This school appears in our ranking 10 Most Affordable Master's in Economics Online 2018.
In 1908, the Youngstown YMCA began offering a college course in commercial law. The program grew steadily and, in 1916, the Youngstown Association School was formed. In 1921, the school became the Youngstown Institute of Technology and began offering liberal arts courses. The school also began conferring law degrees. Courses were originally held in the YMCA and students could take high school or college courses. In 1922, the Youngstown Association School began leasing buildings for classroom space.
The first building leased was the Bonnell Mansion on Wick Avenue and the John C. Wick Mansion at the corner of Wick and Lincoln Avenues. The school also purchased the Henry Wick Mansion. By 1931, the school had demolished the John C. Wick building and replaced it with what is now Jones Hall. After World War II, Youngstown purchased Rayen Hall, Pollock House and Ford Hall.
In 1944, Youngstown sought accreditation from the North Central Association. In order to succeed, the school had to sever ties with the YMCA. The school became Youngstown College after accreditation and gained university status in 1955. In 1967, Youngstown joined a system of state-supported institutions in Ohio and became Youngstown State University.
Today, there are about 12,756 students attending Youngstown State University. There is a 14:1 student ratio and the average class size is 21.
Youngstown State University Accreditation Details
Youngstown State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation indicates that the university undergoes periodic review to determine that they have the resources necessary to meet their goals and objectives. During the review, the Commission confirms that students are receiving a high-quality education and the University agrees to address any areas that the Commission identifies as needing improvement. Programs throughout the University are also accredited by industry-specific associations and organizations.
Youngstown State University Application Requirements
Students who have not earned college credit after high school graduation must submit official high school transcripts as well as ACT or SAT scores. Students who graduated from high school more than two years prior do not have to submit ACT or SAT scores. Students must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher, an ACT composite score of 17 or SAT score of 910.
Students who have earned college credit after high school graduation are considered transfer students. They must be in good standing at the last institution they attended and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Students must complete an application and provide official high school transcripts as well as transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Graduate students must complete an online application and must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 in all undergraduate work Some programs require submission of official graduate test scores as well.
Youngstown State University Tuition and Financial Aid
Full-time undergraduate tuition is $8,087 for Ohio residents and $8,447 for non-residents. Full-time graduate tuition is $11,846 for in-state residents and $13,846 for out-of-state residents.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work-study programs. Students must complete the FAFSA in order to qualify. New students must complete the FAFSA by December 1 and returning students by February 15. The FAFSA must be renewed each year. Students may meet with a financial aid counselor in order to obtain individual assistance with their financial aid.
Online Degrees Available
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Youngstown State University offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice that is available completely online. The program provides the skills necessary for leadership roles in criminal justice. The program is interdisciplinary, providing students with a thorough understanding of the criminal justice industry. The degree is designed to create individuals with a substantial awareness of the system and what is necessary to perform professional roles. Students gain an understanding of the criminal justice process and are prepared for leadership roles. Courses required include:
- Administration and Management Theory
- Applied Police Management
- Criminal Justice Studies, Practices and Theories
- Law and Criminal Justice
- Managing Correctional Operations
- Research and Statistics in Health and Human Services
Students may choose the thesis option which requires a minimum of 30 semester hours with up to 6 being the thesis or they may choose a non-thesis option which requires 35 semester hours and a major graduate paper and defense.
Master of Arts in Financial Economics
Youngstown State University offers a Master of Arts in Financial Economics that is available online. The program prepares students to make financial decisions for organizations using macroeconomic and microeconomic models. Students also gain an understanding of financial capital and interpret stock valuations. Students gain an understanding of financial management at a corporate level while also strengthening skills in accounting and finance. Electives allow students to pursue additional subjects that may include international finance. The program is supplemented by courses designed to prepare students for doctoral study in finance or economics. Students are prepared for professional employment in banking, insurance, financial advising and more. Courses required include:
- Advanced Financial Analysis
- Corporate Financial Management
- Econometrics
- Economics of Financial Markets and Institutions
- Financial Accounting and Finance for Decision Making
- Macroeconomic Theory
- Microeconomic Theory
- Multinational Accounting and Finance
- Research Seminar
- Securities Analysis
Students have the option of writing a thesis expanding on the project completed in the Research Seminar in place of a three-hour elective. Students must earn a B or better in Research Seminar and submit a thesis proposal that includes the names of three faculty members who have agreed to sit on a thesis committee. Students must defend the thesis in an oral examination. Highly qualified undergraduate students may qualify for the 4+1 Bachelors/Masters program in order to receive a Master of Arts in Economics.
Youngstown State University offers a wide range of online programs that allow working adults to achieve their higher education goals while still meeting work, family and social obligations. Through online programs at Youngstown State University, individuals can gain the skills and knowledge they need to move into a new career or advance in a current career.
Youngstown State University Website