MBA/MS Frequently Asked Questions
Will I receive one diploma or two?
You will receive two separate diplomas, and each degree (the MBA and the MS) will be listed at the bottom of your transcript separately.
Will my area of focus be reflected on either diploma?
No, you will have one diploma with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and the other with a Masters of Science in Business and Management (MS). No area of focus is listed on either diploma.
Will my MS area of focus be reflected on my transcript?
No, an area of focus is a distinction made by the Smith School and is not listed on any official documentation from the University. An area of focus is typically listed by the student on his/her resume.
Is there an application fee to apply to this program?
You are not charged an application fee if you are a current MBA student applying to this program. However, it is critical that you research this program thoroughly before applying as students will not be permitted to switch back and forth between degree options if they change their mind at a later date.
During the joint degree program, when do I apply for graduation clearance?
Applications for degree clearance should be done when you are completing the last of the 66 credits needed to complete both degrees. Typically, this is the summer or fall following a College Park student’s second year, or at the end of the third full year as a Evening or Weekend student (including any Summer/Winter terms taken).
Can I fulfill the requirements for the MBA, receive a diploma and then fulfill the requirements for the MS later?
No, you must fulfill the requirements for both degrees simultaneously. Once you graduate with the MBA, you will not be permitted to pursue the MS.
Can my MBA electives be in one area of focus and my MS area of focus be in another?
In selecting electives, your primary goal should be to fulfill your MS requirements. Since there are no formal MBA concentrations, you may choose to take your MBA electives all in one field, but you should attempt to fulfill these requirements late in your program. Leaving your MS requirements to the end of the program may result in a delay of your graduation due to course availability and possible time conflicts. Please consult your campus administrator and develop a course plan to be sure that you are meeting all degree requirements.
What is an MS thesis?
The thesis (course number BUSI 799) is an in-depth research paper typically completed by students interested in going into an academic career and wanting to gain research competency in preparation for a Ph.D. program. To complete a thesis, which fulfills 6 credits of the MS program, a student needs to find a faculty member willing to direct the research. This person is the thesis advisor. Working with the thesis advisor, and following the strict guidelines set forth by the Graduate School, the student completes his/her research and is required to present it in an Oral Defense. The student selects a thesis committee (composed of 3 faculty members including the Thesis Advisor) who evaluate the thesis and the Oral Defense. Successful defense of the thesis is a requirement for graduation. Typically, a thesis takes a minimum of a full year to complete.
How is the MS thesis different from an Independent Research Project (independent study)?
An independent study (course number BUxx 759) is an individual research project that is done in cooperation with a faculty member. The scope and parameters of the study are developed between the student and the faculty member and the amount of credit earned typically varies between 1-3 credits. There is no oral defense and approval signatures must be obtained from the faculty member, the departmental chair and the Chair of the MS oversight committee prior to the student registering for the study as a course.
Who are the faculty (departmental) advisors for the MS program?
