Former or current NFL players: The Kelley School of Business can help you launch the next step in your career

Through a unique partnership with the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), the top-ranked Kelley School of Business offers current and former NFL players the opportunity to pursue an online MBA, master's degree, or graduate certificate.

With 100% online delivery, you can earn the credentials you need to advance your career without disrupting your personal and professional life. This program is designed to provide the flexibility you need to succeed both on and off the field. Join the ranks of NFL players and affiliates who have already taken this important step toward securing their future.

Explore degree and certificate options

Structure
The Kelley online Business Management graduate certificate program will:

Total 12 credit hours
Flexible completion timeline from 1 to 2 years
Consist of approximately 3 credit hours per quarter
Live-virtual sessions, typically once a week in the evenings per course

You'll learn from the same top-ranked faculty who teach in the residential programs.

Application deadlines: June 15 for fall, September 1 for winter, December 1 for spring, March 1 for summer

For a list of upcoming term dates, click the student resources button below.

Test scores: No GMAT or GRE are required   

Bachelor's degree: Can be in any field

Structure
The Kelley online MS in Strategic Management program will:

Total 30 credit hours
Flexible completion timeline from 15 months to 4 years
Consist of approximately 6 credit hours per quarter
Live-virtual sessions, typically once a week in the evenings per course

You'll learn from the same highly ranked faculty who teach in the residential programs.

Application deadlines: June 15 for fall, September 1 for winter, December 1 for spring, March 1 for summer

For a list of upcoming term dates, click the student resources button below.

Test scores:  No GMAT or GRE are required

Bachelor's degree: Can be in any field

Structure

The Kelley online MBA program will:

Total 48 credit hours
Flexible completion timeline from two to six years
Consist of approximately 6 credit hours per quarter
Live-virtual sessions, typically once a week in the evenings per course

You'll learn from the same highly ranked faculty who teach in the residential programs.

Topics covered include:

Business law and ethics
Economics
Marketing
Finance
Operations
Information technology
Project management

Application deadlines: June 15 for fall, September 1 for winter, December 1 for spring, March 1 for summer

For a list of upcoming term dates, click the student resources button below.

Test scores: No GMAT or GRE are required

Bachelor's degree: Can be in any field

Stackability

Our programs are designed for ultimate flexibility, offering multiple entry points to fit your career goals. With our stackable approach, each credential you earn serves as a building block for another. You can start with the Business Management Certificate to gain immediate, practical skills, or dive directly into the MSSM or MBA. Your course credits transfer seamlessly to the more advanced degree.

No wasted time. No duplicated coursework. No starting over.

Each degree adds a new, marketable credential to your resume while moving you closer to your ultimate goal. It’s a smart, flexible pathway that lets you advance your education—and your career—one strategic step at a time.

Application instructions

Ready to get started? The Part 1 application takes just five minutes to complete.

Part 1: Kelley application

Fill out the online application first.

Start your application

Part 2: Indiana University application

After you complete the Kelley application, you'll receive an email with instructions on how to apply through the Graduate CAS Application. During this stage, you will upload the following materials to complete your application:

Resume
Provide a copy of your resume, summarizing your professional experiences and accomplishments.
Personal statement
Tell us what you want to achieve in this program in 500 words or less.
Letter of recommendation
Ask someone familiar with your professional career to write a letter of recommendation for you. Provide the contact information of your recommender within the application. An email prompt will be sent to their email address, and they will be able to fill out a form and upload the letter. If you need alternative arrangements, please contact keepadm@iu.edu.
Postsecondary transcripts
Provide copies of your transcripts from all of the postsecondary institutions you’ve attended. These copies can be sent to the program, or uploaded into the Part 2 Application.

Resources for degree-seeking partner students

Find student resources and detailed information on specific courses.

Student resources Course details FAQ

NFL Players: Go from the gridiron to success in business and life

Lester Archambeau and Andy Studebaker of the NFL Players Association discuss how the flexibility and rigor of the MBA, MS, and certificate programs offered online by Kelley Executive Education Programs work for them and can do so for other current or former players.

Looking to build new skills quickly?

We have an extensive portfolio of professional development courses, ranging in completion time from just two days to 16 weeks. Each course grants a digital badge that you can add to your resume and online profiles. Many of these courses are online, with some in-residence options, to provide you with options to fit your learning style. Some professional certificates can also grant credit toward an MBA or MS degree.

Through the Kelley x NFLPA partnership, you receive a 15% discount on all noncredit certificates and short courses.

Questions? Contact us.

Our admissions team is here to help you navigate the admissions process. Contact us to start the conversation at keepadm@iu.edu.

Former or current NFL players: The Kelley School of Business can help you launch the next step in your career

Explore degree and certificate options

Stackability

Application instructions

Part 1: Kelley application

Part 2: Indiana University application

Resources for degree-seeking partner students

NFL Players: Go from the gridiron to success in business and life

Looking to build new skills quickly?

Questions? Contact us.

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