Top MBA Programs in Seattle

2020 was a year that brought many Americans to the brink, in more than one way. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, record unemployment claims and mass layoffs occurred almost overnight across the country and especially in the Seattle area, prompting many people to rethink their career paths. With many industries still struggling, 2021 might be the best year yet to change to a more stable and more lucrative career.

While some people are considering a job change, many others are investing more in their current career so they can advance to the next level or simply gain increased personal satisfaction. In any case, there’s never been a better time for career advancement, changing jobs, and gaining more skills to be at the top of your game, especially if you can do so in a flexible, online environment.

Below, learn more about what to look for in a Seattle MBA program.

Given Seattle’s tech-focused economy, an MBA degree is a natural fit.

The first thing that might come to mind when considering an MBA program is whether the school offers the right program for you. You should look for a program in the heart of the city, associated with top business professionals, provides a low student-to-faculty ratio, and designed to build a supportive network.

Over the years, despite different dips and spikes in the job market, one thing that remains consistent is this: an MBA can help you earn more money and stay employed, even during recessions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with master’s degrees earn about 18% more than those with bachelor’s degrees, and they’re less likely to become unemployed.¹

A bigger paycheck and job security are two big drivers when it comes to getting an MBA. But it goes beyond that. After all, we want tomorrow’s business leaders to make ethical decisions based on data. Meanwhile many prospective students need more flexibility than you can find in an average Seattle MBA program.

Many people who are studying at the undergraduate level prefer in-person classes, and that’s completely understandable. At many institutions, it is easier for in-person students to access campus services, clubs, and amenities, not to mention enjoy a thriving and dynamic social life.

However, online education is hugely popular among learners across the board, especially in MBA programs, and it’s gaining momentum. The global online education market is projected to reach an estimated $350 billion by 2025, and for good reason.⁴ Many online students enjoy greater flexibility than they would if they studied in person. The online learning environment allows students to save time by learning at home after work or family responsibilities are fulfilled.

In many programs, online MBA students have access to all the same on-campus resources that in-person students enjoy, such as career services, mentorship programs, and speaker events.

When researching MBAs, it’s important to find one where students are able to connect and network with fellow students. For example, in the Online MBA program at the Albers School of Business and Economics, students join an in-person Residency Retreat at the beginning of their first term. Beyond that first team-building experience, students are encouraged to connect with each other via Zoom and online discussion boards.

Albers offers two distinct online master’s business programs: the Online MBA and the Online Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program. Both are excellent programs for those seeking transformative educational experiences and leadership training, but they do have different emphases. Both online programs are AACSB-accredited, and the curriculum is custom-built and optimized for an online environment with a flexible schedule for an ideal work-life balance.

Albers' Online Master of Business Administration program prepares students for lucrative leadership positions in healthcare, consulting, technology, energy, Fortune Global 100, and startup companies. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, hiring managers for large corporations usually prefer candidates with a master’s degree in Business Administration.²

The Online MBA program at Albers is based on a series of leadership challenges that helps students develop problem-solving skills, communicate cross-functionally, and strategize successfully in a leadership role.

The Online MBA curriculum places a heavy emphasis on relationships. Classes like Teams and Decision-Making and the Management of People help students learn communication strategies that center on empathy.

Albers' Online Master of Science in Business Analytics program prepares students to step into desirable, fast-growing jobs like machine learning engineer and operations research analyst. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as of May 2020, the median annual wages for operations research analysts was $86,200 with employment projected to grow 25% by 2029.³

The Online MSBA program at Albers is built around data translation challenges that help students develop methodological approaches to data analysis and present it to a diverse audience. MSBA students learn top skills for growing business demands such as artificial intelligence, analytical reasoning, scientific computing, business analysis, and data science.

The MSBA curriculum focuses on statistics, programming, and strategy, and through classes like Big Data Analytics and Machine Learning, students are equipped to lead large organizations with data-driven decisions, as well as the necessary communication and visualization skills.

An Online MBA or MSBA degree from Seattle University combines a high caliber of education, experienced faculty, and custom-built curricula so that graduates are well-prepared to take on leadership positions in powerful organizations. The flexibility of learning from home means students are able to fully leverage their time as they juggle existing careers and family life.

Upon graduation, Albers alumni will be ready to make innovative, ethical decisions for their business that will positively impact their bottom line. More importantly, they will have the knowledge and foundation necessary to make social justice a priority practice in their business.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to advance your career, learn new skills, or even change jobs, now is a great time to get a Seattle U business degree online. The Albers School of Business and Economics offers top programs in business and business analytics. The highly curated curricula for the Online MBA and MSBA programs emphasize relationships, ethics, social justice, and data.

Ready for an increased earning potential and a higher employment rate than bachelor’s degree earners, all within a flexible online learning platform? Apply today to start your career transformation.