Master of Business Administration

2 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Washington

Program Overview

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Washington Bothell is designed to develop business leaders with strong management, analytical, and strategic decision-making skills. The program combines core business education, practical projects, and flexible electives to prepare students for leadership roles across industries.

Curriculum Structure

The MBA comprises 64 credits, including 44 core credits and 20 elective credits. Students can complete it in approximately 18 months or follow a flexible study pace.

Year One

Students develop foundational business knowledge through courses such as Leadership and Ethical Decision Making, Statistics for Business, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Microeconomics for Business, Financial Management, Marketing Management, and Managing Organizational Effectiveness.

Year Two

Students advance their managerial and strategic capabilities through Global Business, Leadership Social Responsibility, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and the Strategic Management Capstone, alongside electives.

Focus Areas

General MBA: Customizable electives across business disciplines; Leadership MBA: Team leadership, strategic change, and organizational growth; Technology MBA: Technology management, innovation, AI, and data-driven business transformation.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop strategic thinking, financial and analytical expertise, leadership and communication skills, business problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to use data and technology to support organizational decisions.

Professional Alignment / Accreditation

The UW Bothell School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a globally recognized accreditation for business education.

Reputation

The university reports that MBA graduates experience an average 150% salary increase within three years of graduation. It also reports that 64% of graduates were promoted or changed organizations within three years, while 53% changed industries or job functions.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Washington's Foster School of Business, experiential learning is at the heart of the Master of Business Administration program. Students are immersed in real-world challenges that equip them with practical skills essential for today’s dynamic business environment. The program emphasizes hands-on experiences through various facilities and tools designed to enhance learning and collaboration.

Here’s how you can expect to engage in experiential learning during your Master of Business Administration journey:

- Consulting Projects: Participate in the Foster Consulting Club, where you can work on real consulting projects for local businesses, gaining invaluable experience and insights.
- Global Business Projects: Engage in international consulting projects that allow you to apply your skills in diverse cultural settings, enhancing your global business acumen.
- Internships: The program encourages internships with leading companies, providing you with the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting.
- Digital Tools: Utilize advanced software such as Tableau for data visualization and SAP for enterprise resource planning, ensuring you are well-versed in industry-standard tools.
- Field Trips: Experience firsthand the workings of successful companies through organized field trips, allowing you to connect theory with practice.
- Research Labs: Access state-of-the-art research facilities, including the Business and Economic Development Center, where you can engage in innovative research projects.
- Libraries and Resources: Benefit from the extensive resources at the UW Libraries, which provide access to a wealth of business journals, databases, and research materials.
- Networking Opportunities: Join various student organizations and attend networking events that connect you with industry leaders and alumni, fostering valuable professional relationships.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Business Administration program at the University of Washington is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in today’s competitive business landscape. Graduates often find themselves in high-demand roles such as Business Analyst, Marketing Manager, and Operations Director. With a strong emphasis on practical experience and networking, the program prepares students for a successful career trajectory:

- Career Services: The Foster School of Business offers dedicated career coaching, resume workshops, and interview preparation to help students secure internships and job placements.
- Employment Statistics: Over 90% of MBA graduates secure employment within three months of graduation, with an average starting salary of around $120,000.
- University–Industry Partnerships: The Foster School has established partnerships with leading companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and real-world project experiences.
- Accreditation: The Foster School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ensuring that your degree holds long-term value in the job market.
- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to hold leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies, startups, and non-profits, showcasing the versatility and strength of the MBA program.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Master of Business Administration program, students have the opportunity to pursue further studies such as a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) or specialized certifications in areas like Data Analytics or Project Management. This can enhance their expertise and open doors to even higher-level positions in academia or industry leadership.