MBA Application Deadlines & Requirements

Application Deadlines


  • Apply by the priority deadline for first consideration for funding, an earlier admission decision, additional time to find housing, and, for international students, additional time to secure your visa.
  • Applications will close when a program reaches capacity, so it’s important to apply early.
  • Your application is not considered complete until we have all the application materials (listed below).

Full-time, cohort MBA

Application decisions for the full-time, cohort MBA program are released in rounds. Below details the decision release date that corresponds with the date an application is submitted.
Round Application Deadline Decision Release Date
*Early Action October 15, 2024 November 15, 2024
*Round 1 December 15, 2024 January 15, 2025
*Round 2 February 15, 2025 March 15, 2025
Round 3 April 15, 2025 May 15, 2025
Rolling June 15, 2025 Rolling

*International applicants must apply before the Round 2 deadline on Febraury 15, 2025.

 Working professionals part-time MBA

See below for application deadlines for the working professionals part-time MBA.
Fall 2025 Spring 2025  
Priority Deadline: March 15, 2025 Priority Deadline: October 15, 2024  
Final Deadline: July 1, 2025 Final Deadline: December 1, 2024  

Online MBA

See below for application deadlines for the online MBA.
Fall 2025 Spring 2025 Summer 2025
July 1, 2025 December 1, 2024 April 15, 2024

Application Checklist

Select the year in which you plan on entering the program. International students based abroad are only eligible to apply for the fall, full-time program option.  

Ensure your resume clearly lists the dates of any professional (ex: full-time role, internships, co-ops), volunteer, non-profit or any other leadership experiences. There is no formatting requirement, however, please review your resume for any grammar mistakes. It should be no longer than two pages. We recommend two years of work experience by the time you enter the MBA program. This may include co-op or internship experience.

An unofficial transcript (or degree audit) is required from each institution attended, including in-progress coursework, even if from the University of Cincinnati. These documents must show a complete record of your courses and grades. Uploading an unofficial transcript is recommended, but an official transcript may also be sent. 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. While NACES course-by-course evaluations are not required, one may be requested in certain cases. Your unofficial transcripts must be translated into English. If your grading scale 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 to confirm U.S. equivalency. 

At the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business, we value thought-driven leaders. With this in mind, please upload a personal statement expressing the following: 

  • How will the pursuit of a Lindner MBA overcome a weakness and/or amplify a strength you have to become an effective leader? 
  • How do you see the Lindner MBA degree, once obtained, changing or shaping your short-term and long-term career goals?

Formatting: We recommend that your essay be 250-500 words, double-spaced. 

Please select one recommender who was, or currently is, a supervisor that can speak to your professional experience. Letters of recommendations must come directly from the listed recommender on your application.

IMPORTANT: Your application will not move forward in the review process until we receive the letter of recommendation.

Test scores provide a measure of your capabilities for the admissions committee to consider in reviewing your application holistically. The admissions committee accepts the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores. The GMAT and GRE are currently optional, however, we will consider the scores in the application process, if submitted.

Test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Please send all test scores to the following address:

Graduate Admissions

University of Cincinnati

PO Box 210091

Cincinnati, OH 45221-0091

Applicants are required to pay a fee to complete their application:
  • U.S. Residents: $65
  • International: $70

If your native language is not English, 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.