Driving Innovation And Fostering Community In The Michigan Ross Online MBA

What To Look for In An Online MBA Program

When evaluating Online MBA programs, you’ll want to consider what best fits your life and goals and offers the strongest return on your investment, while also looking for programs that provide:

• Live, interactive courses with a student experience that mirrors the quality of in-person learning
• A curriculum led by top, research-driven faculty
• Practical experiences with real organizations
• Flexible pacing that respects the demands of life and full-time work
• Opportunities to build a professional network

The Ross School of Business Online MBA is a world-class program for working professionals ready to advance their careers. With a focus on providing an innovative academic experience and fostering a collaborative community, it delivers a flexible, high-impact MBA experience without requiring students to put their careers on hold.

Through a mix of live online classes, in-person residencies, and action-based learning opportunities, students build real skills they can apply to their work immediately. Students also gain access to top Ross faculty, receive personalized career support,* and connect with a strong network of peers and alumni, creating an experience that delivers a strong return on investment now and throughout their careers. 

An Online MBA Built For Working Professionals 

The OMBA is designed for professionals who are looking to expand their impact. Its flexible format allows them to take courses from anywhere in the world and manage coursework around their schedule. The 57-credit program includes core courses, specialized electives, and the Multidisciplinary Action Project — a signature component of the Ross experience where students consult with real companies on real business challenges. By applying what they learn in real time, students are able to create immediate value for their organizations and grow as leaders throughout the program.

“The Online MBA is our most flexible MBA offering,” said Lizette Korn, managing director of Michigan Ross Part-Time MBA Programs. “It offers the same rigorous curriculum, renowned faculty, and collaborative experience that define Ross, with the flexibility to fit into a busy schedule. But, what makes it stand out is how students can apply what they’re learning to make an immediate impact at work while building the skills and confidence to take on what’s next.”

Creating An Engaging Experience That Enhances Learning And Connection

Michigan Ross has invested in the digital infrastructure behind the Online MBA. Live classes are taught from cutting-edge digital studios, including the award-winning Convatec Digital Learning Studio, which were designed to support active participation and seamless interaction between faculty and students. The format allows for case discussions, peer-based collaboration, and student-driven conversations — just like a traditional classroom.

Ross was also the first institution in the world to install a permanent commercial Extended Reality stage. This technology gives faculty the ability to bring dynamic content into the classroom to provide a highly interactive learning environment that supports two-way engagement and connections.

“The synchronous lectures are extremely well thought out and engaging, thanks to the state-of-the-art studio technology and the active participation of students,” said Kyla Chung, Michigan Ross Online MBA student. “It is clear that the professors and the school have invested significant time and resources to make this online program truly immersive, rather than simply putting up pre-recorded videos and one-sided Zoom lectures. I feel energized by the knowledge and the relationships I’m building, and I can already see how the program is shaping my decision-making at work.” 

A Focus On Collaboration

The Michigan Ross curriculum includes three in-person residencies, which bring students together for intensive, action-based learning experiences on campus or in global locations. These residencies help strengthen connections, create space for professional development, and allow students to engage directly with faculty and peers. 

Students can also participate in optional global experiences, regional meetups, and campus-based events. OMBA students are fully integrated into the broader Michigan Ross student community with access to co-curricular offerings, councils, and leadership opportunities.

The Michigan Ross Online MBA delivers a carefully designed program that balances innovation, flexibility, and academic rigor — while fostering meaningful connections — to deliver a world-class MBA experience. 

*International students (excluding Canadian citizens) living in another country without an eligible U.S. visa are not able to participate in formal or on-campus recruiting and related career-development activities. Please contact our admissions team to learn more.

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The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a global leader in business education, known for its action-based learning and collaborative community. The Michigan Ross Online MBA provides working professionals with a flexible, high-impact program that blends live online classes, in-person residencies, and real-world projects. Across undergraduate and graduate programs, students gain the skills and mindset to lead, innovate, and build a better world through business.   

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