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The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a professional degree for the student preparing for a career in the business world. The cross-functional/interdisciplinary program exposes the student to each of the functional areas of business combined with a specialization in a specific area of business. Areas of specialization include corporate finance and investment banking, applied security analysis, arts administration, brand and product management, general management, marketing research, operations and technology management, real estate and urban land economics, risk management and insurance, strategic human resource management, and supply chain management.

Founded in 1900, the School of Business established one of the first five business programs in the nation. That entrepreneurial spirit remains strong. 

As a student in the School of Business, you will find yourself inspired by peers, staff, alumni, business leaders, and world-renowned faculty who are focused, collaborative, and engaged in every aspect of the student experience. You will join a highly ranked program that equips you to meet both academic and career challenges. Employers value School of Business graduates because of the comprehensive preparation this learning environment provides. Graduates possess highly sought-after general management and specialized expertise in business. 

Joining collaborative, inspiring, trustworthy, and progressive School of Business alumni, Business Badgers graduate prepared to lead their organizations to success and transform the world of business. Together Forward!

Professional MBA

The School of Business offers the Professional MBA—a part-time program that allows students to complete an MBA while continuing full-time employment. The professional MBA is a flexible, 50% on-campus, 50% online program, which can be completed in two to five years. Classes meet on campus one weekend per month, and virtually throughout the school year. Students earn badges in business areas important to them and gain strategic insights to help them throughout their career.

Admissions

Students apply to the Master of Business Administration in Business: General Management through one of the named options:

Funding

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

Students in the Evening MBA program should see the Student Affairs program staff to discuss funding options and availability.

Prospective students to the Executive MBA program should see the program website for funding information. 

Prospective students to the Professional MBA program should see the program website for funding information.

On This Page

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements, in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Major Requirements

Curricular Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement 44 credits
Minimum Residence Credit Requirement 22 credits
Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement See Named Options for policy information.
Overall Graduate GPA Requirement 3.00 GPA required.
Refer to the Graduate School: Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1203.
Other Grade Requirements n/a
Assessments and Examinations No required assessments or examinations beyond course requirements.
Language Requirements No language requirements.

Required Courses

Select a Named Option for courses required.

Named Options

A named option is a formally documented sub-major within an academic major program. Named options appear on the transcript with degree conferral. Students pursuing the MBA in Business: General Management must select one of the following named options:

Policies

Students should refer to one of the named options for policy information:

Professional Development

Graduate School Resources

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

Learning Outcomes

  1. Strategic problem solving: Demonstrate the ability to diagnose and solve problems by drawing on accumulated knowledge, understanding correlation vs. causation, integrating inductive and deductive reasoning, and being aware of perceptual and conceptual biases.
  2. Managing ambiguity: Demonstrate the ability to lead and operate effectively with uncertainty and conflicting directions in an unpredictable situation or environment.
  3. Effective communication: Demonstrate skills in presenting ideas and reasoning effectively and persuasively in a business setting, through both written and oral means. Develop skills in sending and receiving information in a logical manner while considering the audience and the nature of the information.
  4. Transformational leadership: Demonstrate an understanding of leadership skills that empower, influence, motivate, and stimulate creative problem solutions and innovative ideas.
  5. Cultural competence and perspective: Understand the advantages of a diverse and inclusive workforce, and demonstrate the cultural competencies necessary to manage such a workforce. Exhibit openness, awareness, appreciation, and ability to adjust to diversity across cultures and markets; seeking experiences to explore intercultural and socio-cultural systems.

Accreditation

AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Accreditation status: Accredited. Next accreditation review: 2026-2027.