Curriculum

The following defines course structure of the Online MBA Program.

Core Courses

Capstone Course

Electives

Optional Concentrations

• International Business
• Supply Chain Management

Program Summary

Admissions

Application Deadlines

Apply for the Online MBA Program    Request Information about the Online MBA Program

Admission Requirements

The following documentation is required for admission to the Online MBA Program in the College of Business Administration:

Resume

Applicants are required to submit a resume, which includes work experience and educational background. Two years minimum work experience is expected. Include any licenses, training or other professional development experience on your resume.

Transcripts

Official transcripts of academic records must be obtained from colleges, universities and professional schools you have attended outside of Kent State University. Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded and used for an admission decision, but official copies from your university will need to be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies before you can enroll. 

GMAT or GRE Scores

The GMAT or GRE is required of all applicants.

Only tests taken within the past five years are considered valid. In the case of multiple tests, the highest score will be used.

You should plan to take the exam at least one month before the application deadline. Although you will receive your score the day of your exam, allow ten days for your score to arrive at Kent State University.

More Information/Registration for GMAT

More Information/Registration for GRE

Apply for the Online MBA Program     Request Information about the Online MBA Program

Frequently asked questions

Educational Background

Do I need an undergraduate degree in a business area to get the MBA?

No. The MBA is one of the more flexible graduate professional degrees and accepts undergraduate majors from all areas: business, physical sciences, humanities, engineering, social sciences and many others.

If my degree is in another subject, will I have trouble with the MBA coursework?

As part of the MBA program, commercial webinars are required in the areas where students have traditionally had challenges: accounting/spreadsheets, statistics, finance and economics. Each webinar needs to be completed prior to taking each course. The webinars are self-paced, can be repeated and will serve as a resource for the entirety of your program.

In addition, courses in the MBA program are carefully sequenced and build on each other, so by following prerequisites, those with non-business undergraduate degrees have been able to successfully complete the degree.

Is the mBA a heavily quantitative degree?

There is considerable math in the MBA program, but like the other coursework, it is sequenced and courses build on each other. Most students, even those with prior math fears, find that the system of using mathematic processes to real applied life examples helps to strengthen these skills and builds confidence. 

What math skills do I need to have to start the program?

Students should have a good proficiency with algebra. Some exposure to intuitive calculus is helpful, but the subject can also be learned while in the program. 

Program Academic Details

Is the GMAT or GRE a requirement in all cases?

Yes, for several reasons. One is that our level of accreditation requires an instrument to be used to compare all applicants, and we use GMAT or GRE for that purpose. Students are admitted who have good general ability in the skills tested so they will be able to keep up in the courses without frustration.

Additionally, preparing for the GMAT or GRE helps the prospective student to review and sharpen math skills from earlier courses and experiences. We also use GMAT or GRE as a diagnostic tool to see where your strengths lie. Writing, intuitive reasoning, quantitative and verbal skills are measured.

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 adding a concentration to the degree.  

The Executive MBA program, designed for the more experienced professional, delivers courses to a cohorted group that starts the program together and stays together during the duration through graduation. The corporate EMBA meets on Saturdays and online for 8-week long semesters that continue throughout the program. No concentration areas are possible for this degree. Additional features of the EMBA program are beginning and ending residencies and an international business experience. There are also cost differences between the two programs. 

Because of the very different structures of the two programs, students are not able to switch from one to another without losing credit hours or possibly repeating courses. If both degrees interest you, please meet with a program representative for each to help you fully understand the differences and make the best decision.

Program Administrative Details

Why are two years of full-time work required for the Online MBA program?

The faculty who teach in the Online MBA rely on the work experiences of the class members to discuss and provide examples of many of the topics covered in the courses. Ideally, the student’s work experience should be of a professional nature with some supervisory aspect. Without this type of work experience, the student will not be able to contribute as effectively to class discussions and projects.

When does the Online Mba Program begin?

This flexible program can be started any semester: Fall, Spring or Summer. The deadlines are usually about six weeks before the start of the intended term.

What happens if I have to stop the program for work or family issues?

If planning less than one year of inactivity, the student can return and continue in the program. In cases where the student will be out more than 12 months, a Leave of Absence form will be required in order to keep the student active in the university system.

Completing the Degree

How long do I have to complete the Online MBA Program?

The maximum length of time to complete any Master’s degree at Kent State is six years, although most students finish the program in two to three years. When the Leave of Absence form is completed, that time does not count toward the six-year limit.

How many courses should I take each semester?

While this will differ for each person, most students take one or two courses each 8-week session and two courses in Summer.

What happens if I am transferred before I finish the program?

The process of transferring courses is much more restrictive at the graduate level than it may have been at the undergraduate level. As soon as you are aware of a possible move or transfer, contact your academic advisor so you can work out a strategy to finish. With the online format, this is significantly less of a problem than in the past.

Paying for My Degree

I have tuition benefits from my employer; How is that 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 and confirmation by your benefits office that you are eligible for such a program.  A required deposit is applied to your tuition, and the remainder is deferred until grades are received. The deferred billing program is available in the Fall and Spring semesters, but not in the Summer.

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Contact Us

If you have questions regarding the Online MBA Program, please call us during normal business hours at 330-672-2282 or reach us by email at gradbus@kent.edu.

Alternatively, you may fill out the following form:

Contact Admissions

If you have questions regarding graduate admissions, please reach out to the appropriate office listed below.

• Domestic Students

  Kent State University
  Graduate Studies
  650 Hilltop Drive
  Cartwright Hall
  Kent, OH 44242
  Phone: 330-672-2661
  Fax: 330-672-2658
  Email: gradapps@kent.edu
  Website: www.kent.edu/graduatestudies