Executive Graduate Degrees for Ohio State Employees
The Ohio State University has continuously supported employees interested in earning a Master of Business Operational Excellence degree or Executive MBA degree due to the benefit of bringing innovation back to their departments, while they continue working full-time. Our dedicated staff are here to help you navigate the process of utilizing your tuition benefit and finding the best program for your current needs.
Our Executive Graduate Programs
Looking for a way to make an impact with minimal disruption to your personal and professional commitments? The MBOE program is an innovative 13-month, cohort-based master’s degree that prepares leaders across industries to design and manage at various levels within their organizations. Experienced project coaches guide and support you, helping you become an expert in four areas: building operational excellence systems, driving decisions with data, creating and sustaining change, and making an impact.
This program is tailored to meet you where you currently stand and no operational excellence experience is required as a prerequisite. Whether you are brand new to operational excellence, or if you already have a Master Black Belt, our faculty will meet you at your current learning journey.
Are you preparing yourself for the business needs of tomorrow? The Executive MBA program is a cohort-based program designed for experienced professionals seeking to grow as well-rounded, principled leaders equipped with a versatile skill set to make high-level strategic decisions. The program incorporates three integrated components: academic curriculum, experiential learning and executive coaching. These elements provide a comprehensive and holistic experience, all while providing minimal disruption to your busy life. Our students see immediate ROI in their commitment, as almost 70% in the Class of 2022 saw career progression during the 17-month program.
Tuition Assistance for Employees
Currently, eligible employees are eligible for up to $9,640 of tuition assistance per semester. Please see below for the breakdown for our two executive-level graduate programs for the cohorts beginning in August and December 2025. Some students are able to work with their individual departments to obtain further financial support. For the most up-to-date information regarding tuition assistance, please refer to the University HR website.
| Payment Date | EMBA Tuition for Ohio Resident | EMBA Tuition with Ohio State Tuition Assistance | MBOE Tuition for Ohio Resident | MBOE Tuition with Ohio State Tuition Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit once admitted | $250 | $250 | $250 | $250 |
| Fall 2025 | $25,750 | $16,110 | n/a | n/a |
| Spring 2026 | $26,000 | $16,360 | $18,945 | $9,305 |
| Summer 2026 | $26,000 | $16,360 | $19,195 | $9,555 |
| Fall 2026 | $26,000 | $16,360 | $19,195 | $9,555 |
| Spring 2027 | $26,000 | $16,360 | n/a | n/a |
| TOTAL | $130,000 | $81,800 | $57,585 | $28,665 |
Being my alma mater and employer for the last 15 years, Ohio State feels like a second home. The opportunities and support I have received here are tremendous. As one will find in all corners of OSU, the people are extraordinary. Top ranked faculty and staff at Fisher create a thriving learning environment; they are notably invested in each student’s success at all times. The foundation needed from both my workplace and Fisher to invest in furthering my education has been a life-changing gift. The quality of the Executive MBA program is high, and the faculty staff tuition assistance plan is also a great benefit.
EMBA Class of 2023
Podcast Episodes with University Employee Alumni
How do you deliver the highest-quality patient care while maintaining efficiency? Dr. David Cohn, physician and chief medical officer at The James Cancer Center at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, discusses best practices involved with designing, sustainable empathetical care. Cohn further explains how enrollment in Fisher's Executive MBA program is helping him understand how to build effective healthcare strategies.
Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence program sits down with Rahul Ponappa, MBOE class of 2020. Rahul serves as assistant director of dining services at The Ohio State University. Listen to hear how Rahul’s role had to pivot and adapt during 2020, and how he had the support of MBOE to help him through it all.
Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence program sits down with Lois Bernhardt, MBOE class of 2019. Lois is a physical therapist and associate director of sports medicine and ambulatory rehabilitation at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Listen to hear how the MBOE program has had an impact on her professional career in healthcare.