The Olin Business School MBA: What You Need To Know
Founded in 1917, Washington University’s Olin Business School offers students a MBA in a supportive, collaborative, and driven environment. Through their values-based and data-driven approach, they equip students to lead in an ever-evolving and connected world.
Student and 2021 graduate Kendra Kelly speaks to the culture at the Graduate Programs Graduation Recognition Ceremony. “Our class is assertive, self-assured yet humble, hard-working, ambitious, and primed to make good on our mission to be values-based, data-driven business leaders. As we go out into the world, I implore you all to remember that our tight-knit bond is our superpower and that much of the greatness we have achieved in this program is the result of this village— a wonderfully diverse village comprised of nearly 50% women, over 40% international students, many races, socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientations. We have seen repeatedly that we are our best when we work together.”
Olin is quite successful at emphasizing entrepreneurship ranked number 1 in MBA programs by Poets&Quants four years in a row (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023). The program starts with foundational studies in the values based, data driven™ decision-making that underpins our program. Throughout the program, students develop an entrepreneurial spirit as they learn how to formulate the right problem and ask the right questions when evaluating business decisions.
Olin’s classes of 90-100 students take 67 credit hours of core curriculum and electives, including a global immersion that consists of three courses delivered on three continents. These experiences give students a better understanding of the cultural contexts in which businesses operate and how they adapt to these differences. In their second year, students are able to concentrate on electives to cater their studies on individual interests and areas of focus.
Students can focus on concentrations in consulting, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing and supply chain, as well as options for a STEM MBA and STEM-designated dual degrees in the same amount of time as the MBA alone. All students take part in experiential learning and have entrepreneurial opportunities including team-based consulting projects.
Many opportunities exist that allow students to apply classroom learning to real-world problems. Most Olin MBA students participate in an internship, more than 50% complete a practicum, and many students take part in competitions and student clubs. The Center for Experiential Learning facilitates hands-on learning through student-led consulting projects, giving students the chance to broaden their perspective and build confidence to operate beyond their comfort zone. The Weston Center also provides professional development opportunities for students through engagement opportunities such as networking and recruiting events.
Olin Business School MBA Rankings Data
Olin Business School MBA Employment Stats
Olin has not published in its employment report its top employers, preferring to list all of the firms that hired the school’s graduates.
MBA Program Consideration Set:
Stretch Schools: Indiana, USC, Georgetown
Match Schools: Minnesota, Notre Dame, Rice, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Michigan State, University of Washington, Brigham Young
Safe Schools: Southern Methodist, Rochester, Maryland, Boston University, Purdue
Notes: MBA Program Consideration Set: If you believe you’re a close match to this school–based on your GMAT and GPA scores, your age and work experience, you should look at these other competitive full-time MBA programs as well. We list them by stretch, match, and safety. These options are presented on the basis of brand image and ranking status.
Relevant Features
2020 Best & Brightest MBAs: Rebecca Matey, Washington University (Olin)
