Why study business administration at BGSU in Ohio?
- Top-ranked online MBA program. BGSU’s online MBA has been recognized among the best online MBA programs in the nation and was ranked No. 1 in Ohio for the third consecutive year (Poets&Quants). These rankings highlight the program’s strong academic quality, affordability and student outcomes.
The Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business has been designated a “Best Business School” for 15 consecutive years by The Princeton Review.
- Complete your MBA in as little as one year. The program’s streamlined structure allows motivated students to finish their MBA in about a year. You can quickly gain advanced business credentials and apply new leadership skills in the workplace.
- Exceptional value among regional MBA programs. The BGSU online MBA delivers a high-quality graduate business education at a tuition that is significantly lower than many comparable MBA programs in Ohio and the Midwest. Our online MBA was named the most affordable program of its kind in Ohio by Fortune magazine.
- Expert faculty. Learn from the same accomplished faculty who teach in BGSU’s on-campus MBA programs. Faculty members bring academic expertise and real-world business experience to the classroom. Expect lively discussions and meaningful support.
- AACSB-accredited business education. The Schmidthorst College of Business is accredited by AACSB International. This distinction is earned by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide.
- Flexible format designed for working professionals. The fully online format allows students to balance graduate study with professional and personal responsibilities. Coursework can be completed from anywhere without relocating or stepping away from a career.
BGSU’s online MBA was ranked No. 1 in Ohio and among the nations best online MBA programs for the third consecutive year.
Sources: Poets&Quants
#1 public university in Ohio for career prep
The Wall Street Journal
Career opportunities
A Master of Business Administration from Bowling Green State University prepares you to lead organizations, guide strategic decision-making and drive innovation in competitive business environments.
As an MBA graduate, you gain broad business knowledge along with leadership, analytical and problem-solving skills that are valued across industries. You’ll build the expertise needed to navigate competitive markets, evaluate business performance and help organizations respond to change.
With these skills, you’ll be ready to pursue leadership and management roles in areas such as finance, marketing, operations, consulting, healthcare administration and entrepreneurship. The program’s emphasis on strategic thinking and applied business knowledge helps prepare you to advance into supervisory, managerial and executive-level positions.
Career paths
- Business manager or operations manager
- Management consultant
- Marketing manager
- Financial manager or financial analyst
- Supply chain or logistics manager
- Human resources manager
- Project manager
- Business development manager
- Entrepreneur or startup founder
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
BGSU’s online MBA program has been ranked No. 1 university in Ohio for career outcomes. Recent graduates report an average salary increase of 24%; 80% of graduates earn promotions.
Sources: Poets&Quants
Curriculum
The Master of Business Administration at BGSU provides a comprehensive foundation in modern business strategy, leadership and analytics.
The curriculum is designed to help you understand how different areas of business work together. It prepares you to evaluate challenges, identify opportunities and make informed strategic decisions within your organization.
The curriculum emphasizes:
- Strategic leadership and organizational management
- Financial analysis and decision-making
- Marketing strategy and market analytics
- Operations and supply chain management
- Data-informed business decision-making
- Ethical leadership and global business perspectives
Coursework integrates theory with practical application so you can apply what you learn directly to real-world professional settings.
Sample courses
- Financial Accounting and Analysis
- Statistics for Managerial Decisions
- Behavior of the Firm in a Global Environment
- Marketing Management and Strategy
MBA concentrations
In addition to the general MBA track, you can tailor your degree through concentrations that build expertise in high-demand areas of modern business.
These focused pathways allow you to deepen your knowledge in specific industries and functional business disciplines while maintaining a strong foundation in core MBA competencies. Select a concentration aligned with your professional interests and strengthen the skills most relevant to your career goals.
BGSU’s MBA concentrations include:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Supply chain management
#1 university in Ohio – big or small, public or private – students would choose again
The Wall Street Journal
Applying
Applicants to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program must meet graduate admission requirements established by Bowling Green State University and the Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business.
BGSU’s online MBA admission process is straightforward and accessible for working professionals. Admission decisions consider academic preparation, professional experience and readiness for graduate-level business coursework.
Admission requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
- At least two years of professional work experience (including military experience) preferred
- Three professional references submitted through the online application
- Professional résumé detailing your education and work experience
- Official or unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended (official transcripts required upon admission)
No GMAT is required for admission to the online MBA program. There is no application fee.
If your undergraduate degree is not in business, you may be required to complete foundation courses to build essential business knowledge before or alongside core MBA coursework.
Application process
Prospective students should submit a completed graduate application and required supporting materials through the BGSU Graduate College.
Multiple start dates are available throughout the year, allowing students to begin the program at times that align with their professional and personal schedules.
BGSU has been recognized by Military Times as one of the nation’s top “Best for Vets” higher education institutions. We are proud of our long tradition as a welcoming community for active-duty service members and military veterans.
Military students enrolled in the online MBA program may be eligible to use military education benefits, including tuition assistance and GI Bill® benefits. BGSU provides dedicated support services to help military-connected students navigate admissions, financial aid and academic planning.
Learn more about available services and resources through Nontraditional and Military Student Services (NTMSS).
BGSU is one of only a handful of universities in the nation — and the only one in Ohio — to earn the Quality Matters Online Learner Support certificate for all of our online programs. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing the critical support and academic services that online students need to succeed.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a program in the Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business.
Updated: 06/29/2026 03:22PM