The District of Columbia features the highest concentration of managerial professionals in the United States. With an annual mean wage of just under $150,000, managers in Washington, D.C., earn nearly $30,000 above the national mean wage.
Business professionals across industries enjoy diverse employment opportunities in Washington, D.C. The district's top employers include the U.S. government, healthcare facilities and hospitals, and international finance corporations.
Online MBA programs in Washington, D.C. allow individuals to earn degrees on a flexible, convenient schedule. Students can complete accelerated programs in as little as 12 months, or they may take classes part time across several years. An online MBA allows entry-level and junior finance, marketing, and sales professionals to advance into leadership positions. A specialized MBA in healthcare, public administration, or international business may create even more career opportunities.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in Washington, D.C.
The greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area enjoys a thriving, robust economy. Its encouraging unemployment rate is consistent with the national average and sometimes falls even lower. Similarly, statewide employment continues to grow at a steady pace, often outperforming the national economy. This bodes particularly well for working professionals who possess advanced postsecondary credentials, like MBA degrees.
The District of Columbia's top industries — sectors like manufacturing, trade and transportation, finance, and government — follow those same favorable trends. Each sector values professionals and executives who possess the skills and knowledge developed through online MBAs in Washington, D.C. These individuals often oversee the commerce, business development, and commercial enterprise aspects of each respective field.
The business and professional services industry employs the largest number of individuals in the field, and it posts significant net gains year after year. Both the Washington Business Journal and the BLS project that this industry will continue to grow at an impressive rate in coming years, creating an especially promising career outlook for working professionals with MBAs.
The table below covers the area's top employers, including those that rely on business and professional services at nearly every level of their operations.
| Company | Location | Main Industry | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Washington University | Washington, D.C. | Education | 10,000+ |
| U.S. Department of Commerce | Washington, D.C. | Government and Commerce | 10,000+ |
| Naval Research Laboratory | Washington, D.C. | Government and Scientific Research | 7,000 |
Source:Career One Stop
Many of the available jobs in these companies and industries require extensive, advanced knowledge and an expert set of business skills. Obtaining an online MBA in Washington, D.C., lends itself to this sort of professional advancement. No degree automatically guarantees work, but professionals with these credentials gain a leg up on their competition in the labor force.
Careers for MBA Grads in Washington, D.C.
MBA Concentrations for Washington, D.C. Students
Online MBA programs in Washington, D.C., build foundational skills for leadership roles in the healthcare, government, and financial industries. Students who wish to further enhance their knowledge may benefit from specialized MBA degrees.
A public administration specialization, for example, emphasizes public policy and public science, while a finance concentration focuses on budgeting, account management, and financial strategy. Both options serve aspiring government workers at top employers like the U.S. Department of Commerce.
To learn more about MBA concentrations and how they facilitate job growth and earning potential, visit the MBA specializations hub.
Washington, D.C.'s Online MBA Programs
Colleges and universities offering online MBA programs in the District of Columbia may hold national or regional accreditation. Specialized agencies and organizations may award program-specific accreditation for MBA courses, as well.
Three agencies provide accreditation to business programs, all of which hold unique standards and aims. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business emphasizes research, while the International Council for Business Education works with programs at smaller colleges and universities. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs assesses teaching excellence, student learning outcomes, and continuous improvement.
To learn more about accreditation and its importance, refer to the MBA accreditation guide.
