Completing the Admissions Process

As a student submitting admissions materials, it’s crucial 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 Administration (CBA) graduate programs. Review our Graduate Application Flowchart for a visual representation of the process.

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. Once an application is submitted and transcripts are provided, the Graduate School will forward your application information to the CBA Graduate Programs Office for review.

Deadlines - Domestic and International

Domestic Students
  • Fall Semester Start - July 15
  • Spring Semester Start - November 15
  • Summer Semester Start - April 15
  • Saturday MBA - Fall Start only – July 15
  • Fall Graduate Assistantship - March 1
  • Spring Graduate Assistantship - November 1
International Students
  • Fall - June 15
  • Spring - October 15
  • Summer - March 15
  • Fall Assistantship - March 1
  • Spring Assistantship - November 1

Online and Mailed Application Materials

To apply, you will need to complete an online application portion and send certain materials through the mail by the deadline.

To apply, complete all the following steps:

Step 1 : Complete the online application, which includes:

  • Application form
  • Application fee
  • $45 for domestic students
  • $75 for international students
  • $45 reapplication fee

Step 2: Mail the following:

  • At least 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Official transcripts. All transcripts must be submitted to the Graduate School. Students may submit unofficial copies for admission purposes, but an official transcript must be presented to the Graduate School located in the Polsky building upon arrival in Akron.
  • Standardized test scores.
    GMAT (send a copy of your results). Request to have the official copy sent to our office either when taking the test or after. The Graduate Admission Committee (GAC) prefers that applicants have a minimum GMAT score of 500. It is unlikely that applicants with scores below this threshold will gain admission. For those applicants with scores slightly below this level, it is possible to submit a petition to the Admission Committee requesting provisional admission. GMAT information is available at www.mba.com.

    Other standardized tests. GRE, MCAT, LSAT. Students who have taken the GRE, MCAT or LSAT may request consideration for admission based on those scores. A minimum score of 50 percent on all sections of the test is expected.

    Students holding a Masters, Doctorate or Juris Doctor from an American university may request admission based on the advanced degree. A student's overall application will be reviewed and the GAC reserves the right to require the GMAT for admission. If a student without a Masters or Doctorate has not taken a test, the GMAT is preferred.
  • The College of Business Administration generally does not offer an applicant admission without a GMAT score. If you have a non-business undergraduate degree and have not yet taken the GMAT, you could enroll as a non-degree student, which allows you to take up to nine (9) credit hours of Gateway or Foundation coursework while you prepare for the GMAT. However, please note that degree-seeking students have priority for enrolling in classes. This non-degree option is limited to domestic students.

Mailing address: Graduate School
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325-2101

International Applicants

Additional requirements for international applicants include:

Language Requirements

International Students, and even some permanent residents, are expected to show proof of proficiency in English. This can be done by providing acceptable scores on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or through testing available at The University of Akron English Language Institute (ELI). Those who do not meet the expected minimum scores of 79 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS could apply for a conditional admission to study English at the UA-ELI.

  • TOEFL minimum scores of 79 Internet Based Test or 550 Paper-Based Test
  • IELTS minimum sore of 6.5 on the IELTS

UA English Language Institute (ELI) resources:

  • U-ADEPT – a test of English Language Proficiency developed by the ELI and accepted by UA in place of the TOEFL or IELTS.
  • Instruction in English as a Second Language

Visa Information and Proof of Funding

The Declaration and Certification of Finances is a form used to show proof of funding so that visa paperwork (I-20) may be issued to the student.

Each student must show that they have sufficient funding to attend The University of Akron before visa paperwork (an I-20) will be issued. This can be done with a combination of the student’s own resources plus any scholarships, graduate assistantships or third-party funding which may be provided. A Declaration and Certificate of Finances form is required to show funds available visit Immigration Information for New International Students for this form and additional information.

Mailing address for additional international student materials: Graduate School
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325-2101

Incomplete Applications

Any materials (resume, statement of purpose, references) which were not provided prior to application submission may be directed to the CBA Graduate Programs Office via email at gradcba@uakron.edu. Our advising staff processes all applications and provides feedback to students related to missing documentation.

Admissions Meetings

The GAC meets monthly to make recommendations to the Graduate School. Applications are evaluated based on our Admissions Criteria. Final decisions are approved by the Dean of the Graduate School. An e-letter regarding your status will be sent by the Graduate School. Students accepted for admission will be sent a CBA Admission Packet by their advisor.

If you have questions, contact the Graduate Programs Office by phone at (330) 972-7043, or e-mail at grad.cba@uakron.edu.

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