KENT, OH - MAY 21, 2018: The secluded "Brain Plaza" on the KSU campus is anchored by a sculpture of a giant brain and lined with shelves of books carved in stone.

Kent State University Online Master of Business Administration

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Why Kent State University? 

Kent State University recruits applicants for its online Master of Business Administration degree program. This very large public research university in Kent, Ohio administers the program through its Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Applicants should demonstrate that they have prior knowledge of algebra through coursework of equivalent. Knowledge of calculus is recommended but not required. Applicants will need to submit results of either the GMAT or the GRE if their undergraduate GPA is below 3.2. Applicants are assessed on a holistic basis. No minimum GPA is required for admission, but academic potential and prior achievement will be considered as part of the admissions process. Students without two years of prior professional experience will be required to complete a professional development course. 

Program Snapshot

University Name Kent State University
Location Kent
State Ohio
Niche.com Grade A+
Name of Degree Master of Business Administration
School or Department Administering Program Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Credits 36
Cost per credit $830.00
Tuition for Entire Program $29,880.00
Test Requirements GMAT or GRE required if GPA is below 3.2
Minimum GPA none
Prerequisite Courses and Skills knowledge of algebra required; knowledge of calculus recommended but not required
Campus Visit Required? no
Typical Time to Complete as little as 12 months, average time 2.5 years
When Can Students Start the Program? Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Concentrations
  • Business Analytics
  • International Business
  • Human Resource Management
Synchronous classes no
Required Courses
  • Financial Accounting for Decision Making
  • Managerial Accounting for Decision Making
  • Global Technology Strategy
  • Global Conditions and Macroeconomics Policy
  • Managerial Economics
  • Managerial Finance
  • Human Resource Management
  • Leadership and Managerial Assessment
  • Marketing Management
  • Operations, Service and Supply Chain Management
  • Analytics for Decision Making
  • Law and Ethics
  • Business Strategy
  • 9 credits of electives
Does the Program Include a Capstone? yes
Does the program include a practicum or internship? no
Other Features that Make the Program Unique Quality Matters certified; optional study abroad course; 8 week modules; faculty are noted academics and business leaders; test out the degree experience through stackable certificate pathway 
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)
  • 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.
Program Description This degree requires 36 credits of coursework. Students complete a capstone course to consolidate and extend the knowledge learned throughout the program. There is no internship or practicum requirement. Most students complete the program within two and a half years. Three concentrations are offered: Business Analytics, International Business, and Human Resource Management. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, digital technology, written communication, teamwork, and ethics within a global mindset.

 

What will I Learn?

Within a global worldview, the curriculum promotes critical thinking, digital technologies, written communication, teamwork, and ethics.

To build a global mindset, students take Global Technology Strategy and Global Conditions and Macroeconomics Policy. Critical thinking and ethics are emphasized in Analytics for Decision Making, Law and Ethics, and Business Strategy. They work in teams to solve business problems in Human Resources Management, Leadership and Managerial Assessment, and Operations, Service and Supply Chain Management. Finance and economics required courses include Financial Accounting for Decision Making, Managerial Accounting for Decision Making, Managerial Economics and Managerial Finance. 

Students can choose to specialize in one of the following concentrations: International Business; Human Resource Management

How much will the program cost?

The program costs $830.00 per credit, and 36 credits are required. The total cost of the degree is just under $29,900 for the entire degree. Most students take 12 months to two and a half years to finish their studies.  

How does the program fit into my life?

Using a learning model known as asynchronous learning, this program does not include classes that meet on a weekly schedule. Rather, students complete coursework on their own schedule each week. These activities can include watching video lectures, completing assignments, meeting with group members or instructors, or practicing skills through other means. Participants are not required to come to campus in-person  at any point during the program unless they wish. Offering three starts per year, in Fall, Spring, and Summer, this program allows you to begin your studies at your convenience.

Students complete the program within as little as 12 months, if they choose the accelerated degree pathway in which their studies are their primary focus. The average time to complete the program is two and a half years, if students choose a more relaxed pace. 

Summary

The Kent State program brings together highly qualified students –  recent students have an average of ten years of work experience – with highly qualified faculty members with well-known expertise. All courses are certified by the Quality Matters organization.

This affordable option at a well-respected public university may also attract applicants interested in its optional study abroad course, or who want to try out the MBA before enrolling by pursuing a Financial Management Certificate or Leadership and Management Certificate. Credits earned in both of these certificates can be applied to the KSU online MBA.