FOR SUSTAINABILITY 1
MGMT 64184
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
MGMT 64275
GLOBAL STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
MKTG 65054
INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
Minimum Total Credit Hours:9
1

 MGMT 54009 is not offered online currently.

Organizational Leadership Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
MGMT 64160LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE 3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:6
PACS 54040
NEGOTIATION
PACS 58080
MEDIATION: THEORY AND TRAINING
PACS 60004
ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT AND COOPERATION
Minimum Total Credit Hours:9

Graduation Requirements

Students may receive permission to have M.B.A coursework waived if supported by the appropriate and recent undergraduate coursework. The waiver of each specific course will be determined by the relevant academic department (Accounting; Economics; Finance; Management; Information Systems and Business Analytics; and Marketing and Entrepreneurship). Students may graduate with the M.B.A. degree with fewer than 37 total credit hours but no fewer than 30 total credit hours.

Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • Fully online (full-time and part-time program with optional concentrations in Accounting, Business Analytics, Healthcare Administration, Human Resource Management and International Business)
    • In person (all concentrations are available to students in the full-time, in-person MBA program)
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus (full-time only for general degree and all concentrations)

Applications to the Information Systems concentration are not being accepted at this time.

Accreditation

AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Features of Our Online MBA Program

As a university with a nationally ranked program, we are looking for motivated and dedicated students who can benefit from our high-quality faculty and courses.

To do this, we have created a master’s in business program that is challenging but rewarding.

Click here to read some aspects that you will expect to find as a student.

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.

 

Financial Assistance & Scholarships

A limited number of competitively based $500 academic merit scholarships are available to admitted Online MBA students. Students are automatically considered for this scholarship upon admission to the Online MBA program. There is no separate application and students will be notified if selected.

For a review of other financial resources including the FAFSA and loans, please contact the One Stop Office.

There is a separate fee for webinars which come in an 18-month subscription. These five self-paced instructional webinars provide an introduction and review of the subjects that may cause some challenges when pursuing the MBA degree online: accounting and spreadsheets, finance, economics, and statistics. The subscription is comparable in cost to that of books and supplies for one course.

Ambassador Crawford College MBA Scholarship

  • Deadline: April 15

Apply Now | Ambassador Crawford College MBA Scholarship

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries

General and operations managers

5.8%

faster than the average

2,486,400

number of jobs

$103,650

potential earnings

Human resources managers

6.3%

faster than the average

165,200

number of jobs

$121,220

potential earnings

Management analysts

10.7%

much faster than the average

876,300

number of jobs

$87,660

potential earnings

Market research analysts and marketing specialists

17.7%

much faster than the average

738,100

number of jobs

$65,810

potential earnings

Financial and investment analysts, financial risk specialists, and financial specialists, all other

5.5%

faster than the average

487,800

number of jobs

$83,660

potential earnings

Notice:

* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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Ranked best Online MBA program from US news
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Fortune best online masters business analytics program 2022
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Princeton review badge for top 50 Online MBA programs
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#35 BEST Online MBA Programs FOR 2021 BY FORTUNE
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Our Online MBA program is ranked #40 globally by CEO Magazine.
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Quality Matters Certified
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QM Learner Success Badge 2022
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Kent State University Globally Ranked by QS World University Rankings
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National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA®) logo

The National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA®) is a preferred professional development partner of the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship. To become a member, click here.

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