Course Delivery
Multiple class sections offer flexibility
The Working Professional MBA is one cohesive program. As a part-time student, select from different sections of each core course taught either in-person, through online or hybrid. The choice is yours — Earn the degree in-person, online or a mix of both.
Students enrolling in-person in the Working Professional MBA (WPMBA) receive the same nationally recognized classroom experience but now have the flexibility to take online classes as desired. Students can select from available class sections (in-person, distance, hybrid) of the desired core class offering to personalize their schedule. Learn about electives.
Courses available to Online Working Professional MBA students vary in their delivery method. Some sections of courses may be delivered in a hybrid model, with the instructor and in-person students in the classroom, while online students livestream and engage and ask questions just like the students on campus. Other class sections are delivered entirely in a distance learning format, with no physical classroom and all students meeting with the professor online. Each online course includes a combination of synchronous and asynchronous content. Fisher values real-time interactions as an important part of your MBA experience. Online students can also take in-person courses if it both fits their schedule and their ability to attend physical classes on-campus.
Non-Residents: WPMBA students from outside Ohio who choose the Online WPMBA will not be charged out-of-state tuition but are required to pay a $200/semester non-resident surcharge.
Program structure and curriculum
Synchronous vs. Asynchronous - What is it?
Synchronous (live): Virtually attend class sessions at the same time as your instructor and classmates. Recordings are available in most cases.
Asynchronous (self-paced): Learn on your own schedule within a certain timeframe. This program cannot be completed 100% asynchronously.
Learn more about how Ohio State defines class delivery modes.
View tech requirements for online courses
Online classes are at least 30% live
A mix of both synchronous and asynchronous learning offers a balance of flexibility and live interaction. This mix varies depending on the type of class (e.g., case-based vs. lecture-based). Industry-experienced faculty teach courses at Fisher College of Business utilizing dynamic online classrooms, specifically designed with your MBA experience in mind. Attendance will be required for the live synchronous portion of each class.
Online WPMBA courses are delivered in one of three ways
- Format 1 – Asynchronous portion 50% and Synchronous portion 50% (Balanced mix).
- Format 2 – Asynchronous portion 30% and Synchronous portion 70% (Highly interactive in nature).
- Format 3 – Asynchronous portion 70% and Synchronous portion 30% (Primarily self-paced).
| Format | Async./Sync. | Asynchronous Learning per Week | Synchronous Learning per Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50-50% | 90 mins/week | 90 mins/week |
| 2 | 30-70% | 60 mins/week | 120 mins/week |
| 3 | 70-30% | 120 mins/week | 60 mins/ week |
How you plan to take the majority of your classes in the Working Professional MBA program is how you should apply. As an in-person or online student, the program's flexibility allows you to take up to half of your classes in the alternative delivery mode. Learn more about course delivery
Example 1: Suzy lives near the Columbus campus and decides she wants to take the majority of her classes in person. She also wants to have the ability to take a few online classes in the summer. Therefore, she should choose the "in-person" option on her application, but she can enroll in online courses as needed.
Example 2: Tom starts the program as an out-of-state resident and decides to apply to the program as an online student. In the middle of the program, he relocates to the Columbus area and wants to start taking classes in person. The flexibility of the program allows him to easily make this happen.
Example 3: Jenny lives a couple of hours from campus and will likely take most of her classes online. However, she would like to enroll in a few in-person quantitative courses, requiring her to drive to campus for class. She should apply for the "online" option, but she can still register for in-person courses.
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