In January Walla Walla University launched an ambitious online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program to equip working professionals with skills to become strategic, tech-savvy, ethical leaders in today’s business environment.
Lessons from accomplished business leaders and industry experts plays an integral role in the flexible, asynchronous, online program. For example, last month, Johnny Jesson, WWU and MIT Sloan School of Management graduate who has served as senior director at Walmart and pricing senior principal at Google Cloud, shared his experience in finance and analytics. And more recently, Rachel Ruggeri, WWU alumna and executive vice president and chief financial officer of Starbucks, offered insights on character, integrity and business ethics.
“This MBA program at Walla Walla University has been amazing so far,” says current student Mikey Stewart-Tapasco. “The professors are supportive and do an amazing job of integrating collaboration into the program. This allows me to connect with and learn from both instructors and peers, despite my busy schedule. Based on the quality, flexibility, and cost of this program, I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to further their education with an MBA.”
Launching the program has been “on the drawing board” for some time, says Dr. Bruce Toews, DBA, MBA, CPA, professor of accounting and finance and dean of the School of Business. The
consistent success of the university’s undergraduate business seniors and the considerable expertise among WWU business alumni provided a strong foundation for a master’s-level program. “The timing finally felt right to introduce this virtual ‘third floor’ to Bowers Hall,” he says.
WWU’s MBA program emphasizes ethical principles, strategic decision-making, and real-world applications. The virtual learning community connects students with their professors and peers through colloquium events, guided book readings and discussions, and networking events with highly accomplished business leaders.
Students can enroll in September, January, April, or June, and the general MBA degree can be completed in one year. Starting in fall 2025, students may choose to add high-demand specializations that include business analytics, artificial intelligence, finance, healthcare administration, and cyber security.
Earning an MBA distinguishes graduates as strategic business leaders, prepares them to confidently deal with continual change and complex challenges in the business environment, and broadens their global perspective and professional networks. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a faster growth rate for overall employment in management occupations than the average for all occupations until 2033. While many employers do not require it, the BLS notes that some employers prefer to hire candidates who have their MBAs.
Learn more about Walla Walla University’s MBA program at wallawalla.edu/mba.
Posted April 4, 2025.
