About the Department of Management

In the Department of Management, you will be able to find your niche and tailor your studies to gain skills and experience for your chosen career. Our instructors have extensive experience in their fields and take time to mentor you as you decide what path to pursue.

Developing tomorrow’s leaders

The Department of Management at Western Michigan University is developing leaders with essential skills for today’s workforce, including outstanding organizational, leadership and problem-solving abilities. The discipline of management affects every aspect of private companies, nonprofit organizations, manufacturing and government.

The Department of Management offers the following academic programs:

The department is part of the Haworth College of Business and is housed in Schneider Hall on WMU’s main campus in Kalamazoo.

  • Dr. Palmer showed me that inside the classroom or outside, professors truly do care about you as a student.

    Jake Myers, leadership and business strategy student

Dr. Tim Palmer and Jake sitting outside after a run talking.

Enter the working world with a remarkable resume

Companies today are looking for employees who are knowledgeable, highly motivated and able to tackle challenges head-on. The innovative curriculum at the Department of Management will provide the knowledge you need to take your natural abilities and mold them into an energizing career.  

When you graduate with a degree from the Department of Management, you will be ready to make your mark in your chosen career path. Surveys of our graduates show that 93% of management graduates working full time have a job related to their degree.

Take a look at some of the companies you’ll have the opportunity to work with:

  • Amazon logo
  • Epsilon logo
  • EY logo
  • Haworth logo
  • Whirlpool logo
  • WK Kellogg Co logo in red.

Join outstanding alumni who’ve made their mark

If you’re looking to see how your degree can make an impact, then look no further. Find inspiration in some of our successful graduates who’ve received a Department of Management Outstanding Alumni Award.

  • Professional headshot of Brian Marsh.

2023 honoree

Brian Marsh recently joined Restaurant Brands International, where he brings more than 15 years of experience in human resources with a focus on compensation and benefits to his role as vice president, global total rewards. Marsh is responsible for leading compensation, benefits, payroll and global mobility across RBI’s four brands: Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs. Prior to joining Restaurant Brands International, Marsh worked in various compensation, benefits and HR roles at General Motors, Ally Financial, and Domino’s Pizza.

Our specialties

  • Group of students conversing

    The Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy at Western Michigan University provides a variety of immersive, innovative learning experiences at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    Learn about the center

  • Student presenting in front of large digital slide

    Starting Gate is a student business accelerator that gives students rich and valuable resources to develop their startup companies. The accelerator has helped over 100 student companies get their start.

    Learn about Starting Gate

Our history, your legacy

Less than 6% of business schools worldwide have obtained AACSB accreditation—and WMU Haworth is one of them, making it an excellent choice for students seeking quality education that is a good investment of their tuition dollars. WMU Haworth has maintained its AACSB accreditation since 1970 for undergraduate programs and 1981 for its graduate programs.

Part of AACSB’s standard is an active connection to industry, which the department achieves in many ways. Here are just some of the unique opportunities available:

  • Company visits that immerse you in the culture of a variety of firms and corporations, giving you exclusive access to some of the best minds in business, many of them WMU alumni. You will be able to make connections that result in opportunities for mentorship, internships and full-time positions.
  • Student organizations that develop social and professional programming for students in leadership and business strategy and human resource management, bringing in notable speakers from leading companies and providing a foundation of support for all students in the department.
  • Guest speakers and workshops offered by the department to introduce you to the top trends in the industry while providing networking opportunities.

 

Exterior of Schneider Hall Door in summer

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