Augsburg College and Its MBA Programs

Augsburg College, located in the heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a private institution known for its commitment to academic excellence, experiential learning, and service to the community. As an institution deeply rooted in the liberal arts tradition, Augsburg has consistently embraced innovation while maintaining its dedication to cultivating thoughtful, ethical leaders who are prepared to meet the needs of an increasingly complex world. One of the most impactful aspects of Augsburg’s academic portfolio is its suite of Master of Business Administration programs, which are designed to equip students with advanced knowledge, professional skills, and leadership capacity for the 21st-century workplace.

Augsburg’s MBA offerings stand out because of their flexibility, interdisciplinary design, and responsiveness to the challenges of modern organizations. With dual degree options such as the MSW/MBA program that integrates social work and business administration, the MBA/MA in Leadership program that blends managerial insight with leadership studies, and the accelerated MBA 4+1 program, Augsburg provides pathways that align with diverse career goals. These programs emphasize not only technical proficiency but also ethical leadership and social responsibility, reflecting the college’s mission to educate students who are informed citizens, critical thinkers, and engaged community members.

This guide explores the unique features of Augsburg’s MBA programs, their distinctive dual degree opportunities, student experiences, and the rankings and accreditations that underscore Augsburg’s reputation as a respected educational institution. It also situates Augsburg’s MBA programs within the broader context of higher education in Minnesota, highlighting their value for students who aspire to make a difference in business, nonprofit, and community settings.

The Mission and Identity of Augsburg College

Founded in 1869, Augsburg College has a long history of combining faith, liberal arts, and professional studies. The institution’s mission emphasizes preparing students for service in a diverse and interconnected world. Located in Minneapolis, Augsburg takes advantage of its urban setting, creating countless opportunities for students to engage in internships, research, and service-learning experiences that connect classroom theory to real-world practice.

This mission of service and engagement is clearly reflected in the MBA programs. Business education at Augsburg is not just about learning how to maximize profits or achieve efficiency; it is about cultivating leaders who can navigate ethical dilemmas, allocate resources responsibly, and create organizations that thrive in complex environments. Augsburg graduates are prepared to lead with both technical competence and social conscience, an approach that sets the college apart from many other institutions offering business education.

Overview of MBA Programs

Augsburg College offers a suite of MBA programs designed to meet the needs of diverse student populations. Each program is tailored to provide rigorous training in business fundamentals while incorporating distinctive interdisciplinary and experiential learning opportunities.

The programs share a common foundation of core business courses, covering areas such as finance, accounting, economics, marketing, strategic management, and organizational behavior. However, Augsburg goes beyond the standard MBA curriculum by embedding opportunities for leadership development, ethical reflection, and integration with other fields of study. Students are encouraged to think critically about the role of business in society and to develop the skills necessary to lead organizations responsibly.

The MSW/MBA Dual Degree Program

One of Augsburg’s most innovative offerings is the dual Master of Social Work/Master of Business Administration program. This program recognizes that modern workplaces increasingly demand leaders who can balance the delivery of high-quality services with the challenges of limited resources. Graduates of this program are uniquely prepared to serve in roles that require both clinical understanding and business acumen.

By combining social work with business administration, students learn to integrate compassion and service with strategic thinking and managerial skills. This dual perspective is especially valuable in nonprofit organizations, healthcare institutions, and community-based agencies, where leaders must navigate financial constraints while remaining committed to their mission of serving vulnerable populations.

The MSW/MBA program also exemplifies Augsburg’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning. It bridges the gap between social sciences and business studies, creating professionals who can think holistically and address complex problems from multiple perspectives.

The MBA/MA in Leadership Dual Degree

Another distinctive offering is the dual MBA/MA in Leadership program. This program acknowledges that leadership in the modern workplace requires more than technical knowledge of finance and strategy; it requires the ability to inspire, guide, and manage people effectively.

Students in this program gain a deep understanding of both the operational aspects of business and the human dimensions of leadership. The MA in Leadership component focuses on skills such as communication, conflict resolution, organizational change, and ethical decision-making. Combined with the analytical and managerial skills of the MBA curriculum, this dual degree produces graduates who are well-prepared to lead organizations in times of complexity and change.

The MBA/MA in Leadership program appeals to individuals who want to go beyond traditional management and cultivate the relational and strategic skills necessary to become transformative leaders.

The MBA 4+1 Program

For undergraduate students seeking an accelerated path to an advanced degree, Augsburg offers the MBA 4+1 program. This program allows students to complete both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration within five years.

The 4+1 structure is highly efficient, enabling students to save both time and money while positioning themselves competitively in the job market. By beginning graduate-level coursework during their undergraduate studies, students transition seamlessly into advanced business education.

This program is particularly attractive to ambitious students who want to fast-track their careers and enter the workforce with the advantage of an MBA. It also demonstrates Augsburg’s commitment to accessibility and innovation in higher education, providing pathways that are tailored to the needs of modern students.

The Role of Practitioner-Faculty

Augsburg’s MBA programs are taught by faculty who combine academic expertise with practical experience. Professors often hold advanced degrees in their fields while also having backgrounds in corporate leadership, nonprofit management, consulting, or entrepreneurship. This combination ensures that students are exposed to both theoretical frameworks and real-world applications.

Practitioner-faculty bring current business challenges into the classroom, encouraging students to analyze cases, solve problems, and think critically about strategies. Their mentorship extends beyond academics, as they provide guidance on career development, professional networking, and ethical leadership.

This emphasis on faculty engagement reflects Augsburg’s broader mission of creating a supportive learning community where students are challenged and encouraged to grow.

Student Experience

The student experience in Augsburg’s MBA programs is defined by collaboration, community, and engagement with the real world. Class sizes are intentionally kept small to promote interaction between students and faculty. This allows for deeper discussion, personalized feedback, and a sense of community that supports learning and professional development.

Students are also encouraged to apply their learning in practical contexts. Through internships, consulting projects, and service-learning opportunities, they gain hands-on experience that prepares them for the challenges of leadership. Augsburg’s location in Minneapolis provides access to a thriving business community, nonprofit sector, and government agencies, creating abundant opportunities for partnerships and experiential learning.

Rankings and Recognition

Augsburg College has earned recognition for its academic quality and community engagement. In 2013, U.S. News ranked Augsburg 27th among Regional Universities in the Midwest. This ranking reflects the college’s strong academic programs, dedicated faculty, and commitment to student success.

The Princeton Review has also recognized Augsburg as one of the “Best Midwestern Colleges,” a designation that highlights the institution’s excellence in academics and student life. Augsburg has been profiled in The Princeton Review’s publication “Colleges with a Conscience,” which identifies schools with outstanding community involvement. This recognition underscores Augsburg’s reputation as a college where students are encouraged to connect their education with service and social responsibility.

Earlier, in 2006, U.S. News ranked Augsburg 26th in the category of Midwestern Universities – Master’s Top Schools. The college was one of only 43 schools nationwide to be recognized for its First-Year Experience and one of only 42 institutions recognized for Service Learning. These distinctions highlight Augsburg’s commitment to innovation in teaching and its emphasis on preparing students for engaged citizenship.

Accreditation

Accreditation ensures that an institution meets rigorous standards of academic quality, and Augsburg College is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. This accreditation affirms the college’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards and providing a quality education.

In addition, the Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring that graduates of the MSW/MBA dual degree program meet the professional standards required for social work practice. These accreditations provide assurance to students, employers, and other institutions that Augsburg’s programs are rigorous, respected, and recognized nationally.

The Value of an Augsburg MBA

The value of Augsburg’s MBA programs lies in their unique combination of flexibility, interdisciplinary integration, and ethical grounding. Students graduate with strong technical skills in business, but also with leadership abilities, social awareness, and a commitment to making a difference.

Graduates of Augsburg’s MBA programs are well-positioned for careers in corporate leadership, nonprofit management, healthcare administration, social services, and entrepreneurship. The dual degree options provide additional pathways for students to tailor their education to their specific goals, whether those involve leading a social service organization, managing a corporation, or starting their own venture.

Employers recognize the strength of an Augsburg education, particularly the way it combines professional preparation with ethical responsibility. In a business world increasingly concerned with sustainability, corporate responsibility, and social impact, Augsburg graduates bring both the competence and the conscience to lead effectively.

Conclusion

Augsburg College’s MBA programs reflect the institution’s broader mission of preparing students for leadership, service, and lifelong learning. With innovative dual degree options such as the MSW/MBA, the MBA/MA in Leadership, and the accelerated MBA 4+1 program, Augsburg offers flexible and distinctive pathways that prepare graduates for success in diverse fields.

The programs are strengthened by practitioner-faculty, a supportive learning community, and abundant opportunities for experiential learning in Minneapolis and beyond. Recognized by U.S. News, The Princeton Review, and other national organizations, Augsburg has established itself as a respected institution committed to both academic excellence and community engagement.

With its strong accreditation and its integration of ethics and social responsibility into business education, Augsburg provides MBA graduates with not just the skills to succeed in their careers, but also the vision to lead organizations that make a positive difference in society. For students seeking an MBA program that combines professional rigor with personal growth and ethical purpose, Augsburg College offers an exceptional choice.