Business is everywhere

It's everywhere — at your favorite boutique, your neighborhood gym, your doctor’s office and even your local gas station. Business is the backbone of nearly every industry from insurance, construction and banking to manufacturing and investments. At the Washburn University Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business, we prepare students to thrive in this dynamic landscape. Our comprehensive curricula will develop the skills today’s employers value most, making us a top destination for students pursuing a business degree, MBA or MAcc in Kansas. With dedicated, experienced faculty and a commitment to innovation, we provide hands-on learning and real-world experiences that bridge the classroom to a successful career.

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A business student at graduation

Fast-track your MBA: Early admission means you start sooner, graduate faster

Get a head start on your business career through our Master of Business Administration (MBA) 3+2 program. This streamlined pathway allows high-achieving students to gain early admission into the MBA program, enabling you to begin graduate-level coursework while completing the final requirements of your undergraduate degree.

You will earn both your bachelor's and MBA degree in just five years – saving you time and money. Whether your goal is to lead a company, start your own venture or make an impact in the corporate sector, the MBA 3+2 program is designed to prepare you for real-world success sooner than you imagined.
A group of business students talk in the hallway.

Top 15%

Major Test Field

Our BBA students score, overall, in top 15%.

 AACSB logo

Top 6%

AACSB Accreditation

Only top 6% of all business programs have earned this accreditation.

Develop your business acumen at Washburn

Discover your path to success with the wide variety of business programs offered at Washburn University. Whether you are drawn to marketing, management, entrepreneurship, finance, economics or accounting, our programs are designed to help you build a strong foundation in business knowledge while developing critical skills like problem-solving, communication, leadership and strategic thinking.

With hands-on learning, expert faculty and real-world opportunities, you will be prepared to thrive in today’s competitive business world. Explore the full list of programs to find the one that fits your goals.

Student organizations

Community involvement

Applied portfolio management

Research

Internship opportunities in Topeka

Two students talk about an assignment with a laptop between them.

Finance & banking

  • Break into the business world with a banking and finance internship. By exploring the inner workings of banks, financial institutions and investment firms, you will have a competitive edge as you begin your professional journey.
A business student

Sales & marketing

  • Internships in business and sales provide a head start on your business career. Washburn works with multiple companies who will help you stand out, sell smart and succeed early.
An overhead of a group of students studying at a table.

Government & economics

  • Step into the heart of policy and power with an internship in government or economics. From local offices to national agencies, you will contribute to projects that impact communities, influence legislation and shape economic policy.
Students observing art in an art gallery.

Arts & culture

  • Combine your business skills with creative energy of museums, galleries and non-profits. These internships offer hands-on experience, allowing you to support artistic missions while building real-world skills.

Business competitions

At the Brenneman School of Business, you have many opportunities to put your skills to the test through a wide range of academic, creative and professional competitions. Pitch your best business idea or develop strategic plans that address real-world social issues. These competitions not only strengthen your resume - they help you grow as a leader, communicator and problem-solver in today’s fast-paced business environment.

A student presents in front of a group of other students.

Pitch Competition

  • Explore and express your business ideas in three minutes or less! Open to all Washburn students. GO Topeka provides $25,000 in cash prizes that help students start a new business venture.
Community Innovation Challenge

Community innovation challenge

  • The challenge encourages students to develop business ideas that focus on solving social issues facing our community. Topeka Community Foundation provides $25,000 in prizes.
Two business students.

Student business accelerator fund

  • The fund (SBAF) is designed to create a culture of entrepreneurship at Washburn. Students receive funding for development and startup costs which allows them to get their business venture off the ground.
Abigail McCrory

Build a network to advance your career

Abigail McCrory, a driven Marketing and Entrepreneurship major from Rossville, had already made impressive strides by the midpoint of her third year at Washburn. She won the university's Pitch Competition, earned recognition as one of the Brenneman School of Business top students through the prestigious Excellent Eight Awards and turned her passion into a profession. Through dedication, creativity and persistence, Abigail has brought her entrepreneurial vision to life and now proudly owns and operates her own mobile coffee shop, Grounded on the Go.
Business students point to a map, showing where they studied abroad.

Travel the world - study abroad

Expand your business mindset beyond our borders with Washburn's Study Abroad programs. These global experiences offer valuable exposure to international markets, cultures and business practices – crucial skills in today's interconnected economy. Choose from short-term faculty-led trips, semester exchanges or summer programs. Whether you are studying in the Austrian Alps or part of an entrepreneurship course in China, Washburn's strong partnerships around the world make amazing opportunities possible.

Business scholarships

Support your academic and professional goals by applying for business scholarships and investing in your future success! Brenneman School of Business scholarships do not automatically renew, so if you received one this year, it is important that you re-apply for next year. If you did not get an award this year, that’s okay, you can still apply for an award next year. To be eligible for an award, you must:

  • Apply before the deadline, usually in mid-February
  • Be declared as a business major and making normal progress toward a BBA or BA in economics; also maintain a cumulative college GPA of 3.25 or higher
  • Business scholarships stack with other scholarships
  • Apply for a study abroad scholarship and prepare to travel!

Experience business firsthand

The Brenneman School of Business places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, ensuring that you gain not only academic knowledge but also practical skills and confidence to tackle the business world. Opportunities through Washburn will immerse you in real-world scenarios where strategic planning and teamwork are essential. Internships, consulting projects and high-level competitions are just a few options for applying classroom knowledge to actual situations.

Located in a vibrant metro area, we connect our students with large, local companies as well as regional employers or smaller enterprises. These partnerships provide a wealth of opportunities to gain industry experience, build professional networks and often lead to your first full-time role after graduation.

Washburn MAcc Program

Washburn's Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program offers a flexible, student-focused path designed to prepare you for today's top accounting careers. With in-depth coursework in audit, tax, information systems and more—plus direct connections to business professionals—you'll graduate ready for success in the workplace and on certification exams like the CPA, CMA, and CIA.
Dean Sollars talks with business students.

Message from the dean

"The Brenneman School of Business has experienced and knowledgeable faculty and staff members who are dedicated to your success. Through the generosity of donors and community supporters, the School has the resources to offer innovative and exciting academic and extracurricular programs as well as exceptional scholarships. Additionally, our programs are accredited by AACSB, the oldest and most prestigious business accreditation organization in the world, ensuring a standard of excellence recognized globally. With a degree from the Brenneman School of Business, you will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and connections to launch a very successful career."

– David L. Sollars, Dean and Professor
Students flip through the business magazine.

Read The BizBod, our annual magazine

Dive into the stories that shape our community in the Brenneman School of Business annual magazine. Discover inspiring alumni as they reflect on their educational journeys at Washburn and the doors that opened for them after graduation. Meet the year's standout competition winners—ambitious entrepreneurs who turn their business dreams into reality. Our magazines also spotlight faculty achievements and community partnerships that are shaping the future of business education. You will find a wealth of insight and inspiration within every page.

School of Business FAQs

Washburn offers 9 undergraduate pathways to make your academic goals a reality. They include accounting, data analytics, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, general business, international business, management and marketing. Business minors and certificates are also available, enhancing your chances of landing the job of your dreams.
Washburn recognizes the value of work before you join the workforce. Through our Career Engagement Office and the Brenneman School of Business, students benefit from a vast network of connections to local businesses, industries, agencies and organizations. These partnerships open doors to internships, mentorships and career development opportunities that prepare you to succeed in your professional life.
Pursuing a graduate business degree at Washburn is flexible and convenient. Our graduate programs offer hybrid options, allowing students to balance their academic pursuits with personal and professional commitments. Both the Master of Accountancy (MACC) and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs combine the convenience of online coursework with the engagement of in-person classes—designed to provide flexibility without compromising quality. These programs are ideal for working professionals and recent graduates alike, offering a supportive environment, small class sizes and strong ties to regional business communities.
Washburn offers meaningful and affordable opportunities to earn credit while studying abroad. Our partner institutions offer courses in business and other disciplines taught in English, so no prior foreign language experience is required. This means you can broaden your horizons and experience the world without delaying your progress toward your degree.
Washburn's Brenneman School of Business takes a holistic approach to MBA admission. We evaluate each applicant holistically, considering a range of factors such as educational background, professional experience, letters of recommendation and other individual qualifications that demonstrate strong potential for success in graduate business studies. Depending on your academic history, you may qualify for either full or provisional admission. One of the key benefits of full admission is that no GMAT or GRE scores are required—saving you time and money.

GET IN TOUCH WITH Brenneman School of Business

Physical Address
1729 SW MacVicar Avenue
Topeka, KS 66604

Mailing Address
1700 SW College Avenue
Topeka, KS 66621

Connect
785.670.1308
Fax: 785.670.1063
business@washburn.edu
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