Master of Business Administration
The UIC Business Flex MBA program gives you the flexibility to design your program to fit your goals—and your life. Our convenient Chicago location, our 52,000-strong alumni network, and our recognition as a Best Value program puts you on track to advance your career.
Learn More Heading link
Why Choose UIC Business? Heading link
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Best Value Our programs empower students with a proven education, real-world skills and professional experiences that add up to a high-value return on investment
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Networking Connections UIC Business is a top business school in the heart of Chicago, giving you access to Chicago's best firms and our network of over 52,000 alumni
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Flexibility Design your program to fit your life—online, on campus, or the right combination for you.
Choose from our Flex Program or 100% Online Programs: Heading link
Flexible MBA Program
- Fall, spring or summer start
- Set your own pace (full- or part-time)
- Take classes at night (some online courses are available)
- Finish in as little as 16 months full-time or 24 months part-time
- All concentrations available
- 8 and 16-week course options
- Can be completed in 3 semesters of full-time study; if courses are selected strategically.
Best for: Students looking to combine best of in person and online offerings, while enjoying the robust networking and career services support.
Online MBA
- August, October, January, March and May start options
- Set your own pace (full- or part-time)
- Finish in as little as 14 months full-time, 24 months part-time
- Concentrations available: Business Analytics, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management, and Marketing
- A Full Cost Recovery program and is not eligible for tuition waivers by University of Illinois employees
Best for: Students who need to take online only courses, but still are interested in the networking and career services offered at UIC (not typically available with other online programs).
In Their Own Words Heading link
“Choosing UIC for my MBA has been one of the best professional and personal decisions I’ve made as I continue to advance my career. Flexibility and affordability met with superb advising, widespread course offerings, a diverse and knowledgeable student body, and fantastic professors made my MBA valuable. I cannot thank UIC enough!”
| MBA '21
UIC Business Flex: Earning Your MBA Heading link
Credits and Courses
The MBA program is 42 credits in length composed of 26 credits of core courses and 16 credits of electives. Your core courses introduce the fundamental concepts needed to understand the many facets of a complex organization and provide a foundation for further, more in-depth functional business study. Learn more on degree requirements.
The core curriculum consists of seven courses. Each course is 4 credits unless otherwise specified:
- Financial Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Marketing
- Microeconomics
- Operations Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Capstone Course: Enterprise Strategy (2 credits) OR Strategic Management
Tuition
UIC Business is part of a public research university, so tuition and fees vary by residency. A typical program will cost between $37,000 and $45,000. Because our programs offer flexible options, our tuition varies based on the number of classes you are taking each semester. To calculate your tuition and fees, please visit the Tuition Information page.
Don’t forget, UIC Business offers scholarships and partial tuition waivers. Ask an admissions representative about our many options to help you afford your education.
Admissions Heading link
At UIC, we have a holistic admissions process that considers undergraduate record, resume, letters of recommendation and more. GMAT/GRE test scores are optional but may increase your chances of admissions and scholarship funding. For applicants with non-business degrees, we strongly encourage you to take the GMAT or GRE to strengthen your application and demonstrate quantitative skills. There is no preference for which exam is taken.
Graduate Application Deadlines Heading link
Summer 2025 Domestic
Fall 2025 International
Fall 2025 Domestic
Concentrations Heading link
Business Analytics
Students master the use of data and models for business decisions, and how to leverage ‘big’ data and analytics for competitive advantage. MBA students within the Business Analytics concentration are prepared to meet demand in one of the most rapidly expanding fields in business.
Sample of courses:
- Business Data Mining
- Data Visualization
- Social Media and Network Analysis
- Analytics Strategy and Practice
- Statistical Models and Methods for Business Analytics
Economics
Economics gives you an in-depth look at what drives businesses and consumers. This concentration focuses on applied economics with a focus on health, education and urban issues.
Sample of courses:
- Managerial Economics
- International Economics for Business
- Labor Economics
- Econometrics
Entrepreneurship
With this concentration, you’ll learn how to evaluate the risks and rewards of a new venture, skills which can be applied to both new and existing businesses.
Sample of courses:
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Startup Launch
- Entrepreneurial Electronic Commerce
- Business Models for Technology Ventures
Finance
Students gain a better understanding of financial assets and how to manage risks and investments.
Sample of courses:
- Corporate Finance
- Portfolio Analysis
- Financial Decision Making
- Risk Management
Human Resource Management
Aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), this concentration is geared toward students interested in managing the people side of an organization.
Sample Courses:
- Human Resource Management
- Talent Management
- Compensation Administration
- Negotiation
International Business
Get a closer look at the global business environment. If you are looking to work abroad or for a large multinational company, these courses will deepen your understanding of business on a global scale.
Sample of courses:
- International Finance
- International Management
- International Business Operations
- Global Innovation Management
Management
This concentration focuses on mastering the knowledge to lead people and organizations with an understanding of human resource management, strategic management, leadership, managerial skills and logistics.
Sample of courses:
- Competitive Strategy
- Human Resource Management
- Negotiations
- Organizational Design
Management Information Systems
With a concentration in MIS, you’ll learn how to design and manage information and IT systems in ways that have a direct impact on strategy and operational decisions.
Sample of courses:
- Information Systems Strategy and Policy
- Innovation and Technology Change
- Enterprise Information Infrastructure and Security
- Audit and Control of Information Systems
- Enterprise Application Development
Marketing
Students in this concentration develop a strong understanding of the entire marketing process in business from research and product development to communications planning and measurement.
Sample of courses:
- Marketing Communication and Promotional Strategy
- Marketing Channels Management
- Product Planning
- Services Marketing
Operations and Supply-Chain Management
MBA students in this concentration study the strategic management and operation of global supply chains, the flow of goods and services and complex business processes.
Sample of Courses
- Supply Chain Management
- Global Sourcing and Logistics Managing Service Operations
- Quality Control and Lean Process Management
- Revenue Management
Real Estate
Combining economics, finance, and urban planning students gain a full perspective of the field of real estate with an emphasis in urban real estate markets using metropolitan Chicago as a working laboratory.
Sample of Courses
- Real Estate Finance
- Urban Real Estate and Land Economics
- Urban Economics
- Investments
Self-Directed
If the other concentrations don’t fit the career path you are building, work with an adviser to develop one.
Joint Degrees Heading link
- Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Accounting
- Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Business Analytics
- Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Finance
- Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Management Information Systems
- Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Medicine (program under review and not currently accepting new applicants)
- Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Pharmacy
- Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health
- Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management
Frequently Asked Questions Heading link
What is the difference between online courses and traditional on-campus courses?
Online courses are often very different than traditional on-campus courses in terms of how the material is presented, the nature of the interaction among class members and the overall learning experience. However, the course load is at the same level as the face-to-face version; the only amount of time saved is your commute time to and from campus. Our online courses use the Blackboard software. Select courses are offered online, and offerings vary each semester.
How do I apply for a joint degree program?
Applicants may apply to a joint degree program during the initial application process, or they may apply to their second program upon gaining admission and enrolling in their first program.
First time applicants to UIC wishing to enroll in a joint degree program are required to apply separately to both programs, making sure to follow the application procedures/requirements for each program.
Current UIC graduate students interested in applying to a joint degree program should work closely with academic advisers in both programs and visit Business Connnect for additional instruction.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in business to be accepted into the program?
An undergraduate degree in business administration is not required. Approximately 50% of our student body does not have an undergraduate business background. We do recommend that students have had a class in statistics. If they have not, they can take one during their first semester.
Can I take courses as a non-degree seeking student?
You may be admitted to the MBA Program on a non-degree basis only in the following two cases:
1. If you have already completed an MBA or other approved management degree from an AACSB accredited institution and wish to pursue further course work, you may enroll in MBA classes on a space-available basis as long as you maintain good academic standing. The application for admission and proof of MBA degree (a photocopy of your transcript or diploma showing a completed MBA degree) must be submitted by the application deadline for the desired term of study.
2. If you are currently enrolled in an MBA program at another AACSB institution and wish to take courses that will be accepted by your university as transfer courses, you may enroll in MBA courses to the extent approved by your MBA program and by the MBA Program. The MBA application for admission, application fee, proof of baccalaureate degree and letter from the director of your MBA program indicating that you are in good academic standing and list the courses approved to be transferred must be submitted by the application deadline for the desired term of study. You may also be asked by the admissions committee to provide additional information regarding your academic credentials.