The current MBA program is a lock-step, cohort based program, where all students take the same courses. While students enjoyed the cohort aspect, some were constrained by the program's rigidity. For example, students could not step out of the program for a semester, nor could they introduce electives or deepen their knowledge in a particular area. The current program also excludes international students (by virtue of the 6-hours/semester schedule) and non-MBA seeking graduate students who would like to take electives from the College. 

The revised MBA program retains some of the best elements of the current program – including an emphasis on real-world cases and applied, experiential learning with lots of faculty interaction – while introducing greater degrees of flexibility in scheduling and the opportunity for students to customize their experience. Courses will open to students from around the university as well as non-degree seeking students. And we are working on getting government approval for international students to come back in. 

The revised program curriculum will be comprised of three major areas:

1. Business Essentials (like the core) - this is 8 foundational courses in the business disciplines, including: Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, Strategy, Information Systems, Business Law/Ethics, and Operations. The essentials total 16 hours.
2. Two “stacks” – these are essentially electives, made up of multiple classes that total 6 hours in each stack. Students complete two stacks of their choice. These stacks give students an opportunity to develop depth of knowledge in topical business areas, such as leadership and data analytics, in current, high interest subjects, such as competitive analysis or innovation, and/or in an area of the student’s election, designed with Program Director approval. The stacks total 12 hours. 
3. A capstone experience – this is a team project where students complete a major organizational project with a local organization. These projects are student-designed and student-run, providing MBAs an opportunity to consolidate and apply some of the major learning from their program to the real world. The capstone will span 2 courses for a total of 5 hours.  

The program will offer 3 stacks on an ongoing basis: 

• Leadership and Organizational Change
• Data Analytics
• Accounting

Additionally, students may design their own stack from other courses at or outside NKU with Program Director approval.

The program is changing from 36 hours to 33 hours total.

See description above.

Admission

Admission Information

Our admissions process is designed to be highly selective. We have required and recommended elements to the process, all of which we will consider together as a single portfolio in evaluating applications. Applicants should assemble the strongest mix of elements below to comprise their application package.

The following items are required for application to the MBA program:

1. An application for the MBA admission and the application fee.

2. Official copies of transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework from accredited institutions.

3. A current resume (Three years of work experience is highly preferred).

4. Evidence of readiness for the quantitative rigor of the program (can be demonstrated through GMAT/GRE scores, transcripts including analytical coursework, prior graduate degree, and/or relevant work experience).

5. Undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.75.

6. An essay, in written or video format, explaining why you should be admitted to the NKU MBA program.

7. Two letters of recommendation are required. One letter of recommendation must be from the most recent employer.

8. If an international applicant, the IBT TOEFL or equivalent with a minimum score of 550 or IELTS minimum score of 6.5 must be submitted to the NKU Office for International Students and Scholars.

All documentation (applications and admissions materials) should be submitted by June 1 to be considered for the Fall term.