Admission to the Lindner College of Business online MBA program is selective and based on a combination of factors including academic and professional achievement, strong communication skills, and a proven record of effective leadership. Applicants should have at least a B grade average (or equivalent) in undergraduate coursework, or otherwise offer evidence of academic promise that is satisfactory to the admitting department.
Applications to the Lindner Online MBA are reviewed in a manner that considers carefully all items of your application portfolio. Following review by the admissions committee, accepted applicants will receive notification if they have been fully or conditionally admitted to the program.
Applications will close when a program reaches capacity, so it’s important to apply as soon as you can. Your application is not considered complete until we have all the materials listed below.
Application Checklist
Select the year in which you plan on entering the program.
Ensure your resume clearly lists the dates of any professional experience (i.e., full-time roles, internships, co-ops, etc.) as well as volunteer hours, non-profit experience, and/or any other leadership experiences. It should be no longer than two pages. We recommend two years of work experience before you enter the MBA program (including any co-ops or internships).
An unofficial transcript (or degree audit) is required from each institution attended, including in-progress coursework. These documents must show a complete record of courses taken and grades. Unofficial transcripts are recommended, but official transcripts may also be submitted. Your application will not be reviewed until all transcripts are received.
International Applicants: You must have a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or an international equivalent before starting the program. An NACES course-by-course evaluation may be requested in certain cases. Your unofficial transcripts must be translated into English. If grading isn’t on a four-point scale, you will be asked to translate in the application process. For international three-year bachelor’s degrees, use the free WES degree equivalency tool.
At the Lindner College of Business, we value thought-driven leaders. With this in mind, please upload a personal statement expressing the following:
Formatting: 250-500 words, double-spaced.
Two letters of recommendation are required. Please include at least one former or current manager or supervisor. Letters of recommendation must come directly from the recommender (not the student).
IMPORTANT: Your application will not move forward in the review process until we receive the letters of recommendation.
Standardized test scores are not required for admission to the Lindner MBA (Online Program). Applicants can submit scores if they would like them to be considered as part of the application review process. The admissions committee will accept Graduate Management Admission (GMAT) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores.
Scores must be sent directly from the agency to the following address:
Graduate Admissions
University of Cincinnati
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0091
Applicants are required to pay a fee to submit their final application:
If not your native language, you must demonstrate your proficiency in English. This includes submitting an IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo test score.
Please reference the Graduate College website for information on the minimum score needed to be eligible for the program.
The GMAT and GRE are optional for admission to the MBA.
Applicants can submit scores to build a better picture for the admissions committee of their academic ability and aptitude.
All applications are considered holistically, with all aspects of the application carefully considered in the admissions process.
Yes. Many of our students qualify for some type of financial aid.
Sources of aid:
Yes, to walk across the stage for your graduation. (Just kidding, that is optional!)
The University of Cincinnati’s online programs are truly all online, requiring no on-campus visits. There are a few rare exceptions and those are noted on the program information pages.
Additional resources to support you from start to finish.
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