The School of Business at Washburn University offers a premier business education. Tuition rates are affordable, and student debt has been rated amongst the lowest in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Students from Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas all qualify for in-state tuition rates. Business students are also likely to receive scholarships, with four tiers of funding available with criteria based on grades, extracurricular involvement, and professor recommendations. Full-ride scholarships will be awarded to one or two students selected by the Dean. The SOB has achieved AACSB accreditation. Another measurement of success is the proficiency students demonstrate on the Major Field Test developed by ETS. BBA students score among the top 15% and MBA students among the top 3% in the nation on this exam.
Education
Business students can declare a major upon completing seven core courses. Business majors include Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, General Business, International Business, Management, and Marketing. Prior to graduation, students will be required to complete a Dynamic Global component, which can be fulfilled by enrolling in International Business, Economics, or Finance. Optional certificates in Entrepreneurship or Kansas Insurance may be added to any degree. The Kansas Insurance certificate prepares students for careers in life and health insurance. It allows students to choose one additional area to study from among Financial Planning, Retirement and Employment Benefit Planning, or Property and Casualty Insurance.
Graduate students can advance their careers by earning a Master of Accountancy or Master of Business Administration. The MAcc program prepares students to succeed on the CPA, CMA, and CIA exams. Students are also recommended to complete a semester-long internship to gain valuable professional skills. Juniors may be admitted into the 3+2 MAcc program and will graduate with an undergraduate and graduate degree in just five years. The Flexible Program accommodates the needs of working professionals by offering classes in the evening and allowing students to determine their course load. The 30-credit hour MBA consists of foundation-level and upper-level courses, as well as two electives. Some of the elective options available include Entrepreneurship and Creativity, Venture Creation, and Business Intelligence Systems. Each class meets one night per week, so students can earn their MBA without any disruption to their work schedule. All students will complete a simulation activity as part of the required capstone requirement, along with a reflective essay.
Student Life
There are many organizations for students to find their niche. Students wishing to distinguish themselves with honor society membership can participate in Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Honor Society or Beta Gamma Sigma. A select group of students from each major and concentration area meets with the Dean for lunch as part of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council. Graduate students can interact with peers and professors outside of class by joining the Washburn MBA Association. Other student organizations include the International Business Club, Washburn Innovation Club, and Washburn Rotaract Club. Students can contribute to the community by completing a service-learning project that fits within the academic scope of their degree through the Washburn Transformational Experience.