Master of Business Administration
Our Flex MBA gives you the flexibility to design your degree to fit your goals—and your life. Choose from fully online, in-person, or a combination. 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.
Why Choose UIC Business?
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Best Value Our No.1 Best Value ranking in Illinois gives you a high-quality education with an affordable investment.
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Flexibility Take your classes online, in-person or the right combination for your life.
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Powerful Network Our convenient Chicago location and 52,000 strong network gives you access to the companies and alumni to help advance your career.
Degree-at-a-Glance
Learn More
Choose from our Flex or 100% Online MBA:
Flexible MBA
- Fall, spring or summer start
- Set your own pace (full or part-time)
- 5 Concentrations available
- 8 and 16-week course options
- Take classes in person, online, or a combination of both
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)
- 5 Concentrations available
- 8-week course options
- Online courses only (1-hour optional live, online faculty sessions)
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).
MBA Careers and Outcomes
Your MBA opens the door to a wide range of diverse career paths, industries, and leadership opportunities. From global corporations to innovative startups; in finance, accounting, marketing, HR or operations, our graduates are ready to take leadership roles. And our dedicated Business Career Center is there to help you on your path to success.
Top employers hiring UIC Business MBA graduates include:
- Amazon
- Amgen
- Boston Consulting Group
- Caterpillar
- CDW
- Charles Schwab
- CME Group
- Exelon
- JP Morgan
- Walt Disney Company
UIC MBA Outcomes
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96 % of recent MBA graduates were employed within six months of graduation
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101 k Average Starting Salary
Earning Your Degree
Credits and Courses
The MBA program is 42 credit hours in length composed of 26 credits of core courses, 12 of concentration and 4 of electives.
Core curriculum:
- 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.
Master of Business Administration Concentrations
Program Overview
Level up your career and pursue leading roles in corporate finance, economics, supply chain analysis, database management, and corporate consulting with the 100% online MBA – Business Analytics program from the University of Illinois Chicago.
Degree Overview
As a graduate of this master’s degree, you will be able to utilize big data tools to govern business decisions and implement changes within organizations, identify flaws in existing procedures, and present evidence that can drive an organization forward.
Our AACSB-accredited MBA – Business Analytics teaches you to solve problems and improve operational efficiency using data-driven decision-making, managerial strategies, and concise communication. You will also deepen your foundational knowledge of organizational behavior, marketing, accounting, and more to meet demand in one of the most rapidly expanding fields in business.
Sample of courses
- Analytics Strategy and Practice
- Business Data Mining
- Social Media and Network Analysis
- Statistics For Management
- Web Analytics
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Leverage big data and analytics to gain a competitive advantage
- Utilize effective communication and negotiation skills to lead teams in the quest for results
Career Outcomes
- Financial/Business Analyst
- Quotation Analyst
- Economist
- Database Manager
- Supply Chain Analyst
Degree Overview
The Concentration in Finance equips you with skills in financial analysis, investment strategies, risk management, and economic principles and prepares you for careers in financial services, corporate finance and investment management.
Degree Overview
In this AACSB-accredited master’s degree, you will explore finance topics such as investment analysis, capital structure in corporate finance and the evaluation and quantification of fixed-income securities. In addition to learning today’s most relevant financial practices, foundational coursework builds on your knowledge of accounting, operations, marketing and organizational behavior. Electives provide additional relevant studies in data mining, human resource management, decision science and more.
Sample of courses
- Investments
- Capital Markets
- Corporate Finance
- Risk Management
- Services Marketing
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Gain a better understanding of financial assets and how to manage risks and investments
- Think strategically, anticipate change, understand markets and navigate dynamic environments
Career Outcomes
- Chief Financial Officer
- Investment Sales Associate or Trader
- Portfolio Compliance Specialist
- Senior Financial Analyst
- Mergers & Acquisitions Manager
Overview
The UIC Business MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management equips you with skills to bridge communication between employees and employers. You will gain expertise in compensation, benefits, employee engagement, recruitment, and employment law, preparing you to support employee development and management effectively.
Degree Overview
This AACSB-accredited MBA with a concentration in HR Management reflects many of the core topics recommended by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Courses focused on this cutting-edge curriculum can help prepare you to qualify for designation as a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP®). You will also deepen your knowledge of foundational business practices in organizational behavior, marketing, accounting and more.
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
- Compensation Administration
- Negotiation
- Talent Management
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Contribute to the success of an organization through the management of its employees
- Demonstrate a foundation in finance and accounting to measure and deliver results
Career Outcomes
- Human Resource Manager
- Employee Relations Manager
- Compensation or Benefit Analyst/Manager
- Training and Development Manager
- Labor Relations Manager
Management
The UIC Business MBA with a concentration in Management gives you an in-depth understanding of best practices within the business-critical areas of accounting, operations, strategic management, organizational behavior and marketing. Build your leadership skills while gaining functional expertise across key business areas.
Degree Overview
As a graduate of this AACSB-accredited MBA – Management program, you will be ready to take on leading roles in management, enterprise ownership, executive operations and consulting. In addition to management concentration coursework, you can broaden your professional knowledge through electives in data mining, human resource management, corporate finance and more.
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
- Leading for Impact
- Negotiations
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Gain the knowledge to lead people and organizations with an understanding of strategic management, leadership skills and logistics
- Demonstrate vital business analytics tools that lead to success in today’s data-driven environment
Career Outcomes
- Chief Executive/Operations/Marketing Officer
- Director of Operations
- Project Manager
- Business Consultant
- Entrepreneur/Small Business Owner
Marketing
Accelerate your career advancement with a Master of Business Administration degree at UIC, with a concentration in marketing. This comprehensive online degree covers essential marketing principles and strategies, equipping you with the skills to excel in various industries, including digital marketing, consumer behavior, and brand management. You’ll gain practical knowledge that can be applied to roles in advertising agencies, corporate marketing departments, and entrepreneurial ventures.
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.
Degree Overview
Develop the analytical, creative, and strategic thinking skills needed to excel in the dynamic marketing field. The UIC Business online MBA – Marketing program equips you with the expertise to analyze market trends, understand consumer behavior, and develop effective marketing strategies. This program prepares you for various rewarding career paths in advertising, digital marketing, brand management, and market research.
Sample of courses
- Brand Management
- Digital and Social Media Marketing
- Product Planning
- Content Marketing
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Develop integrated marketing strategies and solutions that identify and utilize emerging market opportunities.
- Design, conduct, analyze, and apply market research to aid managerial decision making.
- Plan advertising and promotional campaigns across media, including online, radio, television, and print.
- Understand how customers evaluate products and make purchase decisions.
- Extend marketing strategies to international markets.
Career Outcomes
- Marketing Manager
- Brand Strategist
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Market Research Analyst
- Product Manager
Admissions
At UIC, we have a holistic admissions process that considers undergraduate record, resume, letters of recommendation and more. Please visit the Admissions and Requirement process page for more information.
GMAT/GRE
GMAT/GRE test scores are optional but may increase your chances of admissions and scholarship funding.
Graduate Application Deadlines
Online MBA and Online MSM–Summer
Fall 2025 Domestic
Master's in Business Administration Joint Degrees
Joint programs are opportunities for students to pursue two degrees (either simultaneously or consecutively), while allowing some shared course hours to be applied to both degrees.
- 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
Testimonial
“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
Master's in Business Administration FAQ
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.
Faculty Voices
The UIC MBA program provides a high ROI learning experience through its novel combination of innovative instruction, world-class faculty, flexible curriculum (combining in-person and online options), real-world leadership experience and expansive alumni network.
| Assoc Professor, Director of MBA Grad Studies
Become a part of one of the best value-for-money MBA programs in the country located in the heart of the second-to-none city, Chicago. With a carefully curated curriculum, class schedule flexibility, valuable industry experiences, and dedicated student support, we are here to help you make a leap forward in your career.
| Professor and Assoc Dean, Finance Dept