Once again, Willamette University’s full-time MBA program has been named as a top U.S. business school by Bloomberg Businessweek.
Willamette MBA was ranked #1 in Oregon and was one of only two schools in the Pacific Northwest named to the list. The program was ranked 74th overall, two spots higher than last year, based on compensation data, quality of curriculum, strength of networks, entrepreneurship and diversity.
Willamette was ranked 54th in the U.S. in the category of Learning, based on how students and alumni evaluated the program’s focus on real-world business situations, innovation, collaboration and problem-solving. The program was ranked 43rd for preparing graduates to pursue entrepreneurship and start a small business or start-up. Bloomberg also recognized Willamette’s diversity, ranking it 20th in the nation.
“Our continuing outstanding rankings are a testament to the hard work of the entire Atkinson community with the help of our campus partners,” said Örn Bodvarsson, Dean of the Atkinson School. “I am deeply grateful for the faculty, staff and other friends and colleagues who build and deliver our nationally-ranked program and learning environment.”
The rankings drew on survey data from alumni, students and employers. For this year’s list, Bloomberg spoke to graduates from the class of 2023, alumni from 2015–2017 and employers who recently hired Willamette graduates.
Here is what students and alumni told Bloomberg about what's best about the Willamette MBA:
- “The entrepreneurial finance courses helped me to get hands-on experience with finance and running a business that stuck with me far better than what I could learn in a textbook.”
- “Experiential learning in investments in equities and experiential learning in angel investments.”
- “Our first year PACE class. It gives us a 'risk-free' opportunity to work with a not-for-profit as a consultant and gain real-world experience in early stages of the education.”
- “Close-knit community, connections made. Top-quality teachers and staff that truly cares about students' success.”
- “PACE program was the most realistic consulting experience that really set me up for success in my career.”
