Finding the Best Return on Investment for Your MBA in Washington DC (Part II)
Washington DC is littered with powerful people and exciting opportunities. You could find yourself sitting next to the Fed Chair at the symphony and then running into a Senator at the bar later that evening. So, what better place to start your business education and career than the true seat of power for the entire Western World?
Before investing in an MBA it’s essential to make sure that the school you choose will give you the tools you need to excel in your industry without breaking the bank.
In our first installment to the Washington DC ROI series, we talked about the metro’s schools that give you the greatest bang for your buck. In part two, we delve into even more schools that have topped our list of programs that offer the best return on investment (ROI) for your MBA in DC.
The Best Washington DC Return on Investment (Part II)
Kogod School of Business—American University
With alumni who’ve gone on to positions such as CEO of Goldman Sachs and Executive VP of Turner Classic Movies, it is no secret that Kogod School of Business prepares its students for a range of highly coveted leadership positions. The average starting salary for MBAs is $78,556, which exceeds the $75,166 cost of tuition. Moreover, an average 88 percent MBAs receive job offers within three months of graduation. The full-time MBA is a 49-credit program that lasts for 21 months. Most of the courses are completed during the first year. Kogod’s program includes weekly Business Leadership Luncheons, wherein students can engage in personal conversations with senior executives from companies like Marriott International, IBM, and PayPal.
George Mason University School of Business
At the George Mason University School of Business, students can hone their leadership and management skills while gaining perspective on the intricacies of the ever-changing world of international business. Business school students at Mason can choose to take their classes at either the Arlington or Fairfax campus, both of which are easily accessible from Washington DC. For aspiring MBAs based in Virginia, Maryland, or the capital, this school’s return on investment is undeniable. Residents of the aforementioned areas pay a full tuition of $45,600, and the average salary for graduates is $86,000. Though the tuition is significantly higher for students from outside of Virginia, Maryland, and DC, at $84,072, the significant average salary still makes stellar choice. The 48-credit program involves an optional week-long global residency, offered once students complete the core curriculum. In the past, global residency locations have included places like Singapore, Buenos Aires, and Prague.
Check Out Part 1: Return on Investment – Getting Your Money’s Worth in Washington DC
McDonough School of Business—Georgetown
There is no denying the prestigious reputation of Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business, which was recently named by Forbes as one of 35 best business schools in the U.S. Students in this program have the opportunity to experience real-world work problems through the Global Business Experience, during which they consult with an international company. At the Global Business Conference in DC, students then present their projects to an audience of their peers. A Georgetown degree carries enormous weight, and in recent years the average starting salary for MBA grads has leapt to a remarkable $108,000. The Georgetown name, combined with rigorous curriculum, a prime location in the nation’s capital, and the undeniable financial success of its alumni make McDonough’s overall return on investment undeniable.
The Best Part-Time MBA Programs You Can Find in Seattle
For those who feel stuck in a middle management position, getting an MBA is a great way to get a leg-up on competition and put yourself in the running for higher-level opportunities. Unfortunately, a 9-to-5 job does not leave much time to devote to full-time learning.
However, the majority of MBA programs offer flexible, hybrid, or part-time options to accommodate all sorts of schedules. Below, we offer a rundown on the three best Seattle part-time MBA programs.
The Best Seattle Part-time MBA Programs
Seattle Pacific University School of Business, Government and Economics
At the Seattle Pacific University School of Business, Government and Economics, a full-time career does not have to deter motivated professionals from pursuing higher education. SPU’s part-time program consists of evening and weekend classes, and is designed to fit into a busy schedule. The university markets the program specifically to established professionals looking to integrate valuable MBA knowledge and skills into their current position.
The 45-credit program consists of ten advanced courses and five elective courses. Selecting an emphasis can help professionals tailor their education to their specific business needs. Students can choose any of the following emphases: Human Resource Management, Finance, Management, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Social and Sustainable Business, or Information Systems Management.
SPU’s part-time program might appeal to professionals who prioritize integrity and wish to make a positive contribution to their workplace and community. The university requires at least two ethics courses, and underscores the importance of morality in business.
Foster School of Business—University of Washington
The UW Foster School of Business has several options for aspiring MBAs who cannot commit to a standard full-time program. Foster offers an Evening MBA, a Hybrid MBA, and an Executive MBA to accommodate various lifestyles.
Forster’s Evening MBA takes three years to complete. Students in this program have an average of almost seven years of work experience, making this track a great option for more seasoned professionals looking to enhance their contributions at their jobs, or perhaps looking to make a late career change.
The Executive MBA (EMBA) at Foster may also be the right choice for those looking for a program that is compatible with full-time work and life obligations. Though not limited to executives, the EMBA is specifically designed for seasoned professionals seeking knowledge they can apply in their professional lives right away. The 21-month program provides the option to take classes weekly or monthly, to meet the needs of those who might have to commute.
If finding time to commit to on-campus courses seems difficult, Foster’s Hybrid MBA might be a good fit. The program involves quarterly in-person sessions, and the rest of the coursework takes place online.
Albers School of Business and Economics—Seattle University
Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics offers students in the Professional MBA (PMBA) the chance to pursue their degree part-time. This program is ideal for students who want to tailor customize their education to fit their interests and career goals, as electives comprise two thirds of the 54 required credits. Students on the PMBA track must have a minimum of two years of work experience. Graduates of this program have gone on to high-level positions at companies like Nike and Microsoft.
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Discover How Elective Courses Work for the Foster Hybrid MBA Program
Beyond the traditional full-time and part-time MBA program options available at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, there is also the Hybrid MBA program. This unique work-compatible MBA option allows students to complete 95 percent of their program work online with only 5 percent of sessions requiring a visit to the campus. It’s a two-year program that’s ideal for working parents, business travelers, and young professionals.
In a recent Foster blog post, the school broke down how elective courses work as part of the Hybrid MBA. Just like for full-time and part-time students, hybrid students can enhance their academic studies by enrolling in five, unique two-credit elective courses during their second year.
Here’s how it will work. The Hybrid MBA is broken down into four quarters:
- Q1: Autumn, year one
- Q2: Spring, year one
- Q3: Autumn, year two
- Q4: Spring, year two
During quarter one of the Hybrid MBA, all students are required to participate in a preference survey. This survey reveals the areas of knowledge that are most interesting to the class. From there, the program team and faculty work together to determine which course topics and, thus, electives would best fit the Hybrid MBA class. Then, early in their second quarter, students receive a list of all possible electives—broken down by quarter—so that they can begin to plan their coursework for year two.
As for when students start to take their electives and how many electives they can choose between:
- Three courses offered: Students choose one elective during autumn, year two.
- Four courses offered: Students choose two electives during winter, year two.
- Four courses offered: Students choose two electives during spring, year two.
All elective courses are determined based on the interest survey completed by the Hybrid MBA students. Most often, the areas of highest interest include Finance, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Leadership, and Data Analytics. It’s important to note that elective courses are, most likely, only offered once during the second year, so if a student sees an elective they want, they should take it when they have the opportunity.
To learn more about how the Hybrid MBA program works, take a look at this infographic designed by the Foster School.
Foster Partners with MLT to Help Underrepresented Students
In an effort to improve access to education, skills, coaching and connections for underrepresented students, the Foster School of Business partnered with Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT). MLT is a well-respected national business leadership program with a powerful and professional network of peers, mentors and senior leaders looking to create a diverse, equitable and thriving community. Foster became the 31st school to join MLT and the 14th Premier Partner school. Continue reading…
Washington Business Ranked Best in U.S. for 2017
For 11 years, CNBC has ranked the nation’s states to determine which are the most economically competitive. After months of data analysis—reviewing more than 60 measures of competitiveness from taxes to regulatory climate and quality of the workforce—Washington came out as “America’s Top State for Business in 2017.” Continue reading…
