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, Cincinnati, Cleveland, or somewhere elseplace, tap into these top-notch Ohio online MBA programs and propel your career forward.
Top Online MBA Programs in Ohio in 2024
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 2024.
Defiance College’s business administration master’s degree provides an interdisciplinary experience, so students receive an education combining business principles with liberal arts. This is done through a combination of robust coursework and experiential learning, with the goal of students being able to use what they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to their careers. This entirely online program consists of eight-week classes, allowing students to dive into the concepts taught in an intensive class environment. The curriculum covers organizational marketing, managerial economics, and accounting issues. Students also get the opportunity to choose a concentration in leadership or sport management.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: IACBE
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
With Ashland University’s MBA program, customization is key. Whether you want to specialize in project management, entrepreneurship, or supply chain management, the school strives to accommodate your needs and interests by offering a great deal of flexibility. With 12 specializations to choose from and courses provided entirely online, students are able to tailor their education to their goals as they get the most out of the experience. Additionally, you have the option to enroll on a full- or part-time basis, so you don’t have to worry about your education necessarily being too much of a burden on your regular schedule.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-3 years
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: ACBSP
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
If you’re interested in working your way up to the C-suite or starting your own business, Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s MBA program can give you a solid foundation on which to build these aspirations. The curriculum includes coursework designed to give students the strategies needed to navigate today’s business challenges. With an emphasis on the foundations of business and organizational leadership and legal and ethical issues, the program will help you develop into a competent leader who can take the helm of any organization and thrive. To further position you for success, the school offers a variety of concentrations, such as business analytics, ministry leadership, and organizational management.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: ACBSP
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | 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 16% 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.
Online MBA Programs in Ohio with a Finance 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.
Online MBA Programs in Ohio with an Entrepreneurship 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 2023 US average salary for a marketing manager was $157,620 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Online MBA Programs in Ohio with a Marketing 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.
Online MBA Programs in Ohio with a Leadership 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 28% growth by 2032. For those already working in healthcare or with an interest in breaking into the field, this specialization offers a perfect opportunity.
Online MBA Programs in Ohio with A Healthcare 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.
Online MBA Programs in Ohio with an Accounting 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 $13,650 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. Some programs, like the Ohio State University online MBA program, may cost close to $90,000.
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?
The Graduate Management Admission Council’s 2024 report found the median salary offered to new MBA grads in 2024 to be $120,000, compared to $69,320 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 $62,500/year, compared to $65,036/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 (2022-32) | Average Annual Openings (2022-32) | OH Mean Wage (2023) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Marketing Manager | 6% | 620 | $ 157,620 |
Financial Manager | 16% | 2,080 | $ 156,100 |
Business Operations Manager | 6% | 6,020 | $101,280 |
Health Services Manager | 29% | 1,710 | $ 110,680 |
Human Resources Manager | 7% | 360 | $ 136,350 |
Source: O*Net Online
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