FAQs: Admission Questions
Q: What are the admissions requirements?
A: A recent (within the last five years) GMAT or GRE General Test score is required. All admitted students must also have a strong quantitative background including linear algebra, multivariate calculus, differential equations, numerical analysis and advanced statistics and probability. Prior experience in computer programming and familiarity with computers as a computational and management tool are advantages. Experience with statistics, econometric applications and mathematical tools is preferred.
Q: How are students selected for this program?
A: A committee of faculty from the departments of Mathematics, Finance and Economics assess applicant backgrounds and skills for program admission. Candidates will be evaluated based on the following:
- GRE or GMAT Scores
- GPA at the undergraduate and, if available, graduate level
- TOEFL score (For international students)
- Transcripts for all previously earned degrees
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of goals and objectives
During the second week of March the selection committee will review all of the MSFE applications. The review committee will take all of the applications and rank order them.
Q: Can the letters of recommendation be sent to you electronically?
A: You may submit paper recommendations, or have your recommendations sent to GSMApplications@kent.edu. If you choose to have your recommendations sent via email they must come directly from the individuals writing them, not from you. Also, please ask your references to write the letters in Microsoft Word and attach them to the emails as document files. For the subject line, they must use your name and “letter of recommendation” or we may not open the email.
Q: What is the process for International Admissions?
A: Our application process is conducted in two separate steps. First, your application is processed by our International Admissions office. They need your TOEFL, post-secondary (university) transcripts, application (with application fee), and financial documentation. (All of this has been received.) They will determine if you are eligible to be considered for graduate admission.
Once they have determined that you are eligible, you move to the second step. International Admissions will send us your materials, and we will finalize your application file. It is at this time we need your letters of recommendation, resume, essay of professional goals, and application for Graduate Appointment. All degree programs in the Graduate School of Management require an entrance exam; GMAT is accepted for all programs. Please note that is it more efficient for you to send all of your materials to the Graduate School of Management. As they are received they will be entered into the system and the necessary documents will be sent to the International Admissions Office.
NOTE for International Students
Please send all documentation to
Graduate School of Management
P.O. Box 5190
Room A310, Business Administration Building
Kent, OH 44242-0001 USA
Phone: (330) 672-2282
We will forward the transcripts, TOEFL, and financial documentation to International Admissions after we note the documents’ arrival.
Q: Is work experience required?
A: No, but work experience is helpful.
Q: Do you require an undergraduate degree in finance or business?
A: Formal training in economics and finance is helpful but not required. The common requirement for all students in the program is that they enter it with a high level of intellectual curiosity and a strong interest in finance.
Q: Do you recommend preparatory math and business classes?
A: Probability, Linear Algebra, Ordinary Differential Equations and Statistics are pre-requisites. Additional Math course work is up to the applicant.
Quantitative Pre-Requisites
Area Topics KSU Courses *
Calculus: differentials, infinite series, Taylor's formula, partial derivatives, multiple integrals
Linear Algebra: matrices, vectors, determinants, linear systems of equations, linear independence, bases, eigenvalues, eigenvectors
Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs): 1st-order ODEs solution techniques, initial value problems, exponential growth/decay, logistic model equilibrium, steady state 2nd-order linear constant-coefficient ODEs
Probability: continuous and discrete distributions, multivariate distributions and independence, ordinary and conditional expectations, Central Limit Theorem
Statistics: regression analysis including detection of and solutions to various violations of classic regression assumptions (heteroskedasticity, autocorrelation, multicollinearity and simultaneity)
Computer Programming: ability in a high-level language such as C, C++, Fortran (77 or 90/95), Basic, Visual Basic, or Matlab
Economics: Basic Micro and Macro Economic topics including supply and demand functions, market structure, and the role of money
Accounting: Basic financial statement analysis of balance sheet and income statement information. Fundamentals of taxation and the corporate form of organization.
See MSFE Program Curriculum for additional details
Q: What is your minimum TOEFL score required?
A: The minimum TOEFL requirement is 525 on the traditional paper-based test; 197 on the computer-based test; or 71 on the Internet-based test. The Michigan English Language Aptitude Battery (MELAB) can be taken in place of TOEFL, a minimum score of 77 is required on the MELAB.
Q: Can I waive the TOEFL requirement?
A: Applicants who have recently completed three years of full-time study at a secondary institution in the United States OR who have two years of full-time academic study (64 semester hours) at a post secondary institution in the United States may be exempted after supporting academic records have been received.
Q:
IELTS vs. TOEFL?
A: IELTS can be considered. Applicants must test at or above the half-step of band 5 (5.5).
Q: What is the minimum required GRE/GMAT score?
A: There are no specific minimum score requirements, candidates are rank ordered by the Review Committee based on multiple application criteria. Only tests taken within the past five years are considered valid and in the case of multiple tests, the highest score is used. You should plan to take the exam at least one month before the application deadline.
Q: Can I waive the GMAT/GRE requirement?
A: No.
Q: If I am admitted, can I defer enrollment?
A: Yes. application materials can be deferred for one year although due to the competitive nature of the program and the limited enrollment there is no guarantee that deferred applications will be extend offers of admissions in the following year. Applicants who wish to defer enrollment should send a written notice (paper or email) to the Graduate School of Management. If the applicants address or contact information has changed, a new application should be submitted.
Candidates who have taken additional coursework during the deferred period must submit updated, official transcripts of this work. An updated resume is also required. International candidates must submit an updated financial statement.
Q: What is the institutional code for Kent State?
A: The institution code for Kent State is 1367. There are no department codes.
Q: Where should I send my formal transcripts?
A: Kent State University
Graduate School of Management
P.O. Box 5190
Room A310, Business Administration Building
Kent, OH 44242-0001 USA
Phone: (330) 672-2282
Q: Am I eligible to apply if I have an MBA degree?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you accept applications after the posted due date?
A: Yes. Applications received after the February 1 deadline will be reviewed by the Review Committee. Offers of acceptance will be extended to qualified students on a space available basis.