You now have a faster, more economical way to jump-start your career by strengthening both your technical and business skills.
You can earn your non-thesis, or professional, master’s degree in engineering from the College of Engineering plus your MBA from the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business in just two years — a year less than if you earned them separately.
To apply, choose your engineering major first, and review the information through the links below. You will need to be admitted to both the engineering master’s and MBA programs. You’ll take all courses on campus.
The Best of Both Worlds: Exploring Engineering and Business Dual Degree Programs
In today’s complex business environment, there is a growing demand for leaders who understand both the technical and business sides of an organization. Engineering and business dual degree programs aim to develop these well-rounded professionals by combining technical engineering skills with business management knowledge.
In this article, we’ll explore what engineering and business dual degrees entail, their key benefits, top program options, curriculum insights, application tips, and how this unique training can prepare students for impactful careers
What Are Engineering and Business Dual Degrees?
Engineering and business dual degree programs allow students to earn an engineering bachelor’s or master’s degree concurrently with a business degree like an MBA. Popular combinations include:
- B.S. Engineering + MBA
- M.S. Engineering + MBA
- B.S. Engineering + B.S. Business
Within 4-5 years, students graduate with expertise spanning their engineering discipline (e.g. mechanical, electrical, computer science) and business management.
This powerful blend develops technical strengths and business acumen simultaneously. Students gain deeper exposure to both fields than single degree pursuers through cross-functional curriculum.
Key Benefits of Engineering and Business Training
Pursuing interconnected engineering and business education offers many advantages:
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Fast track careers – Jumpstart leadership trajectory leveraging two disciplines
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Time savings – Complete two degrees faster than separately
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Cost savings – Reduce expenses through shared credits and bundled tuition
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Cross-functional perspective – Gain integrated view spanning technical and business worlds
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Stand out to employers – Offer rare blend of hard and soft skills
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Higher earning potential – Command premium salaries and senior roles
By bridging left- and right-brain thinking in one program, graduates gain unique flexibility and an edge in the job market.
Top Dual Degree Programs
Numerous high caliber universities offer engineering and business dual degree options, including:
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MIT – MBA + Masters of Engineering
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Stanford – MBA + MS Engineering
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Berkeley – MBA + MS Engineering
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Northwestern – MMM Program: BS Engineering + MBA
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UPenn (Wharton) – MBA + Masters Engineering
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Johns Hopkins – MBA + BS Engineering
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Rice – MBA + BS Engineering
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Duke – MEM/MBA Program
With many top schools touting programs, focus on finding the best culture/fit for your goals.
Curriculum and Experience
Due to their interdisciplinary nature, engineering and business dual degree curriculums blend technical and leadership coursework into a cohesive learning experience:
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Engineering – Degree requirements like advanced math, engineering design, lab sciences, programming
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Business – Core MBA courses including finance, accounting, marketing, operations, strategy
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Crossover – Some shared credits, integrated projects linking both fields
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Sequence – Engineering foundation first, MBA coursework follows
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Duration – 4-5 years depending on program structure
Programs emphasize experiential learning through hands-on engineering projects, business case competitions, consulting field work, and more. Students also gain access to two sets of career resources and networks.
Application Tips
Applying for dual degree programs requires planning and coordination:
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Research application timelines – Engineering and MBA components may be staggered
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Tailor essays to show interest in both fields
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Highlight technical and business experience
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Gather recommendations speaking to broad skills
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Convey why combining degrees is valuable for your goals
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Apply early as spots are limited
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Leverage on-campus program advising
Work closely with admissions from both schools to present a compelling, integrated application.
Impactful Careers for Graduates
Engineering and business graduates are extremely well positioned to excel in roles blending technical expertise and leadership, including:
###Engineering Management
- Engineering program/project manager
- R&D team leader
- Product development head
- Manufacturing operations manager
###Technology Consulting
- Management consultant
- Business analyst
- Strategy consultant
- Tech implementation specialist
###Technology Entrepreneurship
- Startup founder/co-founder
- Product manager
- Venture capitalist
- Angel investor
###Engineering Analytics/Intelligence
- Data science/analytics lead
- Artificial intelligence architect
- Industry analyst
- Business intelligence manager
The ability to bridge the technical elements of projects with big picture strategy gives graduates a unique edge in rising through organizational ranks or starting their own ventures.
Invest in Your Engineering Leadership Future
For engineers looking to elevate their career potential, applying business knowledge to their technical background is a game changer. Engineering and business dual degree programs uniquely develop this blended expertise and leadership mindset within a streamlined timeframe.
By pursuing cross-functional curriculum and experiential learning, students gain an advantage in today’s matrixed business environment while fast tracking their advancement. The programs require commitment but offer outsized rewards in terms of competitive positioning and career trajectory.
Why consider this option?
Blending engineering and business knowledge creates one of the most upwardly mobile and profitable career paths.
- According to multiple sources, nearly half of Fortune 500 CEOs have majored in engineering and business. And according to a 2017 study.edu article, 64% held at least a Master’s degree or equivalent (including MBAs).
- Indeed.com’s list of Highest Paying Masters Degrees includes a heavy mix of both engineering and graduate business fields. In addition, two of Indeed’s Top Master’s Degrees in High Demand are Master of Business Administration (MBA) (#1) and Master’s in Engineering (#3)
UB School of Management Dual Degree: Engineering/MBA Program Overview
What is an engineering and business dual degree?
An engineering and business dual degree is a credential that asserts a students’ completion of two major undergraduate degree tracks: engineering and business administration. Typically, students complete the course requirements for both areas simultaneously so that they can earn two degree certificates when they complete their studies.
What can you do with a dual degree in engineering management?
Graduates of the Dual program will thrive in roles like mobile, data and engineering manager, project or chief engineer, project and program lead, directors and much more. In 2024, Purdue University secured the top spot in the U.S. News and World Report’s rankings for Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management Programs.
What is an MBA / Engineering dual degree?
As an MBA / Engineering Dual Degree student, you will join other curious and independent thinkers in an accelerated program that provides the resources and experiences necessary to pursue your distinctive interests—and flourish in whatever career path you choose. Leadership is at the forefront of the Notre Dame experience.
Does the 5 year MBA / Engineering dual degree program accept applications?
The Five-Year MBA / Engineering Dual Degree program accepts applications on a rolling basis. There are limited spaces in these programs, so we encourage you to take the GMAT and submit your application as early as you can.
