Cleveland State University (CSU) Online MBA

• Online MBA
• MBA - Accounting
• MBA - Health Care Administration
• MBA - Human Resources/Labor Relations
• MBA - Information Systems
• MBA - International Business
• MBA - Management
• MBA - Marketing
• MBA - Operations and Supply Chain Management

By Farheen Gani Reviewed By Jocelyn Blore

Updated September 24, 2026

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Cleveland State University’s Monte Ahuja College of Business offers a fully online master of business administration (MBA) designed for working professionals. The program delivers all coursework 100 percent online. The MBA features a common business core plus a choice of specialized concentrations, allowing students to tailor the degree to their career goals.

Students can tailor the MBA to their goals by choosing a specialization. The accounting specialization focuses on advanced accounting knowledge for professional accounting roles. The business analytics specialization emphasizes data-driven decision-making using modern analytics tools. The finance specialization builds expertise in financial analysis and corporate finance. The human resources specialization prepares students for strategic HR and people-management roles.

The information systems specialization blends business and technology to manage information systems effectively. The leadership specialization develops skills in leading teams, managing change, and organizational effectiveness. The marketing specialization covers marketing strategy, consumer behavior, and brand management. The operations and supply chain management specialization focuses on improving operations, logistics, and supply chain performance.

The online MBA is intended for working professionals and career-changers who want to advance or pivot within business. It is also open to applicants without an undergraduate business degree; such students may need to complete foundation coursework before beginning the main MBA curriculum. The program emphasizes practical application and real-world business challenges.

Cleveland State University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online MBA is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

What to Expect from Cleveland State University (CSU) Online MBA

Admission Requirements: Cleveland State University’s online MBA has a straightforward admissions process with no application fee and no GMAT or GRE requirement. Admission decisions are based on academic record and whether the candidate meets the university’s graduate admission standards.

To be considered for full admission, applicants need a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 from an accredited institution. Applicants must also submit official transcripts from every college or university previously attended. In addition, applicants must meet all general admission requirements set by Cleveland State University’s College of Graduate Studies.

The program is open to students with or without an undergraduate business degree. Applicants who do not have a business background may be required to complete additional foundation courses.

Domestic applicants are evaluated based on their completed undergraduate degree. International applicants must also meet English proficiency requirements unless they are from an exempted country.

Study Plan: Cleveland State University’s Online MBA is designed to be completed in as few as three semesters, though students can also work through the program at their own pace. The degree requires 10 courses totaling 30 credits. Students who do not have an undergraduate business degree may need to complete four foundation courses before starting the main MBA curriculum. These prerequisites are in addition to the 30 credits required for the MBA.

The program offers flexible pacing to accommodate working professionals. Students can choose to move through the coursework quickly or spread it out over a longer period based on their schedule and priorities. All courses are delivered 100 percent online, allowing students to study on their own schedule from anywhere.

The curriculum emphasizes practical application and real-world business challenges across core areas such as accounting, finance, information systems, marketing, and operations management. Students can also add a specialization by taking three additional elective courses in a chosen business discipline.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Prospective students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a College of Business professional academic advisor to discuss their background, any prerequisite needs, and how to structure their study plan.

Curriculum: The online MBA requires 10 courses totaling 30 credits. Up to four foundational courses may be required prior to taking the MBA core courses, but students may be exempted from some or all, depending on undergraduate coursework. Foundational courses may include MBA financial accounting; financial management; marketing management; and analytic methods.

MBA core courses include managerial accounting; financial policies; information systems; managing human resources; leadership and interpersonal effectiveness; integrative business strategy; marketing strategy; and operations and supply chain management. In addition, students choose one analytics course and one international business course from approved options. Students then take three elective courses in a chosen business discipline to complete a specialization, which will be designated on the student’s transcript and diploma.

• Accounting concentration courses: federal income taxation; tax research and planning; tax II, federal income taxation of corporations and shareholders; taxation of partnerships, estates, and trusts; and multijurisdictional tax issues.
• Business Analytics concentration courses: introduction to business analytics; applied business analytics; managing databases for business analytics; and strategy for business analytics.
• Finance – Investments concentration courses: investment analysis; financial modeling and corporate valuation; financial markets; real estate investment; international financial management; portfolio practicum; and professional finance internship.
• Finance – Real Estate concentration courses: real estate finance; real estate investment; and financial markets; investment analysis; international financial management; portfolio practicum; and professional finance internship.
• Digital Marketing concentration courses: online marketing strategies; social media and mobile marketing; current problems in marketing; and professional internship.
• Marketing Analytics concentration courses: customer relationship management; strategic and tactical marketing; product management; professional internship; and current problems in marketing.
• Advertising and Services Marketing concentration courses: business-to-business marketing; customer relationship management; services marketing; advertising and promotion management; professional internship; and current problems in marketing.
• Economic Forecasting concentration courses: econometrics; time series econometrics; business fluctuations and forecasting; and applied economic analysis II.
• Leadership and Motivation concentration courses: managerial skill development; organizational development; and one elective.
• Organizational Change concentration courses: HRM metrics and analytics; organizational diagnostics; and organizational development.
• Labor Relations concentration courses: labor law; employment practices law; and collective bargaining.
• Operations and Supply Chain Management concentration courses: global operations management; and two other OSM courses.
• Information Systems concentration courses: advanced programming of business systems; systems analysis methods; modern database design and implementation; management of business networks; and business value of information technology.
• Governance, Compliance, and Risk concentration courses: accounting analytics; internal controls and risk management; and detecting and preventing organizational fraud.

Online Experience: The online MBA from Cleveland State University is delivered 100 percent online, with each course designed so students can study on their own schedule from anywhere. The program is built for working professionals who want to earn the degree without interrupting their careers, offering flexible pacing so students can complete coursework at their own speed.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the online MBA. The program is fully online and can be completed remotely.

Paying for the Cleveland State University (CSU) Online MBA

Cleveland State University’s online MBA program tuition costs are listed in the tables below. Interested students should contact the admissions department for cost clarifications and updates.

Financial aid is available to students who qualify. Options may include federal student aid, private loans, scholarships, or employer tuition assistance. The first step in applying for financial aid is to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are encouraged to contact the university’s Office of Financial Aid for personalized support and guidance.

Farheen Gani

Writer

Farheen Gani is an expert in online MBA programs, having covered MBA programs in computer science, economics, healthcare management, and fraud and forensics, among others, since 2018. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).