Earning a Washington Online MBA will open many doors locally and nationally. Washington state offers excellent career opportunities. These hidden gem MBA programs can help professionals rise to leadership roles with their current organization or prepare for a new career. These programs are all available online. Washington students will receive perks such as in-state tuition rates and establishing local business connections.
Why should I get a Washington Online MBA?
There are many advantages to earning a Washington MBA, from networking and mentorship programs to career opportunities beyond graduation. Many of the programs on this ranking are located in Seattle. Seattle is home to approximately 60% of Washington state residents.
Did you know that recruiters are more likely to hire graduates from local colleges? This is one reason why even online students attend schools within their home state. Local MBA brands are generally more popular.
But that is not all online MBA programs have to offer. MBA professors have extensive experience with local companies and can use their professional relationships to help students access exclusive internships and consulting projects. Virtual classes allow students the flexibility needed to jump on a conference call or attend a networking mixer. These programs offer opportunities that are hard to beat.
What can I expect from a Washington Online MBA?
Students in a Washington Online MBA can expect the same high-quality education as the on-campus program. Classes are often taught by the same faculty as well. The main difference is that students can maintain a better work-life balance. Online assignments can be completed around their other commitments. And in case you still have any doubts, diplomas will not show they were earned online.
The curriculum in the Washington Online MBA programs will include business courses based on fundamental leadership and business concepts. These classes will cover economics, ethics, finance, and management strategies. Some online courses require students to attend virtual classes each week. Other courses allow students to manage their assignments at their own pace. Professors use a variety of simulations, case studies, journal entries, and assessments. In addition to the syllabus, professors usually post a weekly to-do list for students.
Concentrations
Not all MBA programs offer concentrations. Some programs are designed to be comprehensive. But concentrations and specializations are excellent ways for students to explore their interests. When choosing a concentration, students should consider careers they would like to pursue. Students may also be able to work with a graduate advisor to create a customized area of study. The Washington hidden gems in this article offer a variety of concentrations.
In-demand concentrations:
- Accounting,
- Health Services Administration,
- Organizational Leadership,
- Project Management, and
- Supply Chain Management.
Technology MBA Concentrations:
- Business Intelligence and Data Analytics,
- Cybersecurity, and
- Information Systems Management.
Learning Environment
A common misconception for online learners is that they will be isolated. But technology advances allow many ways for students to connect with their fellow classmates. Online orientations or residency experiences are part of some MBA programs. There are also opportunities for students to take online international business courses that end with a short-term study abroad trip. Professors may choose to have live online meetings via virtual platforms. Students may also work together on projects through learning apps.
Admissions
Are you a professional but still get anxious thinking about having to prepare for the GMAT? Luckily, many of these hidden gem online MBA programs offer test waivers. These business schools offer fast-track application processes.
Students will need to fill out a graduate business school application and submit official undergraduate transcripts. However, most of these online MBA programs are willing to overlook lower GPAs or non-business bachelor’s degrees. Admission committees know that adult students looking to further their education bring valuable life and work experience.
Some students may enter with significant business experience. Others may be career changers or have a military background. These unique backgrounds create a diverse cohort. If you’re interested in seeing if a Washington Online MBA is a good fit for you, several offer info sessions or even the chance to sit in on a class.
What jobs can I get with a Washington Online MBA?
Washington is ranked #1 among the Best States by U.S. News and World Report. The state of Washington offers a strong economy, outstanding opportunities, and fiscal stability. Washington is home to a wide variety of industries, ranging from agriculture and aerospace to clean energy and technology. Boeing Co., Microsoft Corp, and Starbucks all started in Washington. Below are some of the largest and best Washington employers to work for.
Amazon
While many companies struggled through the pandemic, Amazon thrived. Amazon is the state’s largest private employer. The Seattle headquarters consists of 40 office buildings. Amazon features many highly coveted positions. They receive thousands of applications from the nation’s top talent. Having an MBA will make you a competitive applicant.
The Sr. Business Development Manager role grows the evolving Flex business program and establishes rewards programs to motivate Flex drivers. Amazon is known for providing excellent customer service. The Marketing Automation Manager coordinates the efficient delivery of orders and scaling of marketing efforts. MBA interns can gain experience in Corporate Development Integration, Corporate Business Development, or Corporate Development Finance.
Costco Wholesale
This grocery store giant was ranked #1 on Forbes’ “America’s Best Employers by State” ranking. Costco employs 192,000 employees nationwide. Their many locations make it possible for employees to work close to home. Washington is home to 33 warehouse locations. The main office is located in Issaquah, Washington. This location features the Accounting and Information Systems divisions.
MBA students are invited to apply for the summer internship running from May-September. Interns will have the opportunity to present weekly executive leaders. Full-time opportunities include Agile Coach, ECommerce Senior Business Analyst, Product Manager, and Project Manager. Costco is an excellent company for recent MBA graduates because they promote from within.
Microsoft
Microsoft came in 2nd place on Forbes’ ranking of best corporations in Washington to work for. They receive an extremely competitive applicant pool each year. If you have your sights on working at Microsoft after graduation, apply for their hybrid internship program.
Seattle offers many full-time opportunities. Senior Business Program Manager, Business Administrator, and Finance Director are a few roles. Employees enjoy a flexible work environment with many hybrid and remote roles.
Washington Online MBA Hidden Gems
Washington Online MBAs are an excellent way for professionals to gain a competitive edge over candidates applying for the state’s top companies. These online MBAs offer the flexibility to complete your education without putting your career on pause.
City University of Seattle
City University of Seattle’s School of Management offers a dynamic online MBA in the state’s largest city. The school’s proximity to many large tech corporations is ideal for students who work locally and need the flexibility to complete classes at their convenience. The ACBSP accredits the School of Management.
The 39-credit hour MBA program can be completed in as few as 18 months entirely online. Students also have the option to attend in-person classes. The extremely low 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures all students receive personalized attention. The only requirement for acceptance into the program is a bachelor’s degree. Students with a non-business background may need to take extra courses.
A wide array of 14 emphasis options are available, such as Change Leadership, Global Management, Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, Public Accounting, and Supply Chain Management. Internship opportunities are offered for credit and can help students get their foot in the door at some of Seattle’s most prominent businesses. Graduates are currently employed with Apple, Amazon, Boeing, Google, Microsoft, and The Walt Disney Company.
Eastern Washington University
Eastern Washington University’s College of Business is one of the few schools in Washington that offers an MBA that can be completed entirely online. This accessible online MBA can be completed at an accelerated pace in as few as ten months. It was selected as a hidden gem due to its AACSB accreditation and affordability. The total tuition rate is competitively priced.
Students can customize their degree with a concentration in Accounting, Finance, General Business, Health Services Administration, International Business, or Organizational Leadership. All of these programs are 44-credit hours. A dual MBA Master of Professional Accountancy degree can be completed in as few as 14 months. Graduate fellowship opportunities are available for MBA students based on financial need.
U.S. News and World Report rank EWU amongst the top “Regional Universities West” for 2022. Additionally, the CoB was recognized by Colleges of Distinction in the Business category for 2022-2023.
Northwest University
Northwest University is a close-knit Christian private university near Seattle. Business professionals can earn their MBA through the College of Business. The CoB holds ACBSP accreditation and national recognition from many top publications. U.S. News and World Report names N.U. one of the “Best Regional Universities” and among the “Top 20 Best Value Schools”.
The program is 36 credit hours and can be completed in approximately two years. Some of the MBA classes you’ll take include Business Innovation and Research, Intermediate Accounting for Managers, and Faith, Ethics, and Business. A faith component will be integrated into each course. Students will also be able to choose two electives to round out their studies. Classes will include training that can be immediately applied in the real world.
Students who live near campus are invited to take part in campus amenities and activities. Their involvement will help them bond with their small cohorts and build their business network. New candidates are accepted into the program in September and January.
Seattle Pacific University
Discover where an MBA can take you from Seattle Pacific University’s School of Business, Government, and Economics. This hidden treasure hybrid online program holds premier AACSB accreditation. The Princeton Review also names the business school a “Best Business School in the West.”
Additionally, the SBGE is a proud Principles for Responsible Management Education Champion School. Only five schools in the nation are classified as PRME Champion Schools. This initiative is supported by the United Nations. It emphasizes key sustainable development goals, such as quality education, gender equality, and responsible consumption and production.
The 50-credit-hour curriculum consists of 38 credit hours of core courses and 12 credit hours of electives. Students can tailor their MBA to their career interests with six emphasis options:
- Business Intelligence and Data Analytics,
- Cybersecurity,
- Human Resources,
- Impact Enterprise,
- Information Systems Management, or
- Managing Organizations.
Classes meet for virtual sessions once per week. By enrolling in one to two courses per semester, students generally graduate in two to three years. There are also numerous experiential learning opportunities through The Center for Faithful Business. The CFB offers the Pollard Research Fellowship. Fellowship students participate in a residency and an educational research component in exchange for a $2,000 stipend.
Students who are not ready to pursue an MBA can choose from 13 graduate business certificates and later transfer their credits toward their MBA. Certificate options include Business Systems and Strategy, Creating and Distributing Value, and Financial Analysis and Reporting.
Seattle University
Albers School of Business and Economics at Seattle University is situated in the thriving economic hub of Seattle. Wall Street Journal currently ranks Seattle U amongst the top 15% of schools in the nation. Albers SoBE holds AACSB accreditation, the gold standard in business education.
The 54-credit hour online MBA is developed to hone students’ leadership skills. Throughout the program, students will complete 17 leadership challenges. These challenges focus on key skills needed to LEAD: listen and learn, empathize and examine, assess and analyze, and design and deliver. A business retreat is offered quarterly, and students must attend once. Study abroad trips are an optional component. Past destinations have included China, the European Union, Italy, and Peru.
Classes are held in 10-week quarters. Fall, winter, spring, and summer semester start dates are available. The average completion time is 2.5 years. About 70% of Albers graduates live and work in Washington. This allows them to use the mentor program as career leverage. Graduates have started successful careers with Amazon, the City of Seattle, Deloitte, Meta, and Nike. Prospective students are invited to attend an info session or observe an actual class.
A Washington Online MBA For Everyone
Washington truly offers online MBA programs for everyone. These programs offer top business accreditation, affordability, business connections, and flexibility. And they give students a wide variety of curriculum choices. If you are looking for an Online MBA hidden gem in Washington, you are on your way to an exciting and fulfilling business education.
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Guide to Financial Aid
Synchronous vs Asynchronous Courses
Top Online MBA Dual Degrees
How can an online MBA help entrepreneurs?
