With several growing industry sectors and 87 degree-granting higher education institutions, Washington offers a host of options for MBA students interested in marketing, information technology, healthcare, and other fast-growing career areas. The page below introduces you to Washington's top distance learning MBA programs and advises you on school accreditation standards, career and salary opportunities, and MBA concentration options. This information will help you choose wisely and invest your time in the program that will best prepare you for leadership in one of Washington's many exciting, cutting-edge business sectors.
Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in Washington
The top industries in Washington cover a variety of areas. The Seattle area is home to major international corporations like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, and Boeing maintains plants in both Everett and Renton. The Puget Sound has two major ports, while eastern and central Washington serve as home to the state's major agricultural growing areas. Washington agricultural products include apples, grapes for winemaking, and hops used in beer production.
According to the Employment Security Department of Washington, in-demand careers include healthcare and social assistance, bioscience, business services, computer, internet and software related data services, and sustainable energy and environmentally driven services. From 2010-2018, the state population grew by 12%, and in 2019 U.S. News & World Report named Washington as the best state to live in and ranked its economy third in the nation.
Washington's GDP grew by 5.7% in 2018 — almost double the national average — and the state expects continued growth in the coming years. Earning an online MBA in Washington can help students take advantage of this growth and find jobs with leading corporations.
| Company | Location | Main Industry | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing Co | Everett | Aircraft Manufacturing | 39,000 |
| Microsoft Corp | Redmond | Computer Software | 20,000 |
| Boeing Renton | Renton | Aircraft Manufacturing | 16,774 |
Source: Career One Stop
Earning an online MBA in Washington can help prepare you for a career at one of the above companies. An MBA provides technical business and management knowledge that transfers to many fields, including engineering, manufacturing, and software development. Employers also value the soft skills an MBA provides, such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Lastly, the best online MBA programs in Washington provide invaluable networking opportunities with fellow classmates, as well as with local companies that recruit employees from programs in the state.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
Careers for MBA Grads in Washington
MBA Concentrations for Washington Students
Although a general MBA may suit students unsure about their desired career path and industry context, many MBA programs feature concentrations that encourage industry or field specialization. Concentrations can render MBA graduates more attractive to potential employers.
Students planning careers as information systems managers, a lucrative career path in a growing industry sector in Washington, should consider pursuing an MBA concentration in information systems, technology, or security. Similarly, MBA graduates with a marketing concentration gain a competitive edge over general MBA candidates for Washington's growing number of well-compensated marketing manager positions.
Meanwhile, an online MBA in healthcare management and administration equips aspiring medical and health services managers with the knowledge base and tools they need for success in Washington's growing global health industry. As you research online MBA programs, consider programs offering the MBA specialization options most closely aligned with your career goals, like an MBA in hospitality management.
Online MBA Programs in Surrounding States
Washington's Best Online MBA Programs
Read on to uncover the four best online MBA programs in Washington. Each school on our ranking holds national or regional accreditation, and some may also hold accreditation from additional relevant agencies. Accreditation, an independent evaluation process, recognizes colleges and universities meeting the most rigorous academic standards. The accrediting agencies that have endorsed the programs on our list of online MBAs in Washington include:
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
How to Choose a Quality MBA Program
