If you live in Ohio and have been contemplating an online MBA, you’ve come to the right place. With this guide you’ll quickly discover the best online MBA programs in Ohio, with specifics about length, cost, and admission requirements. We’ll also walk you through popular specializations and share networking resources. Finally, we’ll link you to scholarships to help you fund your degree. Whether you’re in Columbus, Canton, or Cleveland, tap into these top-notch Ohio online MBA programs and propel your career forward.
Top Online MBA Programs in Ohio in 2022
If you’re ready to invest in an online MBA program in Ohio, you want to be sure your choice will deliver a good return on your investment. We’ve considered cost, quality, flexibility, and student support to help you leverage your MBA degree to advance your career. Keep reading to discover top-ranked, high-quality Ohio online MBA programs that stand out in 2022.
The University of Cincinnati main campus offers an accelerated online MBA that takes one full calendar year to complete. Both Fortune and U.S. News & World Report recently ranked the program at the top of their charts. This online MBA in Ohio is divided into seven-week terms and ends with a capstone experience. Students take a mixture of core courses and electives; several specializations are available (see below). Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), courses are taught by the same faculty that teaches in-person classes. The University of Cincinnati doesn’t require a GMAT or GRE score for admission, but you may submit one if you have it. The program does require a resume, references, TOEFL scores for international students, transcripts, and an essay.
Program Highlights:
Credits: 35-48
Length: 1 year
Cost: $1,000/credit (in state); $1,015/credit (out of state)
Format: Fully-online
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (school); AACSB (program)
Specialization Options:
- Corporate Taxation
- Health Care Administration
- Health Care Finance
- Health Care Operations
- Health Care Policy and Regulation
- Individual Taxation
- Marketing
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
If your goal is to land a leadership position, the fully-online MBA at Youngstown State University may be a great fit. The AACSB-accredited program integrates a leadership emphasis with practical and immersive experiences to develop students’ decision-making skills and improve business outcomes. Youngstown’s curriculum focuses on developing strategic thinking and the ability to identify new opportunities, preparing students for a variety of leadership positions such as senior managers, business management consultants, business operations managers, marketing directors, finance directors, and human resources consultants. Coursework provides students with practical knowledge that can be applied immediately in their current roles. Students take eight core courses and two specialization courses during seven- week terms. Youngstown offers multiple start dates and a GRE waiver for students meeting minimum GPA requirements and other criteria. Enrollment specialists help students navigate this Ohio online MBA from start to finish.
Program Highlights:
Credits: 30
Length: 12+ months
Cost: $450/credit (in state); $455/credit (out of state)
Format: Fully-online
Accreditation: HLC (school); AACSB (program)
Specialization Options:
- Health Care Management
- Leadership (embedded into each program)
- Marketing
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
The robust online MBA program at Ohio University offers students nine specialization options. The program focuses on competency across business disciplines, critical and strategic thinking, leadership skills, and effective communication. The university also offers online graduate business certificates that provide practical, applicable knowledge and require just three courses. Some coursework from these certificates can be applied toward the online MBA as well. The capstone experience for this degree involves a business simulation in which students manage companies and make informed, productive decisions. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, undergrad GPA of 3.0, 2+ years of professional experience, two letters of recommendation, transcripts, a professional plan outlining career goals and educational goals, a resume, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for nonnative English speakers.
Program Highlights:
Credits: 35
Length: 5-6 semesters (about 2 years)
Cost: $1,028/credit (in state); $1,047/credit (out of state). Estimated total costs: Ohio residents—$35,980, nonresidents—$36,645
Format: Partially-online (required to attend at least one weekend residency in Athens, OH, during the program)
Accreditation: HLC (school); AACSB (program)
Specialization Options:
- Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Business Venturing
- Executive Management
- Finance
- Health Care
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Project Management
- Strategic Selling and Sales
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
The Ohio online MBA program at Ashland University stands out for its commitment to flexibility. For example, students can begin courses on one pacing schedule and switch to a different schedule if needed. Ashland’s MBA also offers a variety of attendance options. The program is fully online, but students who are local can opt to attend certain classes in person during a semester. You may also have the option to attend synchronous classes to get the classroom experience at a remote location. If one of Ashland’s 12 specializations doesn’t exactly fit what you’re looking for, you can propose a custom specialization composed of nine hours of elective and special topics courses. Your tuition to Ashland also includes a Verizon MiFi Hotspot so you really can complete your work anywhere. Fortune magazine ranked Ashland’s online MBA as #1 in Ohio and #29 in the USA. Admission is open year round with entry points every six weeks. A GMAT/GRE waiver is available to students who demonstrate applicable educational and professional experience and achievement. The accelerated one-year program awards an MBA with a project management specialization and project management professional certification. You can choose another specialization, though that may extend your completion date beyond 12 months.
Program Highlights:
Credits: 30
Length: 1 year (accelerated program); 2-3 years (part-time program)
Cost: $34,650 (all-inclusive tuition for accelerated one-year program); $942/credit (other pacing options)
Format: Fully-online; hybrid and synchronous options available
Accreditation: HLC (school); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs(program); AACSB member
Specialization Options:
- Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Digital Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial Management
- Global Management
- Health Care Management and Leadership
- Human Resource Management
- Management Information Systems
- Project Management
- Sport Management
- Supply Chain Management
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Cleveland State University (CSU) developed one of the first fully online, accelerated MBA programs. This degree program emphasizes strategic management skills and features accelerated coursework to be completed in a year. The six-week-long courses are taught by the same faculty that teach on campus and emphasize small study groups. Cohorts are admitted twice a year for fall and spring semesters. Tuition includes CSU student services and amenities such as career services and academic advising. Cleveland State requires a bachelor’s degree in business completed within the last 10 years or four prerequisite courses and a GMAT or GRE score, though this may be waived in certain cases. Those looking to specialize in one of ten offerings should plan for three additional courses on top of the 30 required to graduate. CSU reports that graduates find positions in a wide variety of roles: marketing analyst, sales manager, consultant, brand specialist, logistics specialist, and marketing manager.
Program Highlights:
Credits: 32-34
Length: 1 year
Cost: $35,943/program (in state); $36,093/program (out of state)
Format: Fully-online
Accreditation: HLC (school); AACSB (program)
Specialization Options:
- Accounting and Taxation
- Advertising and Analytics
- Digital Marketing
- Economic Forecasting
- Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance
- Information Systems
- Labor Relations
- Marketing Analytics
- Organizational Change
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Implied no |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Implied no |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Career Placement | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Popular Online MBA Specializations in Ohio
By now, you’ve seen that many online MBA programs in Ohio offer a variety of specializations. These specializations help you personalize your education to your specific career interests and goals. Below you will learn more about popular specializations for online MBA programs and Ohio schools that offer that specialization.
MBA with an Emphasis in Finance
According to The Princeton Review, an MBA in Finance or Finance Leadership is consistently one of the most in-demand specializations. Finance is relevant in a wide range of industries, making it a desirable specialization for those looking to excel in positions such as a chief financial officer, financial manager, investment banker, financial analyst, or auditor, to name a few. It also has a faster than expected growth rate, adding 17% more jobs according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition to Ohio University’s online MBA with this specialization, you can also find a specialization in finance at these
schools.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Ohio with this Specialization
MBA with an Emphasis in Entrepreneurship
A specialization in entrepreneurship can help you start and manage your own business or land a leadership role at an existing company. These programs help develop hard and soft skills to prepare you for a variety of tasks from securing capital to scaling and growing a business. In addition to learning the skills needed to start your own company, this specialization also primes you for a role as an operations manager.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Ohio with this Specialization
MBA with an Emphasis in Marketing
An MBA with a concentration in marketing ranked seventh in The Princeton Review’s list of most in-demand MBA specializations. Marketing plays a role in every industry, so you won’t be limited in your choice of field or location. These programs prepare students for positions including marketing research analysts, brand managers, and public relations managers. Marketing is a high-paying field; the 2021 US average salary for a marketing manager was $133,380 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Ohio with this Specialization
MBA with an Emphasis in Leadership
If you aspire to be an outstanding leader, an MBA with an emphasis in leadership equips you to achieve your goal. These programs prepare students with courses on conflict resolution, leadership management, and managerial skills. This is another specialization that isn’t industry specific, allowing you a lot of freedom and flexibility in your career.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Ohio with this Specialization
MBA with an Emphasis in Healthcare Management & Administration
Healthcare is a major field in the U.S., and an MBA in Healthcare prepares students for roles managing hospitals and other healthcare facilities, working for insurance companies, or working for pharmaceutical companies. The job outlook is promising, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting 32% growth from 2020-2030. For those already working in healthcare or with an interest in breaking into the field, this specialization offers a perfect opportunity.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Ohio with this Specialization
MBA with an Emphasis in Accounting
If the only certain things in life are death and taxes, then an accounting specialization seems like a good bet. An MBA specializing in accounting doesn’t limit you to only preparing tax returns. Other roles this degree can help you land include a business development manager, chief financial officer, financial manager, or management analyst.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Ohio with this Specialization
Frequently Asked Questions About Earning Your MBA Online in Ohio
What is the average cost of an MBA program in Ohio?
Tuition costs vary widely for online MBA programs in Ohio. Youngstown State is the cheapest for in-state students, at $13,500 for the entire program. Factors that affect the cost of tuition include being an Ohio resident, attending a public versus private institution, and the amount of financial aid and scholarship money you are eligible for. The average for the five programs featured here is $24,650, which is a little lower than the estimated average for a wider selection of online Ohio MBA degrees.
What does an MBA admissions process in Ohio look like?
General requirements for most online MBA programs in Ohio include letters of reference, an updated resume, undergraduate transcripts, and, in some cases, an essay. Many, if not most, programs expect applicants to have related professional experience. Programs like Cleveland State have strict spring and fall starts and a very linear progression through the program, so pay attention to deadlines if you choose this or a similar program. Others have rolling admissions, so you can apply when it best fits your schedule.
How quickly can I earn an online MBA in Ohio?
Several programs, including some highlighted above, provide accelerated one-year options for an Ohio online MBA. If that feels too intense for you, then the average length for a part-time MBA is two years. Obviously, this varies based on your individual capacity and ability to complete coursework. Estimates range from 18 months to 3 years for nonaccelerated programs.
Is the GMAT required to get into an MBA program in Ohio?
It depends. Many programs don’t require the GMAT, including the University of Cincinnati, Cedarville University, Ohio University, Tiffin University, and Findlay University. For schools like Wright State University, the GMAT requirement depends on your undergraduate GPA. Others such as Cleveland State University and Ashland University do require a GMAT score for admission, but they also provide waivers for test scores if you meet certain criteria. Professional experience and exemplary undergrad performance both help in obtaining a waiver.
In Ohio, what is the ROI on an MBA vs a bachelor’s degree in business?
With an online MBA in Ohio, your earning potential could see an increase of 20% to 38% according to U.S. News & World Report. The Graduate Management Admission Council’s 2022 report found the median salary offered to new MBA grads in 2022 to be $115,000, compared to $75,000 for grads with bachelor’s degrees. ZipRecruiter reports that the average salary for a student with a bachelor’s in business administration in Ohio is $55,546/year, compared to $75,263/year for an MBA.
What accreditations should I look for in an online MBA program in Ohio?
When it comes to business schools, accreditation from the AACSBis the premier accreditation. According to Cleveland State University’s MBA accreditation page, only 5% of business schools receive this coveted distinction. The accreditation assures the value of your education by guaranteeing high quality faculty, coursework, and employment opportunities post-graduation. Online programs with this distinction are comparable to in-person programs with it, and they are better than in-person programs without it!
Financial Aid and Scholarships for MBA Students in Ohio
If paying for your degree is a major concern, start with our financial aid guide to make an online MBA more achievable. Below we’ve highlighted scholarships to help with your online MBA program in Ohio; to view a more robust list, check out our scholarships guide. You’ll also want to look into university-specific scholarships once you’ve decided where to apply. The FAFSA shows you which grants and loans you’re eligible for. And remember to talk to your current employer about tuition reimbursement programs and pitch the value you’ll be adding to the company if they help pay for your degree. See our employer tuition assistance guide to get started.
Be Bold No Essay Scholarship
The Be Bold No Essay Scholarship asks you to build a profile on bold.org and potentially earn $25,000—if your profile is determined to be the boldest. According to the website this means demonstrating that you are determined, earnest, and moving. Leverage those marketing skills to land this scholarship.
Cleveland State Graduate Scholarships
Cleveland State has multiple scholarships available for graduate students. Some are specific to the MBA program.
Future of Connectivity Essay Scholarship
This scholarship hinges on an essay about the potential of internet-enabled devices. Use your imagination to dream about the future and earn some cash!
McKinney Family Fund
The McKinney Family Fund is an Ohio-specific scholarship that can be applied to your online MBA. See criteria and application details here.
Ohio University’s Corporate Partners Scholarship
Ohio University offers a $5,000 scholarship if you are employed at one of their corporate partners; see the list of corporate partners here. Corporate partner employees are also eligible for a $1,500 scholarship toward their first online graduate business certificate, which can count toward your online MBA program at the university.
Salary Potential for MBA Grads in Ohio
The job growth rate for all the featured MBA jobs is at or above average. According to Ohio’s Job Outlook Report, across the state growth is fastest for financial and health services managers. Near Cleveland, these are also the two fastest growing positions. The job market for MBA grads in Ohio looks good. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Ohio residents are generally making above the median average wage in these roles.
| Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2021) | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Marketing Manager |
6.2% |
620 |
$ 141,400 |
|
Financial Manager |
15.5% |
2,080 |
$ 138,480 |
|
Business Operations Manager |
6.4% |
6,020 |
$108,980 |
|
Health Services Manager |
28.6% |
1,710 |
$ 110,510 |
|
Human Resources Manager |
7% |
360 |
$ 131,770 |
Resources for Online MBA Students and Professionals in Ohio
Entrepreneurship Specialization
Finance
Human Resource Management
Ohio Society for Human Resource Management
This organization has 25 local chapters and 11 student chapters.
Marketing
The American Marketing Association has three local chapters in Ohio: Cincinnati, Columbus, and Northeast Ohio