Experiences Matter
Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business is a market leader in experiential education. Committed to providing the best in business management education, Fisher’s innovative MBA curriculum includes several required and optional courses that challenge students' ability to think creatively, collaborate with colleagues, and manage complex, real-world projects.
In addition to term and semester-long projects with industry partners, all MBA students participate in a variety of live case competitions. These fast-paced, sprint-like case competitions challenge students to think critically while under pressure; efficiently analyzing the current situation as presented by the host company and providing sound strategic recommendations that are implementable, drawing on available information, personal experiences and informed assumptions where necessary.
Fisher leverages partnerships with local and global corporations and non-profit organizations to ensure an array of relevant business challenges from across industry sectors.
Hands-On: Local, National & Global
Experiential Learning Embedded in the Full-Time MBA Curriculum
Required Experiences for Everyone
- First-Year MBA Fall/Winter Case Competition: Apply newly acquired knowledge as you compete in core teams against your fellow Fisher colleagues to provide recommended solutions to a business challenge presented by a sponsoring company
- Business Lab Challenge: Tackle hands-on projects for Columbus-based companies
- Career & Industry Immersion Academies: Delve deeper into industries of interest through case analysis, corporate site visits, networking events, and a speaker series
- Max Problem Solving: Examine significant social issues and recommend steps businesses should take to contribute to positive changes/resolution (corporate social responsibility)
Popular Experiential Electives
- Global Business Expeditions (GBE): Tackle small-scale consulting projects for global companies in this high-intensity global program
- Student Investment Management (SIM): Navigate management of a multi-million-dollar investment portfolio in this stock trading and portfolio management course
- Future Leaders in Innovation & Entrepreneurship (FLIE): Apply your MBA skills alongside Ohio State researchers and technology teams to explore the commercial potential of university-based innovations.
- The Washington Campus: Explore first-hand the intersections between the political process and its impact on business leadership through a one-week, intensive seminar course in Washington D.C.
- Student Exchanges: This is a two-week summer academic program at one of our partner universities in Vallendar, Germany. Study abroad and learn how business is conducted in the European region
Did you know? Some of our global experiences may already cover flights and accommodations. We also have the Fisher Global Grant for eligible students. Funding FAQ
Case Competitions
Case competitions provide MBA students with opportunities to apply classroom learning to complex, real-world business challenges. Working under time constraints, students strengthen their analytical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation skills while developing the confidence to communicate recommendations to business leaders and other professional audiences.
Participation in case competitions is strongly encouraged as a valuable complement to the MBA curriculum. Students may have opportunities to represent Fisher in competitions hosted by universities, companies, and other organizations, gaining experience that builds practical business skills, expands professional networks, and prepares them to tackle challenges in their careers.
Popular Certificate Programs
- FinTech Micro-Credential: FinTech is a dynamic and rapidly scaling field presenting endless opportunities. The Fintech micro-credential program is comprised of two graduate-level courses (4.5 units), two projects, and a certification exam.
- MBA Six Sigma Program: Become certified in Six Sigma process improvement methodology through a series of classroom experiences and online training from MoreSteam.com. The series culminates with a commissioned project with a company in which students work in teams on client deliverables. For more information, visit Fisher’s Center for Operational Excellence
Learning happens when one puts into practice theories studied in the classroom. Participating in The John Molson International Case Competition and other experiential learning opportunities has been invaluable within the Fisher MBA program and, ultimately, my life journey.
Questions? We're here to help!
Hello! My name is Meg D'Angelo, a graduate recruiter for the Full-Time MBA program at Ohio State. Whether you’re just starting your exploration or ready to apply, I’m here to provide personalized support. Please don’t hesitate to contact me—I look forward to helping you achieve your goals!
Schedule a Meeting
Contact Fisher's Graduate Programs Office directly to schedule on-campus activities such as in-person meetings, class visits and campus tours. We will do our best to accommodate your request in-person or virtually within university guidelines.