Bachelor of Arts/MBA

The Bachelor of Arts/MBA combined degree program (BA/MBA) provides selected undergraduate students at Willamette University's College of Liberal Arts the opportunity to fast-track their career in business, government and not-for-profit organizations.

In just five years of education, BA/MBA students obtain the benefits of a liberal arts education in whatever major they choose, develop an in-depth understanding of management and build the portfolio of experience needed to succeed in a competitive job market.

Students admitted to the BA/MBA program begin the Early Career and Career Change MBA program in the fall semester of their senior year. During their senior year, BA/MBA students complete at least 8 of the 10 courses of the first year MBA curriculum and their one or two remaining CLA senior level courses.

The first year MBA curriculum builds a foundation in the fundamental principles of management and enhance professional, communication, leadership, team and career management skills. Courses include:

BA/MBA Curriculum

Fall Semester - First Year

Data Analysis, Modeling & Decision Making
Accounting for Managers
Human Resources & Organizational Dynamics
Marketing: Creating Satisfied Consumers
PACE I: Practical Application for Careers & Enterprises
* Consulting for Not-for-Profit & Government Organizations
* Achieving Your Career Goals

Spring Semester - First Year

Economics, Finance and Markets I or II
Operations and Systems Management
PACE II: Practical Application for Careers & Enterprises
* Consulting for Not-for-Profit & Government Organizations
* Developing an Entrepreneurial Venture
Elective
Elective

Summer - Internship (required for BA/MBA)

Fall Semester - Second Year

Politics and Public Policy for Managers
PACE III: Leading Ethical, Socially Responsible and Sustainable Organizations
Concentration Experiential Elective
Elective
Elective

Spring Semester - Second year

Strategic Management
Concentration Experiential Elective or Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective

Preparing for the BA/MBA

Willamette students preparing to apply for the BA/MBA enroll in the College of Liberal Arts for their first three years at Willamette and complete at least 23 credits of CLA course work, including general education requirements and most courses required for their major. Students who transferred to CLA complete at least 15 credits at the CLA including general education requirements and most courses required for their major. The specific courses and number of CLA credits a student must complete to be eligible to apply to the BA/MBA program are determined by the student's CLA major department. However, students should have no more than one or two remaining senior level CLA courses to complete during their first year of study in the BA/MBA program.

Students who will meet the CLA eligibility requirements by the end of their junior year may apply for admission to the BA/MBA. The final deadline for submitting the BA/MBA application to Atkinson School is May 1st of the junior year.

BA/MBA Application Process

The first step in determining a student's eligibility to apply to the BA/MBA is decided by the student's CLA major advisor and/or department. Only students who will meet the CLA eligibility requirements for the BA/MBA program by the end of their junior year may apply for admission to the BA/MBA. In addition, students must have well-focused career interests in management.

Application to the BA/MBA program requires all of the following:

Online Application Form
Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
Official GMAT or General GRE scores
Personal statement of experiences and professional goals
Two candidate evaluation forms or letters of reference
Resume
Letter from CLA advisor or department chairperson stating the student has met CLA requirements to complete the BA degree through the BA/MBA program, and listing all CLA courses to be completed during the senior year of study.

An interview is part of the applicant selection process. Applicants eligible for an interview will be invited to interview after all the applicant's documents have been received. Interviews will occur on campus.

Advice for Students Considering the BA/MBA

Start the planning process early!
Contact your CLA academic advisor and plan your courses to meet the BA/MBA credit and course requirements of your major.
Contact the Atkinson School Admission office with your questions.
It will be helpful to have completed at least one course in mathematics, one course in economics, and a course in psychology or sociology.
Build a background of leadership and experience in organizations through internships, campus/community activities, part-time work, etc.
Recognize the BA/MBA is a challenging and demanding program designed for highly motivated students who have well focused career interests in management.

Areas of Interest

Elective courses provide in-depth knowledge, hands-on experience and the opportunity to pursue career interests in one or more of the following areas of interest:

Full-Time MBA Formats