Central Washington University

What you'll study

The MBA in Management and Operations combines core MBA foundations with specialised courses that address operations strategy, process improvement and managerial decision-making. Core topics typically include managerial accounting and finance, organisational behaviour, marketing strategy, business ethics and strategic management.

• Operations Management: process design, capacity planning, production and service operations, quality management (including Lean and Six Sigma principles).
• Supply Chain and Logistics: procurement, distribution, inventory management and logistics strategy across manufacturing and service sectors.
• Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis: decision modelling, forecasting, operations research and business analytics for operational decision support.
• Project and Change Management: planning and controlling projects, organisational change, stakeholder engagement and risk management.
• Strategic Leadership: strategic planning, competitive analysis and leading high-performance teams.
• Capstone or Applied Project: a practicum, consulting project or capstone that integrates functional areas to solve a real organisational problem.

Students can typically choose electives that match their interests—examples include human resource management, entrepreneurship, information systems, global operations, and sustainability in operations. The programme emphasises applied learning through case studies, simulations, team projects and opportunities to work with regional employers.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited institution. Admission typically considers academic transcripts, a current résumé or CV, and a personal statement that outlines professional goals and reasons for pursuing the MBA.

• Relevant professional experience is often recommended for applicants seeking full-time or leadership-track study, though recent graduates with strong academic records may also be admitted.
• Standardised test scores (GMAT/GRE) may be required in some cases, but waivers are commonly available for applicants with substantial professional experience or a strong undergraduate record.
• Two professional or academic references are usually requested to support the application.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved alternatives and must provide official academic credential documentation.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MBA in Management and Operations go on to leadership and specialist roles across industry, public sector and non-profit organisations. Common career paths include:

• Operations Manager, Plant Manager or Operations Director overseeing daily production and service delivery.
• Supply Chain Manager or Logistics Manager responsible for procurement, distribution and inventory optimisation.
• Project Manager leading cross-functional projects, process improvements and implementations.
• Business Analyst or Management Consultant advising on efficiency, strategy and organisational performance.
• Product or Programme Manager combining operational knowledge with market and strategic insight.

The programme also prepares graduates for entrepreneurial ventures by combining operational know-how with finance, marketing and strategy skills. Alumni find roles in manufacturing, healthcare, technology, retail, government and professional services.

Why study at Central Washington University

Central Washington University offers a learning environment that emphasises personalised instruction and applied, career-relevant skills. Classes are typically smaller than at large metropolitan universities, allowing close interaction with faculty who bring both academic and industry experience to their teaching.

• Flexible delivery options are often available, including evening and hybrid or online formats suited to working professionals.
• Students benefit from applied projects and partnerships with regional businesses, giving direct experience of operational challenges in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
• The campus community supports networking and professional development through career services, industry guest speakers, student organisations and alumni connections.

Overall, the MBA in Management and Operations at Central Washington University is intended for those who want practical, hands-on preparation for leadership roles that improve organisational performance and operational effectiveness.