Executive MBA

Frequently Asked Questions

Our curriculum covers all major areas of business through a succession of courses that are issue-oriented and immediately applicable. Courses are structured around a few central themes that transcend industries and expertise areas, ensuring that students emerge as dynamic leaders capable of pivoting seamlessly across diverse sectors and disciplines.

Unlike the traditional semester schedule, Executive MBA students are enrolled in three classes simultaneously, allowing for a concentrated focus on each subject. This structure enables students to dive deeply into course material, fully immersing themselves in the content while balancing their professional responsibilities. Our dedicated staff take care of all enrollment and course preparation logistics, ensuring that students can devote their time and energy to their studies. Below is the tentative course schedule for the Class of 2026.

Orientation
November 2024
 

Module 1
January, February, March 2025

• Organizational Behavior

• Strategy Formulation

• Accounting for Decision Making
   

Module 2 
April, May, June 2025

• Marketing Management

• Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital

• Data Analysis for Managers
   

Domestic Immersion - Silicon Valley
July 2025

Module 3
August, September, October 2025

• Operations Management

• Financial Management

• Global Environment of Business
   

International Immersion - Spain
November 2025
 

Module 4
December 2025, January, February, March, April 2026

• Managerial Economics

• Principled Leadership

• Topics Courses

From day one, students often remark about the applicability of the classroom learnings as they relate to immediate decision making or just understanding the various dimensions of a high level strategic discussion. Many courses include project work that revolves around your professional world. 

On average, students should expect to spend between 10-20 hours per week when not attending the on-campus class sessions. The time spent prepares students to be fully engaged during the on-campus class sessions and includes, for example, reading assigned materials, analyzing a case and preparing case write-ups, completing written assignments, working in teams, etc. The workload is designed to accommodate the busy professional seeking a high-quality, impactful educational experience while developing and nurturing his or her leadership potential.

We understand that life can throw us curve balls. Notification to our Academic Director or program coordinator will ensure all faculty and appropriate parties are informed to help you maintain continuity within the program. 

This is an on-campus program but you are only on campus for 3 days a month - typically Thursday - Saturday. Many of our students find this more flexible than a part-time or online program. On-campus sessions and immersions are required to complete the program. 

Many companies send employees to the program, year after year, showcasing the value they bring back to the organization. We have put together some tips for negotiating employer support. 

In order to be considered for the Executive MBA program, you must have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. In addition, our students typically have at minimum 7 years of professional work experience. No test scores are required. 

Due to the Executive MBA program being considered part-time, international applicants must have one of the following to attend the Executive MBA program:

• Current H1-B Visa (you must continue to work throughout the program to maintain this status)
• Permanent US Residency
• Temporary Protected Status

Please be aware, there are additional admission requirements for international students please visit https://fisher.osu.edu/graduate/international-applicants for more information. 

• Online application includes:
  • Personal resume
  • Education history
  • Essay Question
  • Employer Support Letter
• Official copies of college transcripts sent directly from your university of attendance to Ohio State Graduate Admissions.
• Interview

You are given the option to waive this requirement if you have the minimum 7 years of professional work experience, or a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. 

If you are an international applicant, please visit https://fisher.osu.edu/graduate/international-applicants for more information on transcripts and testing. 

No, the EMBA program is cohort-based and all classes are taken together.

No, students are not required to be employed during the program.

​​​​​​No, but if you’re not from Central Ohio, it is recommended that you stay at The Blackwell Inn due to the proximity to the classroom.

• The program fees of $115,000 generally cover expenses for the mandatory orientation, program instruction, course materials, intellectual and social events, domestic educational trip (other than airfare), international educational trip (other than visa application fee and airfare), logistics expenses while on-campus, meals, and fees to The Ohio State University.
• Upon acceptance into the Fisher Executive MBA Program, a non-refundable $1,500 deposit is required to guarantee your spot in the program. The $1,500 deposit shows up as a credit against the remaining program fees.

The Return on Investment of an Executive MBA

Pursuing an advanced degree should not be taken lightly. In addition to the financial undertaking, we understand the time taken away from  family, friends and professional duties. It is important to consider the variety of benefits that come from pursuing an advanced degree. 

• Increased Earning Potential: Completing the Executive MBA program at Fisher College of Business translates into tangible returns for our students in the form of enhanced career prospects. Equipped with a robust skill set spanning all areas of business, our graduates become highly desirable candidates for a wide range of roles across industries.

• Expanded Professional Connections: You will join an exclusive community of high-achieving professionals and industry leaders. Our program offers unparalleled networking opportunities, connecting you with a diverse group of peers, alumni and industry leaders. These relationships extend beyond the classroom, opening doors to new career prospects, partnerships and business ventures.

• Fresh Insights and Expertise: Stay ahead of the curve with a curriculum crafted to deliver the latest in business. Our program empowers you with actionable insights and innovative thinking, ensuring you're equipped to navigate the ever-evolving business landscape. 

Unfortunately, scholarships are not available for this program. However, many of our students get some financial support from their company. Visit our page on tips when speaking with your employer. 

The Return on Investment of an Executive MBA

Pursuing an advanced degree should not be taken lightly. In addition to the financial undertaking, we understand the time taken away from  family, friends and professional duties. It is important to consider the variety of benefits that come from pursuing an advanced degree. 

• Increased Earning Potential: Completing the Executive MBA program at Fisher College of Business translates into tangible returns for our students in the form of enhanced career prospects. Equipped with a robust skill set spanning all areas of business, our graduates become highly desirable candidates for a wide range of roles across industries.

• Expanded Professional Connections: You will join an exclusive community of high-achieving professionals and industry leaders. Our program offers unparalleled networking opportunities, connecting you with a diverse group of peers, alumni and industry leaders. These relationships extend beyond the classroom, opening doors to new career prospects, partnerships and business ventures.

• Fresh Insights and Expertise: Stay ahead of the curve with a curriculum crafted to deliver the latest in business. Our program empowers you with actionable insights and innovative thinking, ensuring you're equipped to navigate the ever-evolving business landscape. 

We are currently accepting applications for the Class of 2026 (classes begin November 2024) and admit students based on three application deadlines. Applicants must apply online and provide the required documents listed below. 

We take a comprehensive approach in evaluating applications. Applicants should be prepared to review management experience, academic background and projects demonstrating management skills. We also highly suggest having a one-on-one conversation before you begin your application. If you have questions, or would like to see if you are prequalified, please contact us at executivegrad@osu.edu to schedule a time to chat.

Important Application Deadlines

• Round 1: April 1, 2024
  • Interviews: April 8 - 19, 2024
  • Decisions Posted: April 22, 2024
• Round 2: July 1, 2024
  • Interviews: July 10 - 26, 2024
  • Decisions Posted: July 29, 2024
• Round 3: September 1, 2024
  • Interviews: September 9 - 20, 2024
  • Decisions Posted: September 22, 2024

Pursuing an advanced degree should not be taken lightly. In addition to the financial undertaking, we understand the time taken away from  family, friends and professional duties. It is important to consider the variety of benefits that come from pursuing an advanced degree. 

• Increased Earning Potential: Completing the Executive MBA program at Fisher College of Business translates into tangible returns for our students in the form of enhanced career prospects. Equipped with a robust skill set spanning all areas of business, our graduates become highly desirable candidates for a wide range of roles across industries.

• Expanded Professional Connections: You will join an exclusive community of high-achieving professionals and industry leaders. Our program offers unparalleled networking opportunities, connecting you with a diverse group of peers, alumni and industry leaders. These relationships extend beyond the classroom, opening doors to new career prospects, partnerships and business ventures.

• Fresh Insights and Expertise: Stay ahead of the curve with a curriculum crafted to deliver the latest in business. Our program empowers you with actionable insights and innovative thinking, ensuring you're equipped to navigate the ever-evolving business landscape.