Foster School of Business MSBA and MSCM Rank Among Nation’s Top 10

Two University of Washington Foster School of Business Specialty Master’s Programs have ranked in the top 10 nationwide in the newly released 2025 QS Business Masters Rankings. QS ranked Foster’s Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM) #3 in the U.S. and #9 globally. QS ranked Foster’s Master of Business Analytics (MSBA) #8 in the U.S. and #21 worldwide.

“To have both programs in the QS rankings top 10 is a testament to the value of a Foster School of Business degree,” said Natalie Meyer, associate program director for MSBA and MSCM. “The programs emphasize experiential learning and incorporating real-world business challenges into the curriculum.”

QS rankings are based on five key indicators: employability, alumni outcomes, return on investment, thought leadership, and class and faculty diversity. QS rankings are considered among the most credible international rankings in higher education. They are approved by the International Ranking Expert Group (IREG) and published on topuniversities.com.

MSCM marks fifth year as QS Top 10 program worldwide

This is the fifth consecutive year that the Foster MSCM has secured a top 10 ranking worldwide. Notably, the Foster MSCM performed exceptionally well in QS’s evaluation of value for the money, scoring 97%. The program scored above the 90th percentile for alumni outcomes. It also met or exceeded the global averages in all categories.

“The Foster MSCM program is a very practical, proactive, and up-to-date supply chain program,” said Foster Instructor Jody Franich, an industry veteran who teaches Strategic Sourcing and Procurement. “We prepare students with the relevant skills that big industry is looking for now. I create case studies from real-life problems and first-hand knowledge.”

“It’s very important for students to have the combination of theory and real-life experience, the synthesis of the two,” added Franich. “To understand and apply the theory, students need the practical.”

The Foster MSBA results closely mirrored those of the Supply Chain program. It, too, had excellent alumni outcomes, with a score of 93%. The Foster MSBA also scored above 90% on alumni outcomes and above average in all metrics. Graduates of both programs have starting salaries exceeding $100,000.

One-year programs with schedules for working professionals

Both the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) and Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM) are one-year programs that attract top talent from a range of industries, from renewable energy to retail and technology. The programs have intentionally small class sizes, which creates tight connections among students. These bonds extend into a robust alumni network of professionals actively involved in the program, mentoring and providing support. Evening and weekend classes enable students to work full-time while enrolled.

The programs are practicum-based, and the Foster School’s close ties to the business community enable students to learn directly from expert guest speakers. Students enjoy a significant advantage in Seattle, a hub of international trade and home to leading technology companies. The school’s partners include PACCAR, Microsoft, Nike, GM, Salesforce, and Alaska Airlines, all providing networking and application-based learning opportunities.

“Supply chain and business analytics are both integral for businesses to succeed in today’s environment,” said Meyer. “They are two distinct fields, but professionals in both share a commitment to innovation. We are honored that QS recognizes the quality of these programs and the positive impact our graduates make in the business community.”

Learn more about how Foster MSCM alumni are building a sustainable supply chain at Microsoft.