Online Master of Science in Education in School Business Management
Become a Leader in Education.
The Master of Science in Education in School Business Management (MSE SBM) degree qualifies students for licensure as a School Business Manager in Wisconsin since a master’s degree is required for licensure under Wisconsin DPI code 5008. However, if applicants already possess a master’s degree, they can complete the specific credits required for licensure by customizing the Certificate in School Business Management.
Why UW-Whitewater Online?
- Flexible and convenient for your schedule
- Top-notch, nationally recognized faculty
- Strong alumni network
- AACSB accreditation
Meets Wisconsin DPI code 5008
Master’s degree required for licensure.
ASBO Aligned Curriculum
ISBM Professional Standards.
Fully Online
No requirements to come to campus.
Online Master of Science in Education in School Business Management
Program Overview
All courses are offered 100 percent online. Coursework is aligned with the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International School Business Management Professional Standards, covering areas of school finance and budgeting, auxiliary services, negotiations and conflict resolution, staffing, and community relations.
Instructors include alumni who are currently working as school business managers and superintendents in Wisconsin public schools and are available on weekends online for student assistance. Nine credits are considered full-time for graduate students. While some students take nine credits, they typically take anywhere between three and six credits per semester. The rotation and availability of courses each semester allows students to complete the master’s degree in two years. However, all coursework applied to this degree must be completed within seven years.
Curriculum
The degree requires a minimum of 36 units of coursework and includes an unpaid internship. The internship involves the completion of a portfolio of experiences under the guidance of a practicing School Business Manager and the Program Coordinator.
At least half of the graduate level courses in the degree program must be at the 700 level.
To earn the Master of Science in Education degree in School Business Management, you must complete:
- Breadth (27 credits)
- Internship (3 credits)
- Elective (6 credits)
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 MSE in School Business Management students must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution and meet graduate admission criteria, in addition to the MSE in School Business Management admission criteria provided below.
If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a conditional basis.
A foundational course in financial accounting is required before enrolling in school finance courses. Students with no prior academic accounting background or experience will be required to take a pre-requisite or Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) accounting course. Students may choose an undergraduate or graduate-level accounting course, but neither will count toward the 36-credit degree requirement.
To ensure the program is compliant with Wisconsin Administrative Code PI 34 for Teacher Education Program Approval and Licensing as updated August 2018, all applicants must undergo a criminal background check (PI 34.018).
Career Outcomes
School business managers oversee the administration and allocation of budgets and resources in a variety of learning institutions. Career paths and project work include all area roles and responsibilities found in the school district business office.
These roles and responsibilites include; accounting and reporting, auditing, budget and financial planning, cash management, debt management, facility construction and management, food and transportation systems, general management, human resource management, information technology and data management, payroll management, purchasing and accounts payable management, and risk management.
Other common position titles include assistant superintendent of operations, comptroller and financial specialist. Archived salary information, position and demographic reports can be found at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). 2
According to the Public Administrative Salary Report on Wisconsin DPI, School Business Managers in Wisconsin make an average salary of $120,627 (2022-2023)
1Public Administrative Salary Report, 2022 - 2023
2Archived School Staff: Salary, Position and Demographic Reports
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.
What creates this value?
- Full-time faculty with doctoral degrees teach all classes.
- 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.
