Curriculum
The Full-time MBA curriculum at the University of Washington Foster School of Business builds broad business leadership capability through integrated coursework, applied learning and an immersive full-time format. Students develop cross-functional business knowledge with a strong emphasis on strategic thinking, leadership and global business.
Program Overview
The Full-time MBA is designed for students who want an immersive graduate business experience that combines integrated core coursework, leadership development and experiential learning. During the first year, students complete a shared core curriculum that builds a strong foundation across business disciplines. In the second year, students customize the program through electives aligned with their career goals and areas of interest.
Students learn through close collaboration with faculty, classmates and industry professionals, while gaining opportunities to apply classroom concepts in Seattle and global business settings.
Program at a Glance
- Degree: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Credits: 88
- Format: Full-time
- Duration: 2 years
- Schedule: Daytime and evening weekday classes, in-person
- Location: UW campus in Seattle
How the Full-time MBA Curriculum Is Structured
The curriculum includes integrated core coursework, electives and applied learning experiences.
Core Curriculum
Students build knowledge across key business areas, including:
- Finance and accounting
- Marketing
- Strategy
- Operations and supply chain management
- Economics and global business environment
- Leadership, teams and organizations
- Data, analytics and decision-making
- Applied and integrated business learning
Year 1 and Year 2 Progression
The first year emphasizes integrated core coursework and team-based learning. In the second year, students expand their learning through electives aligned with their professional goals, while completing final core coursework in areas such as ethics and global economic conditions.
Year 1 Curriculum
Autumn Quarter
Financial Reporting and Analysis
Corporate Finance
Marketing Strategy
Competitive Strategy
Leadership Development & Building Effective Teams
Winter Quarter
Statistics for Business Decisions
Microeconomic Analysis
Leading Teams and Organizations
Applied Strategy
Professional Communications
Spring Quarter
Managerial Accounting
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Decision Support Models
Data Management for Analytics
Required Degree Activities
In addition to coursework, students complete degree activities that support professional growth and applied learning, including:
- Foster Professional Development
- MBA core case competition
- Summer Experience: internship or project
- International perspective activities
- Practical experience activities
Year 2 Curriculum
Electives and Customization
Students may tailor part of the MBA experience through electives aligned with career goals, industry interests and desired functional depth. The second year provides flexibility to build expertise across areas of business without requiring students to follow a single career track.
Autumn Quarter
Ethical Leadership
Winter Quarter
Analysis of Global Economic Conditions
Spring Quarter
Electives
How the full-time Format Shapes Your Experience
The Full-time MBA format is designed for students seeking an immersive and highly collaborative graduate business experience.
- Full-time weekday and evening coursework supports deep engagement with the curriculum
- The first year follows a shared core structure that builds a common business foundation
- The second year offers flexibility for electives and career-focused preparation
- Team-based learning is integrated throughout the program
- Time outside class supports professional development, career preparation and experiential learning
Leadership and Team-Based Learning in the Full-time MBA
Leadership development and team-based learning are integrated throughout the Full-time MBA experience. Students build skills in communication, collaboration and decision-making through coursework, coaching, study teams and applied practice.
Teamwork is a core part of the program. Students collaborate in core courses, consulting projects and case competitions, gaining experience working across perspectives and solving complex business problems together.
Coaching, feedback and mentoring help students continue developing their leadership and professional communication skills throughout the program.
Career Preparation and Outcomes
Students develop skills in:
- Strategic thinking
- Cross-functional decision-making
- Leadership and collaboration
- Real-world problem solving
See how the Full-time MBA supports career outcomes and long-term advancement.