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Career Change and Early Career MBA Programs

Unlock your potential with Willamette's MBA program in Oregon, offering unparalleled experiential learning opportunities for young professionals, career changers, and those pursuing career growth. Choose from our full-time, part-time, BA/MBA, and JD/MBA programs.

Willamette MBA students in class

Formats

Our Early Career & Career Change MBA program includes three formats: MBA, BA/MBA and JD/MBA.

Curriculum

MBA curriculums are designed for students seeking their first professional position or career change.

Career Management

Willamette MBA offers a comprehensive career development program.

Why Willamette

Explore the benefits of an MBA from Willamette University.

FAQs

Take a look at our most frequently asked questions and answers.

Excelling in Our Oregon MBA Program: Your Path to Success

  • Searching for a highly valuable graduate degree? Our MBA program has been recognized as one of the top choices in the U.S. for an outstanding return on investment. Accredited by AACSB International for business and by NASPAA for public service, our program has received top rankings from Businessweek, Poets and Quants, Forbes, and the Princeton Review.
  • Elevate your resume through immersive experiential learning experiences, where you can actively manage real organizations, positively impacting both the community and the bottom line.
  • Interested in companies like Intel, Nike, Hewlett Packard, and Columbia Sportswear? Willamette University’s MBA program has campuses in Salem and Portland, allowing you to utilize your proximity to these top employers.
  • Take advantage of career fairs, career counseling, recruitment and referral opportunities, interview training, and more through our Career Management options.

When you choose Willamette University’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management, you’ll be joining a community of successful students and graduates who see immediate value in their education. There are many reasons why graduate students pursue an MBA from Willamette University. Join our community of ambitious business students who are eager to become business leaders.

Exterior view of the Atkinson Graduate School of Management at Willamette University

Accreditations and Rankings

The Willamette MBA is accredited for business by AACSB International, and for public administration by NASPAA.

Businessweek ranks Willamette MBA as one of the "Best Business Schools" in the U.S."

Forbes ranks Willamette MBA as one of the "Best Business Schools in the U.S." for return on investment.

Poets & Quants ranks Willamette MBA as one of the Top U.S. MBA programs.

Willamette MBA is also recognized by Princeton Review as one of the best business schools in the nation.

Academic Calendar & Course Schedule

Willamette MBA programs are on a semester system with two semesters — fall and spring. An optional summer semester is also available.

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Contact Us

Connect with our Early Career and Career Change MBA team. We are ready to assist with any inquiries you may have.

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Why Should You Choose Early Career or Career Change MBA Programs?

Whether you’re thinking about starting your career or changing it, our full-time MBA program is designed to help you achieve your professional aspirations. Gain the necessary expertise to advance in business, government, or non-profit sectors. At Willamette's Atkinson Graduate School of Management, our programs enable you to bridge the gap between education and real-world experience, regardless of your previous work or educational background. Our 21-month program requires no previous work experience or background in business.

Our Oregon MBA program is located in the breathtaking Pacific Northwest, with campuses in both Portland and Salem. With easy access to industry-leading companies, as well as an abundance of activities and local events, you can immerse yourself in all that Oregon has to offer. Prepare for your next test with peers after a morning hike at Silver Falls State Park or unwind from a difficult project with an incredible dining experience. Our campuses are surrounded by activities that allow you to maximize your downtime.

Wide Range of Concentrations Available in Willamette's MBA Program

While Willamette’s program focuses on providing MBA students with an understanding of all business functions, our students can pursue optional concentrations to align with their career goals. We offer:

  • Accounting
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • Global Management
  • Human Resources
  • Management Science and Quantitative Methods
  • Marketing
  • Operations, Analysis & Systems
  • Organizational Analysis
  • Public & Not-for-Profit Management

Ready to Apply for Your MBA?

If you’re ready to learn more about all the business functions and take the next step on your educational journey, Willamette University offers early action and standard deadlines. Once you know what MBA program you’re interested in, you can apply directly through our website. We also offer MBA scholarships, allowing you to make your dreams more achievable. Take the next step towards changing your career or advancing it through our esteemed MBA program in Oregon.

 Apply to Willamette’s MBA Program

Willamette University

Early Career and Career Change MBA

Salem Campus

Address
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6167