CWU to begin offering MBA degree later this year

The CWU College of Business (CB) has announced that it will be offering a new Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree later this year after receiving approval from the Board of Trustees in late February.

The program, also approved by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities earlier this month, is positioned to be competitive with others in the region due to its “affordability, flexible delivery option, interdisciplinarity and stackable certificates,” according to a recent CB memo. It can be completed in 12 months by full-time students, and tuition for the program is estimated to cost $21,700, which includes tuition and fees.

“This industry-driven MBA is created with the intent to prepare our graduates to drive impact from day one,” College of Business Dean Faiza Khoja said. “Through customizable specializations, corporate fellow expertise, interactive yet flexible learning formats, and experiential projects, our program is designed to empower learners with the knowledge and agility needed to lead with purpose in the modern economy.”

Khoja thanked faculty members Sayantani Mukherjee and Fang Wang for helping move the process forward; senior administration for believing in the vision; and the Board of Trustees for its support and guidance.

The new MBA program — the first of its kind at CWU — will launch in the fall of 2025. Curriculum will cover key business concepts such as accounting, analytics, finance, management, marketing, strategic leadership, and supply chain.

According to the CB memo, the program will emphasize “systems thinking, ethical leadership, and data-driven decision-making, equipping students to tackle complex business and societal challenges.”

It will also offer specializations and stackable certifications in cybersecurity management, business analytics, sports business, and human resources management, tailored to current industry needs. A public health track will also be offered.

Khoja and her colleagues explained that MBAs are becoming more of a requirement for advancement into managerial and executive-level roles. In an interview with KIMA-TV over the weekend, Khoja noted that access to education is a core mission of CWU.

“In addition, to providing opportunities for career advancement, for retooling and reskilling of current employees, we’re also working with community colleges to create seamless pathways for students transitioning from their undergraduate programs into our MBA,” she said.