Business Administration - M.B.A. at Kent State University

Admission to the Information Systems and Supply Chain Management concentrations have been temporarily suspended as of fall 2020.

The Master of Business Administration degree prepares students for responsible leadership positions in public, private and nonprofit organizations. Regardless of their undergraduate education, students will find a challenging program designed to meet their specific backgrounds and needs.

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 a 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 MBA degree. Students can take courses to suit their life: from 1 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 MBA 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 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. Admission to this concentration is suspended.
• 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 Supply Chain Management concentration allows students to specialize their degree in vendor-customer relationships and logistic matters, with courses in global supply chain management, supply chain business models and vendor management strategies. Admission to this concentration is suspended.

All concentrations (other than those that are suspended) are available to students in the full-time/in-person program. The Business Analytics and International Business concentrations are available to students in the online program.

Students may pursue an online stackable certificate pathway to the M.B.A. by completing the Management and Leadership graduate certificate, the Financial Management graduate certificate and a set of remaining courses to earn the M.B.A. degree.

M.B.A. students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree with the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree. A separate application must be submitted for each program. Students can view admission requirements for each program on their respective catalog page.

Several other dual degree programs with the M.B.A. are possible, including the following.

• Dual degree with the Master of Arts 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 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 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 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. It combines the strengths of advanced nursing preparation with the practical management knowledge needed to develop significant leadership capabilities.
• Dual degree with the Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies is designed for students and professionals whose career goals focus on communication, particularly global communication, and provides direction and leadership in economic and business development processes.
• Dual degree with the Master of Arts 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. It integrates management theory and application in sports settings with a broad business curriculum to give you a competitive advantage.

Accreditation

AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Graduates of the program will be able to

1. Identify the problem and select the appropriate tool(s) to resolve the problem.
2. Analyze the problem in order to come to a decision or conclusion.
3. Articulate their position and apply their ideas effectively in writing.
4. Articulate their position and apply their ideas orally.
5. Articulate their ideas collaboratively as part of a team and provide some meaningful contribution to the overall team effort.
6. Identify stakeholders related to ethical dilemmas and understand the difference between the ethical and legal aspects of the dilemma.
7. Identify alternatives and consequences regarding an ethical dilemma and support a course of action.
8. Identify global factors involved in making business decisions.
9. Prioritize and analyze alternatives and consequences related to global factors and support a strategic decision in a global business context.