Ohio University Snapshot Card
25+
Online master’s programs
$476
Per credit hour
—
Public university ranking
Public
Public research university
Key policies
Institution type:
Public
Regional accreditation:
Higher Learning Commission
Admissions model:
Rolling deadlines
GRE/GMAT required
Not required
Out-of-state premium:
No — same rate for all students
Notable Programmatic Accreditations
- AACSB
- ABET
- CAHME
- CCNE
- CEPH
- CSWE
- NASPAA
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
Start Here
- Education professionals seeking licensure advancement or curriculum leadership credentials at a low per-credit cost
- Communication and media professionals who want a graduate credential from a nationally recognized communication school (Scripps)
- Students seeking one of the few fully online CAHME-accredited Master of Health Administration programs
- Budget-conscious students who want a traditional public university credential without flagship-level pricing
- Career changers entering public health, social work, or public administration through accredited professional programs
- Students interested in niche programs like sports administration or recreation studies
- Students who prioritize elite brand prestige or national top-25 name recognition
- STEM and engineering students seeking robust, fully developed online engineering programs (OU’s online engineering options exist but are limited)
- Students who prefer synchronous, cohort-based formats with high levels of real-time interaction
- Students in states where Ohio University’s education licensure programs lack reciprocity agreements
Overview
Ohio University is a public research university based in Athens, Ohio, founded in 1804 as the first university chartered by an Act of Congress in the Northwest Territory. It holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and operates one of the longest-running distance education programs among U.S. public universities — its first online courses launched in the mid-1990s, well before most institutions entered the space.
For online master’s students, Ohio University’s relevance centers on three institutional pillars: the Scripps College of Communication (one of the most recognized communication programs in the country), the Patton College of Education (offering broad licensure and professional development pathways), and the College of Health Sciences and Professions (home to CAHME-accredited health administration and CEPH-accredited public health programs). The university also maintains AACSB accreditation for its business programs, placing it in the top tier of business school accreditation worldwide.
Ohio University’s online catalog spans more than 25 master’s-level programs across business, education, communication, healthcare, nursing, social work, engineering, and public administration. It is not to be confused with Ohio State University, which is a separate, larger R1 institution located in Columbus with a different program profile and cost structure.
Quick Decision Guide
This guide gives you a fast orientation to Ohio University’s online master’s programs — who they serve best, what they cost, and where the tradeoffs sit.
Quick Fit Summary: Ohio University is a strong match for students who want an affordable online master’s degree from a regionally accredited public university with particular depth in communication, education, health administration, and social work.
Cost Signal: Online tuition ranges from approximately $476 per credit hour (education and social work programs) to $659 per credit hour (business, communication, and health programs), with nursing programs around $562 per credit hour. Total program costs typically fall between $14,000 and $28,000 depending on program length and subject area.
Learning Model Signal: Predominantly asynchronous delivery, with some programs (particularly nursing, social work, and public health) including required practicum, clinical, or field experience components.
Admissions Signal: Generally accessible admissions with rolling deadlines for most programs. Select programs — including the MSW, MSN nurse practitioner tracks, and MPH — use deadline-based admissions. The GRE is not required for most programs, and GMAT waivers are available for the MBA.
Flexibility Signal: Most programs offer part-time and full-time pacing options with multiple start dates (fall, spring, and summer for many programs). Education programs are particularly flexible for working teachers.
Main Tradeoff: Ohio University offers strong regional reputation, genuine programmatic accreditations, and competitive pricing — but it lacks the national brand recognition of flagship public universities and has limited depth in online STEM and engineering fields.
What Ohio University Is Known For Online
Ohio University’s online reputation rests on a handful of genuinely distinctive institutional strengths, rather than breadth alone. Understanding these helps clarify whether the university’s specific advantages align with your goals.
The Scripps College of Communication is the centerpiece. It is one of the oldest and most comprehensive communication schools in the United States, and Ohio University’s online MA in Communication Studies draws directly from this reputation. The program offers concentrations in health communication, organizational communication, and communication and development studies — areas that translate into applied career value in corporate communications, healthcare messaging, and nonprofit strategy. For students specifically pursuing a graduate communication degree, Scripps puts Ohio University in a small group of institutions with credible name recognition in the field. Prospective students exploring this discipline can learn more on our online master’s in communication hub.
The Patton College of Education represents Ohio University’s broadest online presence, with seven MEd programs covering curriculum and instruction, educational administration (with principal and superintendent licensure tracks), special education, instructional technology, higher education and student affairs, and more. Education tuition is among the lowest in the catalog at $476 per credit hour, and rolling admissions with multiple start dates make this a practical option for working teachers. For a wider view of what’s available across institutions, see our online master’s in education overview.
On the professional program side, Ohio University holds AACSB accreditation for its MBA and Master of Accountancy — a credential held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. Its Master of Health Administration carries CAHME accreditation, making it one of a small number of fully online MHA programs with this designation. The MSW program holds CSWE accreditation, the MPH holds CEPH accreditation, the nursing programs hold CCNE accreditation, and the MPA holds NASPAA accreditation. This density of programmatic accreditations across multiple professional fields is uncommon for a mid-tier public university and is one of Ohio University’s clearest competitive advantages for students in health, social work, public administration, and business.
Online Master’s Programs by Subject
Ohio University offers more than 25 online master’s programs spanning nine subject areas. The table below provides structured data for each program, including tuition, credit requirements, accreditations, and format details. Programs are grouped by subject area so you can quickly scan the fields most relevant to your career goals. Pay particular attention to the programmatic accreditation column — several of Ohio University’s professional programs hold specialized accreditations that directly affect licensure eligibility and employer recognition.
After the table, we highlight which programs are most distinctive and where Ohio University’s depth gives it a real edge over competitors.
Ohio University’s online business programs include five degrees, all anchored by the College of Business’s AACSB accreditation.
| Program | Degree | Credits | $/Credit | Est. Total | Duration | Start Dates | GRE | Accreditation | In-Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration | MBA | 36 | $659 | $23,724 | 12–24 mo | Fall, Spring, Summer | No | AACSB | No | GMAT/GRE waiver available with qualifying work experience or GPA |
| Master of Accountancy | Other | 30 | $659 | $19,770 | 12–24 mo | Fall, Spring | No | AACSB | No | Prepares students for CPA examination |
| Master of Sports Administration | Other | 36 | $659 | $23,724 | 18–24 mo | Fall, Spring, Summer | No | — | No | One of the oldest sports administration programs in the country |
| Master of Financial Economics | Other | 34 | $659 | $22,406 | 18–24 mo | Fall, Spring | No | — | No | — |
| MA in Applied Economics | MA | 30 | $659 | $19,770 | 18–24 mo | Fall, Spring | No | — | No | — |
The MBA stands out for its six concentrations and AACSB pedigree at a total estimated cost under $24,000 — competitive with or below many peer public university MBAs. Students interested in comparing MBA options across institutions may find our most affordable online MBA programs ranking useful. The Master of Sports Administration is a rare online offering and one of the longest-established programs of its kind nationally.
Education is Ohio University’s deepest online subject area, with seven MEd programs at a notably low tuition rate of $476 per credit hour. Students exploring education degrees broadly should also review our online master’s in education hub.
| Program | Degree | Credits | $/Credit | Est. Total | Duration | Start Dates | GRE | Accreditation | In-Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEd in Computer Science and Technology | MEd | 33 | $476 | $15,708 | 18–36 mo | Fall, Spring, Summer | No | — | No | — |
| MEd in Curriculum and Instruction | MEd | 30 | $476 | $14,280 | 18–36 mo | Fall, Spring, Summer | No | — | No | — |
| MEd in Educational Administration | MEd | 36 | $476 | $17,136 | 18–36 mo | Fall, Spring | No | — | Yes | Includes field experience; licensure tracks may require Ohio residency or reciprocity |
| MEd in Educational Research and Evaluation | MEd | 36 | $476 | $17,136 | 18–36 mo | Fall, Spring | No | — | No | — |
| MEd in Instructional Technology | MEd | 30 | $476 | $14,280 | 18–36 mo | Fall, Spring, Summer | No | — | No | — |
| MEd in Higher Education and Student Affairs | MEd | 45 | $476 | $21,420 | 24–36 mo | Fall | No | — | No | Designed for student affairs professionals; deadline-based admissions |
| MEd in Special Education | MEd | 30 | $476 | $14,280 | 18–36 mo | Fall, Spring, Summer | No | — | No | Concentrations in Assistive Technology, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Transition to Work |
Total costs for most education programs fall between $14,000 and $17,000 — substantially below the average for online master’s in education at public universities. The Educational Administration program is worth noting for its principal and superintendent licensure tracks, though students outside Ohio should verify state reciprocity before enrolling. The Higher Education and Student Affairs program at 45 credits is among the most comprehensive in this niche and uses deadline-based admissions (fall start only). For national rankings in this space, see best online master’s in education.
Ohio University’s communication program is housed in the nationally recognized Scripps College of Communication, making it one of the institution’s strongest draws for online students.
| Program | Degree | Credits | $/Credit | Est. Total | Duration | Start Dates | GRE | Accreditation | In-Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA in Communication Studies | MA | 33 | $659 | $21,747 | 18–24 mo | Fall, Spring | No | — | No | Housed in the nationally recognized Scripps College of Communication |
The MA in Communication Studies offers three concentrations — Health Communication, Organizational Communication, and Communication and Development Studies — each aligned with applied career paths rather than purely academic study. This program is a rare opportunity to earn a graduate communication degree from a school with genuine reputational weight in the field, delivered fully online. See our broader online master’s in communication guide for context on how this program compares.
Ohio University’s healthcare programs carry strong programmatic accreditations that directly affect career eligibility and employer perception.
| Program | Degree | Credits | $/Credit | Est. Total | Duration | Start Dates | GRE | Accreditation | In-Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Health Administration | MHA | 42 | $659 | $27,678 | 24–36 mo | Fall, Spring | No | CAHME | No | One of few fully online MHA programs with CAHME accreditation |
| Master of Public Health | MPH | 42 | $659 | $27,678 | 24–36 mo | Fall | No | CEPH | Yes | Includes practicum requirements; deadline-based admissions |
The MHA is arguably Ohio University’s single most distinctive online program. CAHME accreditation is the gold standard for health administration education, and finding it attached to a fully online program is uncommon. Students evaluating this option should compare it against other online master’s in healthcare administration programs. The MPH program offers four concentrations and holds CEPH accreditation but does require a practicum, making it not entirely location-independent. For a national view, explore our online master’s in public health page and our best online master’s in public health ranking.
All three of Ohio University’s online MSN programs hold CCNE accreditation and include required clinical or practicum hours. Students will need to arrange supervised clinical placements, which may involve location-dependent logistics.
| Program | Degree | Credits | $/Credit | Est. Total | Duration | Start Dates | GRE | Accreditation | In-Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSN in Nursing Education | MSN | 37 | $562 | $20,794 | 18–30 mo | Fall, Spring | No | CCNE | Yes | Includes clinical/practicum hours |
| MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner | MSN | 49 | $562 | $27,538 | 24–36 mo | Fall | No | CCNE | Yes | Requires supervised clinical hours; deadline-based admissions |
| MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | MSN | 49 | $562 | $27,538 | 24–36 mo | Fall | No | CCNE | Yes | Requires supervised clinical hours; deadline-based admissions |
Nursing tuition at $562 per credit sits between education rates and business rates, making these programs competitively priced for CCNE-accredited MSN programs. The FNP and PMHNP tracks are both high-demand specialties with strong employment projections. For a broader look at online nursing options, see our online master’s in nursing subject hub and best online master’s in nursing ranking.
Ohio University offers a CSWE-accredited online MSW with both a standard track and an advanced standing option for students who already hold a BSW.
| Program | Degree | Credits | $/Credit | Est. Total | Duration | Start Dates | GRE | Accreditation | In-Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW in Social Work | MSW | 60 | $476 | $28,560 | 24–36 mo | Fall | No | CSWE | Yes | Advanced standing option for BSW holders (37 credits); requires field placement hours |
At $476 per credit, the per-credit rate is among the most affordable for a CSWE-accredited online MSW. However, the standard track at 60 credits brings the total estimated cost to approximately $28,560, and the program requires field placement hours that necessitate local supervision arrangements. BSW holders can reduce credit requirements significantly through the advanced standing track (37 credits, approximately $17,612). Deadline-based admissions with a fall start date mean advance planning is important. For broader comparison, explore our online master’s in social work hub and the best online master’s in social work ranking.
Ohio University offers three online MS programs in engineering, though these are more limited in scope compared to dedicated online engineering programs at larger research universities.
| Program | Degree | Credits | $/Credit | Est. Total | Duration | Start Dates | GRE | Accreditation | In-Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Civil Engineering | MS | 30 | $659 | $19,770 | 18–36 mo | Fall, Spring | Unknown | — | No | Limited online engineering option |
| MS in Electrical Engineering | MS | 30 | $659 | $19,770 | 18–36 mo | Fall, Spring | Unknown | — | No | Limited online engineering option |
| MS in Mechanical Engineering | MS | 30 | $659 | $19,770 | 18–36 mo | Fall, Spring | Unknown | — | No | Limited online engineering option |
These programs exist and are accessible online, but students seeking a deeply developed online engineering experience with multiple concentrations, research opportunities, or lab components should consider institutions with stronger online engineering infrastructure, such as Purdue University or Arizona State University. Ohio University’s engineering options are best suited for working engineers seeking a general MS credential at a moderate cost.
Ohio University’s MPA holds NASPAA accreditation — the standard for public administration graduate programs in the United States.
| Program | Degree | Credits | $/Credit | Est. Total | Duration | Start Dates | GRE | Accreditation | In-Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPA in Public Administration | MPA | 40 | $476 | $19,040 | 18–30 mo | Fall, Spring | No | NASPAA | No | Concentrations in State and Local Government, Nonprofit Management, Public Management |
At $476 per credit (the education/social work rate) and 40 credits, the MPA comes in under $20,000 — competitive for a NASPAA-accredited program. Three concentrations allow some specialization within public service. For broader context, see our online master’s in public administration hub.
Ohio University also offers a distinctive online program that doesn’t fit neatly into standard subject categories.
| Program | Degree | Credits | $/Credit | Est. Total | Duration | Start Dates | GRE | Accreditation | In-Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA in Recreation Studies | MA | 33 | $659 | $21,747 | 18–24 mo | Fall, Spring | No | — | No | Concentrations in Sports Facility and Event Management, Athletic Administration |
| MS in Information and Telecommunication Systems | MS | 33 | $659 | $21,747 | 18–24 mo | Fall, Spring | No | — | No | Covers networking, cybersecurity, and IT management |
The MA in Recreation Studies with its Athletic Administration concentration is a genuinely unique online offering — few institutions provide this specific combination at the graduate level. The MS in Information and Telecommunication Systems spans networking, cybersecurity, and IT management, serving a different audience than a traditional computer science program.
Across all subject areas, Ohio University’s catalog is notably broad for a mid-tier public university. The programs with the strongest competitive positioning are those carrying specialized programmatic accreditations: the AACSB-accredited MBA and MAcc, the CAHME-accredited MHA, the CEPH-accredited MPH, the CCNE-accredited MSN programs, the CSWE-accredited MSW, and the NASPAA-accredited MPA. These accreditations are not marketing badges — they directly affect licensure eligibility, employer recognition, and transfer of credentials across state lines
How Ohio University Compares
To evaluate Ohio University’s online master’s programs in context, it helps to see how the university stacks up against three institutions that serve similar student profiles: affordable public universities with broad online master’s catalogs. We selected Indiana University Online, the University of Alabama, and Arizona State University as comparison peers because all four compete for budget-conscious students seeking regionally accredited online degrees from established public institutions.
| Dimension | Ohio University | Indiana University Online | University of Alabama | Arizona State University |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Range (per credit) | $476–$659 | $420–$800+ | $410–$750+ | $550–$1,100+ |
| Program Breadth | 25+ online master’s programs | 30+ online master’s programs | 30+ online master’s programs | 50+ online master’s programs |
| Notable Accreditations | AACSB, CAHME, CEPH, CCNE, CSWE, NASPAA | AACSB (Kelley), CSWE, CCNE | AACSB, CSWE, CCNE, ABET | AACSB, CSWE, ABET, CCNE |
| Flexibility Model | Primarily asynchronous, rolling admissions for most programs | Primarily asynchronous, mix of rolling and deadline | Primarily asynchronous, rolling for most programs | Primarily asynchronous, multiple start dates |
| Brand Strength | Strong regional; nationally known for communication (Scripps) and health admin | Strong nationally (Kelley School of Business in particular) | Strong regionally; growing national online recognition | Strong nationally; one of the most recognized online brands |
| Engineering Online | Limited (3 MS programs, minimal concentrations) | Moderate | Moderate to strong | Strong (broad ABET-accredited options) |
| Distinctive Strength | CAHME-accredited MHA, Scripps Communication, affordable education MEds | Kelley MBA, public affairs, education | Business, social work, engineering breadth | Massive catalog, brand recognition, engineering depth |
Key takeaways from this comparison:
- When Ohio University wins: If you’re pursuing health administration (CAHME-accredited online MHA is rare), communication studies (Scripps reputation), or affordable education degrees, Ohio University offers specific value that the comparison peers don’t match. Its education tuition at $476/credit undercuts most of these peers for MEd programs. The density of programmatic accreditations across six different accrediting bodies is also unusually strong.
- When a peer wins: If national brand recognition matters for your career field, Arizona State University carries more weight in most markets. If business is your primary focus, Indiana University’s Kelley School outranks Ohio University’s business programs in name recognition. If you need online engineering depth with multiple concentrations and ABET accreditation, both Alabama and ASU offer more developed options. And if sheer program variety is your priority, ASU’s catalog is roughly double the size of Ohio University’s. Students can explore broader comparisons on our best online master’s programs page or filter by cost on our most affordable online master’s programs ranking.
Best For
Ohio University’s online master’s programs are a strong fit for several specific student profiles. Each profile below reflects a genuine alignment between what the university offers and what a particular type of student needs.
- Education professionals seeking advancement or licensure at low cost. With seven MEd programs at $476 per credit and total costs as low as $14,280, Ohio University is one of the most affordable paths to a master’s in education from an accredited public university. Licensure tracks for principals and superintendents add practical career value for educators in Ohio and states with reciprocity agreements.
- Communication and media professionals who value institutional reputation in the field. The Scripps College of Communication is not merely well-known — it is one of the oldest and most comprehensive communication programs in the country. An MA from Scripps carries weight in communication-industry hiring that a generic online MA from a lesser-known program would not.
- Students seeking a CAHME-accredited MHA delivered fully online. CAHME accreditation is the recognized quality standard for health administration education, and Ohio University is one of a small group of institutions offering this credential through a fully online format. For students targeting hospital administration, health system management, or policy roles, this accreditation matters directly for career credentialing.
- Budget-conscious students wanting a traditional public university credential. Ohio University is not a for-profit or a primarily online institution — it is a 220-year-old public university that happens to offer a well-developed online catalog. For students who care about institutional type and accreditation pedigree alongside affordability, OU hits a specific sweet spot.
- Career changers entering social work, public health, or public administration. The CSWE-accredited MSW, CEPH-accredited MPH, and NASPAA-accredited MPA all provide the credentialing necessary for professional licensure and employment in these fields. Advanced standing options (MSW) and accessible admissions (MPA) make transitions feasible.
- Students interested in sports administration or recreation studies. Ohio University’s Master of Sports Administration is one of the oldest programs of its kind, and the MA in Recreation Studies with its Athletic Administration concentration is a genuinely rare online option. Students with these specific career interests will find few comparable alternatives.
Not a Best Fit For
No institution is right for everyone. The following student profiles should carefully consider whether Ohio University aligns with their priorities — and may want to explore alternatives.
Students who prioritize elite brand prestige or top-25 national recognition. Ohio University is well-regarded regionally and within specific fields (communication, health administration), but it does not carry the national brand weight of an Arizona State, a University of Michigan, or a University of Southern California. If employer perception in your target industry is heavily influenced by institutional ranking, a higher-profile institution may serve you better. Explore Arizona State University or University of Alabama for alternatives that balance affordability with broader name recognition.
Students seeking robust, fully developed online STEM or engineering programs. Ohio University’s three online engineering MS programs (civil, electrical, mechanical) exist but are limited in scope — they lack multiple concentrations, research lab integration, and the depth that dedicated online engineering programs provide. Students serious about engineering should consider institutions with ABET-accredited online options and deeper course catalogs.
Students who prefer highly synchronous, cohort-based learning formats. Ohio University’s online programs are predominantly asynchronous. While this provides flexibility, students who thrive on real-time interaction, live lectures, and structured peer cohorts may find the experience isolating. Institutions with explicit synchronous-first models may be a better fit.
Students in states where Ohio University’s licensure programs lack reciprocity. Several of Ohio University’s education and nursing programs lead to Ohio-specific licensure or require field placements. Before enrolling in an Educational Administration program (principal/superintendent licensure) or an MSN nurse practitioner track, students outside Ohio must verify whether their state recognizes Ohio University’s credentials. Failing to do so can mean completing a program that doesn’t lead to the licensure you need.
Students seeking a large-scale online learning ecosystem with extensive support services. While Ohio University’s online infrastructure is mature, it is not at the scale of institutions like Southern New Hampshire University or Western Governors University that have built entire operational models around online learner support, career services, and completion coaching. Students who need intensive wraparound services should factor this in.
Featured Programs and Top Picks
These five programs represent Ohio University’s most distinctive online master’s offerings — selected not because they’re ranked highest by any methodology, but because each one carries a specific competitive advantage that most peer institutions don’t match.
Master of Health Administration (MHA) — CAHME-accredited and fully online. This is Ohio University’s strongest single credential from a competitive standpoint. CAHME accreditation is the industry standard for health administration graduate programs, and the number of fully online MHA programs carrying this accreditation is small nationally. At 42 credits and approximately $27,678 total, it’s a significant investment, but the accreditation has direct career value for hospital and health system management roles. Compare options on our online master’s in healthcare administration page.
MA in Communication Studies (Scripps College of Communication) — Few online master’s programs in communication can point to a host school with Scripps’ reputation. The three concentration areas (health communication, organizational communication, communication and development studies) are applied rather than theoretical, and the Scripps name carries hiring signal that generic communication MAs do not. At approximately $21,747 total, it’s mid-range in cost.
MSW in Social Work — CSWE-accredited with both a standard 60-credit track and a 37-credit advanced standing track for BSW holders. The per-credit rate of $476 makes this one of the more affordable CSWE-accredited online MSW options. Field placement requirements add logistical complexity, but the accreditation ensures the degree meets licensure requirements across states. See our online master’s in social work hub.
MBA (AACSB-accredited) — At $23,724 estimated total with six available concentrations including Healthcare Management and Business Analytics, Ohio University’s online MBA provides genuine breadth backed by top-tier business accreditation. GMAT/GRE waivers are available, and rolling admissions with three start dates per year make entry frictionless. The AACSB credential places this MBA in the top 6% of business programs globally by accreditation standard. Compare options on our broader online MBA page.
MPA in Public Administration (NASPAA-accredited) — NASPAA accreditation is essential for students pursuing leadership roles in government and nonprofit management. At $19,040 total with concentrations in state/local government, nonprofit management, and public management, this program combines affordability with a credential that carries weight across the public sector.
Admissions Snapshot
Ohio University’s online master’s admissions vary meaningfully by program, so it’s important to check requirements for your specific degree. That said, several general patterns hold across the catalog.
General requirements: A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is required for all programs. Most programs expect a minimum undergraduate GPA around 3.0, though some are flexible with conditional admission for students slightly below this threshold. Program-specific prerequisites exist — for example, the MSN programs require an active RN license, the MSW advanced standing track requires a BSW, and the engineering programs expect a relevant undergraduate degree.
GRE/GMAT policy: The GRE is not required for the vast majority of Ohio University’s online master’s programs. The MBA program does not require the GMAT and offers waivers for applicants with qualifying work experience or undergraduate GPA. A small number of programs may request GRE scores, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
Application components: Typical application materials include official transcripts, a personal statement or statement of purpose, and two to three letters of recommendation. Some programs (MSW, nursing, public health) have additional requirements such as a resume, writing sample, or prerequisite coursework documentation.
Admissions timeline: Most programs operate on rolling admissions with fall, spring, and summer start dates available. This means you can apply and receive a decision relatively quickly without waiting for a fixed cycle. However, several competitive and clinical programs use deadline-based admissions: the MSW, MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, MPH, and MEd in Higher Education and Student Affairs all have specific application deadlines (typically for fall start only). If you’re targeting one of these programs, plan to apply well in advance.
Key caveat: Requirements can shift year to year and differ substantially between programs. Always verify current requirements directly with Ohio University’s graduate admissions office or the specific program’s admissions page before applying.
Tuition and Cost Overview
Ohio University uses a tiered tuition model for online master’s programs, with per-credit rates that vary by college and program area rather than by residency status. This means out-of-state students generally pay the same rate as Ohio residents for online programs — a meaningful advantage.
| Program Category | Tuition Per Credit | Representative Programs | Typical Credit Range | Estimated Total Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education & Social Work | $476 | MEd programs, MSW, MPA | 30–60 credits | $14,280–$28,560 |
| Business, Communication & Health | $659 | MBA, MAcc, MA Communication Studies, MHA, MPH | 30–42 credits | $19,770–$27,678 |
| Nursing | $562 | MSN Nursing Education, MSN FNP, MSN PMHNP | 37–49 credits | $20,794–$27,538 |
| Engineering | $659 | MS Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering | 30 credits | $19,770 |
The most affordable programs are in education, where several MEd degrees come in under $15,000 total. The most expensive programs by total cost are the 60-credit MSW (approximately $28,560 for the standard track) and the 42-credit MHA and MPH programs (approximately $27,678 each), though these reflect credit-hour requirements rather than especially high per-credit rates.
To put these numbers in context: Ohio University’s education programs are priced below many comparable public university MEd programs nationally. The MBA at approximately $23,724 total with AACSB accreditation is competitive with or below peers like Indiana University Online and substantially below Arizona State University’s MBA pricing. The CAHME-accredited MHA at approximately $27,678 is notably affordable for a program with this accreditation level.
Financial aid, including federal student loans and some institutional scholarships and assistantships, is available to online students. Students should submit the FAFSA and check with individual programs about merit-based aid opportunities. For a personalized estimate of total graduate school costs including living expenses and opportunity costs, our graduate school cost calculator can help.
Important note: Tuition rates are subject to change and may differ slightly by program or academic year. Some programs also carry additional fees (technology fees, practicum placement fees, etc.) not captured in the per-credit rate. Always confirm current pricing with Ohio University before making enrollment decisions.
Visit Ohio University’s official online programs page
Related Rankings
If you’re evaluating Ohio University as one of several options, the following OMC ranking pages can help you compare across institutions and narrow your decision.
- Best Online Master’s Programs — A broad starting point if you’re comparing Ohio University against other well-regarded online institutions across all subject areas.
- Most Affordable Online Master’s Programs — Ohio University’s education and public administration programs price competitively. This ranking helps you see where OU falls against other affordable options nationally.
- Accredited Online Master’s Programs — Accreditation is one of Ohio University’s strongest cards. This page can help you understand how OU’s HLC accreditation and multiple programmatic accreditations compare against the field.
- Best Online Master’s in Education — If education is your primary focus, this ranking shows how OU’s extensive MEd catalog measures up against top-ranked online education programs.
- Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration — Directly relevant for students considering Ohio University’s CAHME-accredited MHA. See how it compares against other accredited online health administration programs.
- Best Online Master’s in Social Work — Useful for evaluating OU’s CSWE-accredited MSW against other online social work programs on cost, accreditation, and format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Ohio University holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is one of six recognized regional accrediting bodies in the United States. Regional accreditation is the highest level of institutional accreditation and is accepted by virtually all employers and other educational institutions for credit transfer and graduate admissions purposes. This accreditation applies to both on-campus and online programs.
Tuition varies by program category. Education and social work programs cost approximately $476 per credit hour. Business, communication, and health programs cost approximately $659 per credit hour. Nursing programs cost approximately $562 per credit hour. Total program costs range from roughly $14,280 (for a 30-credit MEd) to approximately $28,560 (for the 60-credit standard MSW track). Ohio University’s online programs generally charge the same rate regardless of residency status, which benefits out-of-state students.
A. For the vast majority of online master’s programs at Ohio University, the GRE is not required. The MBA program does not require the GMAT and offers waivers for applicants with qualifying work experience or undergraduate GPA. A small number of programs may request standardized test scores on a case-by-case basis, but test-free admissions is the norm across the catalog.
A. Completion timelines depend on the program and enrollment pace. Most programs can be completed in 18 to 24 months for full-time students, with part-time options extending to 36 months. The shortest programs (MBA, MAcc) can be finished in as little as 12 months for students enrolled full-time. Longer programs like the MSW (60 credits) and MSN nurse practitioner tracks (49 credits) typically require 24 to 36 months even at full-time pace.
Ohio University does not publish enrollment figures by program, so exact popularity rankings are not available. Based on catalog breadth and institutional reputation, the MEd programs (particularly Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration, and Special Education), the MBA, and the Master of Health Administration are among the most prominent online offerings. The MHA is particularly notable because its CAHME accreditation makes it one of a limited number of fully online programs with this credential nationally.
Ohio University is a regionally accredited public institution with a 220-year history, and its online degrees carry the same institutional credential as on-campus degrees. Employer perception varies by field and geography: in education, healthcare administration, communication, and public administration, Ohio University’s programmatic accreditations (AACSB, CAHME, CEPH, CCNE, CSWE, NASPAA) provide concrete professional credibility. In fields where national institutional ranking heavily influences hiring decisions (e.g., investment banking, management consulting), Ohio University is less competitive against higher-ranked peers. For most professional career paths, the degree is well-recognized and accepted.
Ohio University’s online professional programs hold an unusually broad range of programmatic accreditations: AACSB (MBA and Master of Accountancy), CAHME (Master of Health Administration), CEPH (Master of Public Health), CCNE (MSN programs), CSWE (MSW in Social Work), and NASPAA (MPA in Public Administration). Each of these accreditations represents the recognized quality standard in its respective field and directly affects licensure eligibility, employer recognition, and professional advancement. Having six distinct programmatic accreditations across online programs is uncommon for a university of Ohio University’s size and profile.