Graduate Programs FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about Lindner graduate programs are available below. 

Where is the University of Cincinnati located?

We are located in the city of Cincinnati in the southwest corner of the state of Ohio. The address of the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business, for mapping and GPS purposes, is 2906 Woodside Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45221.

When is the application deadline, and what do I need to submit?

It is encouraged for all students to meet the priority deadline for the term in which they plan to start their program. To find more information on deadlines and required materials, please follow the link for your preferred program:

Do your programs offer scholarships or financial aid?

Merit-based scholarships are available on a limited basis to incoming full-time students who meet the priority deadline for their preferred term. Applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships and no separate scholarship application is required.

Several need-based financial assistance programs are available to graduate students through the federal government. The UC Financial Aid Office is the best resource for information pertaining to these programs.

Is the program I am interest in STEM designated?

The following programs areSTEM designated. If your program is not listed below, it is not STEM designated. 

Are three-year bachelor’s degrees accepted for any of the Lindner Graduate Programs?

All Lindner graduate programs require a U.S. 4-year bachelor's degree equivalent. If you have a three-year degree currently, you will need an unofficial evaluation from a NACES Member stating your program equivalence to a U.S. bachelor's degree. Important Note: Avoid using SpanTran or ECE for the evaluation. SpanTran and ECE won't equate a three-year degree to a four-year degree and you will need a new evaluation from a different NACES member.

For more information regarding transcript policies, please see the Official Transcript Submission Policy for Enrollment.

What is the minimum acceptable GPA for admission?

In general, the University of Cincinnati considers a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher to be a competitive score for acceptance into a Lindner graduate program. Once accepted into our graduate programs, students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 to prevent being placed on academic probation.

Please note: Students whose undergraduate institution was not on a 4.0 scale, your GPA must be officially converted to a 4.0 scale during the application process. 

Are there any scholarships or graduate assistant positions available?

Yes. Students are able to apply for graduate assistant positions or teaching assistantship positions. However, students need to be admitted and confirmed with payment of matriculation fee before they are able to apply using Handshake. Funding for these positions vary across the university and positions are continuously updated within Handshake. Assistantships are typically awarded upon arrival for the start of the program.

Do I need to take the business foundations courses before I apply to the program?

Business Foundations Courses may be required as a part of your curriculum if you didn't graduate from an AACSB-accredited business program or graduated with a non-business degree.

The business foundational courses may be taken as part of your program curriculum but some prerequisite classes must be completed before you can take some of the required core classes. Information regarding the individual requirements is available on the admissions tab under each program.

Note: For the Lindner full-time MBA cohort program, students are encouraged to take the business foundations courses prior to the start of the MBA program.

Are there additional requirements for international applicants?

Yes, there are additional requirements for international applicants such as successfully passing the TOEFL exam and obtaining a student visa. Important information for international applicants can be found by visiting UC's International Student Services Office.

Do I need to take an English language proficiency exam?

All international students whose undergraduate institution was not in a country with English as the official language may need to take an English Language Proficiency Examination. If you think you may qualify for a waiver, please see the English language proficiency requirements page. 

Do I need to take the GMAT or GRE, if so, is there a minimum score needed?

All graduate applications in the Lindner College of Business are reviewed holistically. This means that all aspects of an application are taken into consideration to render an admissions decision. Due to this holistic process, no minimum GRE or GMAT scores are posted.

A GRE or GMAT may be needed for a complete application to your program. To find more information on whether your program requires the GMAT or GRE, please visit the graduate entrance exam information page.

Are the GMAT/GRE scores used for other purposes other than the admissions application?

Yes. The Lindner College of Business may also use scores to help determine scholarship awards if they have been provided. Test scores are not the only determining factor for scholarships, but they may play a part in our decision..

Which test is better to take: GMAT or GRE?

Students have a variety of preferences and opinions on the two options for graduate-level standardized testing. There is no clear preference for either exam and the Lindner College of Business accepts scores from either exam.

For more information on the GMAT exam, look to the Graduate Management Admission Council or mba.com. For more information on the GRE exam, visit ets.org.

Does the Lindner College of Business need my official scores to evaluate my application?

Yes, we cannot review applications for admission until all required materials, including test scores, have been received. Additionally, self reported test scores are not considered official and will not complete your application. 

To make sure your test scores are considered official by UC, please have scores sent directly from the testing agency, preferably via electronic sending methods. For GRE scores, please use school code 1833. Do NOT choose a department code. 

For proper matching of your test score(s) to your application, please use the same email address for both your test registration and your admissions application. 

Are my scores still valid if I took the GRE/GMAT several years ago?

Scores are only valid for five years. If you took the test more than five years ago, you will need to retake the test.

What MBA formats are available?

The UC Lindner College of Business MBA is available as a full-time, working professionals part-time, and a 100 percent online program. The full-time Lindner MBA is an accelerated one-year program. The part-time program can be completed in as few as 24 months.

Am I able to do a graduate certificate program in the MBA? 

Students in the MBA program can use their electives to pursue a graduate certificate program. Students need to apply to their desired graduate certificate program after their admission and confirmation to the MBA program. Students will need to follow established deadlines for their certificate programs. For more information on graduate certificates, visit the graduate certificates home page.

Do I need work experience for the MBA program?

We recommend two years of work experience by the time you enter the MBA program. This may include co-op or internship experience.

In your application materials, 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.

Are international students able to be considered for the MBA program?

Yes, international applicants are able to be considered for the full-time MBA cohort program. However, students seeking a visa are not eligible to apply for the working professionals part-time MBA or the 100% online version.

Is the MBA program STEM designated?

The MBA is not a STEM designated program.  

When do classes begin?

Classes begin each fall, spring and summer semester. The University of Cincinnati academic calendar lists upcoming semester start dates.

How long does it take to complete the Master of Science in Business Analytics program?

The program can be completed in two semesters but many students use a third semester to complete the capstone project.

Is the Master of Science in Business Analytics a designated STEM Program?

Yes, the Master of Science in Business Analytics program has been officially designated as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program.

When is the application deadline?

Please visit the program's admission page for deadlines.

How does the Master of Science in Finance degree differ from an MBA degree?

The Lindner Master of Science in Finance program is for professionals who have a strong interest in finance and a desire to pursue a career as a finance professional. In contrast, the MBA degree is meant for individuals with leadership aspirations which require general management skills. The Master of Science in Finance program has a narrow focus on finance as opposed to  the broad exposure to all aspects of business (including finance, accounting, economics, marketing and management) supplied by the MBA curriculum.

When is the application deadline?

Information regarding upcoming application deadlines can be found on our graduate admissions page.

Can full-time students begin the program in the spring semester?

Yes. But the program will require an extra semester to complete the degree based on course scheduling. 

Do I need an undergraduate degree in Finance in order to be accepted into the program?

No, the program welcomes applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds. Please note that students without an undergraduate business degree may be required to take additional business foundational courses. See the program curriculum for more information.

Do I need work experience in order to qualify for admission?

No, there is no specified minimum work experience requirement for admission into the program.

How many classes does the average student take each semester?

We recommend that full-time students take five or six courses (usually 15 credits) per semester. The University of Cincinnati Master of Science in Finance program is designed to be completed in two semesters with students taking five courses each semester. Please note that international students are generally required to carry a full course load in order to maintain their immigration status.

How long does it take to complete the degree requirements?

The program is designed to be completed by full-time students in two semesters. Students who have not already satisfied the prerequisites will need to satisfy those prior to beginning the program.

Can I earn the MS-Finance degree as a part-time student?

Yes. The pace at which part-time students progress towards their degree vary with their individual situations. By taking an average of six hours per semester, a part-time student can finish the program in five (5) semesters. If classes are taken during the summer as well, a part-time student could begin during the fall semester and finish during the second spring semester (about 20 months). Students who have not already satisfied the prerequisite requirements or who take fewer hours per semester will obviously take a little longer to complete the program.

Are internships/co-ops required for the Master of Science in Information Systems program?

Yes. All full-time students Master of Science in Information Systems students are expected to complete the industry practicum

What are the prerequisites for the MS IS degree?

The only requirement is that applicants have completed a bachelor's degree in any discipline. Please see the MS in Information Systems requirements page for further details.

Do I need an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or MIS or Engineering to be accepted into the program?

No, we accept applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds. Some of our most successful students have had backgrounds in fields as diverse as music and Spanish.

How technical is the MS IS Program?

The MS IS program at the University of Cincinnati is primarily a technical program. It focuses on the core aspects of Information Systems such as systems development, network design, data modeling, ERP, etc. That being said, as the program resides within the Lindner College of Business, students are offered business courses which help them increase their business acumen. Graduates of the MS IS program become technical professionals with sound business knowledge.

Do I need to take the business background courses before I apply to the program?

Business foundation courses are reviewed at the time of application to determine any course waivers. You will be notified in your admissions decision what, if any, business foundations courses you may be required to take. 

What does the admissions committee look for?

The admissions committee considers the overall profile of each candidate including his or her undergraduate performance, GMAT or GRE scores, work experience, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular involvement before making an admission decision.

How many classes does a student typically take each semester?

We recommend that full-time students take nine courses (18 credits) each semester. Please note that each semester is divided into two seven-week sessions. International students are required to carry a full load in order to maintain their immigration status.

How long will it take to complete my degree requirements?

The Master of Science in Information Systems academic program can be completed in two semesters with any remaining courses completed during the six-month paid internship period. Each student’s actual time to degree will depend on the workload an individual student carries, prior academic preparation and the duration of their internship.

How does the Master of Science in Marketing degree differ from an MBA degree?

An MBA degree from the University of Cincinnati provides you with a graduate-level portfolio of learning in all aspects of business, including finance, accounting, economics, and management. The Master of Science in Marketing program is structured to concentrate on the breadth and depth of learning and experience available in marketing and marketing-related areas. For those who are interested in a degree that concentrates solely on marketing, the Master of Science in Marketing is the more appropriate program

I do not have a business background. How will this affect my chances of getting accepted to the Master of Science in Marketing program?

Students in the Master of Science in Marketing program come from a variety of backgrounds. While some of our students do have undergraduate business degrees, many others have degrees and experience in sociology, design, liberal arts and political science, to name a few. The diversity of background provides a richer and fuller shared experience for all Master of Science in Marketing students.

Can full-time students begin studies only in the fall semester?

Students may begin the Master of Science in Marketing program in either the spring or fall semesters. Students typically start in the fall semester, but it is not required. Some students prefer to start in the spring term in order to complete a few Basic Business Knowledge courses.

What format is the MA in Human Resources program offered?

The MA in Human Resources program is offered only in an in-person format. Students will need to meet on campus for their core classes for the Human Resources program. Electives and business foundations courses may be offered in a hybrid or online format.

When do in-person courses in the MA in Human Resources program usually begin?

Each course in the Human Resources program starts at no earlier than 6 p.m. during the week. There may be weekend offerings available as well, but this will vary from semester to semester. 

Are international students able to be considered for the MA in Human Resources program? 

Yes, international applicants are able to be considered for the MA in Human Resources program. However, students seeking a visa are not eligible for part-time status and must begin in either the fall or spring term each year. 

What terms are open to admitting new students? 

New students are admitted in any term, however, full-time course work is only available in the fall and spring terms. International students seeking a visa must start in either the fall or spring terms.