Master of Business Administration (iMBA)

Explore admissions requirements and flexible pathways

Who is a Master of Business Administration degree for?

The iMBA is designed for professionals who want to advance in leadership and strategic management roles. It’s ideal for learners with at least three years of rich work experience who are ready to broaden their impact across industries or functions.

How to apply?

Admission to the iMBA program takes a comprehensive approach, reviewing your academic background, professional experience, essays, and references and does not require the GMAT or GRE.

If you don’t meet all the admission criteria, you can still begin your journey through the Performance-Based Admissions Track (PAT). If you are admitted to PAT and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your PAT courses, including a B or better in at least two of three courses, you will be admitted to the degree program.

Benefits of applying early

• No application fee

• Apply for scholarship consideration (applications need to be submitted by the Priority 1 deadline of each Spring/Fall term)

• Priority registration for courses

• Early access to Illinois on Coursera

• Begin engaging with classmates via Illinois' networking platforms

Program start dates:

The program has five intakes throughout the year, typically in: January, March, May, August, October. Open courses are available to start throughout the year.

Upcoming deadlines

Summer 2026

• Applications are open from January 5, 2026 to March 5, 2026