Master of Business Administration for Working Professionals
December 1, 2025
January 12, 2026
Overview
Earn a nationally ranked Master of Business Administration (MBA) that fits your schedule — entirely online, in person or in any combination that you choose. Designed for professionals with a four-year bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of work experience, the online MBA program seamlessly integrates into the campus-based Working Professional MBA, offered through the Fisher College of Business, providing you with the same access to a globally recognized Master of Business Administration degree and one of the nation’s largest alumni networks.
Why choose Ohio State for your online Master of Business Administration?
Personalized: 21 of the 48 required credit hours for the online MBA program are elective, providing you with opportunities to take a deep dive into subjects you’re most interested in such as marketing, leadership, nonprofit management and organizational behavior. You have the flexibility to also create your own custom plan by choosing courses from across Ohio State’s more than 100 graduate programs offered by the Moritz College of Law, the College of Public Health, the John Glenn College of Public Affairs and others.
Experiential: Along with building a business foundation in your 11 core courses, differentiate yourself as a leader with opportunities to get involved in signature programs such as Fisher’s Global Applied Projects Program (GAP), Global Business Expeditions (GBE) and The Washington Campus.
Supportive: As a Fisher online MBA graduate student, you will have access to a dedicated team of career professionals composed of an experienced career coach, professional development coach and academic advisor who works with you to understand your unique passions and professional goals.
An AACSB-accredited, online program
The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Only 6% of business schools receive this accreditation.
AACSB-accredited
Frequently Asked Questions
The MBA for Working Professionals utilizes a combination of synchronous and asynchronous course instruction to offer both flexibility and live interaction. Students should expect at least 30% of classes to be delivered in a live format.
We require a minimum of two years of work experience for the MBA for Working Professionals program. We do, however, take a holistic approach when reviewing applications.
Students enrolled in 6 credits per semester can complete the program part-time in eight semesters or just under 3 years. Students can take a maximum of 9 credits per semester and complete the program in as little as 2 years. Students can also take reduced credits as long as they graduate within the maximum of 6 years.
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Academic Calendar
For your convenience, the Master of Business Administration for Working Professionals offers Spring and Autumn start dates during the academic year. Once enrolled, the MBA for Working Professionals provides the flexibility to go at your own pace. Complete the program in as few as two years or as many as six. The average time to graduate is three years.
Academic Calendar
For your convenience, the Master of Business Administration for Working Professionals offers Spring and Autumn start dates during the academic year. Once enrolled, the MBA for Working Professionals provides the flexibility to go at your own pace. Complete the program in as few as two years or as many as six. The average time to graduate is three years.
Admission Criteria
Admission into the Master of Business Administration for Working Professionals program is based on the following requirements:
- The equivalent of a four-year bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited college or university, earned by the expected date of entry into your graduate program.
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for the last bachelor’s or advanced degree earned.
- Transcripts or other credentials documenting that you have completed prerequisite academic work.
- Minimum of two years of work experience.
- EA, GMAT, or GRE test scores are required. Test waiver requests for the GMAT, GRE or EA are considered as long as the following two qualifications are met:
- Earned at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (4.0 scale) in your undergrad or graduate degree AND
- Display quantitative acumen through one of the following:
- College-level coursework (accounting, finance, algebra, geometry, stats, calc, etc.)
- An advanced degree, STEM degree, or certification
- Relevant work or military experience
- The decision to grant the GMAT/GRE waiver is made at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Should the committee decide that a GMAT or GRE score is needed to fully evaluate your candidacy for the MBA program, you will be informed once your application has been initially reviewed.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
Earning your Master of Business Administration for Working Professionals can serve as a catalyst for growth in your career. This growth can include positions in a wide-range of industries including finance, marketing, human resources, and even healthcare.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
Work Activities
Prepare detailed reports on audit findings. Report to management about asset utilization and audit results, and recommend changes in operations and financial activities. Collect and analyze data to detect deficient controls, duplicated effort, extravagance, fraud, or non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management policies.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $52,780
- Mid Level: $81,680
- Senior Level: $141,420
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
- Budget Analysts
- Financial Examiners
- Tax Preparers
- Treasurers and Controllers
Job Sectors
- Economics and Accounting
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Work Activities
Plan and prepare advertising and promotional material to increase sales of products or services, working with customers, company officials, sales departments, and advertising agencies. Inspect layouts and advertising copy, and edit scripts, audio, video, and other promotional material for adherence to specifications. Confer with department heads or staff to discuss topics such as contracts, selection of advertising media, or product to be advertised.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $63,000
- Mid Level: $126,960
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Below Average
Related Careers
- Advertising Sales Agents
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
- Marketing Managers
- Public Relations Managers
- Search Marketing Strategists
Job Sectors
- Sales and Marketing
- English Language
- Communications and Media
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm’s profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm’s customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
Work Activities
Identify, develop, or evaluate marketing strategy, based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors. Formulate, direct, or coordinate marketing activities or policies to promote products or services, working with advertising or promotion managers. Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, or return-on-investment and profit-loss projections.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $81,900
- Mid Level: $161,030
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Advertising and Promotions Managers
- Business Intelligence Analysts
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
- Sales Managers
- Search Marketing Strategists
Job Sectors
- Sales and Marketing
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Communications and Media
What They Do
Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.
Work Activities
Advise clients on aspects of capitalization, such as amounts, sources, or timing. Analyze financial or operational performance of companies facing financial difficulties to identify or recommend remedies. Assess companies as investments for clients by examining company facilities.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $62,410
- Mid Level: $101,350
- Senior Level: $180,550
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Financial Quantitative Analysts
- Financial Risk Specialists
- Investment Fund Managers
- Personal Financial Advisors
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.
Work Activities
Establish and maintain relationships with individual or business customers or provide assistance with problems these customers may encounter. Oversee the flow of cash or financial instruments. Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of workers in branches, offices, or departments of establishments, such as branch banks, brokerage firms, risk and insurance departments, or credit departments.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $86,490
- Mid Level: $161,700
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Accountants and Auditors
- Credit Analysts
- Financial and Investment Analysts
- Loan Officers
- Personal Financial Advisors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Economics and Accounting
- Administrative
- Mathematics
What They Do
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
Work Activities
Direct or coordinate an organization’s financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency. Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems. Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $73,710
- Mid Level: $206,420
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Compliance Managers
- General and Operations Managers
- Public Relations Managers
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Treasurers and Controllers
Job Sectors
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Economics and Accounting
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
Work Activities
Direct and coordinate activities involving sales of manufactured products, services, commodities, real estate, or other subjects of sale. Resolve customer complaints regarding sales and service. Review operational records and reports to project sales and determine profitability.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $66,910
- Mid Level: $138,060
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Advertising and Promotions Managers
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
- Marketing Managers
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
- Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Job Sectors
- Sales and Marketing
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
Work Activities
Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement. Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products. Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $47,420
- Mid Level: $102,950
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Administrative Services Managers
- Chief Executives
- Facilities Managers
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers
- Industrial Production Managers
Job Sectors
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
Work Activities
Serve as a link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering contracts and helping resolve work-related problems. Advise managers on organizational policy matters, such as equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment, and recommend needed changes. Analyze and modify compensation and benefits policies to establish competitive programs and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $83,790
- Mid Level: $140,030
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
- Human Resources Specialists
- Management Analysts
- Training and Development Managers
Job Sectors
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
Work Activities
Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures. Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales. Prepare bid awards requiring board approval.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $85,500
- Mid Level: $139,510
- Senior Level: $219,140
Job Outlook
Average
Related Careers
- Logisticians
- Logistics Analysts
- Procurement Clerks
- Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
- Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Job Sectors
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Economics and Accounting
What They Do
Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met.
Work Activities
Manage project execution to ensure adherence to budget, schedule, and scope. Confer with project personnel to identify and resolve problems. Monitor or track project milestones and deliverables.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $52,650
- Mid Level: $108,970
- Senior Level: $176,800
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Management Analysts
- Project Management Specialists
- Software Developers
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
Work Activities
Direct daily operations of department, analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines. Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation and resolve problems. Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $104,450
- Mid Level: $171,200
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
- Information Security Engineers
- Project Management Specialists
- Software Developers
Job Sectors
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
Utilizing curriculum designed with the working professional in mind, you can expect a comprehensive understanding of business concepts and principles through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous instruction. With electives comprising 21 of the 48 required credit hours, you’ll have the opportunity to focus on the topics you find most interesting.
An overview of factors that influence individual and team performance and techniques to improve it; analytical frameworks for determining effectiveness of given techniques in specific circumstances.
An overview of factors that influence individual and team performance and techniques to improve it; analytical frameworks for determining effectiveness of given techniques in specific circumstances.
Examines the role of accounting and financial reporting by investors and managers for decision-making and performance evaluation.
A market-oriented framework for analyzing the major types of financial decisions made by corporations. The course covers the following topics: present value techniques, capital budgeting, asset valuation, portfolio theory, asset pricing, market efficiency, options, capital structure, financial distress, financial modeling, risk management, mergers and acquisitions and ethics.
Operations Management is designed to provide a solid foundation and deeper understanding of how the operations function contributes to ensuring effective and efficient flow of materials and information within and outside the organization.
Microeconomics from a management and organizational perspective, developing a framework grounded in the fundamentals of economic theory.
Focuses on the interrelated elements of the marketing mix, its relationship with the other functional areas of management, and marketing responses to the external environment.
Political, economic, social and technological forces shaping today’s global business environment.
Introduction to data analysis and statistics for business. Emphasis on achieving an application-oriented understanding of statistical inference and regression analysis and their use in decision making.
Professional development and skill set enhancement in the areas of leadership, self-awareness, team-based work and ability to adapt to work life in the context of different organizational and global cultures.
Focus on the determination of the strategic direction of the firm and the management of the strategic process.
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
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Program Faculty
In the Master of Business Administration for Working Professionals program, you will learn from the Fisher College of Business faculty comprised of world-class scholars and industry experts who bring together theory and practice to prepare you for success as a business leader.
Daniel (Dan) Oglevee
Senior Lecturer
Professor Oglevee is the Academic Director of the Fisher Executive MBA Program. He teaches in the Executive MBA and both Graduate and Undergraduate programs. His courses include venture capital, private equity, financial modeling, corporate finance, entrepreneurial finance, futures and options, investments and personal finance. He also teaches specialized classes within Fisher College’s Executive Education program including International courses in India.
Prior to teaching, Professor Oglevee was an entrepreneur within the wireless sector and spent three years in venture capital and nine years on Wall Street holding positions at Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch and Oppenheimer. He consults regularly with early stage management teams on financing, valuation and business plan development to assist companies in becoming “Venture Ready.”
Tanya Menon
Professor
Steve DeNunzio
Senior Lecturer
Robert B. Lount, Jr.
Academic Director, Online MBA for Working Professionals
“At Fisher, our Online Working Professional MBA creates flexibility for students to learn from anywhere and at their own pace, while also providing interactive and experiential learning that is vital for success in today’s hyper-competitive job market.”
Testimonials
See what students and graduates have to say about Ohio State’s online MBA for Working Professionals program.
Testimonials
See what students and graduates have to say about Ohio State’s online MBA for Working Professionals program.
“The WPMBA program was truly the only way I could have earned my MBA while working full-time. An Ohio State education and network has, and always will, help me further my career.”
Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program. Estimates are based on the expenses typical of an Ohio State Online student, who would take 6 credit hours each semester as a part-time student. Actual costs may vary.
| Tuition and Fees | Per Credit Hour (Unless Otherwise Noted) | Part-Time – Estimated Cost Per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fee | $1,574.00 | $9,444.00 |
| General Fee | $32.63 | $195.78 |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | $100.00 (per semester) |
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 (per semester) |
| Textbook and Course Materials | $1,082.00 (per semester) | $1,082.00 (per semester) |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill.
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