Bowers’ virtual “third floor”

WWU welcomes the first cohort of its online MBA program

In January, Walla Walla University launched its online, asynchronous Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program, designed to equip working professionals with skills t become strategic, tech-savvy leaders in business.

According to Bruce Toews, dean of the School of Business, WWU’s MBA program has been “on the drawing board” for some time, and consistent success of the undergraduate business program, along with considerable expertise among business alumni, provide a strong foundation for a “third floor” of Bowers Hall.

This is a virtual space where MBA students can interact with professors and peers across the program through participation in colloquium events, guided book readings and discussions, and networking events among a large community of highly accomplished business leaders and WWU alumni.

Lessons from accomplished leaders and industry experts play an integral role in the program. Recent and upcoming guest speakers include Johnny Jesson, a WWU and MIT graduate working in the world of high finance and analytics; Rachel Ruggeri, former executive VP and CFO of Starbucks; and Dave Mitchell, an award-winning leadership coach and author on organizational leadership and culture.

WWU’s MBA program offers both a general MBA, which can be completed in one year, and the option to add a specialization in finance, healthcare administration, artificial intelligence, business analytics, or cybersecurity. These specialized courses were designed by top professors at universities such as Harvard Business School and Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business.

Students from any major can enroll in June, September, January, or April. Admission requirements for the program do not include a business major, Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or any business prerequisites.

“The MBA program at Walla Walla University has been amazing so far,” says current MBA student Mikey Stewart-Tapasco. “The professors are very supportive and do an amazing job of integrating collaboration into the program ... This allows me to connect with and learn from both instructors and peers despite my busy schedule.”

To learn more about the WWU MBA program, visit wallawalla.edu/mba.