Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio

The MBA is a popular degree amongst business professionals interested in propelling their careers. However, pursuing an MBA can be time-consuming and difficult to balance with a part-time or full-time job. There’s good news. With the rise of online learning, it’s easier than ever to get your MBA through an online program. Let’s explore some of the best online MBA programs in Ohio.

University of Cincinnati -- Lindner College of Business

First off, the University of Cincinnati is accredited by AACSB, and offers a fully online MBA.  If accepted into the program, you'll get 38 to 48 credits. The program length is 24 to 32 months and new enrollments are done across all semesters -- fall, spring, and summer. If you're in the US, your application fee is $65, but it's not bad if you're from another country, only $5 more at $70. You can't just jump into an MBA program and the admissions process can be rigorous. First, you've got to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. You also have to provide two letters of recommendation, a goal statement, official school transcripts, a resume, and GMAT or GRE if you want direct admittance. If you're an international applicant, you also have to provide an official TOEFL/IELTS.

Bowling Green State University -- College of Business Administration

Like the University of Cincinnati, the Bowling Green State University is accredited by AACSB. With the online MBA program at Bowling Green State University, you can specialize in supply chain management, finance, or accounting. Through the completion of the program, which can be as few as 12 months, you'll earn 30 credits. The intake cost is $45 and the program cost is $17,850. You'll also have to meet some requirements to get into the program. First, you have to have a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA. If your degree was in another program besides business, you'll have to take three corequisite foundation courses. Unless you had an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, you'll have to submit an official GMAT score report, as well as transcripts from all institutions attended. You'll need to show your professional resume, which details your experience (both work-wise and education-wise), have three professional references, and have a minimum of three years of professional work experience.

Kent State University -- College of Business Administration & Graduate School of Management

As with other facilities, Kent State University is accredited by the AACSB and offers an online MBA program. This program is slightly different because courses are offered across 8-week modules. You can specialize in more diverse fields, such as supply chain management, business analytics, or international business and earn your MBA in as little as 12 months. During this time, you'll earn 37 credits. Intake occurs during three terms -- fall, spring, and summer and costs $30. The program cost is about $30,000, which makes it much more expensive than the prior program. You have to have quite a bit to get into this MBA program. You have to present your official undergraduate transcripts and GMAT score. You have to submit a statement of goals and objectives, a current resume, and three letters of recommendation. Last, but not least, you have to undergo a personal interview with the Director of the EMBA Program.

Ohio University -- College of Business

Ohio University is AACSB accredited. While the MBA program is online, there is one in-person requirement in this program. All candidates are required to attend a weekend-long Professional Development Workshop. There are opportunities for other workshops, but these are not required. As compared to the other MBA programs in Ohio, there are a lot more specializations at Ohio University, such as strategic selling and sales leadership, accounting, operations and supply chain management, business analytics, health care, business venturing and entrepreneurship, finance, and executive management. You'll get 35 credits, but the program will take 2 years or 6 semesters. It's also quite a bit more expensive. If you're a resident of Ohio, the program will cost you $35,980. If you're not a resident of Ohio, the program will cost you $36,645. If you're a domestic applicant, the fee is $50. If you're an international applicant, the fee is $55. To be accepted, you have to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited facility with a GPA of at least 3.0, at least 2 years of professional experience, a resume, a goals statement, and three letters of recommendation.

The University of Akron -- College of Business Administration

The AACSB accreditation is held by the University of Akron. Typically, the MBA program at the University of Akron is based on 8-week courses that are back-to-back. There are quite a few specializations available: supply chain management, finance, strategic marketing, global technological innovation, risk management and insurance, and interdisciplinary studies. On average, you'll earn 36 to 42 credits unless you take gateway courses, upon which you'll earn 48 to 52 credits. On a part-time basis, it'll take you 2 to 3 years to finish your degree. If you're a domestic student, you'll pay an intake fee of $45. However, if you're an international student, you'll pay an intake fee of $70. So far, this facility has the shortest list of requirements to get in -- just have a GPA of at least 3.0 for your bachelor's degree.

University of Dayton -- School of Business Administration

The University of Dayton has AACSB accreditation. This MBA program offers the most options, easily making it a top contender for the best online MBA programs in Ohio. You can complete your degree with the accelerated MBA path, which will take 15 to 18 months and cost $41,895 to $51,870. You can complete the MBA program with the one-year path for recent business graduates, which will take 12 months and cost $39,900 to $41,895. Finally, you can complete the MBA program with the foundational path for career changers, which will take 18 to 24 months and cost $47,880 to $59,850. The application fee is $50. First, you have to provide proof of English proficiency with official scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic. You have to give all academic records from previously attended facilities. You have to present a current resume, essay, and optional statement. You must have at least one professional letter of recommendation.

Here's the short and long of it: getting your MBA is a big investment. You’ll spend both time and money to pursue an MBA no matter whether you’re completing the degree in person or online. Of course, the perks include obtaining an advanced degree, meeting your goals, and continuing  to further your career, so don’t let the upfront investment stop you from acheiving your dreams.

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