Why Northwest University?
An online Master of Business Administration degree program is offered by this small private Christian university in Kirkland, Washington.The program does not require any specific prior knowledge or experience.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Northwest University |
| Location | Kirkland |
| State | WA |
| Niche.com Grade | B+ |
| Name of Degree | Master of Business Administration |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Business |
| Credits | 36 |
| Cost per credit | 836 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $30,096.00 |
| Test Requirements | GMAT |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | none |
| Campus Visit Required? | no |
| Typical Time to Complete | 2 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | September, January |
| Program Concentrations | none |
| Synchronous classes | no |
| Required Courses | Managerial Economics ; |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | no |
| Does the program include a practicum or internship? | no |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Every course includes faith-based component; small class sizes; cohort model; practical curriculum that includes global perspectives, communication skills, critical thinking and decision-making |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Apply knowledge of the functional areas of business. Develop strategic solutions to address business problems and challenges. Create an innovative product, process or service to optimize business. Construct persuasive communication to positively influence organizational outcomes. Use project management tools and techniques to manage projects from beginning to end. Evaluate issues in business through the framework of faith and ethics. |
| Program Description | The program’s 36 credits can be completed within 2 years, including neither a required capstone nor a required internship. Taught from a Christian perspective, the curriculum is generalist and no concentrations are offered. Students learn to apply knowledge in functional business areas, develop strategic solutions, creative innovative products, communicate effectively, and use project management tools. |
What will I Learn?
The curriculum of Northwest U’s online MBA guides students through foundational concepts to practical application of skills in a variety of business contexts. All students take the same courses, with the exception of electives. Students begin with fundamentals in Organizational Management, Project Management, Marketing Management and Financial Management. While a Christian approach to management is woven through the entire curriculum, the application of faith to business is foregrounded in a course in Faith, Ethics and Business. Students gain technical skills in Intermediate Accounting for Managers, and Operations Management. They pursue independent research in a course entitled Business Innovation and Research, and further develop their leaderships skills in Applied Economics for Managers, and Corporate Strategy.
Northwest emphasizes that its curriculum highlights practical applications of business concepts to develop solutions to business problems, including the use of communication and project management skills.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 2 years and pay $$ 836 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or just under $30,096.00 for the entire degree.
How does the program fit into my life?
No campus visit is required for this program, which can be completed within two years. Northwestern offers two start dates per year: September or January.
This program is structured with a cohort or lockstep model, meaning that all students who enter the program in one intake follow the same course progression. This type of structure reduces the amount of decision-making required by students, meaning that it can help busy students save time. Additional flexibility is offered to busy students in light of Northwestern’s decision to offer all courses asynchronously. Students progress through the course material each week at their own pace, choosing when and where to complete online activities such as watching course videos, practicing skills through interactive quizzes, completing reading assignments, or meeting online with group members.
Summary
This online MBA program based at a small Christian college in Washington State offers a distinctive opportunity to work with a close-knit cohort of peers to develop practical business skills for a low cost-to-degree. The faith-based curriculum will represent an advantage to students who share this outlook, but will not be attractive to all. With no requirements for an internship or capstone, the Northwest online MBA offers fewer structured opportunities to apply learning outside of a traditional class setting and connect with employers. However this may make it easier for some students to consider balancing with other work and life obligations.
