Willamette University's George H. Atkinson Graduate School of Management is a professional school that prepares students for careers in business, consulting, government, public service and not-for-profit organizations. It shares with the College of Arts & Sciences the recognition that the best preparation for any career is the ability to think critically and to develop an understanding of the world around us.
The Atkinson School learning environment emphasizes excellent teaching, teamwork and the practical application of management theory to real organizations. The school develops managers who know how to get things done; who recognize the importance of understanding the interrelationships between business, government and not-for-profit organizations; and who are adaptive and innovative.
MBA programs include the Early Career MBA, the MBA for Career Change and the MBA for Professionals. All Willamette MBA programs are accredited by AACSB — the global hallmark of excellence in business education.
Early Career MBA and MBA for Career Change: The full-time Early Career and Career Change MBA program prepares students for their first professional position and career change. In just 21 months, students learn the core principles of management, refine their career interests, develop an in-depth understanding of one or more curricular areas of interest, and build the portfolio or work experience needed to succeed in a competitive job market.
From the first day of class, students apply what they learn to real organizations. Class consulting projects with real clients, internships, in-depth case studies, innovative hands-on elective courses, and a complete program of career services offer powerful opportunities for professional development.
Elective areas of interest include accounting, finance, general management, human resources, information systems, international management, marketing, organizational analysis, public and not-for-profit management, and quantitative analysis/management science.
The Early Career and Career Change program is one of only two MBA programs in the U.S. dually accredited for business (AACSB) and public administration (NASPAA).
The distinct design of the Early Career MBA and MBA for Career Change program makes it an excellent choice for students seeking an MBA directly after completion of their bachelor’s degree or after one or more years of work experience.
In addition to the undergraduate BSBA program, , the University offers a 3-2 program that combines a Willamette Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in any field with the Willamette Early Career MBA. The joint degree program allows eligible Willamette University undergraduate students the opportunity to begin MBA study in their senior year and earn their bachelor’s degree and their MBA degree in just 5 years. Additional information can be obtained by writing directly to the Office of Admission. Atkinson Graduate School of Management, Willamette University, Salem, OR 97301, or visiting the Atkinson School’s website.
The MBA for Professionals: The MBA for Professionals program provides individuals who have a bachelor degree and three or more years of professional work experience the opportunity to complete their MBA while employed. The MBA for Professionals is cohort based and can be completed in 24 months of evening study in Portland or Salem.
The curriculum emphasizes the practical application of knowledge and a cross-functional view of management decision-making. The structure of the program helps students immediately apply what they learn to their job and accelerate their career in their organizations.