When is the start date for the upcoming fall MBA cohort?
We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 on-campus and online cohorts. Apply now or submit our Request for Information form to receive more details. The start date for the in-person cohort is August 24th, 2026. Members of the online and in-person fall cohorts will participate in a mandatory orientation.What is unique about the Busch MBA?
The Busch School MBA offers two distinctive paths to fit your goals:
- On-Campus MBA – An accelerated 9-month program for early-career professionals with 0–5 years of experience, designed to launch leaders or help them pivot into new career directions.
- Online MBA – A flexible program for working professionals seeking to advance while balancing career and life commitments.
No matter the format, the Busch MBA is built for leaders who aspire not only to excel in business but to transform it as a force for good. Grounded in ethical clarity and leadership, our curriculum integrates world-class business acumen with values-driven decision-making.
We are proud to be AACSB accredited, a distinction earned by only 6% of business schools worldwide, underscoring our commitment to excellence and impact.
What is the cost and length of study?
The Busch MBA requires a total of 36 credit hours to earn the degree, made up of 24 credit hours in core courses and 12 credit hours in a specialization certificate of the student’s choosing. The on-campus program is designed as an accelerated option that can be completed in just nine months, ideal for early-career professionals. The online program offers greater flexibility, allowing completion in as little as one year or at a slower pace, depending on course availability and personal scheduling needs.
Tuition is $1,385 per credit hour. All students participate in the required International Capstone Experience, a distinctive global business study abroad opportunity that incurs additional fees.
What is the International Capstone Experience?
For the spring 2026 semester, the designated destination is Rome, Italy.
The International Capstone Experience immerses students in one of the world's leading international business cities, where global markets, multinational firms, and cross-cultural management practices intersect. Through a combination of faculty-led seminars, site visits, meetings with local executives and entrepreneurs, and cultural engagement, students examine how strategy, finance, operations, and leadership are shaped by regional and global forces. The program emphasizes experiential learning, enabling participants to connect classroom frameworks to real-world business decisions while developing cultural intelligence, ethical awareness, and a global mindset essential for leadership in an interconnected economy.
Students are responsible for arranging and providing their own travel to the destination. This is a 1.5-credit core course for online and in-person students; accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
What type of specializations are offered?
See our curriculum page for a full list of specializations that we currently offer. Students are required to finish one specialization certificate prior to graduation. Upon graduating, if students wish to choose another specialization certificate, they may do so by fulfilling the certificate requirements.When do I need to come to campus?
For the Fall 2026 in-person cohort, please arrive by August 24th, 2026. Our mandatory orientation takes place a week before classes begin. Orientation week requires full-day participation on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Orientation includes team-building exercises, program preparation, and a networking event with Busch School Alumni.
Students enrolled in the Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 online cohorts are required to attend the Fall 2026 MBA orientation.
What are the details of the internship requirement?
Students in the on-campus MBA program are required to complete an internship during the program to enhance their learning and career prospects.- Obtaining an internship: The Busch MBA Career Development team will give you the training needed to not only obtain an internship, but also to launch your career when you graduate. It is the student's responsibility to secure an internship, but you will have a support system dedicated to your success.
- What qualifies? A resume-worthy professional experience during your MBA studies or during the summer before your MBA studies begin. Typically, 120 hours of an internship or relevant part-time employment will qualify. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
- Schedule: MBA courses are intentionally scheduled in the morning to allow our students to attend their internships.
- Athletics: Current Division III athletes at Catholic University may use their athletic commitments to satisfy the internship requirement. We will work with your coach to have you take on business-related responsibilities for your team, so that your experience becomes resume-worthy.
How do I enroll in classes?
After you have submitted your enrollment deposit, you will receive instructions for accessing your Cardinal Students account. Use this account to find and register for all of the core courses listed in the curriculum page and the specialization course(s) that are required for your chosen specialization certificate. If you need assistance, please contact busch-mba@cua.edu.Are scholarships available?
Due to our competitive tuition rates, scholarships are available only to F-1 visa students, as provided by the University.
To learn more about international scholarships, contact cua-international@cua.edu.
What is the dress code?
Business Casual dress is required for all in-person classes, and business professional is required for special events.Is the MBA a STEM-designated program?
The MBA is STEM-designated with the CIP Code: 52.1399 -“Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other.”Are Graduate Assistantships available at the Busch School of Business?
No, there are currently no GA positions at the Busch School of Business.Additional Questions?
Contact our Graduate Admission office at cua-gradadmissions@cua.edu or 202-319-5149 if you have additional questions and need more information about the program.
If you would like to meet with the MBA Assistant Director, schedule an appointment here.