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Willamette's One-Year MBA Program

Exceptional students with AACSB-accredited undergraduate degrees in business can earn their MBA in just 12 months. With Willamette's one-year MBA track, you can achieve your career goals quickly.

Experience a one-year accelerated MBA program

Willamette University offers a dynamic and intensive one-year MBA program designed to propel you toward your career goals. As one of the best one-year MBA programs in the country, you can rely on our program to enhance your skills and set you up for success. Develop your strategic management skills, broaden your business knowledge, and improve your leadership skills through this 12-month MBA program.

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Accelerated learning for career advancement

Our one-year MBA program is designed to provide you with a comprehensive education while minimizing the time you spend away from your professional life. This intensive 12-month program ensures that you gain the knowledge, skills, and network you need to excel in your career. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect during your journey with us:


Two unique tracks to cater to your experience

We understand that each student brings a unique set of experiences and goals to the program. That's why we offer two distinct tracks:


Track 1: Limited or No Post-Baccalaureate Business Experience

  • Fall: Your journey begins in the fall with our signature PACE program (Practical Application for Careers and Enterprises). PACE is a two-course sequence that allows you to apply your business knowledge by consulting with local organizations. This hands-on experience exposes you to real-world challenges and opportunities, helping you develop practical skills from day one. Additionally, you'll take the "Politics & Public Policy for Managers" course, a unique aspect of our cross-sectoral MBA program, along with two electives.
  • Spring: Building on your fall experiences, you'll continue with PACE II and dive deeper into your chosen areas of interest with three elective courses.
  • Summer: In the summer, you'll engage in Strategic Management, the IMAP (Integrated Management Project) Capstone Course, and two electives to round out your foundational knowledge.

Track 2: Two or More Years of Post-Baccalaureate Experience

  • Fall: For students with more extensive post-baccalaureate business experience, you'll start the fall term with our Leadership Effectiveness and Development (LEAD) course. The LEAD course focuses on honing your leadership capabilities and framing your future success in terms of emotional, social, and cultural intelligence. You'll also take the unique "Politics & Public Policy for Managers" course.
  • Spring: In the spring, you'll have the opportunity to explore four electives, allowing you to tailor your curriculum to your specific career goals and interests.
  • Summer: Like Track 1, you'll complete the program with Strategic Management, the IMAP Capstone Course, and two additional electives.

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The power of experiential learning

At Willamette University, we believe that experiential learning is the key to developing the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the business world. Our PACE program and the IMAP Capstone Course are prime examples of how we integrate real-world experiences into our curriculum.

During the PACE program, you'll have the chance to work closely with local organizations, providing valuable consulting services. This hands-on approach not only enhances your problem-solving abilities but also allows you to make a positive impact on the local community.

The IMAP Capstone Course is the culmination of your MBA journey, where you'll apply your skills to a real business challenge. This experience not only tests your knowledge but also prepares you for the demands of the corporate world.

Willamette is a top one-year MBA program because we ensure our graduates combine education with experience. 

Career development and opportunities

At Willamette University, we recognize that career development is a key motivator for pursuing an MBA, and we are deeply committed to this endeavor. Our program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to advance in your career and achieve your goals.

From day one, you'll work on enhancing your leadership abilities, a critical aspect of career growth. The LEAD course and other leadership-focused experiences will empower you to become a more effective leader, capable of leading teams and driving results.

Additionally, our program provides you with the opportunity to build a valuable professional network. Our career management services are directly integrated into the curriculum, which is why our students are able to secure competitive jobs and internships. Interactions with faculty, fellow students, and industry professionals will expand your connections and open doors to exciting career opportunities.

  • Small class sizes for personalized attention
    We believe in the power of small class sizes to foster meaningful interactions and personalized attention. Unlike larger programs, our one-year MBA program ensures that you have ample opportunities to engage with professors, ask questions, and participate actively in class discussions. This intimate learning environment allows you to build close relationships with faculty and fellow students, enriching your overall learning experience. Our business program offers a better opportunity to build a network that works for you.
  • Return on investment

    We understand that pursuing an MBA is a significant investment of both time and money. Therefore, we are committed to providing a solid return on investment for our students. Our program is designed to prepare students for high-impact roles in various industries, increasing their earning potential and opening doors to exciting career opportunities. The knowledge and skills gained during our one-year MBA program will continue to pay dividends throughout a graduate’s career.

  • Join the ranks of top business schools
    Willamette University consistently ranks among the top business schools in the United States. Our rigorous curriculum, dedicated faculty, and commitment to experiential learning have earned us a well-deserved reputation for excellence. When you choose our one-year MBA program, you join a prestigious community of business professionals and alumni who have achieved remarkable success in their careers.
  • Building a versatile skill set

    In addition to core classes, our program offers a wide range of elective courses that allow you to tailor your education to your specific interests and career goals. Whether you're interested in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, or any other field, you'll find courses that align with your aspirations. This versatility ensures that you graduate with a well-rounded skill set that makes you a valuable asset to employers in any industry.

    Willamette University's one-year MBA program offers a fast track to success. With a focus on experiential learning, career development, leadership development, and business analytics, our program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today's competitive job market. Whether you have little or extensive post-baccalaureate business experience, one of our tracks will cater to your needs, ensuring a personalized and impactful educational journey.

Willamette University's one-year MBA program offers a fast track to success in the world of business. With a focus on experiential learning, career development, leadership development, and business analytics, our program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today's competitive job market. Whether you have little or extensive post-baccalaureate business experience, our two tracks cater to your needs, ensuring a personalized and impactful educational journey.

 

Dive into Willamette's diverse MBA offerings

Pondering an MBA? At Willamette University's Atkinson Graduate School of Management, we have a variety of MBA pathways to align with your aspirations:

Early Career & Career Change MBA: A comprehensive two-year, full-time MBA program, perfect for broadening your horizons and shaping your career trajectory.

MBA for Professionals (MBA-P): Designed for the ambitious mid-career professional, this part-time format lets you elevate your skills without sidelining your career.

Located in Portland and Salem, our campuses open doors to both governmental, not-for-profit, and corporate worlds. Whether you want to finish your MBA in one or two years, Willamette University has the option for you. Accelerate your future and complete your MBA in 1 year. Start today.

Apply to the One-Year MBA Program

Willamette University

Atkinson Graduate School of Management

Salem Campus

Address
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6167

Portland Center

Address
200 SW Market Street, Suite 101
Portland Oregon 97201 U.S.A.
Phone
971-717-7260