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Early Career, MBA

Looking for a one year MBA? The Early Career MBA is an in-person, cohort program designed specifically for young adults who are in the early stages of their careers and who have a non-business bachelor’s degree.

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About this Program

One-Year, Early Career MBA: Jumpstart Your Career in Business

The one-year Early Career MBA through Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics provides you with the strong academic foundation of an MBA along with the hands-on experience and carefully crafted career guidance to help you propel your career forward.

Specifically designed for non-business undergraduates with less than three years of work experience, you’ll gain business acumen and skills to fast-track your career journey, pivot to a new business-focused career, or even get the know-how to start your own business.

With the Early Career MBA, you’ll develop cross-functional business knowledge and high-demand leadership skills. You will boost your employability, increase your earning potential and position yourself for accelerated career growth tailored to the Seattle job market and beyond.

You’ll expand your knowledge, influence and leadership potential, explore career paths and professional purpose, and prepare yourself to go out into the world, ready to do good things.

Early Career MBA at a Glance

Learn how the Early Career MBA will contribute to your career goals, explore course requirements and see how impactful it could be for your career.

Embarking on an early career MBA journey is a transformative and strategic decision for you, someone eager to accelerate your professional growth. The Early Career MBA program is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of business principles, essential management skills, and leadership acumen. The curriculum is tailored to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, enabling you to immediately apply newfound skills in real-world scenarios.

Unlike traditional MBA candidates with years of work experience, you will enter the program shortly after completing your undergraduate degree. This path offers a unique opportunity to build a strong foundation of business knowledge early on, setting the stage for a dynamic career trajectory.

The Early Career MBA program is designed to provide students with a strong academic foundation, guided professional development and the hands-on experience needed to succeed in a variety of careers and industries. With an eye to developing future leaders, the program is constructed with the following competencies in mind:

LC1. Analyze contemporary business challenges (including topics such as sustainability, equity and/or technology) using qualitative and/or quantitative skills.

LC2. Identify business problems or opportunities, generate alternative solutions, and recommend a course of action.

LC3. Recognize and critically analyze ethical dilemmas in business and defend a course of action.

LC4. Communicate effectively across audiences.

LC5. Critically examine your interpersonal skills to add value to your teams and/or organizations.

LC6. Formulate a career direction based on your professional interests and strengths.

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

91%

Job Placement Rate

For Early Career MBA Graduates

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12-Month Program

Complete Early Career MBA in only one year

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2 in 3 Students

Receive Scholarships for the Early Career MBA program

An MBA for Non-business Majors

An Early Career MBA Designed for You

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Unique, Full-Time MBA Curriculum Design

Learn solid business skills and explore career possibilities through MBA course work. Learn about leadership through guest speakers and by attending the Albers’ Executive Speaker Series and plan for your future career through a carefully crafted set of career development activities organized by the Albers Career Center, including workshops, resume reviews, individual career counseling, mock interviews, and career fairs.

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Expanded Career Options

Develop the broad-based critical thinking skills and business knowledge that employers are seeking in new employees. Build your professional experience through experiential activities, class consulting projects, and internships, participate in the Albers’ Mentor Program, and connect with alumni and business leaders through on-campus activities and networking events.

Early Career MBA Cohort

Cohort Program

In Seattle University's Early Career MBA program, you will learn as much from your peers as you will from your instructors. You’ll benefit from a diverse cohort, fostering a collaborative learning environment where you can exchange ideas and perspectives with peers from various backgrounds, while broadening your network and building rewarding and lasting relationships.

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Personal Attention from Exceptional Faculty

Skilled in both industry and scholarly research, our expert faculty merge theory and hands-on experience in the classroom. With cohorts averaging from 25 students, you’ll receive personal attention from professors and staff who truly care about your success.

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Downtown Seattle Location

There's no place like Seattle. Live, learn, and earn your one-year Early Career MBA degree in the heart of the city while exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Benefit from Seattle’s proximity to numerous multinational companies and business headquarters, which offers excellent access to business executives and job opportunities in a variety of growing industries.

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Values-Driven Education

At Albers, we champion the responsibility of business to create a better society. Students are taught to be leaders who are committed to making a difference above and beyond the bottom line. Join us in our mission to develop ethical, inclusive and innovative business leaders who lead and manage for the good of their organizations, society and the planet.

Tech-Forward Alumni Network for Career Connections

Over 70% of Albers graduates work within the state, helping to facilitate internships and career connections. As an Albers student, you have a gateway to the Pacific Northwest tech community through the Albers Mentor program and partnerships with the Puget Sound region’s top business professionals.

Explore Our Career and Networking Opportunities

Albers is connected to over 81,000 alumni in 42 states and 88 nations. Our connections open pathways that help you take the fast track to leadership in your chosen field.

Albers Career Center Networking & Career Events

Hear From Our Alumni

Kenny He, ECMBA Alumni

Kenny He—Consultant, Nextant LLC

“The Early Career MBA program helped me gain a lot of new skills, qualifications, and work experiences in a relatively short period of time; I was able to reposition myself in the workforce, transition into a new industry and accelerate my career. The program is career-driven, providing a myriad of learnings, experiences and opportunities that directly translate into what I do in my new job today. It was a busy year filled with opportunities, adventures and friendships, for which I am grateful.”

BA Screen Arts and Cultures ’15, University of Michigan; Bridge (Early Career) MBA '22

Catherine Nguyen, ECMBA Alumni

Catherine Nguyen—Clinical Research Project Coordinator, Benaroya Research Institute

“Combining my undergraduate biology degree with the business knowledge from the ECMBA program has been transformative. It's empowered me to return to my original field of study with a renewed perspective and a robust skill set. Leveraging the project management and administration skills acquired from the program, I not only secured a higher position but also gained the confidence needed to excel in this role and propel my career forward.”

BS Biology ’20, University of Washington; Early Career MBA ‘23

Al Weber, ECMBA Alumni

Al Weber—Nurse Navigator, MultiCare Health System

“The Early Career MBA program has significantly impacted my career, providing essential business skills and strategic thinking. I loved the hands-on projects and collaborating with a diverse cohort. The program's reputation and mentoring helped me stand out and transition from a cardiac care nurse to program manager, with a path to director-level roles.”

BS Nursing ’20, Seattle University; Early Career MBA ‘24

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Get In Touch

Get in-depth, personalized program information from an expert. Share your career goals and decide on next steps with our specialized admissions team.

Carolyn Auvil Cubillos

Senior Graduate Student Recruitment Specialist

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