Skip to main content

Our flexible, hybrid program allows you to think strategically, lead effectively, and apply what you learn in real time. Our program is available in Salem or Portland, and online.

Program Snapshot

MBA

Graduate

48

2 Years

Salem, Portland

MBA-P students outside on the rooftop at the Ecotrust building, Willamette's MBA Portland campus.

Our MBA for Professionals Program

Develop your leadership skills and expand your career prospects with Willamette’s MBA for Professionals. Our flexible hybrid MBA program allows you to tackle real management challenges from day one and apply what you learn in class to your professional work. Each semester, our classes meet once a week in Salem or Portland, once a week online, and in person on three Saturdays. This allows you to gain the knowledge, skills, and network needed to advance your career while continuing to work full-time.

Why choose the MBA for Professionals Program at Willamette?

  • Hands-on leadership training. Leadership Connect is Willamette’s built-in leadership development series. Join three immersive Saturday workshops each semester to help you strengthen how you lead yourself, work with others, and drive change in organizations.
  • Integrated learning that drives real impact. Courses are paired across disciplines and coordinated by faculty to create a connected learning experience. You’ll work on real organizational challenges while developing leadership and analytical skills simultaneously.
  • Accessible and affordable. We’re rolling out an updated hybrid format designed around working schedules. We’ve also lowered tuition to $36,000 per year, with scholarships available to most students.
  • A reputation of excellence. Our program is accredited by AACSB International, a distinction that just 6% of business schools worldwide can claim. AACSB International is considered the gold standard in accreditation for MBA programs.
  • A built-in professional network with business leaders. Our cohort model fosters meaningful connections between students as they move through the program together. You will also benefit from our Career Service Center, which offers individualized support and networking opportunities.
  • An MBA for Life. Continue learning long after you graduate with tuition-free access to MBA courses, designed to keep your skills sharp and up to date. Connect with alumni and industry leaders while building a deep understanding of the latest insights and best practices.

Schedule a Visit Virtual Tour – Salem Virtual Tour – Portland



Request Information

Loading...

MBA for Professionals Program Schedule

The MBAP schedule: Showing one class per week for each of the 14 weeks on Tuesdays (Salem), Wednesdays (Portland) and Thursdays (excluding weeks 1 and 8 for the Tues/Wed class). Saturday classes are on weeks 1, 8 and 14.

Michael Gay, MBA'23, is using his degree to tackle one of today's most pressing issues in a strategic way. As a co-founder of Community First Solutions, Michael is helping individuals get the mental health treatment they need.

Michael's Story

Michael Gay MBA’23 leverages a Willamette MBA to tackle Oregon’s mental health crisis

During his time in the MBA for Professionals program, Michael was in the process of developing his new organization. He was able to take the lessons from the classroom and apply them to his own work the very next day. The foundation became his project for his capstone course.

View Story
Michael leading the way
Michael credits Willamette MBA with not only helping him develop vital skills and knowledge, but with teaching him how to put that knowledge into action -- and help his community.

Alumni Stories

Alumni from our MBA for Professionals program are advancing into leadership roles, shaping strategy, and making an impact across industries, including established companies, startups, and nonprofits. See where their careers have taken them.

  • LaToya Kamara Manley MBA’12

    LaToya Kamara Manley MBA’12

    Creating a Women’s Jordan Line at Nike
    LaToya Kamara Manley spearheaded the development of a women’s Jordan line to meet the demand of female customers who previously bought men’s and kids’ sizes.

  • Donell Morgan MBA’21

    Making a Difference in Youth Mentorship
    As executive director of Elevate Oregon, Donell Morgan uses his MBA to lead by example, helping youth in Portland’s Parkrose Neighborhood see their potential.

    Donell Morgan MBA’21

Introducing Some of Our Faculty

Our MBA faculty are experienced leaders and decision makers who bring real-world insight directly into the classroom. Beyond teaching, they mentor students and open doors to industry connections that support long-term career growth.

  • Pritha Dutta

    Meet Pritha Dutta

    Dr. Pritha Dutta focuses her research on the operational and strategic challenges of global supply chains. She explores topics such as sustainability, competitive decision-making, and healthcare.

  • Ashley Nixon

    Meet Ashley Nixon

    Dr. Ashley Nixon researches occupational stress and employee well-being. She has been published in top journals and received funding from the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety.

  • Jane Machin

    Meet Jane Machin

    Dr. Jane Machin researches decision-making, stigma, and consumer well-being. She has years of experience in brand management at Unilever and consulting for Fortune 500 companies and start-ups.

Curriculum

Our part-time MBA is built for professionals ready to advance their career goals. Each term, you take two complementary courses designed to connect across business functions. You’ll apply what you learn right away and see how areas like marketing, finance, strategy, and data work together in real decisions.

  • GSMPR 622 Data Analysis, Modeling and Decision Making

    Learn to turn data into confident business decisions using real-world examples from finance, marketing, and operations. This course builds practical analytical skills you can apply immediately on the job, using tools like spreadsheets and statistical software in a collaborative, project-based format.

  • GSMPR 624 Managing Organizations: Individuals, Teams, and Human Resources

    Build leadership skills to manage teams, navigate change, and make effective decisions in complex organizations. Through real-world cases and collaborative work, you’ll gain practical tools you can apply immediately on the job.

Program Requirements

Our hybrid, part-time program requires 48 credit hours to complete the degree. Most students complete the part-time degree program within 2 years, but it may take more or less time depending on your needs and your schedule.

Teacher giving a lecture in a classroom

Admissions Information

Our MBA for Professionals program is designed for working professionals with at least 3 years of work experience. Applicants must also have an accredited bachelor's degree. International students may be eligible for admission if they hold an employment-related visa.

A student working on a laptop

Financial Aid and Scholarships

We’ve reduced our tuition to $36,000 per year, and all admitted part-time MBA students are automatically considered for scholarship awards. Employees of our preferred partner organizations may also be eligible for additional tuition discounts.

A person writing on a white board

FAQs

Willamette University

Atkinson Graduate School of Management