Your Online Path to a Highly Respected Master's Degree in Business
With three online MBA degree options focusing in other areas of business leadership and practice, the WGU College of Business could very well be your career's crucial next step. A master's in business can be the boost your résumé needs to prepare you for promotions, raises, and new opportunities. Our business programs are finely tuned to address the most in-demand business skills needed for success in the diverse disciplines and fields making up today's constantly evolving world of business. And our master's in business alumni prove it every day, working in leadership roles from the Fortune 500 to the nonprofit industry, in the public and private sectors, and at companies large and small across the United States.
Master's in Business Degree Programs Offered at WGU
Master of Business Administration
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business...
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on...
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management, strategy, and leading teams:
- Time: 80% of graduates finish within 24 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,675 per 6-month term.
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- President and CEO
- Vice president
- Executive director
- Chief strategic officer
Our competency-based model gives you an innovative learning experience you won't find anywhere else—and our MBA grads tell us they loved accelerating their program to see a faster ROI.
College of Business
MBA Healthcare Management
Prepare for a career leading private or public healthcare...
Prepare for a career leading private or public...
Prepare for a career leading private or public healthcare organizations.
- Time: 72% of graduates finish within 24 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,675 per 6-month term.
Some careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- President and CEO
- Vice president
- Administrative director
- Chief financial officer
- Other executive-level roles
Healthcare is big business in today's complex economy. Steer your career with this specialty MBA.
Compare online business degrees
This program is not the only online business degree WGU offers that is designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees by clicking the button below.
College of Business
Master of Health Leadership
A master's focused on managing comprehensive, value-based care,...
A master's focused on managing comprehensive,...
A master's focused on managing comprehensive, value-based care, directly in line with innovations in health and healthcare.
- Time: 78% of grads finish within 18-24 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,385 per 6-month term.
Examples of careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:
- Managed care executive
- Director of integrated care management
- Health center manager/clinic manager
- Director of integrated facilities
Your rich experience in a health-related field can mean more when you bring a master's level of understanding to the problems that organizations need to solve.
Compare degrees
This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees by clicking the button below.
College of Health Professions
Accounting – M.S.
Become better qualified to pursue a greater variety of public...
Become better qualified to pursue a greater...
Become better qualified to pursue a greater variety of public and private accounting positions:
- Time: 76% of grads finish within 24 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,675 per 6-month term.
Some careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Accountant
- Accounting manager
- Internal audit manager
- Senior accountant
- Other specialized finance roles
This MAcc program is designed to prepare you for the CPA exam and also the CMA or CIA exams.
College of Business
Information Technology Management – M.S.
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead:...
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready...
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead:
- Time: 89% of graduates finish within 24 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,235 per 6-month term.
Included in your program—at no extra cost—is the opportunity to earn the valuable PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.
Maximize the opportunities that your IT career path has afforded you—earn your master's and keep moving up.
College of I.T.
Data Analytics – M.S.
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:...
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:...
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:
- Time: 72% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,235 per 6-month term.
Master data mining, visualization, and SQL—and lead analytics at the business of your choice.
College of I.T.
MBA Information Technology Management
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT...
Earn the online college degree that can move your...
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper management:
- Time: 68% of graduates finish within 24 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,675 per 6-month term.
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Chief technology officer
- Director of IT services
- Senior systems administrator
- Management information systems director
- Computer and information systems manager
Learn to navigate emergencies, execute strategies, and optimize systems with the competencies within this specialty MBA.
Compare with M.S. IT Management
College of Business
Management and Leadership – M.S.
An online master's degree focused on change management,...
An online master's degree focused on change...
An online master's degree focused on change management, innovation, and leading teams:
- Time: 62% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,675 per 6-month term.
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- President
- Vice president
- Director of operations
- Executive director
Develop a comprehensive suite of leadership skills and your confidence to navigate changing business structures.
College of Business
“WGU offers high-quality, affordable higher education, producing graduates with the right blend of knowledge, skills, and experience to succeed.” Brad Smith
President and Chief Legal Officer, Microsoft
Earning a WGU business master's degree is more than worth it. Just ask our grads—and their employers.
They're Prepared
95% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.
They're Top Candidates
96% of employers said they would hire another WGU graduate.
They Wow
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.
Source: 2020 Harris Poll survey of 300 employers
“As employers, we look for men and women who can do the job well and can do it effectively. WGU’s competency-based model means graduates have the skills and knowledge required for success in a cost-effective and efficient manner.” Brian Standing
President, CenturyLink – West Region
Drive Change in Your Community with a Scholarship to Help You Through School
Apply for the $5,000 WGU Leadership Scholarship.
Would you like to make a real difference at work and within your local community? If you’re ready to lead, we’re ready to help with the WGU Leadership Scholarship. Valued at up to $5,000, the scholarship can be applied toward any of our respected bachelor’s or master’s degrees in business, healthcare, education, and IT. Now is the time to change your life, so you can help change the lives of others. Whether you're considering a master's in business or thinking about online programs at any of the other schools at our university, this scholarship can help.
Apply for a $2,500 Master Your Future Scholarship
A master’s degree in business can give your career a boost. Plus, 95% of employers said they would hire another WGU grad.* If you apply now, you can take advantage of the Master Your Future scholarship. This scholarship awards recipients $2,500 ($625 per six-month term for up to four terms). With tuition under $4,500, this makes your dream career even more affordable.
*2019 Harris Poll
Respected Business Degrees—Great Return on Investment
Earning a graduate degree is one of the best ways to increase your earning potential, improve your job security, and expand your opportunities for career advancement. Master’s degree programs from the WGU College of Business offer a rigorous, relevant education that prepares you to become a sought-after leader in your field. A degree from one of our programs can set you up for success. Your university experience will set you on a great upward trajectory. Going to school for an advanced degree through on of our programs could pay big dividends.
MBA Graduate Salary Increase
$16,200
Master of Business Administration graduates report an average salary increase of $16,200 after completing their WGU degree.
Accounting Graduate Salary Increase
$18,700
M.S. Accounting graduates report an average salary increase of $18,700 after completing their WGU degree.
Leadership and Management Graduate Salary Increase
$10,500
M.S. Leadership and Management graduates report an average salary increase of $10,500 after completing their WGU degree.
High Student Satisfaction
WGU graduates are happy with their education:
- 96% of WGU graduates reported that they have recommended WGU to others, compared with 82% nationally.
- 85% of WGU graduates were satisfied with their overall experience, compared with 75% nationally.
Source: 2020 Harris Poll survey of 1,400 new college graduates nationwide compared with survey of 1,340 WGU graduates.
"At a time when controversy swirls around some for-profit online colleges for predatory recruiting or poor performance, Western Governors University is known for its results...WGU graduates are more likely to get jobs." Forbes Magazine
"Western Governors University: The Best-Kept Secret in Online Colleges"
You don't have time to waste. Don't worry: We're not in the business of wasting time.
You may be closer to your master's degree than you think. WGU's competency-based programs are built so that hard work, years of experience, motivation, and dedication to your studies can all add up to a faster time to completion—much faster, in many students' cases. It's because we measure your progress toward graduation by what you've learned and your ability to prove it. We don't care if you learned it through WGU's top-notch learning resources or from years of on-the-job experience—and we certainly don't care if you logged enough "semester hours" sitting in a "virtual classroom" or watching an "online lecture."
competency, noun
Demonstrated knowledge, skill, or ability required to advance in a degree program.
At WGU, course competencies are defined by an expert council, including employers.
For this course, there are 3 areas you need to prove competency in.
First, let's take a pre‑assessment.
Determine what you already know from previous work and education experience, and where you need to focus your studies. Prove your competency in 3 areas in this exercise.
Competency 1: Retrieving results...
Competency 2: Retrieving results...
Competency 3: Retrieving results...
Second, study course materials.
Click on the free learning resources created by education experts that will help you master the competencies.
E-textbook
Web-based Tutorials
Online Classes
Simulations
Learning Communities
Course Mentors
Result:
“The moment I started my MBA at WGU, I got promoted as a director of IT. Now, with my new skills and credentials, I'm hoping for a C-level position.” Manjit Sooch
MBA IT Management
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Master's Degrees
What can I do with a master's degree in business?
There are many career opportunities for those with a master's degree in business, including:
- Sales manager
- Marketing manager
- Financial manager
- Project manager
- Director
- Vice president
- CPA
- CEO
- COO
- CFO
Is a master's in business worth it?
For many students a master's degree in business is well worth any time and cost. An advanced degree, particularly in the business field, can lead to a raise, promotion, or a new opportunity. WGU students boast salary increases of at least $10,000 after graduating with a master's degree in business. A master's degree in business from a respected university can enhance your credentials and skills, boost your résumé and prepare you for an exciting future.
Is it better to get a master's or an MBA?
The best business program for you will greatly depend on your desired career goals. It's valuable to understand which type of courses and credentials are most desired for specific careers. For some, a master's degree in accounting will be crucial. For others, an MBA with a specialization may be the best option. Review the coursework for a program and the accreditation of a university when deciding which type of business master's degree is best for you.
How many years is a master's degree in business?
In a traditional university, a business master's degree program will be approximately 2 years. However, there are many online university programs that offer master's degrees in business and allow you to accelerate your courses. For example, at Western Governors University students can accelerate their business program and most finish within 18 months.