Ohio University’s Online MBA

There’s no doubt that having an MBA can add a gold star to your file if you’re seeking to progress in the business world. But these days, it takes more than general business knowledge to really stand out. According to the business dean at Ohio University, the extra push that will make students truly unique involves critical thinking skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and holistic thinking.

HELPING STUDENTS STAND OUT FROM THE REST
“We want to help students become creative, high-skilled, knowledge workers,” says Hugh Sherman, Dean of Ohio University’s College of Business during a short video on the school’s website. “This requires that they not just do tasks that are assigned, but to offer something special, something that’s creative, something that creates a new process, or innovative product.”

To this end, the dean says the school’s approach to its online MBA curriculum is different than what’s usually seen in business education. “Most business education just concentrates on teaching the business discipline,” says Sherman. “What we try to do here is teach additional skills that are going to be absolutely critical.”

TWO YEARS, ONE WEEKEND WORKSHOP
The online MBA at Ohio University is administered 100% online, however, there is one in-person, weekend-long residency that’s required. This is a professional development workshop that takes place over the course of a Friday afternoon through Sunday.
In total, the online MBA is two years in length and 35 credits. Each semester consists of two seven-week terms (A & B) and students take one class each term. In other words, two per semester. They can obtain a general MBA or customize the experience with one of the four concentration offerings in…

There’s no doubt that having an MBA can add a gold star to your file if you’re seeking to progress in the business world. But these days, it takes more than general business knowledge to really stand out. According to the business dean at Ohio University, the extra push that will make students truly unique involves critical thinking skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and holistic thinking.

HELPING STUDENTS STAND OUT FROM THE REST
“We want to help students become creative, high-skilled, knowledge workers,” says Hugh Sherman, Dean of Ohio University’s College of Business during a short video on the school’s website. “This requires that they not just do tasks that are assigned, but to offer something special, something that’s creative, something that creates a new process, or innovative product.”

To this end, the dean says the school’s approach to its online MBA curriculum is different than what’s usually seen in business education. “Most business education just concentrates on teaching the business discipline,” says Sherman. “What we try to do here is teach additional skills that are going to be absolutely critical.”

TWO YEARS, ONE WEEKEND WORKSHOP
The online MBA at Ohio University is administered 100% online, however, there is one in-person, weekend-long residency that’s required. This is a professional development workshop that takes place over the course of a Friday afternoon through Sunday.
In total, the online MBA is two years in length and 35 credits. Each semester consists of two seven-week terms (A & B) and students take one class each term. In other words, two per semester. They can obtain a general MBA or customize the experience with one of the four concentration offerings in finance, healthcare, executive management, or business analytics.

While you will see the basic business disciplines represented in the nine class core curriculum — such as managerial finance, accounting, and strategic marketing — you’ll also see strategic leadership, data analysis for decision making, and a simulation-centered applied business experience course. These and other courses seek to give students the creative mindset and holistic thinking referenced by Dean Sherman.

According to the program’s website, 80% of students say the online MBA at Ohio University helped them advance their careers and 90% say it improved their job performance. “When I first started the program I didn’t have anyone reporting to me,” reads one student testimonial. “But after taking some leadership courses and developing leadership skills, I have been able to transition into a position in which I now manage a team.”