Curriculum

The Evening MBA curriculum at the University of Washington Foster School of Business builds broad business leadership capability through integrated coursework, applied learning, and a structured schedule designed for working professionals. Build cross-functional business knowledge while your career keeps moving forward.

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How the Evening MBA Curriculum Is Structured

The curriculum includes core coursework, electives, and applied learning experiences.

Lockstep core curriculum with elective flexibility

The Evening MBA follows a lockstep structure for core coursework (in-person Tuesday/Thursday evenings), where you progress through the foundational curriculum together as a cohort. This approach ensures a consistent, integrated learning experience across business disciplines and strengthens collaboration with your peers.

Elective courses allow you to customize your MBA experience around your unique career goals and interests. Choose from courses that meet in person each week throughout the quarter or online courses that begin with a one-time, in-person immersion.

Core Curriculum

Build knowledge across key business areas, including:

• Finance and accounting
• Marketing
• Strategy
• Operations and supply chain management
• Economics and global business environment
• Leadership, management and communication
• Data, analytics, modeling and decision-making
• Applied and integrated business learning

View full list of core course descriptions

Electives and Customization

Tailor your MBA experience through electives aligned with professional goals and areas of interest.

View full list of electives

2-Year Standard

3-Year Flex

MBA Specializations

Build focused expertise in an area of business that supports your career goals. MBA specializations group courses or electives beyond the core curriculum to help you deepen your knowledge and skills in a field that interests you.

Explore MBA specializations and availability by program

Leadership and Applied Learning in the Evening MBA

Leadership development and applied learning are integrated throughout the Evening MBA experience. You will build skills in communication, collaboration, and decision-making through coursework, team-based learning, and real-world application.

Teamwork is central to the program. You will work in study teams across core and elective courses, participate in case competitions, and collaborate on projects that reflect real-world business environments.

Experiential learning opportunities, including consulting projects, applied coursework and global experiences, allow you to apply concepts in practical settings while developing leadership and problem-solving capabilities.

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Career Preparation and Outcomes

In the Evening MBA, you will develop skills in:

• Strategic thinking
• Cross-functional decision-making
• Leadership and collaboration
• Real-world problem solving

See how the Evening MBA supports career outcomes and long-term advancement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you study in the Evening MBA?
Core business disciplines including finance, marketing, strategy, operations, and analytics, plus leadership and communication skills, with electives and specializations to tailor your degree to your goals. Alongside the coursework, you’ll build career-relevant experience through case competitions, consulting projects, and a small in-person cohort that becomes a lasting professional network.

Who is the Evening MBA designed for?
The Evening MBA is designed for working professionals who want to grow into greater leadership responsibility without pausing their careers. It’s built for people who want a consistent, in-person cohort experience two evenings a week and the flexibility to set their own pace: a full course load over two years, or a lighter load spread across three. It’s a strong fit if you’re looking to build new skills and expand your network while you’re still working. In fact, 73% of students change roles while enrolled.

How is the curriculum structured?
Your required core coursework is in person with your cohort, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:30 PM on campus. From there, you’ll round out your degree with electives (in person or online with an immersion) and applied learning.

What does “online with an immersion” mean?
It means the specialization electives are mostly online, with structured coursework you complete on your own schedule, but each one includes a required in-person session, an immersion, where you meet your instructor and classmates on campus for a concentrated, applied component of the course. It gives you the flexibility of online learning while preserving the in-person connection Foster is known for.

How many hours per week should I expect to commit?
Plan on roughly 15 to 20 hours a week total, including class time. Beyond your scheduled sessions Tuesday and Thursday evenings, that includes meeting with your study team, completing homework, and studying for exams.

How should I choose between the 2-year model and the 3-year Flex?
Both paths are the same degree, same curriculum, same price. The only difference is pace. Two years means a full course load each quarter; three years spreads that same coursework more lightly. Choose based on how much room you need in your schedule.

Is it possible to stretch out the program beyond the 3-year model?
Yes, within limits. Core courses are lock-step with your cohort and can’t be spaced out, but once you reach your elective coursework, you can extend your timeline further to fit your schedule. Talk to an advisor about what that would look like for you.

Can I work while completing the program?
Yes. The Evening MBA is designed for working professionals, with required core classes held Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:30 PM. Many students apply what they learn in class at work the very next day, and you can choose a two-year or three-year pace to fit the program around your job and life.

Does the program include experiential learning?
Yes. You’ll work in study teams across core and elective courses, take part in case competitions, and apply what you’re learning through consulting projects and other real-world coursework. Some students also have opportunities for global experiences as part of their electives.