UW-Whitewater Assistant Professor Balaji Sankaranarayanan, right, records a segment for his graduate-level course on Business Process Innovation and Management with Phil Novy, a technician with the College of Business and Economics on Thursday, January 7, 2015. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

U.S. News and World Report released its highly anticipated 2017 ranking of online MBA programs today, and the online MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater was ranked 16^th. Over 239 programs were scored based on five major categories: student engagement, admissions selectivity, peer reputation, faculty credential and training, and student services and technology.

UW-Whitewater’s standing amidst the country’s top 20 online MBA programs is reflective of ongoing efforts to offer exceptional learning from high quality, full-time faculty with access to the latest technology. With an excellent performance record since the program’s launch in 1998, the college has not only helped pioneer graduate-level distance learning, but has also helped perfect the delivery of rigorous curriculum in an online format.

In addition to independent rankings and awards, prospective MBA students considering an online program should investigate accreditation, which is a critical measure of quality. UW-Whitewater’s online MBA is accredited by AACSB International—the most rigorous accrediting standard globally.

Associate Dean Paul Ambrose, Ph.D., stressed, “AACSB International accreditation is the only accreditation that matters for business schools. Currently less than 5% of business schools worldwide are AACSB accredited.”

Beyond experience, performance, and independently verified quality, UW-Whitewater’s online MBA offers tremendous flexibility. The average age of students enrolled in the program is 31; most students take courses part-time while maintaining full-time employment. And with the same cost-per-credit for Wisconsin resident, out of state and international students, it also represents a superior value.

It is no surprise that the program has enjoyed strong enrollment; however, Ambrose emphasized that UW-Whitewater is focused on sustainable growth. He added, “Our goal is to grow the program while maintaining our high quality standards. We’re focused on developing well-rounded professionals to meet the demand for managerial and executive talent by employers throughout the region and beyond.”

Learn more about UW-Whitewater’s online MBA program.

Emily Gruenewald ’16 completed the UW-Whitewater online MBA program on a part-time basis while working full-time as executive director of University Alumni Relations and Development. With two children, now 2 and 6 years old, the flexibility of the program was essential to her success. (UW-Whitewater photo/Jonathon Kelley)