In January 2025, Walla Walla University launched an ambitious online Master of Business Administration 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 play an integral role in the flexible, asynchronous online program. For example, Johnny Jesson, WWU and MIT Sloan School of Management graduate who has served as Walmart senior director and Google Cloud pricing senior principal, shared his experience in finance and analytics. Rachel Ruggeri, WWU alumna and Starbucks executive vice president and chief financial officer, offered insights on character, integrity and business ethics.
“This MBA program at WWU has been amazing so far,” said Mikey Stewart-Tapasco, current student. "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, said Bruce Toews, WWU School of Business dean and accounting professor. The consistent success of the university’s undergraduate business seniors and 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 said.
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 cybersecurity.
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. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 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, BLS notes that some employers prefer to hire candidates who have an MBA.
Learn more about WWU’s MBA program at wallawalla.edu/mba.
