Online Master of Business Administration
Open doors by unlocking your potential.
The Master of Business Administration program immerses students in a three-pronged approach. We develop aspiring professionals to think globally, behave ethically, and lead innovation strategically. You will broaden critical thinking skills to make strategic decisions in case studies and class assignments. Project management skills will be honed as you learn to negotiate and persuade. And your ability to work in teams will improve through self-reflection as you learn to lead fairly and effectively. With a number of emphases to choose from, you can tailor your degree to meet your career goals.
Why UW-Whitewater Online?
- Flexible and convenient for your schedule
- Customize with 13 unique emphases
- Top-notch, 100% doctoral instructors
- Strong alumni network
#1 Online MBA in Wisconsin
Among single-institution programs.
#27 Online MBA in the Nation
Ranked by U.S. News & World Report, 2023.
AACSB-Accredited
Largest AACSB-Accredited business school in Wisconsin.
Online Master of Business Administration
Curriculum
The Master of Business Administration degree requirements have been designed to prepare you for success as a student in the program and your subsequent career. The program can be customized to your career interests with 13 emphases and over 50 electives.
To earn the UW-Whitewater Online MBA, you must:
- Complete the 36-credit course requirements, ensuring at least 30 of the 36 credits are numbered 730 and above.
- Breadth (24 credits)
- Emphasis (9 credits)
- Elective (3 credits)
- Complete Common Body of Knowledge courses, as required.
- Requirements (0 - 6 credits) are determined based on transcript review.
- Candidates with an undergraduate degree in business may not need to complete or requirements may be very limited.
- Students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
More information on the program structure and courses can be viewed in the Graduate Catalog.
Admission Requirements
To ensure a high quality graduate student group, all Master of Business Administration students must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution and meet graduate admission criteria, in addition to one of the MBA admission criteria provided below. Many applicants will qualify for admission without GMAT/GRE scores.
Our interactive evaluation form can also help you review the admission requirements and the documentation needed for official admission review.
If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a conditional basis.
International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.
MBA admission criteria
Applicants must satisfy any one of the criteria from any of the four categories.
Military Service
- Qualified veteran or currently active military personnel
Education
- AACSB- or ABET-accredited bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Regionally-accredited bachelor's degree with a 3.25 GPA or higher
- Graduate degree from a regionally-accredited or equivalent institution
- UW-Whitewater graduate business certificate
Work Experience
- Four or more years of professional work experience
- Two or more years of professional work experience with a 3.0 GPA
- Approved professional certification
GMAT Scores*
- A composite score of at least 1,100 based on the following formula
- (GMAT score) + [200 x (overall undergraduate GPA based on a 4-point scale)]
- A composite score of at least 1,150 based on the following formula
- (GMAT score) + [200 x (last half of undergraduate GPA based on a 4-point scale)]
- A composite score of 950 - 1,100 for consideration of conditional admission based on the following formula
- (GMAT score) + [200 x (overall undergraduate GPA based on a 4-point scale)]
*GRE scores are converted to comparable GMAT scores
Career Outcomes
Career outcomes for Online MBA students — particularly salaries — vary greatly based on years of experience, geographic location, employment status and position prior to starting the program, as well as MBA emphasis and other factors.
Information from surveyed UW-Whitewater graduates can be found under each emphasis section, including placement rate, highlighted employers, common position titles and salary information. Industry-reported salary information has also been cross-referenced where available.
Additional research is available from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which shares its Alumni Perspectives Survey each year. Here are some insights from 2021.
Quick Facts
- Seventy percent of responding business school alumni rate the value of their graduate management education as outstanding or excellent. A professionally rewarding experience is the primary driver of overall value of a graduate management education.
- Ninety percent of alumni say they would still pursue a graduate management education again knowing what they know now. A financially rewarding experience is the primary driver of alumni’s retrospective decision.
- Roughly two-thirds of respondents agreed that their graduate management program prepared them for their chosen career, offered opportunities for quicker advancement, and provided job security.
Tuition
Online business graduate programs at UW-Whitewater are a superior value at $678 USD per credit for the 2023-24 academic year — whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or an international student.
If you compare our graduate tuition to other AACSB-accredited business schools who offer online classes, you will find that this per-credit price is quite reasonable.
What creates this value?
- Full-time faculty with doctoral degrees teach all classes.
- All faculty complete specific training for online teaching.
- Faculty lectures are recorded in a state-of-the-art media studio and included with each course.
- An external team reviews online courses.
- High levels of student/faculty interaction are standard.
- Helpdesk technical staff are dedicated to assisting master's students with online technology.
Course materials
Graduate students can purchase textbooks and other instructional materials through the University Bookstore or elsewhere online. Students should verify what materials are needed with their instructor.
Financial aid
UW-Whitewater students may apply for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed.
Online Master of Business Administration Emphases
Emphases Overview
With a number of unique emphases and over 50 electives covering the breadth of contemporary business issues, students can tailor the UW-Whitewater Online MBA program to meet their interests and needs.
In addition, by applying their elective toward a second emphasis, students need just two more unique courses to graduate with a dual emphasis. Explore the emphases below for more information, including alumni reported placement rates, highlighted employers, common position titles, and salary information. Industry-reported salary information has also been provided.
Accounting
The Accounting emphasis is ideal for individuals working or interested in accounting, who desire a breadth degree to develop their overall business acumen and leadership skills. MBA students that would like to earn an emphasis in Accounting must complete three courses (nine credits).
Please note that the MBA with Accounting emphasis is not a CPA-focused program. For individuals without a bachelor's degree in Accounting, the emphasis courses will not be sufficient for meeting Wisconsin CPA Exam educational requirements.
Cybersecurity Management
The Cybersecurity Management emphasis is ideal for MBA students interested in pursuing cybersecurity careers such as security analysts and security managers.
To earn an emphasis in Cybersecurity Management, students must complete three courses (nine credits) from the available courses, which address topics such as managing information assurance and security, cybersecurity and privacy law, intrusion detection and prevention, computer forensics, and ethical hacking. For students interested in a deeper study of this subject, the Cybersecurity Management Graduate Certificate includes five courses (14-15 credits) and the Master of Science in Cybersecurity includes 30 credits.
Data Analytics
The Data Analytics emphasis prepares students for managerial positions requiring a solid foundation in data mining and analytics. The emphasis addresses data analytics from a business perspective and focuses on the strategic use of technology and data for competitive advantage. Students are equipped to use structured and unstructured data to enhance business performance.
Online MBA students who would like to earn an emphasis in Data Analytics must complete three courses (nine credits) from the available courses, which address contemporary topics such as data management, data mining, business intelligence, process innovation, and digital marketing. For students interested in a deeper study of this subject, the Data Analytics Graduate Certificate includes five courses (15 credits) or the Master of Science in Data Analytics includes 30 credits.
Environmental Safety and Health
The Environmental Safety and Health emphasis develops an understanding of occupational and environmental safety issues, and the need for businesses and organizations to effectively manage them. Students learn regulatory, financial and social rationales that support initiatives in the workplace. They also strengthen their ability to influence risk perception with appropriate communication strategies.
Online MBA students who would like to earn an emphasis in Environmental Safety and Health must complete three courses (nine credits) from the available courses, which are all offered online. For students interested in a deeper study of this subject, the Construction Safety Graduate Certificate includes five courses (13 credits) and the Master of Science in Enviromental Safety and Health includes a 30 or 36 credit option depending on pathway selected.
Finance
The Finance emphasis provides a solid knowledge base in areas of corporate financial management, investments, and financial planning. Using state-of-the-art investment tools, students apply classroom knowledge to value financial assets and solve real-world problems while learning the newest theoretical developments. Instructors provide training on Bloomberg certification and other financial modeling techniques.
Online MBA students that would like to earn an emphasis in Finance must complete nine credits from the available courses, which are all offered online. For students interested in a deeper study of this subject, the Corporate Finance Graduate Certificate includes five courses (15 credits), the Investment Analysis Graduate Certificate includes five courses (15 credits), or the Master of Science in Finance includes 30 credits.
Career Outcomes
Placement Rate1 92.86%
Highlighted Employers2
American Family Insurance, Associated Bank, KPMG, Oshkosh Corporation, Royal Capital Group, UnitedHealth Group
Common Titles2
Accountant, Client Manager, Financial Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Risk Analyst
Industry Salary3 $95,000
Alumni Salary Estimate2 $70,591
1 Based on 2016 - 2017 survey data
2 Self-reported data from survey respondents (6 months or less after graduation)
3 Payscale.com national salary data (national average with 1 to 20+ years of experience)
Human Resource Management
The Human Resource Management emphasis is ideal for students interested in leading their organizations and employees to achieve success in a global business environment.
Online MBA students who would like to earn an emphasis in Human Resource Management must complete three courses (nine credits) from the available courses, which address an array of contemporary issues in human resources. For students interested in a deeper study of this subject, the Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate includes five courses (14 to 15 credits) that can be completed online.
The curriculum has been designed so that students completing the HR Management emphasis or graduate certificate will be well on their way to completing the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge (BoCK™). Students interested in completing the SHRM BoCK have that option as well.
Career Outcomes
Placement Rate1 100%
Highlighted Employers2
Allstate Insurance, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Dick's Sporting Goods, Johnson Controls, Kohler Company, Robert W. Baird & Co.
Common Titles2
Director of Human Resources, HR Generalist, Payroll and Benefits Specialist, Store Manager, Talent Acquisition Manager
Industry Salary3 $66,000
Alumni Salary Estimate2 $59,250
1 Based on 2016 - 2017 survey data
2 Self-reported data from survey respondents (6 months or less after graduation)
3 Payscale.com national salary data (national average with 1 to 20+ years of experience)
Information Technology Management
The Information Technology Management emphasis prepares students for managerial positions involving the development and deployment of technology. The emphasis addresses the subject from a business perspective and focuses on the strategic alignment of technology and business strategies. Students are equipped to strategically utilize information technology in order to enhance business performance.
Online MBA students who would like to earn an emphasis in Information Technology Management must complete nine credits from the available courses. Students have the opportunity to choose electives that explore contemporary topics such as process innovation, business intelligence, disaster recovery and business continuity, and information technology service management.
Career Outcomes
Placement Rate1 100%
Highlighted Employers
First Bank National, GE Healthcare, Johnsonville Sausage, Sentry Insurance, Trek Bicycle Corporation, Wisconsin Dept. of Administration
Common Titles2
Business Analyst, IT Manager, Project Manager, Software Developer, Systems Analyst
Industry Salary3 $99,000
Alumni Salary Estimate2 $74,500
1 Based on 2016 - 2017 survey data
2 Self-reported data from survey respondents (6 months or less after graduation)
3 Payscale.com national salary data (national average with 1 to 20+ years of experience)
International Business
With the increase in virtual and globally-dispersed work environments, it is critical for businesses to build cultural business intelligence and leadership. The International Business emphasis prepares students for managerial positions in global corporations, as well as companies that recognize the need to succeed in a dynamic global context.
Online MBA students who would like to earn an emphasis in International Business must complete nine credits from the available courses.
Career Outcomes
Placement Rate1 100%
Highlighted Employers2
3M, Amazon, Aurora Health Care, Burberry, Dogfish Head Brewery, U.S. Cellular
Common Titles2
Business Analyst, Global Supply Chain Analyst, International Brand Coordinator, International Plant Manager, Project Manager
Industry Salary3 $87,000
1 Based on 2016 - 2017 survey data
2 Self-reported data from survey respondents (6 months or less after graduation)
3 Payscale.com national salary data (national average with 1 to 20+ years of experience)
Management
The Online MBA with Management emphasis prepares students for strategic leadership positions in their organizations. MBA students who would like to earn an emphasis in Management must complete nine credits from the available courses.
Career Outcomes
Placement Rate1 96.55%
Highlighted Employers2 Anthem, BMO Harris Bank, Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, Nestlé, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Common Titles2
Account Executive, Financial Analyst, National Sales Manager, Operations Manager, Supply Chain Analyst
Industry Salary3 $80,000
Alumni Salary Estimate2 $73,587
1 Based on 2016 - 2017 survey data
2 Self-reported data from survey respondents (6 months or less after graduation)
3 Payscale.com national salary data (national average with 1 to 20+ years of experience)
Marketing
The Marketing emphasis develops a strong foundation for managerial marketing with course offerings that include digital marketing, brand management, consumer behavior, entrepreneurial marketing strategy, and international marketing.
MBA students who would like to earn an emphasis in Marketing must complete nine credits from the available courses. For students interested in a deeper study of this subject, the Digital Marketing and Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate includes five courses (14 credits), the Marketing Strategy Graduate Certificate includes five courses (14 credits), or the Master of Science in Marketing includes 30 credits.
Career Outcomes
Placement Rate 1 100%
Highlighted Employers 2
Boston Scientific Corporation, Eli Lilly and Company, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Procter & Gamble, TDS Telecommunications, Under Armour
Common Titles 2
Brand Manager, Marketing Manager, Pricing Analyst, Product Marketing Specialist, Supply Chain Analyst
Industry Salary $88,0003
Alumni Salary Estimate 2 $58,000-$79,000
1 Based on 2016 - 2017 survey data
2 Self-reported data from survey respondents (6 months or less after graduation)
3 Payscale.com national salary data (national average with 1 to 20+ years of experience)
Project Management
The UW-Whitewater MBA Emphasis in Project Management curriculum was developed by local project management experts and provides skills you can use to enhance your career and improve the productivity of your workplace. Individual classes in the curriculum include both theoretical knowledge and real-world skills that are most in demand in today's workplace.
Online MBA students that would like to earn an emphasis in Project Management must complete three courses (nine credits). For students interested in a deeper study of the subject, the Project Management Graduate Certificate includes five courses (14 credits) that can be completed online.
Program instructors have professional project management experience, PMP® certification, and demonstrated success in teaching. Both the UW-Whitewater Online MBA emphasis and the Graduate Certificate in Project Management are based on A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide).
Project Management graduate courses count toward the 35-hour education requirements for earning PMI's Project Management Professional (PMP®) credential and the 23 education hours for PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) certification. For students that already hold PMP certification, our classes count toward the professional development units (PDUs) required to maintain the certification.
Career Outcomes
Placement Rate1 100%
Highlighted Employers2
Bose Corporation, CAMECA Instruments Inc., Cargill, Johnson Controls, Polaris Industries
Common Titles2
Compliance Specialist, IT Manager, Operations Supervisor, Project Manager, Quality Assurance Analyst
Industry Salary3 $83,000
1 Based on 2016 - 2017 survey data
2 Self-reported data from survey respondents (6 months or less after graduation)
3 Payscale.com national salary data (national average with 1 to 20+ years of experience)
Supply Chain Management
The Supply Chain Management emphasis trains students to strategically plan and manage supply chain activities for competitive advantage. The emphasis covers topics essential to the efficient and effective management of supply chains, such as operations management, operations strategy, quality management, product development, sourcing, and logistics.
Online MBA students who would like to earn an emphasis in Supply Chain Management must complete nine credits of the available courses.
Career Outcomes
Placement Rate1 100%
Highlighted Employers2
American Transmission Company, Baker Tilly LLP, Briggs & Stratton Corporation, Eaton Steel Bar Company, Kraft-Heinz Company, Ryder System, TreeHouse Foods
Common Titles2
Buyer, Director of Operations, Forecast Analyst, Import Specialist, Supply Chain Specialist
Industry Salary3 $82,000
Alumni Salary Estimate2 $63,375
1 Based on 2016 - 2017 survey data
2 Self-reported data from survey respondents (6 months or less after graduation)
3 Payscale.com national salary data (national average with 1 to 20+ years of experience)
Customized
The Customized emphasis helps students tailor their MBA specialization by picking courses across emphases, or by including other graduate-level classes approved by the program.
Online MBA students who would like to earn a customized emphasis must complete 9 credits of graduate-level courses as approved by an advisor. Upon the recommendation of the student’s advisor and with the approval of the Online MBA Coordinator, a thesis of up to 6 units may be included in the 9-unit emphasis. Course prerequisites will vary depending on the courses selected.
Students may contact the Graduate Business Office to discuss the options for the customized emphasis, gradbus@uww.edu or 262-472-1945.
Career Outcomes
Placement Rate 1 100%
Highlighted Employers 2
Bank of America, Ernst & Young, MassMutual Financial Group, Mayo Clinic, Molson Coors, State of Wisconsin Investment Board
Common Titles 2
Business Operations Specialist, Finance Manager, IT Analyst Programmer, Sales Consultant, Sr. Solution Designer
1 Based on 2016 - 2017 survey data
2 Payscale.com national salary data (national average with 1 to 20+ years of experience)
