Corporate MBA Program at UIC

At the University of Illinois Chicago, the CMBA is an accelerated global MBA program that focuses on creating new knowledge and providing practical solutions to challenges that confront the constantly changing global business environment.

Building on our strengths as a major research university and our location near the heart of Chicago’s business district, the Corporate Master of Business Administration program (CMBA) at the University of Illinois Chicago offers international professionals the opportunity to learn the latest business theories in an environment where the application and practice of business are closely integrated into your studies. The city of Chicago provides not only a stimulating living environment but also a living laboratory for the study of business. Students in our program engage in case studies, business simulations, and projects. They propose new business ideas and compete for venture capital support, including “1871,” Chicago’s technology and entrepreneurship innovation hub, and the UIC Innovation Center at their fingertips. They not only learn about business—they learn how to apply their knowledge to business.

Drawing upon the range of backgrounds of our student body and UIC’s strength as one of the most ethnically diverse universities in the U.S., we are committed to developing well-rounded leaders with the practical knowledge, skills, and values to compete effectively in the global marketplace.

The CMBA Program was developed to meet the needs of international professionals who wish to further their careers by earning their MBA degree from an AACSB-accredited program in the United States and completing the program within a year.

The program develops a full range of contemporary management skills and cultural awareness that enables students to compete effectively in today's global business environment.

The UIC Advantage Heading link

The UIC Advantage

As part of the UIC College of Business Administration, students of the CMBA Program have both corporate and academic advantages. Chicago has been rated among the top ten global cities across five dimensions: business activity, human capital, information exchange, cultural experience, and political engagement.*

Students have access to UIC’s close ties with major financial and corporate resources within walking distance from campus. These include the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the downtown “Loop,” home to major banks and multinational corporations, as well as nearby world-renowned medical centers such as Rush University, Northwestern Medicine, and the University of Chicago Medicine. Chicago is also recognized as a major logistics hub, boasting one of the best transportation, distribution, and logistics ecosystems in the world.

Students also benefit from close collaboration with renowned UIC faculty. Learn more about Life at UIC.

 

*A.T. Kearney 2021 Global Cities Report.

Vivian Ding, CMBA SIM graduate

“Studying at UIC helped me acquire a wealth of knowledge and skills related to my job, and moreover, the critical thinking and professionalism I learned there have been a real treasure in my life.”

Vivian Ding  |  CMBA SIM graduate
Eugene Chang, CMBA FMAM graduate

“I strongly recommend the UIC CMBA program, which helped me not only acquire the latest professional skills but also expand my knowledge, establish business contacts, and pursue new opportunities for development in my life.”

Eugene Chang  |  CMBA FMAM graduate
Chi-Hao Chen, CMBA CED graduate

“With six years of working experience in the futures industry…this program’s systematic training has indeed equipped me with a solid foundation in the core aspects of finance and management. I really enjoyed the CED track and believe the CMBA degree will benefit my future career.”

Chi-Hao Chen  |  CMBA CED graduate
Ya-Ting Yang, CMBA FMAM graduate
“I acquired up-to-date financial and management skills through UIC’s one-year CMBA program, which greatly enhanced my career and opened up new opportunities.”
Ya-Ting Yang  |  CMBA FMAM graduate

Admissions Heading link

Criteria for Candidates

Ideal candidates for the CMBA Program are young professionals who want to advance their career with an MBA but find it difficult to be away from the workplace for more than one year, or recent graduates and are looking for a quality program to enhance their skills and career potential. To be considered for admission to the program, individuals should have:

  • A bachelor’s degree with satisfactory grades
  • Strong English language skills
  • Analytical and quantitative skills and/or professional experience are preferred.

These minimum criteria only qualify a candidate for consideration and do not guarantee an offer of admission.​

Frequently Asked Questions Heading link

UIC Corporate MBA Program Heading link

601 S. Morgan St., 2502 UH, MC 074, Chicago, Illinois 60607