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
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 Heading link
“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.”
| CMBA SIM graduate
Eugene Chang, CMBA FMAM graduate Heading link
“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.”
| CMBA FMAM graduate
Chi-Hao Chen, CMBA CED graduate Heading link
“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.”
| CMBA CED graduate
Ya-Ting Yang, CMBA FMAM graduate Heading link
“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.”| 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
Program Structure
Courses for the CMBA Program are scheduled in a number of modules varying in length over the one-year period. There is one major vacation break at the end of December.
Course work in the CMBA Program is scheduled to allow students to complete program requirements within one year. The course work is tailored to the collective needs of the students.
How do I apply?
Students can apply through the online application portal under UIC admissions, instructed by a sponsoring organization or corporation working in partnership with UIC. Individual applicants should contact cmba@uic.edu
How is it possible to complete the degree program in one year?
The relatively shorter timeframe for the CMBA Program is achieved by making the program somewhat more intensive than the traditional full-time MBA programs and by greatly reducing the amount of vacation time. Instead of four terms of study spread over 16 to 21 months in a typical 2-year program, our program requires a slightly more demanding course load: all degree requirements are met within the one-year program.
Am I eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing the study in the CMBA program?
CMBA graduates can apply for one-year OPT after the study as long as they have valid F-1 student visa status. For those pursing a joint degree program (ex. CMBA-MSF joint degree), students can apply to receive up to 3-year OPT after graduating from the joint program.