Overview
The 4+1 Business Administration B.S. to MBA program at Elmhurst University is an accelerated pathway allowing students to earn both a bachelor of science in business administration and a master of business administration (MBA) within five years. This program is designed for high-achieving students who seek to advance their careers efficiently. Graduates will gain the real-world skills, faculty guidance and professional preparation needed to lead successful futures.
Key Features and Benefits
- Time and Cost Efficient: Complete both degrees in five years, reducing tuition costs by shortening the academic timeline.
- Seamless Transition: Integrated coursework provides a smoother shift from undergraduate to graduate-level studies.
- Imbedded Internship: A full-time internship in the final undergraduate semester provides real-world experience.
- Stronger Career Prospects: Graduates enter the workforce with advanced credentials and competitive skills.
Program Structure
Undergraduate Phase (Years 1-4)
Students complete their bachelor’s degree in business administration in four years, taking courses in marketing, finance, management, economics and accounting, along with the University’s Integrated Curriculum. The final semester is dedicated to a full-time internship to gain practical experience.
Fall Term
- ENG 105 Composition I
- ECO 210 Principles of Microeconomics
- FYS 100 First Year Seminar
- BUS 271 Intro to Global Business
January Term
- COM 114 Interpersonal Communication
Spring Term
- ENG 106 Composition II
- ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics
- BUS 230 Principles of Marketing
- AST 212 Introduction to Astronomy
- BUS 470 Seminar in Special Topics
Fall Term
- BUS 261 Financial Accounting
- BUS 250 Management Theory and Practice
- BUS Elective
- BIO 105 Environmental Biology
January Term
- BUS 310 Business Analysis Use – MS Excel
Spring Term
- BUS 262 Management Accounting
- BUS 301 Intro to Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- MTH 345 Elementary Statistics
- BUS 350 Cultural Diversity in Organizations
Fall Term
- BUS 340 Business Finance
- Two (2) BUS Electives
January Term
- RSC Religious Studies in Context – various course options
Spring Term
- BUS 456 Strategic Management in the Global Environment
- BID 312 English/Musical Theater and Music Scene in Chicago
- Two (2) BUS Electives
Fall Term
- PHL 310 Business Ethics
- BUS 492 Independent Study
- Two (2) BUS Electives
Spring Term
- Full-Time Internship
Learn more about Internships and Field Experiences
Graduate Phase (Year 5)
Upon successful completion of the undergraduate phase, students are directly enrolled in the accelerated full-time MBA program, focusing on general management.
Fall Term
- MBA 500 Organizational Management
- MBA 501 Financial and Managerial Accounting
- Two (2) MBA Electives
January Term
- MBA 502 Analytical Tools for Management Decision
Spring Term
- MBA 503 Marketing Management
- MBA 504 Financial Management
- Two (2) MBA Electives
Summer Term
- MBA 505 Strategies for Creating a Competitive Advantage
Admission Requirements
To apply for the 4+1 Program, students must meet the following criteria:
- High school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Personal essay detailing interest in business and MBA studies, experience and qualifications.
- Two letters of recommendation (e.g., teacher, school counselor, employer).
- Completion of MTH 126 (Business Calculus) and World Language requirements.
- Interview with the School of Business Accelerated Program admission committee.
Program Expectations
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher to stay in the accelerated track.
- Follow the prescribed course sequence as outlined in the curriculum.
- Students who withdraw or drop courses will be moved to the traditional undergraduate pathway and must reapply separately for the MBA.
- The MBA program is full-time; students should not work full-time during this phase.
- Students must maintain grades of B or higher in MBA coursework.
Take the Next Step
Apply to the 4+1 MBA program today! Contact the Office of Admission to learn more and get started.