Business Administration (MBA) & Information Technology (MS) Dual

The accelerated MBA-MSIT allows students from any major to use MBA-MSIT classes towards upper-level undergraduate coursework. Students participating in the MBA-MSIT Accelerated Pathway should meet the following qualifications:

• Must be a Commonwealth University student
• At least junior or senior Status
• Any Major
• 3.0 GPA or Above
• Complete the MBA-MSIT Graduate Admissions Application
• If accepted, students will be enrolled as provisional admission.

Provisional admission: Students participating in the Accelerated MBA-MSIT Pathway will need to maintain the following while participating in the program:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Graduate with an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Achieve a B+ or higher in MBA-MSIT courses taken

Coursework Details

• Business Students: MBA-MSIT graduate courses may be used in exchange for undergraduate courses within the Zeigler College of Business. Up to 4 MBA-MSIT graduate courses can be applied to undergraduate courses with the approval of the advisor, department chair, program coordinator, and dean. These courses can be existing undergraduate business courses or electives. This assessment will be through a collaborative case-by-case process.
• Non-Business Students: With the permission of their advisor, department chair, MBA-MSIT program coordinator, and business dean, majors outside of the Zeigler College of Business may enroll in up to 4 MBA-MSIT graduate courses. These courses may be applied at the discretion of their program and college, for example, undergraduate electives.
• Performance: Students enrolling in the Accelerated MBA-MSIT Pathway must meet the MBA-MSIT program's expectations and complete the required courses that lead to the award of an MBA-MSIT degree. If a student's cumulative GPA drops below 3.0 or a letter grade below B+ is received, an assessment will be conducted between the MBA-MSIT Coordinators and advisor, potentially leading to the removal from the program.
• Students have an opportunity to take a second concentration and would require 9-credits for the chosen concentration.

Learn More 

Degree Requirements Sample Schedule Degree Works

Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, Degree Works.

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the dual MBA/MSIT program will achieve the combined learning outcomes of both the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Science in Information Technology programs.

Upon completion of the dual degree, students will be able to:

MBA Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate leadership emergence through the development of critical characteristics and group collaboration toward shared goals.
2. Exhibit cultural literacy and act as agents of change in diverse cultural and organizational contexts.
3. Identify and pursue opportunities for business innovation and value creation.
4. Apply adaptable managerial techniques to solve complex problems effectively.
5. Utilize data and systems thinking to assess and resolve issues across functional areas of business.

MSIT Program Outcomes

1. Apply technology solutions to increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
2. Implement IT best practices supported by industry metrics and principles.
3. Monitor and manage information systems to assure quality, security, and strategic value.
4. Develop management and communication skills for building and leading global IT project teams.

Program Admissions

There is a rolling admission process, so applications are accepted year-round. Students can be admitted to start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. The program admits students based on an evaluation of past academic achievement, aptitude for advanced study, professional accomplishments, and motivation to succeed.

Complete applications include the following items:

• Official transcripts from an accredited academic institution indicating an earned baccalaureate degree.
• Official transcripts from all institutions where the applicant earned undergraduate or graduate college credit must be provided. Degrees earned from non-United States universities will be judged individually.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• A current resume.
• GMAT or GRE: Waivers are granted after evaluating an academic GPA above 2.5.
• A statement of career goals.

International applicants whose native language is not English must provide official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score within the prior year as well as current evidence of financial capability. International applications must be complete at least four months prior to the start of the semester of application. A translation of transcripts to a GPA on a 4.0 scale is required.

• Do I need a degree in business to be admitted?
  No! Whether you studied communications, psychology, education, or business — our MBA can enhance the skills you already have and prepare you for a leadership role in your field.
• How is the program delivered?
  Courses are offered 100% online. You can start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters.
• What career options can I pursue with this degree?
  Your career options will be varied - but you'll be in high demand! Recent alumni have accepted positions as a Business Intelligence Analyst, Senior Product Analyst, Global Information Systems Manager, HR Business Process Specialist, and Technology Security Analyst.
• How long does it take to complete the program?
  You can choose to take courses on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students may be able to finish the program in just one year; part-time students finish at their own pace.
• When can I start?
  Applications are accepted for the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.
• Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT to gain admission?
  GRE and GMAT waivers are granted after evaluating an academic GPA above 2.5.
• If I'm using my employer's tuition reimbursement program, can my tuition bills be deferred until after the semester?
  Yes. Completion of the Application for Deferment will enable you to defer 75% of your tuition and fee charges (after paying 25% down) until 45 days after the conclusion of the semester. During this time, you should be able to secure reimbursement from your employer. The remaining payment will be drawn from your account automatically through the payment plan 45 days after the end of the semester, unless paid prior to that date. More information is available from Student Billing under the 'Tuition Statements, Charges, and Payments' section. If you have any questions, you can contact the Student Billing Office at 570-389-4013 or studentbilling@commonwealthu.edu.