Program Content [Overview](#programOverview) [At A Glance](#programAtGlance) [Program Details](#programDetails) [Curriculum](#programCurriculum) [FAQs](#programFAQs) [Additional Info](#programAdditionalInfo) [Contact & Apply](#programContactApply) [Request Info](#programRequestInfo) ## The MBA at The Catholic University of America is tailored for recent college graduates with less than 5 years of professional experience. Rooted in Catholic teaching, this program equips students with management expertise, practical business skills, and an ethical foundation to use business as a force for good. - [ Request Info ](#programRequestInfo) - [ Apply ](#programContactApply) - [ Visit ](#programContactApply) ## At a Glance - **National Recognition:** The only MBA that is granted by a Carnegie Research 1 institution, from an AACSB accredited business school, and endorsed by the Cardinal Newman Society. - **Boldly Catholic Leadership:** Rooted in Catholic social teaching, the MBA forms leaders committed to human dignity, ethical decision-making, and the common good. - **Academically Rigorous**: A high-quality curriculum delivered by an elite, globally accredited business school (top 6% worldwide). - **On-Campus & Online Pathways:** Complete your degree in as little as 9 months (on-campus) or flexibly online, with real-world applications, case studies, and hands-on learning. ## Program Details The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America is a distinctive graduate program designed to form principled leaders who are prepared to excel in today’s complex and competitive business environment. Rooted in the School’s mission to be boldly Catholic, academically rigorous, and highly relevant, the program integrates technical business expertise with a deep commitment to ethical leadership and the common good. ![Thumbnail for video An MBA with a Higher Purpose | The Catholic University of America](https://img.youtube.com/vi/1zbWb8l1VWA/maxresdefault.jpg) Play Video { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "VideoObject", "name": "Embedded Video", "description": "", "thumbnailUrl": "https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/1zbWb8l1VWA\/maxresdefault.jpg", "contentUrl": "", "embedUrl": "https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1zbWb8l1VWA" } #### Academically Rigorous The program is academically rigorous, offering a comprehensive 36-credit curriculum designed to build both breadth and depth in business knowledge. Students complete 24 credits of core coursework covering essential disciplines such as finance, marketing, operations, and management, alongside 12 credits in a specialized area of study, including options such as Strategic Management, Data Analytics, People Management, or Church Administration. This structure ensures that graduates develop both a strong general business foundation and targeted expertise aligned with their professional goals. #### Experiential and Professional A hallmark of the Busch School MBA is its strong emphasis on experiential learning and professional development. Courses are designed around real-world applications, including case studies, collaborative projects, and hands-on problem-solving. Students participate in leadership training, team-building exercises, and networking opportunities with alumni and industry leaders. The on-campus program also includes an internship requirement, ensuring that students gain meaningful professional experience during their studies and graduate with both knowledge and practical skills. At its core, **the Busch School MBA is grounded in Catholic social teaching**, emphasizing the dignity of the human person, solidarity, and the moral responsibilities of business. Students are challenged to think beyond profit maximization and to understand business as a vocation — one that creates value not only economically, but also socially and ethically. This distinctive formation equips graduates to lead organizations with integrity, purpose, and a clear sense of responsibility in a rapidly changing global economy. ## On-Campus and Online Formats Designed with flexibility and efficiency in mind, the MBA offers two distinct pathways. Regardless of format, students benefit from the same high-quality curriculum and values-driven approach. - On-Campus - Online **On-Campus MBA:** The On-campus MBA is an accelerated 9-month, 36-credit program for recent graduates. Rooted in Catholic teaching, it combines business skills, real-world experience, and ethical leadership. Students live and learn in D.C., gaining access to top resources and regional networks. The program focuses on the professional development of each student, both inside the classroom and beyond. Students will participate in leadership training, team-building activities, and networking events with alumni. The program also includes: - Exclusive MBA Speaker Series - Busch School CEO lectures - Dedicated Career Development Team - Visits with Company Partners - Week-long Capstone Experience in an International Location Each student is required to have an internship experience during the program to enhance their learning and career prospects. **Online MBA:** The Online MBA is designed to fit the needs of working professionals. With flexible, asynchronous online courses and world-class curriculum, this virtue-centered graduate program is designed for professional flourishing at your own pace. Unlike the in-person program, all coursework is completed online, with just two in-person components: an orientation in your first fall semester and a capstone experience abroad during your final spring semester. Students have full control over their course load and pace, taking as many credits per semester as they wish (up to 18 without special permission), with courses available in the fall and spring. The degree must be completed within five academic years, but students can pause their studies by making a simple official request. There are two in-person requirements: - Prior to your first fall semester of study, you will be required to attend an on-campus orientation to meet professors and classmates, to learn about the mission of the Busch School, and to engage in networking opportunities. - In your final spring semester, you will join our international capstone course, a week-long experience in a foreign country. In addition, the program features a distinctive international capstone experience, where students engage directly with global markets, businesses, and leaders. This immersive opportunity abroad challenges students to think strategically across cultural and economic contexts, broadening their perspective and preparing them for leadership in an interconnected world. \* *\*International capstone experience incurs an additional fee. Location to be determined each year.* Earning my master’s degree in business from the Busch School was one of the best decisions I made early in my career. Drew Zak ![Drew Zak Headshot](/sites/business.catholic.edu/files/styles/ks_featured_quote/public/2026-04/drew-zak-headshot-september-2024.jpg?h=4cc6839d&itok=rxSGJPx3) { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Earning my master\u2019s degree in business from the Busch School was one of the best decisions I made early in my career.", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Drew Zak" ,"image": "\/sites\/business.catholic.edu\/files\/2026-04\/drew-zak-headshot-september-2024.jpg" } } ![AACSB and Newman Guide logos.](/sites/business.catholic.edu/files/styles/optimized_original_size/public/2026-05/aacsb-newman-guide-together.jpg?itok=Zo_bOCCs) ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg) ## Curriculum The Master of Business Administration degree can be completed either through the full-time 9-month, in-person program or through asynchronous online education. 24 credit hours form a core curriculum that provides a comprehensive foundation in business, and 12 credits are dedicated to a specialization certificate in Strategic Management, Data Analytics, People Management, or Church Administration. *The Online MBA has two in-person requirements: A mandatory fall orientation in your first fall semester and the BUS 615 International Capstone course.* *Please note that the People Management Specialization Certificate is only available online.* **Select a pathway from the dropdowns below:** On-Campus MBA Curriculum All core courses are required. 12 credits of an approved specialization certificate are required. *To complete a specialization certificate and receive the MBA, a student must complete the required courses for that certificate. Blending certificate courses is not permitted. See the Certificate Requirements section for more information.* ### Fall MBA Courses Take 18 credits total: take all core courses and pick one specialization course (i.e. 3 credits). #### Core Courses - BUS 616 Business Law (2) - BUS 605 Catholic Social Teaching for Professionals (1) - BUS 603 Analytical Tools & Techniques (3) - BUS 601 Leading with High Purpose (3) - BUS 602 Accounting & Financial Analysis (3) - BUS 612 Leadership as Service (0) - BUS 699 Career Strategy (0) - BUS 604 Integrated Marketing & Sales (3) - ENT 519 Generative AI & Digital Transformation (3) - *Asynchronous Online* #### Specialization Courses **Strategic Management Certificate** - MGT 518 Management Communications (3) - *Asynchronous Online* **Church Administration Certificate** - EAM 514 Parish Fundraising, Capital Campaigns & Project Management (3) - *Asynchronous Online* **Data Analytics Certificate** - DA 501 Introduction to Data Science and Python (3) --- ### Spring MBA Courses Take 18 credits total: Take all core courses and pick 3 specialization courses (i.e. 9 credits). Spring courses are subject to change. #### Core Courses - BUS 617 Technology & Operations Management (3) - BUS 607 Habits, Virtues, & Excellence (1.5) - BUS 621 Business, Government & International Economy (1.5) - BUS 612 Leadership as Service (0) - BUS 615 Capstone Experience (1.5) \- This course requires international travel. \- An additional tuition fee applies to this course. \- Students are required to arrange and provide their own travel. - ENT 519 Generative AI & Digital Transformation (3) - *Asynchronous Online* #### Specialization Courses **Strategic Management Certificate** - MGT 565 Continuous Improvement & Six Sigma (3) - MGT 515 Strategic Management Practicum (3) **Church Administration Certificate** - EAM 406 Responsible Use of Technology (3) - *Asynchronous Online w/ Some In-person meetings* - EAM 515 Communication, Accountability, & Crisis Management (3) - *Asynchronous Online* - EAM XXX 3 credits of MEAM Electives - *EAM 516: Pastoral Mgmt. & Personnel (3) is encouraged* **Data Analytics Certificate** - DA 514 Applied Statistics and Data Analysis (3) - DA 515 Introduction to Machine Learning (3) - DA 5XX 3 Credit Data Analytics Elective (3) Online MBA Curriculum All core courses are required. 12 credits of an approved specialization certificate are required. *To complete a specialization certificate and receive the MBA, a student must complete the required courses for that certificate. Blending certificate courses is not permitted. See the Certificate Requirements section.* *In-person Orientation: A required week-long orientation located in Washington, DC. Occurs in mid-August the week before fall courses begin.* ### Core Courses - BUS 616 Business Law (2) - BUS 605 Catholic Social Teaching for Professionals (1) - BUS 603 Analytical Tools & Techniques (3) - BUS 601 Leading with High Purpose (3) - BUS 602 Accounting & Financial Analysis (3) - BUS 604 Integrated Marketing & Sales (3) - BUS 617 Technology & Operations Management (3) - BUS 607 Habits, Virtues, & Excellence (1.5) - BUS 606 Data Analytics Tools for Business (1.5) - BUS 621 Business, Government & International Economy (1.5) - BUS 615 Capstone Experience (1.5) | Please note that this is a required in-person course. \- This course requires international travel. \- An additional tuition fee applies to this course. \- Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel. ### Specialization Courses **Strategic Management** - MGT 518 Management Communications (3) - MGT 565 Continuous Improvement & Six Sigma (3) - ENT 519 Generative AI & Digital Transformation (3) - MGT 515 Strategic Management Practicum (3) **Church Administration** - EAM 514 Parish Fundraising, Capital Campaigns & Project Management (3) - EAM 406 Responsible Use of Technology (3) - EAM 515 Communication, Accountability, & Crisis Management (3) - EAM XXX 3 credits of MEAM Electives - *EAM 516: Pastoral Mgmt. & Personnel (3) is encouraged* **People Management** - MGT 518 Management Communication (3) - MGT 530 People Operations (3) - MGT 510 Conflict Resolution (3) - ENT 519: Generative AI & Digital Transformation (3) Specialization Certificate Requirements Students in the MBA Program are required to complete one certificate in order to graduate. Non-degree-seeking students or MBA alumni interested in pursuing additional certifications may do so by completing 12 credits per certificate. ### Data Analytics: (In-Person MBA only) - DA 501 Introduction to Data Science and Python (3) - DA 514 Applied Statistics and Data Analysis (3) - DA 515 Introduction to Machine Learning (3) - DA 5XX 3 Credit Data Analytics Elective (3) ### Strategic Management: (In-Person and Online MBA) - MGT 518 Management Communications (3) - MGT 565 Continuous Improvement & Six Sigma (3) - ENT 519 Generative AI & Digital Transformation (3) - MGT 515 Strategic Management Practicum (3) ### Church Administration: (In-Person and Online MBA) - EAM 514 Parish Fundraising, Capital Campaigns & Project Management (3) - EAM 406 Responsible Use of Technology (3) - EAM 515 Communication, Accountability, & Crisis Management (3) - EAM XXX 3 credits of MEAM Electives - *EAM 516: Pastoral Mgmt. & Personnel (3) is encouraged* ### People Management: (Online MBA only) - MGT 518 Management Communication (3) - MGT 530 People Operations (3) - MGT 510 Conflict Resolution (3) - ENT 519: Generative AI & Digital Transformation (3) ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg) ## FAQs 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](https://cuaadmissions.catholic.edu/portal/graduate) 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? 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. 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 afternoon 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. - [ See All FAQs ](/programs-admission/graduate-programs/master-business-administration-mba/mba-frequently-asked-questions) ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg) ## Additional Info ![busch students group photo overseas](/sites/business.catholic.edu/files/styles/ks_feature/public/2026-04/header-capstone-2026.png?h=f97871b5&itok=ctCzmEWl) ### International Capstone Experience The MBA capstone is an immersive experience that connects your business expertise to the world stage. While abroad, you will step into environments that challenge and inspire. You will engage with leaders, experience diverse cultures, and navigate complex markets. - [ Learn More ](/programs-admission/graduate-programs/master-business-administration-mba/international-capstone-experience) ![two female students in a study room with a bright sun shining through a large two-panel windowwindow](/sites/business.catholic.edu/files/styles/ks_feature/public/2026-04/4%2B1MBAthumbnail.jpg?h=1b66605e&itok=Zub1YyG6) ### 4+1 MBA Program The 4+1 pathway will allow undergraduate students to take MBA courses during their undergraduate studies, reducing the cost of standard tuition and the course load for the MBA by up to 33%. - [ Learn More ](/programs-admission/graduate-programs/master-business-administration-mba/41-mba) ![Class of 2025 standing for a group picture.](/sites/business.catholic.edu/files/styles/ks_feature/public/2026-05/Class%20of%202025%20Groupshot.jpg?h=1c9b88c9&itok=kjCD2xtP) ### MSB(A) to MBA Degree Pathway For Catholic University graduates with an MSB(A), we offer an MSB(A) to MBA degree conversion. - [ Learn More ](/programs-admission/graduate-programs/master-business-administration-mba/msba-mba-degree-pathway) ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg) ## Contact & Apply ### Admission Are you ready for your own journey here at Catholic University? Let’s get started. [Admission Details](/programs-admission/graduate-programs/master-business-administration-mba/mba-admissions "MBA Admissions") | [Request Info](#programRequestInfo) | [Apply](/programs-admission/graduate-programs/master-business-administration-mba/mba-admissions "MBA Admissions") ### Visit the Busch School Schedule a visit tailored for where you are in your academic process. We are excited to host you on campus soon! [Visit Us](/programs-admission/visit "Visit") ### Get in Touch Contact our Graduate Admission office at 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](https://calendly.com/d/cm8f-8jb-ktg). ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg) ## Request Information Loading... /* 1) ? 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