Master of Business Administration

MBA Requirements and Course Schedule

 

Whether you have a business background and are seeking to advance in a corporate setting or have a non-business degree but have decided that a career switch is right for you, the WMU MBA program can set you on the path to success. Through the program, you will have experiences that integrate key managerial decision-making skills, preparing you to make strategic decisions for your organization.

100%

of MBA graduates felt their education and experiences as a student at WMU prepared them for their profession

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
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$100,000+

median starting salary for MBA graduates working full time

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
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97%

of MBA graduates are working or continuing their education quickly after earning their degree

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
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Master of Business Administration
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5480 USA
(269) 387-5133

Is an MBA right for me?

If you want to be ready to accelerate your career with the skills most in-demand for managers, including  analytics, communication, leadership and negotiation, an MBA from Western is a perfect fit. The competencies and connections you will develop at WMU form a competitive advantage.

The Western Michigan University MBA program's flexibility allows customization of studies to suit your goals. Start a conversation with a WMU MBA admissions advisor.

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.

We call it HyFlex. 

As a busy working professional, you may be asking yourself many questions about whether the investment in an MBA is worth it.

You are the reason we offer courses in HyFlex format—a course design model that allows you to select between in-person, hybrid and online options—to fit your learning style, personal obligations and other needs.

Unlike programs that revolve around set cohorts with a set schedule, the MBA program at WMU allows you to modify the course schedule to fit your needs. If you receive a promotion, move or have other life events you need to consider, you can still complete your degree and not lose progress as your life evolves.

You will have maximum flexibility so you can bring your whole self to everything you achieve in the MBA program and outside of it.

With the flexibility you need, WMU has options to complete an MBA typically in 18 months to 3 years. The program may be completed in two years, although students with prior business education may accelerate through the program in less time. Students with full-time employment may take up to six years to complete the program, with most working professionals taking three to four years to complete the program. 

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 is available to help you find a new role. Located in 3020 Schneider Hall, center staff facilitate 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.

As a WMU MBA student you have the opportunity to earn one of our six certificates alongside your master's degree. Through a unique combination of electives or in some cases just one extra course, you can earn an extra credential to boost your skills and your career.

Please note: You must apply to a graduate certificate program separately from the MBA program.

Review certificate information
Review program requirements
Review application information

 

How can I fund my MBA degree?

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

Find graduate funding
Explore graduate assistantships
Student and faculty mentor

Graduate support at WMU

Course offerings by semester

Western Michigan University's MBA program is available in-person and online. With our HyFlex offerings, you have maximum flexibility to move between in-person and online delivery formats.

The MBA worksheet will help you plan your program.

Check course listings for offerings.

These schedules are tentative and may be changed.

All courses are in-person on WMU's campus in Kalamazoo and synchronous online unless noted.

Mondays 

  • MBA 6004 Finance for Managerial Decision Making (Synchronous online only)
  • MBA 6007 Strategic Management 
  • MBA 6022 Current Issues
  • FIN 6450 Financial Modeling

Tuesdays 

  • MBA 6001 Presentation, Negotiation and Communication for Managers (Synchronous online only)
  • MBA 6002 Leadership for Managers
  • MBA 6006 Marketing for Managerial Decision Making
  • MBA 6011 Business Law and Ethics (Synchronous online only)

Wednesdays 

  • MBA 6003 Data Analytics for Managerial Decision Making
  • MBA 6005 Accounting for Managerial Decision Making
  • MBA 6013 Trade and Global Business Strategy (In-person in Grand Rapids and synchronous online)

Thursdays 

  • MBA 6002 Leadership for Managers (In-person in Grand Rapids and synchronous online)
  • MBA 6010 Process Management Strategy
  • MBA 6014 Advanced Analytics for Managerial Decision Making (Synchronous online only)

Also available Fall semester

  • CIS 6660 Information Security Operations Management (Asynchronous)
  • CIS 6300 Business Data Management (Asynchronous)
  • FIN 5530 Student Managed Investment Fund (Registration by application only. Apply now.)

These schedules are tentative and may be changed.

All courses are in-person on WMU's campus in Kalamazoo and synchronous online unless noted.

Monday

  • MBA 6004 Finance for Managerial Decision Making
  • MBA 6006 Marketing for Managerial Decision Making

Tuesday

  • MBA 6010 Process Management Strategy
  • MBA 6002 Leadership for Managers
  • MBA 6001 Presentation, Negotiation and Communication for Managers
  • MBA 6007 Strategic Management (In-person in Grand Rapids synchronous)

Wednesday

  • MBA 6003 Data Analytics for Managerial Decision Making
  • MBA 6004 Finance for Managerial Decision Making (In-person in Grand Rapids and synchronous)
  • MBA 6005 Accounting for Managerial Decision Making
  • MBA 6007 Strategic Management

Thursday

  • MBA 6002 Leadership for Managers (In-person in Grand Rapids and synchronous)
  • MBA 6014 Advanced Analytics for Managerial Decision Making

These schedules are tentative and may be changed. 

Summer session courses meet twice weekly.

All courses are in-person on WMU's campus in Kalamazoo and synchronous online unless noted.

Summer I 

Monday and Wednesday

  • MBA 6002 Leadership for Managers
  • MBA 6007 Strategic Management

Tuesday and Thursday

  • MBA 6004 Finance for Managers

Summer II

Monday and Wednesday

  • MBA 6001 Presentation, Negotiation and Communication for Managers (Synchronous online only)
  • MBA 6003 Data Analytics for Managerial Decision Making

Tuesday and Thursday

  • MBA 6005 Accounting for Managers 

Also available in Summer II 

MGMT 6200 ERP System Configuration (Asynchronous)

I never believed I would be able to have the focus and energy to balance life, work and graduate school, but I have surprised myself in how much I’ve been able to accomplish. I have to give credit to the faculty and the course content, which keeps me alert and focused.

—Steve Balaze

Applying for admission to the MBA

Western Michigan University's graduate application system enables all students (domestic and international) to submit required information into one system. General application information for the University, as well as specific requirements for individual programs, are collected in this system.

Applicants are asked to include some MBA-program-specific information. Applicants are encouraged to bookmark this information for quick reference while working through the graduate application process.

The MBA program at Western Michigan University uses a rolling admissions process for U.S. students. You can apply any time throughout the year. We can process applications as late as two weeks prior to a semester start. Applicants are, however, encouraged to apply early. To apply for the program:

  • Submit official transcripts.
  • Submit one of the following:
    • Official GMAT or GRE scores.
    • Evidence of a prior graduate degree from an accredited U.S. university.
  • File a GMAT/GRE waiver if applicable based on at least three years of extensive management experience, entrepreneurial experience or military service.
  • International applicants may have to provide evidence of English language proficiency. More information can be found within the online application.

Applicants to the MBA program are required to supply GMAT/GRE scores as part of their application. Under certain circumstances, an applicant may petition to waive the GMAT/GRE requirement based on education and experience. Your GMAT/GRE waiver may be considered if you hold one of the following:
 

  • A terminal degree or master’s degree from an educational institution approved by Western Michigan University; OR
  • A bachelor's degree from an educational institution approved by Western Michigan University, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4-point scale during the last 60 credit hours, AND evidence of three or more years of significant managerial experience; OR
  • A bachelor's degree from an educational institution approved by Western Michigan University, with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.

Note: Significant managerial experience is defined as demonstrable experience with responsibilities for managing both people and budgets. 

A structured personal interview with a member of the Graduate Program Council may also be required for applicants seeking a GMAT/GRE waiver based on managerial experience.

Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis and applicants are notified of eligibility for the waiver within 30 business days following receipt of an application.

If you think that you meet one or more of these conditions, please complete the GMAT/GRE waiver form and submit it along with official transcripts from all previous schools attended and a current version of your résumé.

Complete GMAT/GRE waiver

Admissions decisions are based on the following factors.

  • Completion of an undergraduate bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 for the last two years of study. Undergraduate degrees from all disciplines are accepted.
  • One of the following:
    • GMAT score: For GMAT information, visit the mba.com website.
    • GRE score: For GRE information, visit the GRE website.
    • A previous graduate degree from an accredited U.S. program.
    • A minimum of three years of extensive management experience and at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
  • For international applicants, TOEFL scores will also be evaluated.
  • Work experience is recommended but not required for admission.