Business Administration (M.B.A.)/Public Administration (M.P.A.)
The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) dual-degree program at Illinois Institute of Technology鈥檚 Stuart School of Business is ideal for people who are currently in鈥攐r who aspire to鈥攃areers and professions that bridge the private and civic sectors.
Together, the Illinois Tech M.B.A. and M.P.A. degrees prepare students to be effective managers, decision-makers, and leaders, with a deep understanding of how to navigate both business and government to get things done.
The M.B.A program鈥檚 rigorous, tech-focused curriculum is designed to develop your innovation mindset and the intellectual agility to take on complex business challenges. Courses feature case studies, projects, and hands-on use of technology to build your analytical, strategic, and managerial skills.
With the M.P.A. program鈥檚 applied approach, you will gain administrative knowledge and skills in public and nonprofit management, analytics, policy analysis, strategic planning, and effective implementation strategies.
Through Illinois Tech鈥檚 one-of-a-kind Elevate program, you are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences throughout your graduate education, such as virtual and in-person internships, and personalized mentorship to guide your academic studies and career planning.
Our exclusive partnership with provides Stuart M.B.A. students with a free membership and access to the organization鈥檚 many business and networking events, which are annually attended by more than 10,000 successful professionals.
Enrolling in this dual-degree program reduces the total requirement for earning the two degrees by four courses (12 credits), compared to earning the M.B.A. and M.P.A. degrees separately.
Learn more about each program:
Master of Business Administration
Master of Public Administration
Program Overview
This dual-degree program prepares professionals for careers that bridge the civic and private sectors. Taught with an applied approach, the programs focus on technology and innovation in business and effective management, planning, and policy analysis and implementation in the public and nonprofit spheres.
Career Opportunities
The M.B.A./M.P.A. dual-degree program provides comprehensive preparation for careers and professions鈥攅specially in leadership positions鈥攁t the nexus between the private and civic spheres, or for professionals who want to move between business, governmental, and nonprofit positions during their careers.
- Governmental department directors, bureau chiefs, and other staff engaged in analyzing and implementing public policies and regulations that impact businesses
- Corporate consultants who work with governmental and nonprofit clients
- University and nonprofit administrators who engage with businesses, such as for contracts and partnerships
- Executives, managers, and staff at businesses that are subject to government regulations or have contracts with government agencies and nonprofit organizations
- The M.B.A./M.P.A. dual-degree program requires completion of 57 credits (19 courses at three credits per course) with a grade-point average of 3.0 or above. Students must complete a minimum of 30 M.B.A. credits and 27 M.P.A. credits.
- Core courses may be waived by the director of the relevant program and students may take advanced elective courses in their place.
Master of Business Administration
Completion of 10 courses (30 credits) is required. See descriptions for and courses.
Core Courses鈥擲even courses (21 credits)
- BUS 510鈥擲trategy and Innovation
- MBA 501鈥擣inancial Statement Applications
- MBA 504鈥擜nalytics for Decision Making
- MBA 509鈥擣inancial Management
- MBA 511鈥擬arketing Strategy
- MBA 513鈥擮perations and Technology Management
- BUS 590鈥擝usiness Strategy Capstone
Elective Courses鈥擟hoose any three courses (nine credits)
- MBA 522鈥擳he General Manager
- MBA 523鈥擭egotiations and Strategic Decision Making
- MBA 532鈥擜rtificial Intelligence
- MBA 534鈥擝lockchain
- MBA 536鈥擨nternet of Things
- MBA 564鈥擥lobal Business Strategy
- MBA 576鈥擭ew Technology Ventures
Master of Public Administration
Completion of nine courses (27 credits) is required. See .
- PA 501鈥擨ntroduction to Public Administration
- PA 502鈥擮rganizational Behavior
- PA 522鈥擧uman Resource Management
- PA 532鈥擯ublic Financial Management
- PA 568鈥擲trategic Competitiveness in the Public Sector
- PA 580鈥擯olicy Evaluation Analytics
- MBA 505鈥擬icroeconomics and Game Theory (see note below)
- PA 599鈥擯racticum
- PA elective (student chooses one course)
Note: PA 581鈥擯olicy Design Analytics is waived for M.B.A./M.P.A. dual-degree program participants.
- Students must apply and be accepted to both programs: Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
- Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, have a strong record of academic achievement, and be highly recommended
- No GMAT or GRE scores required
- English proficiency exam, if required
International Students: Maintaining Eligibility
International students (F-1, J-1) must maintain full-time enrollment (nine credit hours per semester in the fall and spring semesters) in order to remain in the United States. It is possible for an international student to discontinue the M.B.A. program and continue the M.P.A. as a full-time program. However, an international student who discontinues the M.P.A. program for any reason must leave the dual-degree program because the M.B.A. is a part-time program.
Have Questions? Connect with Us
For any questions about Stuart School of Business degree programs or the application and enrollment process, contact our Director of Student Recruitment Claire Johnson.
Scholarships and Aid
All Stuart School of Business graduate students are automatically reviewed for merit-based and need-based financial aid awards at the time of admission to Illinois Tech. Learn more about Illinois Tech and Stuart scholarships and aid and costs:
Eyes on the Tech C-Suite
鈥淭he Stuart School gives you a strong base of skills to tackle the global corporate environment,鈥 says Ambika Sahay Verma (M.B.A./M.P.A. 鈥22). Her dual-degree program provided the tech-focused management skills and hands-on experiences to land her current role at Intuit. It also puts her on the path to her long-term career goals.
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