The University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium is excited to announce the launch of two new MBA emphases, in leadership and financial decision making, beginning in Fall 2025. These new emphases build on the success of the healthcare management pathways introduced in Fall 2023. The healthcare management pathways have been highly successful in supporting students looking to advance their careers in the healthcare sector, and the program is now expanding its offerings to meet the growing demand for MBA specializations in leadership and finance-focused topics.
Recent studies by Ruffalo Noel Levitz and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) indicate a strong preference among students for MBA programs with specializations, which have seen increased enrollment. The UW MBA Consortium has observed a similar trend. Between 2020 and 2024, over 90% of first-term students expressed interest in pursuing a specialized MBA degree. Additionally, prospective students often emphasize the importance of strengthening financial management and leadership skills when considering an MBA program. These skills become particularly crucial as they progress in their careers.
The leadership emphasis is designed for professionals who aspire to lead diverse teams and drive organizational success. Students in this emphasis will develop the skills to manage change effectively, foster inclusive workplaces, and navigate complex organizational challenges. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting General and Operations Manager roles as one of the top five occupations for job growth between 2023 and 2033, this emphasis provides a strategic advantage for students looking to step into leadership roles across industries.
Similarly, financial acumen is an essential skill for professionals at all levels. The emphasis in financial decision making focuses on helping students deepen their understanding of financial integrity, compliance, performance, and reporting, enabling them to make strategic and informed financial decisions within organizations. Often, students occupy roles where they consume financial data to drive decisions. This emphasis is designed to meet that growing need.
“The introduction of these new emphases in leadership and financial decision making reflects our commitment to equipping students with the critical skills needed to excel in today’s dynamic business environment. By offering specialized pathways, we are not only responding to industry demands but also empowering our students to become effective leaders and informed decision makers in their respective fields,” says Paula Lentz, UW MBA Consortium academic director.
By embedding specializations within the existing 36-credit structure, students can gain targeted expertise without extending their time in the program. Additionally, offering these emphases strengthens the UW MBA Consortium’s position among regional and national peers while meeting the evolving needs of students and employers. According to U.S. News & World Report, 12 of the top 20 online MBA programs in 2025 include a specialization with a leadership focus, and many leading programs also offer finance-focused pathways.