The University of Akron
About
Historically, our focus has been on having strong programs and experiences to attract quality students and faculty. Today, this focus remains as we carry out our mission: To prepare our students to become competent and responsible business professionals and leaders. This mission is guided by the belief that business is an applied, global discipline, which is reflected in our extensive partnerships with the business community through numerous Advisory Boards, class projects, and internships, as well as through diverse learning opportunities.
Introduction
Getting Students 'Career Ready and Connected'
The College of Business (CoB) was established as a professional college at The University of Akron in 1953. Today we have set ourselves apart as a nationally ranked and globally recognized institution for developing business professionals and leaders. The CoB has the highest level of accreditation at both Business and Accounting which puts us in elite status among business schools – the top 1.15%. We have been listed as a Best Business School by Princeton Review every year since 2005, a top part-time MBA program by U.S. News & World Report, Tier One by CEO Magazine, Top 50 public business school in the United States by Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and Top 40 public business school nationally by Poets & Quants.
Graduate Degrees Options
The College of Business at The University of Akron offers several valuable graduate degree options, with the MSM in Business Analytics an official STEM degree:
- Master of Science in Management (MSM): Business Analytics, 30 credits (STEM)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), 36 credits
- Master of Science in Accounting (MSA), 30 credits
- Master of Taxation (M. Tax), 30 credits
Extensive Network with Alumni
Our active business network truly sets us apart. CoB students instantly join a business network of 33,000 alumni with over 900 in top executive posts (CEO, CIO, CFO, etc.) around the country and the world. More than 270 professionals are especially connected to the CoB through service on Advisory Boards that meet regularly to provide expertise and guidance on curriculum decisions and strategic direction. This helps us to be sure that what we teach includes the latest business skills and knowledge. Advisory Board members also bring their organizations’ business internships and co-ops, and projects, to CoB students every year.
Faculty Teach in the CoB—Not Teaching Assistants
Our mission to ensure our students graduate Career Ready and Connected is fueled by our highly qualified and passionate instructors. There are no graduate students teaching courses in our college. In addition to the top-quality research that is faculty publish, they also instruct students full-time, often in state-of-the-art facilities and learning labs. We also sometimes invite industry experts to teach specialized courses so that students receive the very latest thinking from world-class companies. Our faculty frequently partner with companies each semester to seek out real-world projects that provide hands-on learning opportunities, connecting classrooms to boardrooms.
Personalized Attention in Small Class Sizes
We maintain small class sizes so that students receive personalized attention and focused learning. The average class size for MBA classes is 20, Accounting is 10, and MSM-Business Analytics is 15. Students are able to get to know each other, develop friendships and learn together.
Welcome International Students and Applicants
The University of Akron College of Business Administration (CoB) Graduate Programs has a rich tradition of enrolling students from around the world. Each year we have students representing over 30 countries taking business classes and have had more than 50 Fulbright students over the past 15 years. Our faculty members also have a variety of backgrounds, including industry experience, and come from many countries. We value the insights that a diverse population offers.
International students have certain steps to take to be admitted to and successfully perform in a CoB Graduate program. We have created this page to provide links to important steps and other helpful information for students from outside the United States. It will be crucial for you to read the pages linked on this page to ensure your application will be processed smoothly so you can start planning on joining us in Akron!
The University of Akron Graduate School processes applications and approves admissions for all graduate programs on campus. Information specifically for international students is gathering in a portion of the website, including Visa paperwork (I-20) and mandatory health insurance coverage.
Campus Features
Living in Akron
Many students and alumni have commented on the affordable housing in Akron as well as the great variety of cultural and entertainment venues available in northeast Ohio. Campus shuttles and the city bus system provide transportation within the region so students can get around without a car.
Housing in Akron
Off-Campus Housing
There are many apartment complexes and rental houses near campus that provide student housing. There is a number in close proximity to the College of Business Administration. Since most of our in-person graduate classes are offered in the evening many students find that apartments close to the CoB are preferable. You can check on distances to the CoB address at 259 S. Broadway, Akron, OH 44308.
On-Campus Housing
Most on-campus housing is for undergraduate students. A few residence halls do accept graduate students.
Getting Around Northeast Ohio
The University of Akron Roo Express Shuttle provides service on campus and in the nearby community for UA students, faculty, and staff with a valid university identification – Zip Card. Guests may also ride the shuttle if accompanied by someone with a ZipCard.
The Akron Metro Bus system offers MetroZip which provides students transportation around Summit County for free on any regular Metro route by swiping a Zip Card. This is available to students, faculty, and staff. SCAT services are excluded from this program.
You can also take a Metro bus to Cleveland. Discounted bus passes are available to students. The Northcoast Express Service to Cleveland offers two routes originating in the Akron area, the service is weekdays only and runs early morning and late afternoons.
Travel Around the United States
For drivers, The University of Akron is less than an hour from Cleveland, 5.5 hours from Chicago, and less than a 7-hour drive from New York City. For more distant travel in the United States, Greyhound Bus service is available from Akron and Amtrak rail service is available from Cleveland or Alliance. There are also a variety of car rental agencies in Akron. We are conveniently located near two major airports: Akron Canton Airport and Cleveland Hopkins International. These airports provide access to destinations all over the country and the world.
The Changing Seasons – What to Wear and How to Prepare
Akron enjoys all four seasons: Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring. The University of Akron has three semesters fall which begins in August (summer) and ends in December (winter), Spring which begins in January (winter), and ends in May (spring) Summer which begins in May (spring), and ends in August (summer). Students will need to have a wardrobe that covers all seasons. Most students dress in business casual attire to attend class unless they are doing a presentation in which case they dress in professional attire. Akron is conveniently located near a National Park (The Cuyahoga Valley National Park), many metro parks, Lake Erie, and numerous arts and cultural venues. There are many events, activities, and opportunities to enjoy in Akron, Ohio, and the region.
Gallery
Admissions
Graduate Admission Criteria: COVID-19 Response
In considering the circumstances and events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the College of Business will apply a holistic approach to graduate admissions to UA for the 2020-21 academic year. In this environment, it is impossible to ignore external factors that are impacting individual circumstances and lives. Many are finding their jobs and careers in transition and the College of Business wants to provide as much flexibility as possible to any student who is deciding late in the year to attend graduate school at UA. As a result, any applicant may petition to waive the standardized admission test requirement. Applicants may choose to include these scores, but tests will not be required. Effective May 22, 2020 CoB waives all application fees for Applicants until June 30, 2021.
Completing the Admissions Process
As a student submitting admissions materials, it is crucial that you submit everything required, and on time. The materials checklist below lists the requirements. A Graduate Admission Committee reviews all application materials received for all College of Business (CoB) graduate programs.
The University of Akron Graduate School oversees admissions for all graduate programs. They provide a mandatory online application process. Students can submit required forms through the online application system. Items that are not provided in the online system prior to submission can be sent to the Graduate Programs in Business Office. Once an application is submitted and transcripts are provided, the Graduate School will forward your application information to the CoB Graduate Programs Office, (College of Business, Room 412, Akron, OH 44325-4805) for review.
Deadlines – Domestic and International
Domestic Students
- Fall Semester Start - August 1
- Spring Semester Start - December 1
- Summer Semester Start - May 1
- Saturday MBA - Fall Start only – August 1
International Students
The Graduate School recommends applying six months prior to the start of the semester in which you plan to begin your studies. The CoB recommends applying no later than the following dates:
- Fall - June 15
- Spring - October 15
- Summer - March 15
Online and Mailed Application Materials
To apply, you will need to complete an online application portion and send certain materials through the mail or via email to [email protected] by the deadline.
To apply, complete all of the following steps.
Step 1: Complete the online application, which includes:
- Application form
- Note: The application fee is not required for applicants until June 2021
Step 2: Mail or email the following to [email protected]
- Your Current Resume
- Letter of Intent outlining your story. Describe what motivates you to pursue the degree and what characteristics will lead to your success.
- Official transcripts. All transcripts must be submitted to the Graduate School. Students may submit unofficial copies to [email protected] for admission purposes, but an official transcript must be presented or sent to the Graduate School located in the Leigh Hall building.
- GMAT is not required until June 2021
Students holding a Masters, Doctorate, or Juris Doctor from an accredited university may request admission based on an advanced degree.
Language Requirements
A minimum of 79 is required on the TOEFL test or a 6.5 on the IELTS. Duolingo English Test score of at least 115 is temporarily permitted in lieu of in-person TOEFL.
Visa Requirements
Before Arriving in Akron
International students may arrange to have host families assist them upon arrival by contacting Global Ties-Akron. Other information on visa status, arriving in Akron, and what to bring with you are available from the Center for International Students and Scholars.
Most University of Akron offices are closed on Saturday and Sunday, so students arriving in the area on the weekend will need to make arrangements for a hotel or host family before coming to Akron. Transportation is available from the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport or Akron Canton Airport.
On the first business day (Monday through Friday) you should visit the Center for International Students and Scholars to take care of all visa, insurance, and miscellaneous requirements for new students. After that, you should visit our office.
Please contact us before leaving your country to schedule an advising appointment.
Scholarships and Funding
Rankings
Rankings - Graduate Programs
The CBA's graduate programs have been included in The Princeton Review's list of Best Business Schools every year since 2005. Schools are recognized on the basis of high-quality academic programs and the favorable opinions of students, who rate and report their campus experiences.
Bloomberg Businessweek has ranked the part-time MBA program among the best in the nation. These rankings are based on measures of student satisfaction, academic quality, and post-graduation outcomes, like job placement.
U.S. News and World Report have ranked the CBA’s MBA program among the best part-time MBA programs in the U.S. The rankings are based on an average peer assessment score, as well as four student-related factors – the average GMAT score, average undergraduate GPA, the years of work experience of students who enter the program, and the percentage of students in the program who are enrolled part-time.
CEO Magazine has ranked our MBA as a Tier 1 program. Based on program quality and student success.
Rankings - Undergraduate Programs
Businessweek has ranked our undergraduate business school as one of the best in the United States for six consecutive years. Businessweek bases the rankings on the academic quality of the programs, post-graduation outcomes for students, recruiter satisfaction, and nine measures of student satisfaction.
U.S. News and World Report have ranked the CBA as one of the best undergraduate business programs in the nation. This ranking is based solely on peer assessment. U.S. News surveys deans and senior faculty at each undergraduate business program accredited by AACSB International and asks them to rate the quality of all programs with which they were familiar.
Accreditations
Locations
- Akron
259 S. Broadway St. Akron, OH, 44325, Akron