Washington State University Online MBA & EMBA Programs - Carson College of Business

• Executive Master of Business Administration
• Master of Business Administration
• MBA - Finance Concentration
• MBA - Hospitality and Tourism
• MBA - International Business
• MBA - Marketing Concentration

By Sara Navratil Reviewed By Jocelyn Blore

Updated January 4, 2024

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The Washington State University Carson College of Business offers an online MBA with four concentrations including finance, hospitality business management, international business, and marketing. WSU also offers an online executive MBA (EMBA). Both programs are offered part-time for busy professionals wishing to advance their education while still maintaining personal and professional commitments. In addition, both programs focus on collaboration, teamwork, and flexibility.

The online MBA has an international perspective built right into the coursework and features an international study abroad opportunity to further globalize the degree. It focuses on high-level business and leadership skills that apply locally, nationally, and globally. Courses are designed to promote the decision-making, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in today’s changing business world.

The online EMBA is an advanced degree that explores the practices and principles that produce the best business leaders and managers. All courses are presented from an executive point of view and can be applied to areas such as healthcare, engineering, aerospace, products and services, and the military, among others. The EMBA program includes optional international field study as well as an executive MBA leadership conference.

Graduates of MBA programs may go on to become marketing directors, operations managers, senior financial analysts, marketing managers, human resources managers, and other professions. Career areas may include consulting, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, products and services, finance, accounting, and utilities. Washington State University Carson College of Business is located in Pullman, Washington.

What to Expect from the WSU Online MBA and EMBA Programs

Admission Requirements: Candidates for the online MBA program must submit an online application, an application fee (if applicable), official transcripts showing a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, GMAT/GRE test scores, three letters of recommendation, a current resume or CV, a 500-word statement of purpose, and proof of English language proficiency. Candidates with a professional degree may also apply. A GMAT waiver is available for qualified applicants.

Applicants to the EMBA online program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and seven or more years of management business experience. Applicants must submit an online application, application fee, GMAT test scores, three letters of recommendation, a letter of organizational support, a statement of purpose, a resume, an organizational summary of the company which employs the candidate, an organizational chart, and official transcripts. In addition, applicants participate in an interview. A GMAT waiver is available to qualified applicants. International students must provide proof of English language proficiency.

Study Plan: Students may begin the online MBA nine times per year. There are three start dates in the fall, three in the spring, and three in the summer. Students can expect to complete the online MBA in 22 months, attending part-time. Capstone and final project courses begin in the third semester of attendance.
Students in the EMBA program may start in January, May, or August. The program can be completed in as few as 18 months, part-time. The program ends with two capstone courses and a final presentation.

Curriculum: The online MBA with a general track or in one of four concentrations consists of 36 credits if the student has a bachelor’s degree in business. The degree breaks down into the following categories: six credits in strategic leadership; 15 credits in functional business tools; nine or more credits of concentration courses; and six credits of capstone courses and final presentation/exam.

Students in the general MBA track choose nine credits of electives from any combination of concentration courses. Courses include strategy formation and organizational design; managerial leadership and productivity; administrative control; information systems management; business analytics: transforming data into decisions; and financial management, among others.

Finance Concentration Courses: investment analysis; interest rates and finance markets; international finance

Hospitality Business Management Concentration Courses: services management; international tourism strategy and planning; hospitality operations analysis

International Business Concentration Courses: international business management; international marketing management; international finance; a special project or independent study/study abroad

Marketing Concentration Courses: international marketing management; new product marketing; promotional management

There are 16 additional foundation credits that may be required for the online MBA depending on educational background, which include foundations in business law, foundations in marketing, and data analysis for managers.

The executive online MBA through Washington State University consists of 42 credits which break down into the following categories: 15 credits in functional business tools; six credits in strategic leadership; six credits in global business; nine credits in managing efficient and innovative businesses; and eight credits of capstone projects and a final presentation. Courses include marketing management; business analytics; financial management; administrative control; strategy formulation and organizational design; managerial leadership and productivity; international business management; database management; and management of innovation, among others.

Online Experience: The Carson College of Business uses Blackboard as its learning management system. Through Blackboard, students can submit assignments, take tests and quizzes, check grades, send emails, and more. Most classes are asynchronous, although there may be specific synchronous activities in some courses.

The online college is called WSU Global Campus and provides a platform for students to chat online with other students and faculty, participate in study groups and team projects, view classes, and complete assignments through the online media center. The WSU Global Campus has a dedicated multimedia team that creates animations, graphics, and games for online courses. Additionally, 24/7 technical support is provided. The Global Campus seeks to develop relationships through threaded discussions and social media, as well as group projects and other interactions. Also, the student government organization, ASWSU Global, offers face-to-face events on campuses in Seattle, Pullman, and Tacoma, as well as virtual extracurricular activities for online students. The college also offers online news, a Facebook page, and a blog.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the online MBA or EMBA as the programs are 100 percent online. However, students in both the online MBA and EMBA programs have the opportunity to participate in a ten-day international field study. This program allows students to gain a global perspective on businesses outside the United States, and to network with other participants, faculty, and business leaders. Previous trips have taken place in three major cities in China. Participants explored the culture, learned about building relationships, and visited businesses such as Nike, Han Kun Law Offices, and others.

EMBA students also have the opportunity to attend an optional executive MBA leadership conference which lasts three days and is held exclusively for EMBA students and alumni. The conference includes keynote speaker sessions and networking opportunities with fellow students, faculty, and alumni. The conference is held on campus in Pullman, Washington. Students are also welcome to attend events on campus throughout the year, and participate in graduation on campus.

Paying for the WSU Online MBA and EMBA

WSU online MBA and EMBA tuition numbers are listed in the tables below, and do not include additional fees or book expenses. Tuition for active military and veterans is discounted and the application fee is waived. Total tuition is dependent on foundation courses needed. Prospective online students should contact the admissions department of the Carson College of Business for exact costs.

WSU offers grants and scholarship programs for Washington residents and non-residents, transfer students, and international students. Only one scholarship application is necessary to be considered for all scholarships available for a particular student or degree. Students should also fill out the FAFSA for federal aid and student loans. Other options for funding are private student loans and private aid from the community or other organizations. Students can find out more about scholarships and other financial aid through the Student Financial Services Department at WSU. In addition, those seeking an MBA should contact their employer about tuition reimbursement programs.

As a final note, WSU has a Satisfactory Academic Progress policy in place that requires that graduate students hold a 3.0 GPA upon enrollment and throughout the program. Students must be enrolled at least half-time which is five or more credits for graduate students, and may need to meet certain academic progress standards to continue receiving financial aid.

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about entrepreneurial and general business topics, and providing detailed information on online MBA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.