Applying for Admission

Applying for Admission

  1. Incoming Freshmen
  2. Transfer Students
  3. Current UA Students
  4. Graduate Applicants

Incoming Freshmen

Admission Criteria

Generally, the University admits incoming freshmen to University College where they complete general studies courses before transferring to a degree-granting college in their sophomore or junior year. However, there are two exceptions:

Direct Admission – Incoming freshmen who satisfy the following criteria may receive direct admission to the College of Business Administration upon application:

  • 3.0 high school grade point average
  • Upper 50% of high school graduating class
  • 22 ACT or 1030 SAT
  • Completion of core curriculum

Honors Students – students accepted into the University Honors College as business majors are automatically admitted to the College of Business Administration.

Application Procedure

Learn about the steps involved in applying for admission.

Transfer Students

Admission Criteria

To be accepted into the College of Business Administration, students transferring from another university must have:

  • completed at least 30 semester credit hours including:
    • 3450:145 College Algebra or higher level math
    • a behavioral science course
    • 3250:200 Principles of Microeconomics or 3250:201 Principles of Macroeconomics
    • 6200:201 Accounting Principles I
  • earned an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5;
  • earned a GPA of at least 2.0 in all business administration and economics courses completed or accepted as transfer credit;
  • earned a GPA of at least 2.0 in any business major courses completed;
  • earned a grade of “C” or higher in all business transfer courses.

Application Procedure

Learn about the steps involved in applying for admission.

Undergraduate Students Currently Attending UA

Admission Criteria

To be accepted into the College of Business Administration, students currently attending The University of Akron (in University College or one of the degree-granting colleges) must have:

  • completed at least 30 semester credit hours including:
    • 3450:145 College Algebra or higher level math
    • a behavioral science course
    • 3250:200 Principles of Microeconomics or 3250:201 Principles of Macroeconomics
    • 6200:201 Accounting Principles I
  • earned an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5;
  • earned a GPA of at least 2.0 in all business administration and economics courses completed or accepted as transfer credit;
  • earned a GPA of at least 2.0 in any business major courses completed;
  • earned a grade of “C” or higher in all business transfer courses.

Application Procedure

To apply for admission to the CBA, students currently in attendance at The University of Akron or whose last college/ university attended was The University of Akron, must file an Intercollege Transfer Form with their current college (e.g. University College).

A student is notified of admission to the CBA by mail. If accepted to the CBA, a student receives a letter of acceptance and is required to meet with an academic advisor for an orientation appointment where CBA policies, procedures and programs are explained. This is an ideal opportunity for the student to ask any questions they may have about the CBA or its programs.

If you have any questions, please call the CBA Office of Undergraduate Programs (located in room 260) at 330-972-7042 to speak with an advisor.

Graduate Applicants

Admission Process Flowchart

Admission Criteria

We are seeking applicants who are well-rounded individuals with compelling professional and/or educational experience. Applicants should provide evidence of interest in, and/or potential to fulfill, a leadership role in a formal organization.

  • A GMAT score of at least 500 is preferred with scores of at least the 50th percentile on all sections of the GMAT preferred. Completion of all sections, including the essay, is required.
  • No specific undergraduate major is required for admission.

Domestic students:

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
  • A four-year undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 is preferred (or a 3.0 for the last two years of study).
  • Students applying to the CBA joint programs with the School of Law may submit the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) in lieu of the GMAT.

Joint Degree Students

The following applies to joint degree applicants in addition to the regular admission criteria and requirements:

  • Students applying to the CBA joint programs with the School of Law may submit the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) in lieu of the GMAT.
  • Joint degree students must also submit the joint degree application and documentation from the School of Law.

International students:

  • A baccalaureate degree of a minimum of four years duration. Students with a three year degree may be accepted. Those accepted with a three year degree will be required to take all foundation level courses regardless of undergraduate major.
  • A four-year undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 is preferred (or a 3.0 for the last two years of study) or an equivalent converted GPA. Academic standing of first class or high second class may also be accepted.
  • A TOEFL score of at least 550 for the paper based test, 213 for the computer based test, or 79 on the Internet based test
  • A GMAT score of 500 is preferred with scores of at least the 50th percentile on all sections of the GMAT preferred. Completion of all sections, including the essay, is required.

The average GMAT score and four-year GPA for those admitted is 588 and 3.30, respectively.

An applicant eligible for consideration under the above guidelines is not guaranteed an offer of admission.  It must be recognized that staff, facilities and resources are limited.  As a result, offers of admission may be limited to only the most qualified of the eligible applicants as determined by the CBA Graduate Admissions Committee.

In rare instances, applicants who have taken the GMAT but do not meet the above minimums may be considered for admission and those who have been denied admission may request that they be reconsidered.  To apply for either consideration, the applicant must petition, in writing, the CBA Graduate Admissions Committee stating those reasons relevant to his or her situation which demonstrate the likelihood of “high promise of success.”

Proficiency Requirement:

Although not part of the admissions process, potential students should be aware that they must show proficiency in the following skills prior to taking the MBA core courses in order to succeed in the program: quantitative/statistical skills, writing, Excel spreadsheet. Information on showing proficiency can be found online at MBA Proficiencies.

If you have questions, please contact the CBA Graduate Programs Office

Apply online using the Graduate School's online application

The University of Akron

Akron, OH 44325
Phone: 330-972-7111
Contact us
Send mail & deliveries to UA