Business Administration (MBA)
Kent State University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program offers a flexible, 100% online format designed to equip professionals with the leadership, strategic thinking, and analytical skills needed to excel in today’s competitive business environment. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or transition into a new field, this program provides the expertise needed for success in various industries.
Business Administration (MBA) Graduate Certificate Program Overview
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.
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 Management, Human Resource Management, International Business or Leading Through Challenge.
The dual degree 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.
The dual M.S./M.B.A. degree program 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.
The dual degree Master of Business Administration and Master of Science degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management degree prepares students for responsible leadership positions. It provides an integrated hospitality and tourism education with an emphasis on regional, national and global implications of the field.
The dual M.S./M.B.A. degree 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.
The dual M.B.A./M.P.H. 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.
The dual M.B.A./M.S.N. 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. It combines the strengths of advanced nursing preparation with the practical management knowledge needed to develop significant leadership capabilities.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Critical Thinking: analyze the elements of a business problem and construct well-reasoned solutions.
- Digital Technology: employ appropriate tools in order to analyze business problems.
- Written Communication: write effective business communications.
- Oral Communication: make effective business presentations using appropriate technologies.
- Teamwork: collaborate effectively with others to achieve a common business purpose.
- Business Ethics: recognize ethical business dilemmas and use ethical decision-making to resolve the dilemma.
- 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.
- Global Mindset: distinguish and analyze the key global factors when making business decisions.
U.S. News Rankings:
Kent State’s Online MBA program, offered by the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, boasts two placements in the Best Online Programs rankings. Kent State’s Online MBA with a concentration in business analytics ranked No. 25 in the nation in the U.S. News 2021 Online MBA specialty ranking, and the overall Online MBA program ranked No. 126 in the country among all higher education institutions. Read more.
Princeton Review:
Kent State’s Online MBA program, offered by the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, is ranked #23 among the Top 50 Online MBA Programs for 2022 by The Princeton Review.
Quality Matters Program Design and Recognized Courses:
Quality MattersTM (QM) Recognition via the peer review process means that an online course has met rigorous, research-based standards for quality online course design.
Kent State University is proud to announce that the College of Business Administration has both QM Recognized Courses and QM Program Design. Learn more.
Program Structure
Online MBA Program Structure
- 37 minimum credit hours
- Study abroad opportunity available—fulfills some of the program’s required elective credits
- Courses are in 8-week modules—students can start the program and always find the beginning-level courses
- Students can go at their own pace—full-time students can complete the program in as little as 12 months, but can also be spread out up to a period of six years. Most students complete the program in 24 to 27 months
- Ability to enroll in the online MBA program any semester—this program admits year-round, during fall, spring and summer semesters
- For the full-time options: Admission to the full-time Master of Business Administration program is in the fall semester only
- Kent Campus (full-time) or online (full- or part-time)
Graduation Requirements
The Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship will permit the waiving of M.B.A coursework 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 and Information Systems 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.
Online Dual Degree Program Structure
- 50 to 61 required credits depending on chosen online dual degree
Business Administration (MBA) Graduate Certificate Program Admissions Requirements
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
Applications to the Information Systems concentration are not being accepted at this time.
- 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 grade1
- Official transcripts
- 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 to waive) by earning one of the following:2
- Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 58 PTE score
- Minimum 110 DET score
1In some circumstances, the academic program admissions committee may consider other compelling evidence in their determination.
2International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.
Program Courses
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements 1 | ||
| ACCT 63037 | FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION MAKING | 2 |
| ACCT 63038 | MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION MAKING | 2 |
| BA 64005 | ANALYTICS FOR DECISION MAKING | 2 |
| BA 64026 | SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | 2 |
| CIS 64042 | GLOBALIZATION AND TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY | 2 |
| ECON 62021 | MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS | 2 |
| ECON 62022 | MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS | 2 |
| FIN 66050 | LAW AND ETHICS | 2 |
| FIN 66060 | MANAGERIAL FINANCE | 2 |
| HRM 64271 | HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT | 2 |
| MGMT 64158 | LEADERSHIP | 2 |
| MGMT 68051 | BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT I | 1 |
| MKTG 65051 | MARKETING MANAGEMENT | 2 |
| Culminating Requirement | ||
| MGMT 64399 | BUSINESS STRATEGY | 3 |
| Additional Requirements or Concentrations | ||
| Choose from the following: | 9 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 37 | |
1Students may graduate with the M.B.A. degree with fewer than 37 total credit hours but no fewer than 30 total credit hours.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Graduate Electives 1 | 9 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
1Students 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.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| Concentration Electives, choose from the following: 1 | 9 | |
| ACCT 53001 | FINANCIAL REPORTING I | |
| ACCT 53010 | AUDITING FUNDAMENTALS | |
| ACCT 53012 | FINANCIAL REPORTING II | |
| ACCT 53013 | ADVANCED MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING | |
| ACCT 53041 | INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX | |
| ACCT 63050 | ADVANCED ACCOUNTING ANALYTICS AND TECHNOLOGY | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
1Students with a bachelor’s degree in accounting may apply the following courses toward concentration electives: ACCT 53020, ACCT 53033, ACCT 53043, ACCT 63022, ACCT 63024 and ACCT 63031.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| BA 54038 | ANALYTICS IN PRACTICE | 3 |
| BA 54050 | DATA VISUALIZATION | |
| BA 64082 | DATABASE MANAGEMENT AND DATABASE ANALYTICS | |
| BA 64036 | BUSINESS ANALYTICS | 3 |
| BA 64060 | FUNDAMENTALS OF MACHINE LEARNING | 3 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| CIS 54008 | MANAGING AGILE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PROJECTS | 3 |
| CIS 54041 | MANAGING CYBERSECURITY | 3 |
| CIS 54046 | HOW TO LEAD AND MANAGE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION | 3 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| ECON 52086 | ECONOMICS OF HEALTH CARE | 3 |
| HPM 52016 | PUBLIC HEALTH ADMINISTRATION | 3 |
| HPM 62017 | HEALTHCARE LAW AND REGULATION | 3 |
| HPM 63003 | HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS | |
| HPM 63008 | HEALTHCARE PRIVACY AND SECURITY | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 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 64399 | APPLIED TOPICS IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT | |
| MGMT 64160 | LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| BA 54011 | SYSTEMS SIMULATION | 3 |
| BA 64082 | DATABASE MANAGEMENT AND DATABASE ANALYTICS | 3 |
| CIS 54008 | MANAGING AGILE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PROJECTS | 3 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| Concentration Electives, choose from the following: | 9 | |
| BA 64026 | SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | |
| FIN 56064 | INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FINANCE | |
| FIN 56280 | GOLDEN FLASH ASSET MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR | |
| 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 | |
1MGMT 54009 is not offered online currently.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| MGMT 64160 | LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE | 3 |
| Concentration Electives, choose from the following: | 6 | |
| PACS 54040 | NEGOTIATION | |
| PACS 60001 | ADVANCED NEGOTIATION | |
| PACS 58080 | MEDIATION: THEORY AND TRAINING | |
| PACS 60004 | ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT AND COOPERATION | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
Graduation Requirements
| Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA |
|---|---|
| - | 3.000 |
- 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 in the college. Students may graduate with the M.B.A. degree with fewer than 37 total credit hours but no fewer than 30 total credit hours.
- No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
- Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Dual Degree Courses
View MBA/MA Dual Degree Course Requirements
View MBA/MLIS Dual Degree Course Requirements
View MBA/MSN Dual Degree Course Requirements
Business Administration (MBA) Graduate Certificate Program Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 2-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $860 | $2,580 | $31,800 |
Non-Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 2-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $870 | $2,610 | $32,200 |
An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
A webinar fee is also charged, covering 18-month subscriptions consisting of five self-paced instructional webinars each. The webinar topics are in the following subject areas:
- Accounting—completed prior to ACCT 63037 and MIS 64005
- Spreadsheets—completed prior to ACCT 63037
- Finance—completed prior to FIN 66060
- Statistics—completed prior to MIS 64005
- Economics—completed prior to the first Economics course taken, either ECON 62021 or ECON 62022
Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
*Out-of-state/International tuition includes a surcharge of $10 per credit hour for all students enrolled in an online program.
Careers
- 5.8% faster than the average
- 2,486,400 number of jobs
- $103,650 potential earnings
- 6.3% faster than the average
- 165,200 number of jobs
- $121,220 potential earnings
- 10.7% much faster than the average
- 876,300 number of jobs
- $87,660 potential earnings
- 17.7% much faster than the average
- 738,100 number of jobs
- $65,810 potential earnings
- 5.5% faster than the average
- 487,800 number of jobs
- $83,660 potential earnings
Notice: Career Information Source
* 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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