Graduate Programs at the Walton College

The Walton College was founded in 1926 in response to a growing demand for commercial education. Initially, designated as a "School" and headed by Charles C. Fichtner, the Walton College consisted of four professors, and offered thirty-six courses in business administration, economics and sociology. Curricula were available in accounting, banking and finance, general business, industrial management and marketing.

The Walton College's first four degrees were awarded in 1927. The Master of Science in Business Administration (MSBA) program was established in 1930, and a year later, the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business Administration (AACSB) (now titled the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – AACSB International) accreditation was awarded to the undergraduate degree program. Also in 1931, the first female student graduated.

Academic programs have undergone continuous expansion. In 1950, the Doctor of Philosophy in economics was established, and the MSBA degree was re-designated Master of Business Administration (MBA). In 1959, the Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration was established. The Master of Science in Accountancy was established in 1975, and in 1994, was redesigned and renamed the Master of Accountancy (MAcc). The Master of Information Systems and Master of Arts in Economics were established.

Historical Facilities

In 1978, the Walton College moved to its present location on Ozark Avenue.

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With the opening of the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Enterprise Development, a conference center, in 1998; the Willard J. Walker Hall, which houses the Graduate School of Business, the Career Center and several research centers; and J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. Center for Academic Excellence, a interdisciplinary technology facility, in 2007, the Walton College added state-of-art facilities for students and faculty. Students have the advantage of classrooms and facilities in various buildings, which the AACSB International accrediting team designated as prototypical for collegiate schools of business.      

The Sam M. Walton College of Business Administration

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On October 6, 1998, the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation made the largest upfront cash gift ever given to a public business college - $50 million – to establish the Sam M. Walton College of Business Administration. The gift permanently memorializes the name of the late Sam M. Walton in grateful appreciation for the example he set and for the enduring interest and support of his family. In 2000, the college name was shortened to the “Sam M. Walton College of Business.”  The gift continues to provide a variety of programs and opportunities for both students and faculty.