Business Administration Master’s Degree: The Elmhurst MBA

We believe an MBA should be student-centered.

MBA Program Director Lawrence Brown talks about what makes the Elmhurst MBA stand out.

The way we see it, the only reason we’re here is to provide you a high-value, high-impact business education. Our mission is to give you the skills and connections you need to achieve your goals in your career and in your life.

Conveniently located in Chicago’s western suburbs, Elmhurst offers affordable, flexible degree options, on campus or online. With a cohort of fellow professionals, you’ll earn your MBA in less than two years of part-time work.

Areas of Specialization: Your Unique Offer

MBA students combine six core courses with four electives in their specialization, for a total of 30 semester hours.

Go where your passions lead you—and discover your competitive advantage. You’ll combine your core courses with electives in your specialization.

Choose from one of the following areas of specialization.

  • Computer Information Technology
  • Data Science and Analytics
  • Finance
  • General Management
  • Health Care Administration
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Management of People
  • Managerial Leadership
  • Marketing and Consumer Insights
  • Project Management
  • Supply Chain Management

Program Formats: On Campus or Online

Both our part-time programs follow the cohort model. You’ll gain a network for the rest of your professional life.

  • On Campus. Most students are business professionals who have been in the workplace for at least three years, bringing valuable experience to the classroom.
  • Online. Classes are small, so professors can devote the same level of personal attention to each student. All courses are eight weeks in length, except J-Term which is four weeks.

Movement between the on-campus and online program is handled on a case-by-case basis.

The Right People on Your Side

Elmhurst faculty are experienced industry leaders who are dedicated to expanding your reach, with fieldwork, connections and hands-on experience.

Whether you study in-person or online, our program directors are always there for you—helping you negotiate everything from class selection to career direction.

Business Administration Master's Degree

Being a people leader has been a recurring theme throughout my career, and it is a major reason why I am committed to the success of others. I am driven to help our students achieve their next level of success.”

Lawrence Brown, MBA Program Director

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Administration Master’s Degree at Elmhurst University

No. In fact, about 40% of our students do not hold business undergraduate degrees or even work in business sectors.

We have incredibly diverse cohorts when it comes to age, race, experience, and background. You will find yourself in classes with nurses, teachers, accountants, small business owners, and students who are looking to take their careers to the next level—just like you!

Courses in Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, and Business Finance are required. However, if you have not completed these courses, we offer an eight-week prep course you can take either before or during your first class in the MBA program. Ask an admission counselor for more details.

No, we do not require the GMAT or the GRE to apply for the MBA program.

The application requires any official college transcripts, a 1,000-word statement of purpose, a current resume, and three professional letters of recommendation.

The MBA is comprised of 30 credit hours and costs $900 per credit hour, which totals $27,000 for the program. Keep in mind that this is the tuition cost, and you will also have other costs for items such as textbooks. Learn more about graduate program tuition and fees.

The Elmhurst MBA is offered in part-time or full-time formats, with flexible class options that include on-campus and online cohorts.

Part-time on-campus programs meet one night a week in the evening (usually 6:00–10:00 p.m.). Movement between on-campus and online course delivery is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Here is what our academic calendar looks like:

We have a Fall Term that runs from late August through mid-December, a January Term (or “J-Term”) that consists of one accelerated class during the month of January, and then a Spring Term that runs from early February through mid-May.

MBA students also take courses in the Summer Term, which is early June through mid-August.

The calendar allows you to complete the program quickly.

  • The part-time program takes just under two years to finish.
  • The full-time program takes just one year to finish.

Yes! We offer 11 specializations. You will be required to take six core MBA courses, but you’ll also then be able to choose a specialization.

The MBA Dual Degree Option is a one-year, part-time program leading to a Master of Business Administration (MBA). It is different from the MBA program in that it’s for people who have earned a master’s degree from Elmhurst University in another field.

You are eligible if you have completed (or already are participating in) another Elmhurst master’s degree program. Learn more about the MBA Dual Degree Option by following the link above.

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