While Foster MBA students do not choose a formal concentration, the program does offer several optional certificates, programs, specializations, and concurrent degrees you can pursue as electives. The Foster Full-time MBA offers opportunities to customize your education beyond the core curriculum. Students can pursue certificates, concurrent degrees, independent study projects and coursework across the University of Washington to explore their interests and support their career goals.
Explore the options below to learn more about these opportunities.
Develop your own course
Working with a faculty member or a company, you can develop an independent study course to explore a specific area and earn credit toward your degree. Many students complete finance, strategy or marketing projects for local and international firms. Learn more about developing your own non-MBA course.
Focus your degree with courses outside the School of Business
Pursue an individual career path by taking up to four 4-credit courses (16 credits) relevant to your MBA goals at other schools and colleges within the University of Washington. For example, students have augmented their MBA studies with courses in international studies, public affairs, real estate and public health to name a few.
Enhance your MBA studies with a specialized certificate. Certificate programs provide an opportunity to focus your learning goals beyond the classroom. Contact the respective certificate program office for more information on the application process and certificate requirements.
Michael G. Foster School of Business Certificates
Integrated into the Foster School curriculum, these certificates allow students to deepen their knowledge in specific areas:
- Entrepreneurship Certificate from the Arthur W. Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship
- Certificate in Global Business from the Global Business Center (GBC)
University of Washington Certificates
The following programs are not part of the Foster School curriculum. Contact the respective certificate program office for more information on the application process and certificate requirements.
If your long-term interests span several academic disciplines, a multiple degree or concurrent degree program may be the right choice for you. To be eligible, students must apply to and be accepted by both programs. Although estimated time frames for degree completion are provided below, the UW MBA Program Office suggests that students will have a more enjoyable experience if they extend their studies beyond these minimums.
| MBA/JD Program | Four-year program |
| MBA/MHA Program | Three-year program |
| MBA/MPAcc Program – Auditing and Assurance | Three-year program |
| MBA/MPAcc Program- Taxation | Three-year program |
| MBA/MAIS (International Studies) | Three-year program |
| MBA/MAIS (Japan Studies) | Three-year program |
| MBA/MAIS (Korean Studies) | Three-year program |
Specialize your degree with UW courses You can pursue an individual career path by taking courses at other schools and colleges at the University of Washington or by arranging a custom concurrent degree. To be eligible, students must apply to and be accepted by both degree programs.
Other UW Schools and Colleges
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Built Environments
- School of Dentistry
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- College of the Environment
- College of Forest Resources
- Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies
- Information School
- School of Law
- School of Medicine
- School of Nursing
- School of Pharmacy
- Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine
- School of Social Work