Kennesaw State University Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a comprehensive, research-driven university located northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. KSU, the third largest university in Georgia, offers nearly 200 academic degree and certificate programs to tens of thousands of students. KSU features academic excellence, research, robust community partnerships, and economic opportunity designed to train students to become lifelong learners and informed global citizens. KSU’s guiding vision is to be a prominent public university known for education, research, and community programs. KSU seeks to fulfill its mission through fidelity to its core values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability.

The KSU online MBA (WebMBA) program features two specializations, namely a general program and an executive MBA (EMBA) program. The KSU EMBA Program is the only genuine weekend program in metro Atlanta.

Kennesaw State University, with campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The KSU Coles College of Business online MBA programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

What to Expect from KSU Online MBA Programs

Admission Requirements: To be offered admission to the WebMBA program, applicants must submit a complete online graduate application, a non-refundable application fee, and official transcripts from each college/university attended in, demonstrating they hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in which they maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0-point scale. WebMBA applicants must also have a minimum of two years of post-bachelor’s, full-time professional experience.

Applicants to the EMBA program must fulfill the requirements noted above and also submit two letters of recommendation, as well as complete an interview. In addition, EMBA applicants must submit a resume or CV that details they have at least five years of relevant post-graduate professional experience. The EMBA program also typically considers a limited number of applications from individuals who lack an undergraduate degree. Such applicants must have at least ten years of significant business experience, a GMAT score of at least 550, and meet other criteria. Details on this admission option can be found online. Students admitted to the EMBA program without an undergraduate degree may not total more than five percent of the final number of enrolled EMBA students.

As alluded to above, there may be instances where applicants to either program are also requested to provide GMAT or GRE scores. Prospective applicants are advised to review the KSU website or contact the KSU MBA program to confirm current application requirements.

State Restrictions: BGSU welcomes students from a variety of backgrounds such as international applicants and military personnel.

International applicants’ application process is somewhat similar to that of domestic applicants. International applicants must demonstrate that their foreign education credentials are essentially equivalent to that of domestic students who have completed a bachelor’s degree. International application requirements apply to both students whose origin is outside the USA as well as US citizens who completed at least part of their education outside the USA. International applicants must submit official English translations of all foreign documents requested. Such applicants must have their foreign transcripts evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) approved foreign academic credential evaluation provider. As English language proficiency is necessary for success in KSU programs, international applicants may be requested to demonstrate it. Details on English language proficiency requirements and other aspects of international admissions can be obtained by contacting KSU.

International applicants should also be mindful to confirm any additional requirements that may apply to them by virtue of their visa type, country of origin, and educational history.

Military-affiliated students may pursue additional education through KSU Continuing Education programs. The KSU Military and Veteran Services office assists military-affiliated students with a variety of needs including the admission process. Military-affiliated applicants must submit application materials similar to those of domestic applicants. Military-affiliated applicants must submit all official transcripts including any from their time as members of the US military. Such applicants should work closely with KSU and military officials assigned to support them both during the admission process and once they are enrolled.

The KSU MBA program sees military-affiliated students as especially suitable candidates for studies within the program. The MBA program recognizes the values of commitment and discipline required in military service can be particularly valuable when applied in the business world. KSU offers a number of resources to support its military-affiliated students upon enrollment. Examples include academic and financial advising, tuition military education benefits, in-state tuition rates, the VA Work Study Allowance Program, outreach programs, and much more.

KSU’s aspiration to rank among the leading military-friendly institutions in the country is also reflected in the KSU Center for the Advancement of Military and Emergency Services Research. This center drives the search for innovative solutions to occupational and behavioral health challenges affecting military and emergency services personnel, their families, and the surrounding communities.

KSU also welcomes applications from transfer students and applicants of other backgrounds. Details on admission requirements for the variety of people who seek to apply to KSU can be found by contacting KSU.

Study Plan: Students can complete the WebMBA degree in as little as 20 months. The EMBA program requires a commitment of one weekend per month and can be completed in as little as 19 months. Students interested in completing their program of study over an extended time period should contact KSU to verify the current university policy regarding degree study planning.

Students of the WebMBA program are permitted, but not encouraged, to transfer up to 25 percent of the program’s total credit requirement from an AACSB-accredited graduate institution. Those interested in the EMBA program should take note that it features a lock-step curriculum in which no program credit is offered for courses taken at other institutions. In other words, the EMBA program does not accept transfer credits.

MBA Curriculum: WebMBA students complete a total of 30 credits in order to graduate. EMBA students must complete a total of 48 credits. Details on program requirements appear below.

  • MBA – General Program (WebMBA) Curriculum: Students of the WebMBA program must ensure they have fulfilled foundational course requirements. They can do this by 1) completing prerequisite modules in the subjects of financial accounting, managerial accounting, corporate finance, and statistics, or 2) completing undergraduate courses, with a grade of “C” or better, in the course subjects of financial accounting, managerial accounting, principles of finance, and business statistics.

    Students complete courses in the following subjects to fulfill their full degree requirements: human behavior in organizations; managerial accounting; global and international business; managerial decision analysis; strategic marketing; managerial finance; entrepreneurship; management information systems; operations and supply-chain management; and strategic management.

  • MBA – Executive MBA (EMBA) Curriculum: The EMBA program is designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their business skills and advance their careers. The program emphasizes leadership skills, business acumen, global teaming, and supports students in further developing their strengths and personal brand. Program-long team assignments and executive coaching are also a critical component of the curriculum. The average age of EMBA students is 43. The program motto is “what you learn on the weekend you apply on Monday”.

    Students complete a total of 48 credits by completing courses in the following topics: business acumen foundations; principles of leadership; business strategy and analysis for executive decision making; the business of teaming and coaching; the enterprise value chain; managing human capital; personal and professional development planning; experiencing business in a global environment; international leadership and collaboration; application of business acumen and leadership; and career management.

Online Experience: The KSU WebMBA and EMBA degree programs are online programs. There are no on-campus coursework or other participation requirements to complete the EMBA program. There is, however, an on-site requirement for the WebMBA program. This is described immediately below. Universities such as KSU have embraced an online learning delivery model to increase the size of the eligible applicant pools for their programs. By enhancing accessibility, KSU is able to appeal to more students to enroll, study, and graduate from its MBA programs.

On-Site Requirements: As noted above, the EMBA degree program is offered fully online. The EMBA program began featuring a HyFlex format, allowing students to attend classes virtually in the autumn of 2024. Students also have the option to complete the EMBA program in person.

The WebMBA program does have an on-site requirement. Students are required to complete an orientation course in Atlanta at the beginning of their studies. This orientation course focuses on team building, program requirements and includes critical in-person interaction with faculty, administrators, and graduates. All students must successfully complete this orientation before starting their first semester.

Paying for the KSU Online MBA Degree Programs

The tuition figures for the online MBA degree programs are listed in the tables below. Prospective students should carefully review the tuition information and contact KSU for additional support with applications and any questions they may have.

The KSU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and the KSU website provide invaluable resources to assist all students in planning and executing the financing of their education. Financial topics noted on the KSU website include types of financial aid such as grants, scholarships and loans, the financial aid application process, a student resources listing, and more.

Many students ultimately use a combination of resources to finance their education. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a ubiquitous form that often serves as the primary application used to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid. The FAFSA is issued annually, and universities generally provide robust support to help students understand and complete it. Financial aid eligibility determinations generated by the FAFSA and other applications are often generated based on a number of factors, such as academic achievement, talent, financial need, and family background.

Universities, states, and the federal government may offer students from certain backgrounds additional financial assistance. Examples of such backgrounds include military-affiliated personnel, first-generation students, and those with significant obstacles in their family and personal backgrounds. As previously noted, KSU strives to be a military-friendly institution and sees military-affiliated individuals as being very suited for success in its MBA programs.

Kennesaw State University Executive MBA

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates 5 - 2 Fall, 2 Spring, 1 Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 48
Time to Complete? Graduate in as few as 19 months.
100% Online? Yes with in-person options.
Program Accreditation AACSB
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.75 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required.
Work Experience Required? Yes, 5 years of work experience is required
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 48
Average Cost Per Credit $58,946
Estimated Program Tuition * $2,829,408

Kennesaw State University WebMBA

  • Ranked #1 in GA and #42 in the country by U.S. World News & Report, 2025
  • This part-time program is designed for full-time professionals who want to earn their MBA without the restrictions of set class times and locations
  • Graduate in as few as 20 months
Program Essentials
Degree Level None
Program Start Dates Spring, Summer, Fall
Credits Needed to Graduate 30
Time to Complete? Graduate in as few as 20 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation AACSB
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.75 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required.
Work Experience Required? Yes, 2 years of work experience is required
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 30
Average Cost Per Credit $393.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $11,790

* Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the out- of- state, part-time student rate. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Total cost of tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please see the school website for the most up-to-date tuition costs.

Bernd Geels
Bernd Geels
Writer

Bernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].