New concentrations in artificial intelligence, business analytics, cybersecurity, finance, and healthcare administration expand career-focused opportunities for working professionals.
Warner Pacific University (WPU) is expanding its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with five new concentrations in Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Finance, and Healthcare Administration through a new partnership with Rize Education, a leader in innovative, career-ready degree programs.
Designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving business landscape, each concentration focuses on areas of expertise in demand across a wide range of industries. The new offerings complement Warner Pacific’s core MBA program, which is available in flexible online and hybrid/HyFlex formats tailored to working professionals.
As part of the partnership, Rize Education is providing WPU with $65,000 in grant funding supported by Google.org, including $55,000 for the 2026–27 academic year and an additional $10,000 for 2027–28. The funding will help offset initial partnership start-up costs and support Warner Pacific’s student population, which includes nearly 50% first-generation college students in any given year.
“Warner Pacific has always believed that education should open doors and create pathways to meaningful purpose and opportunity,” said Dr. Christina M. Schnyders, President of Warner Pacific University.
Through the partnership, Warner Pacific is expanding opportunities for students to pursue advanced education in high-demand fields while preparing them for leadership in a changing workforce.
“Through our partnership with Rize Education and the support of the $65,000 Google.org grant, we are able to offer innovative MBA concentrations in some of the most in-demand fields. This investment reflects our commitment to preparing students not only for career success, but also for lives of leadership, service, and impact,” Schnyders added.
The initiative marks the first year of a multiyear partnership with Rize Education, which has partnered with more than 145 small and midsized universities across the United States. Through Rize’s innovative program-sharing model, institutions can launch and grow high-demand academic programs more quickly and affordably than they could independently.
The five new MBA concentrations offer specialized areas of study designed to address emerging business and workforce needs:
- Artificial Intelligence: Focuses on the application of AI technologies in business decision-making.
- Business Analytics: Emphasizes data-driven strategies for improving organizational performance.
- Cybersecurity: Addresses the growing need for professionals who can protect sensitive information and manage risks in an increasingly digital environment.
- Finance: Provides students with a comprehensive understanding of financial markets and investment strategies.
- Healthcare Administration: Prepares students to lead healthcare organizations, manage complex systems, and drive innovation and operational excellence.
These concentrations were developed by Rize Education in partnership with Harvard Business School, the University of Texas at Austin, Cornell University, and Dartmouth.
“By launching these five highly specialized MBA concentrations, Warner Pacific University is ensuring our graduates don’t just enter the workforce—they lead it,” said Dr. Latrissa Lee Neiworth, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Warner Pacific University. “This partnership allows us to deliver cutting-edge, industry-aligned education in the most high-demand fields shaping the future of industry.”
Enrollment for the new MBA concentrations for the Spring 2027 academic term will begin in January. Applications are being accepted now. Prospective students interested in learning more are encouraged to request information or explore Warner Pacific University’s graduate admission requirements to begin the application process.
About Rize Education
Rize Education partners with more than 145 colleges and universities to develop career-focused academic programs aligned with current workforce demands. The company specializes in creating specialized tracks that enhance student employability in high-growth industries.