At the Wisconsin School of Business, we believe business can be one of the most powerful forces for public good. As part of a world-class public research university, guided by the Wisconsin Idea, WSB is uniquely positioned to shape what comes next.
“Lead Boldly reflects who we are as a community—curious, collaborative, and committed to turning big ideas into real progress in Wisconsin and around the globe.”
Vallabh Sambaburthy
Albert O. Nicholas Dean Wisconsin School of Business
Empower students with a growth mindset to become trusted leaders
Business Badgers navigate complex challenges and technological shifts with confidence. Through immersive experiences, they build the problem solving, leadership, and learning agility needed to turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Problem Solving Agility
Real-world consulting through the Wisconsin 10s
Learning Agility
Future-ready business curriculum
Leadership Agility
The skills to lead without a blueprint
Problem Solving Agility
Every student will learn to solve complex business problems through real-world consulting projects and applied experiences that blend rigorous business theory with practice.
Wisconsin 10s
Through a signature series of applied learning courses, students will:
Collaborate on cross-functional teams
Tackle real challenges from local and national industry partners
Present recommendations to real-world clients
Learning Agility
Grounded in core business foundations, entrepreneurial immersion, and emerging tech, students learn to navigate shifting landscapes, rapidly build new skills, and anticipate what’s next.
A connected core
In bridging disciplines, students gain a holistic perspective across the entire organization.
Entrepreneurial immersion
Bootcamps and development programs help students identify opportunities, take smart risks, and test ideas
Emerging technology and advanced analytics
Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence are woven throughout the curriculum to keep students ahead of what’s next—including a minimum of 15% AI content in all core classes
Leadership Agility
To grow as leaders who can connect the dots others don’t see, Business Badgers actively cultivate self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resiliency.
Trusted to Lead Experience
Through courses, reflections, and impact experiences, students hone their:
Entrepreneurial mindset
Inclusive leadership
Tenacity and grit
Grow your confidence
“The leadership programming gave me the tools to navigate difficult situations with confidence and taught me how to manage teams effectively, which sparked a genuine desire to mentor and teach others what I’ve learned. That growth has given me the confidence to take on leadership positions within the school.”
—Deirdre O’Day (BBA ’27)
Accelerate portfolio innovation with agile learning opportunities
WSB serves every learner at every stage. Flexible, multidisciplinary pathways ensure high-quality business education is accessible and convenient.
Interdisciplinary partnerships Co-creating cross-campus learning experiences that blend business acumen with specialized expertise
Upskilling and corporate learning Expanding non-degree programs to help organizations and professionals adapt to changing markets.
Lifelong learning Connecting alumni to business expertise as their careers and industries evolve
Flexible and personalized instruction Reaching learners where they are through technology-enabled delivery models
Activate the Wisconsin Idea for economic and societal growth
Bring together students, alumni, and industry partners to turn business insights into meaningful progress across Wisconsin and beyond.
Wisconsin’s Economic Well-Being
Strengthening connections across campus and the state
Cross-Campus Business Education
Forging new paths into business
Corporate and Alumni Partnerships
Meaningful collaborations to advance innovation
Entrepreneurial Education
Supporting homegrown ventures
Wisconsin’s Economic Well-Being
In collaboration with other schools and colleges, WSB will strengthen the connection between the state and the university by focusing on growing communities and industries.
Rural communities
Leverage the expertise and resources of WSB and UW–Madison to expand health care, entrepreneurship, and access to higher education in Wisconsin’s rural communities.
Of Wisconsin, for Wisconsin
Work shoulder to shoulder with the industries that make Wisconsin great. Enrich partnerships around talent, upskilling, and innovation to expand opportunities in the Badger state.
Cross-Campus Business Education
There is no one path into business. By collaborating across UW–Madison, we are integrating business acumen into fields like engineering, healthcare, and computer science— ensuring more students can apply business knowledge to complex, real-world problems.
780
total WSB certificates awarded to non-business students in 2025–2026
Corporate and Alumni Partnerships
Connecting industry partners, founders, and alumni with the school’s talent, research, and innovation ecosystems.
Opportunities to Partner
Organizations collaborate with WSB to:
Recruit and hire students
Sponsor an experiential learning project, case competition, or career trek
Develop employees through executive education
Drive innovation through research with WSB faculty
600+
corporate partners connected to the Wisconsin School of Business
Entrepreneurial Education
Elevate entrepreneurial thinking and skills to support entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, and venture creation.
The Small Business Development Center
Through workshops, courses, and consultations, SBDC supports entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community-driven ventures that contribute to economic vitality across Wisconsin.
“It’s really the Wisconsin Idea in action. No matter your connection to the university, we can help you. We can educate you. We can review your business plan. We can do all kinds of things for you that won’t cost you anything.”
—Michelle Somes-Booher
Director, Small Business Development Center
Elevate research impact through breakthrough discoveries
Expanding research in critical areas like AI and sustainability—concentrating talent and partnerships to help organizations tackle global challenges.
Renewed industry partnerships Pairing faculty expertise with real-world problems—turning good ideas into actionable solutions.
Platforms for scholarly communities Reimagining workshops and conferences to promote engagement and visibility
Interdisciplinary collaborations Building research partnerships across STEM, public policy, health sciences, and other fields to address complex challenges
Reputational leadership Elevating thought leaders and translational research to advance theory and practice
Champion exceptional talent to foster a culture of excellence
Invest in professional growth, strengthen workflows, and cultivate deep engagement to build a culture of excellence for faculty and staff.
Learn more about UW–Madison’s strategic framework.
