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 Gain a Competitive Advantage 

With in-demand courses, flexible format options and credit for experience

Quick views

  • For professionals

  • Evening courses

  • Flexible course formats

Quick Facts

  • Program overview

    The core MBA program consists of 12 courses (36 credit hours).

    7 required courses cover the skills you need to manage teams and organizations and include such topics as data analytics, finance, accounting and marketing for decision making, plus strategy, negotiation and communication for managers.

    5 electives provide an opportunity to focus your time on the subjects that fit your needs and goals.

    Courses

  • Find your format

    Flexibility is key for working professionals with personal commitments who want to earn an MBA. We offer multiple, flexible formats that accommodate your schedule.

    We call it HyFlex. 

    Attend class in person in Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids or virtually.  And, you can switch the way you attend to suit your schedule. The ultimate in flexibility.

    Questions about HyFlex

  • Time commitment

    With the flexibility you need, WMU has options to complete an MBA typically in 18 months to 3 years. 

    View potential schedules

  • Costs

    We get it. Grad school can be expensive. Here are some options to help you figure it out.

    Tuition Rates

  • Career Success

    Accelerate your career with the skills most in-demand for managers, including  analytics, communication, leadership and negotiation. The competencies and connections you will develop at WMU form a competitive advantage.

    You will be prepared to take on leadership roles at your current organization, move to a new company, or switch career pathways entirely after completing the WMU MBA.

    The Zhang Career Center, located in 3020 Schneider Hall, facilitates career exploration and professional development through innovative programming and advising specifically tailored for MBA students, empowering students to launch satisfying business careers Students interested in exploring career pathways can learn more by visiting the Zhang Career Center.

Request Information

Credit Hours: 36 credit hours (12 courses); credit for professional experience

Admission: 450 GMAT or equivalent GRE or previous master's degree

Apply: Application requirements

Time to completion: 18 months to 3 years

Cost per credit hour:

  • $703 Resident

  • $1,055 Non-residents

  • Credit for Experience

    You can now earn credit before you start the program for skills gained from previous experience, as well as during the program for work projects you are involved in as an MBA student.

  • 98 Percent

    Nearly all WMU MBA students are excited about their coursework according to survey results. Why? Highly relevant experiences, business cases and faculty with strong backgrounds in industry. You will be able to make new connections and bring a sense of purpose to your career that employers value.

  • Students smiling in classroom

    In-demand Skills

    Based on employer and MBA alumni feedback, the program’s focus is on the specific skill sets most in-demand in the current business environment: leadership, analytics, communication and negotiation. These skills prepare you for better performance in your current position and management roles in the future.

Connections

  • Connections Build your professional network with fellow students, faculty and industry leaders

Are you ready?

When you enter the MBA program at the Haworth College of Business, you begin to develop your capacity as a business leader. An MBA from WMU Haworth will challenge you, enhance your career opportunities, and grow your credibility as a business professional. Are you ready?

Video of Introducing the new WMU MBA

Frequently asked questions

  • What classes do I need to complete for graduation?
    See the MBA program worksheet.
  • Do I need to complete any prerequisite classes?
    There are four prerequisites: accounting, corporate finance, economics and data analytics. Prerequisites will be waived if you have an undergraduate business degree.
  • Am I able to transfer any previous graduate-level classes?
    If you earned a 3.0 or better in a graduate class at an accredited university, you may be able to transfer those credits. Speak to an advisor to begin the conversation.
  • Based on work and personal requirements, how many hours can I devote to my studies?
    Plan on nine study hours per week for each class in which you are enrolled.
  • What is my desired time frame for achieving MBA graduation?
    Typically students complete a WMU MBA in 18 months to 3 years.
  • If I am working, should I commit to only one course per semester?
    The MBA program is structured so you can take courses at your own pace. Completing one course per semester is an option many  students take. Following this schedule, you will likely complete the MBA in 3 to 4 years. Consider your personal commitments when making this decision.
  • What are the financial considerations for tuition and fees?
    View current tuition and fee rates and also access the Cost of Attendance Calculator.
  • Do I need to maintain full-time status for financial aid eligibility?
    Full-time within the WMU MBA program is two classes in the fall and spring semesters and one class during a summer session. To find out if you are eligible for financial aid, start with Graduate Students Financial Aid. If you have more questions, contact a financial aid advisor at Bronco Express. 
  • Does my employer provide tuition assistance?
    Check with your employer, and if yes, please see deferment program for employer-paid tuition. 

Have more questions?

Connect with an advisor

CTAs

Curriculum

Prerequisites

The business core (prerequisite) courses will be waived for students who have a bachelor’s degree in business administration or have completed relevant coursework. Students without undergraduate equivalent coursework have two options to fulfill prerequisites. Current graduate or undergraduate course offerings at WMU, another university, or community college may meet the requirements. Online courses are another option for fulfilling prerequisites. Approval for prerequisites will be determined on a course-by-course basis.

  • Accounting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Economics
  • Data Analytics Foundations

Skills and Knowledge Courses

7 courses – 21 credit hours

  • MBA 6001 - Communication, Negotiation, and Presentation Skills for Managers Credits: 3 hours
  • MBA 6002 - Leadership for Managers Credits: 3 hours
  • MBA 6003 - Data Analytics for Managerial Decision Making Credits: 3 hours
  • MBA 6004 - Finance for Managerial Decision Making Credits: 3 hours
  • MBA 6005 - Accounting for Managerial Decision Making Credits: 3 hours
  • MBA 6006 - Marketing for Managerial Decision Making Credits: 3 hours
  • MBA 6007 - Strategic Management Credits: 3 hours

Elective Courses

5 courses – 15 credit hours

At least 1 course from MBA 6010–MBA 6014

  • MBA 6010 - Process Management Strategy Credits: 3 hours
  • MBA 6011 - Business Law and Ethics Credits: 3 hours
  • MBA 6012 - Sustainable Business Strategies for Managers Credits: 3 hours
  • MBA 6013 - Trade and Global Business Strategy Credits: 3 hours
  • MBA 6014 - Advanced Analytics for Managerial Decision Making Credits: 3 hours
  • MBA 6020 - Professional Experience Credits: 3 hours
  • MBA 6021 - Work-Based Project Credits: 3 hours
  • MBA 6022 - Current Issues in Business Credits: 3 hours
  • BUS 6960 - Study Abroad Seminar Credits: 1 to 6 hours

    —OR—

    Students may select courses at the 5000 or 6000+ level from the Haworth College of Business (ACTY, BCM, CIS, FIN, MGMT, MKTG) and may also select courses at the 5000 or 6000+ level from colleges outside of the Haworth College of Business with approval from both the MBA advisor and the advisor from the other college, department or graduate program.

MBA Stories

  • Packaged for Success

    There is no roadmap to becoming the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, but Mike Doss, B.B.A.’89, MBA’91, president and CEO of Graphic Packaging International, identifies the traits that effective leaders share.

    Read his story

  • MBA students sit outside in flower garden with laptop

    Growing a startup

    For MBA students Ariel Palau and Anezka Viskova-Robertson, plants are a passion, and one they hope to turn into a business that connects with those in the Kalamazoo area.

    Read their story

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