College of Business and Economics, Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA - Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA

Academics

The College of Business and Economics offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other programs include internships. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus.

Sixty total credits are required to complete the program, including 28 elective credits.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 4 quarters; maximum, 5 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 9 quarters; maximum, 5 years.

In a recent year, there were 82 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 98% held a doctorate; there were 2 part-time faculty, all of whom held a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 6; average business class size is 15.

Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 3.0. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and grades in upper-level courses. A strong mathematics background is not required.

53 students enrolled in a recent class. The average GMAT score was 550. Transfers are not accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by making every attempt to accommodate the needs of minority students in the admissions process.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, a resume, and a statement of purpose. Check with the school for the current application fee and deadlines. Students are notified of the admissions decision as soon as the application is processed.

Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include periodic allocations by the Graduate School. The FAFSA, the school’s own financial statement, and the Pell Grant Student Aid Report (SAR) are required. The application deadline is February 15 for fall entry.

Tuition for in-state residents is $199 per credit. Nonresidents pay $540 per credit. Graduate student housing is available in reasonable accommodations in the local community. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Students

Sixty-four percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time. The greatest percentage of students are from Washington (81%). Forty percent are women, 8% are minorities, and 19% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 29; ages range from 22 to 51. Sixteen percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 2% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 32%, business; 21%, social sciences; 15%, liberal arts; 13%, math and science; 9%, engineering; and 4%, economics.