Dual MBA-MS Program, Business Administration - Computer Science

The Haslam College of Business and the Tickle College of Engineering offer an integrated program leading to the conferral of the Master of Business Administration degree with a major in Business Administration and the Master of Science with a major in Computer Science.

The establishment of the dual degree program addresses the critical need for personnel trained in both engineering and management who can integrate an increasingly complex body of knowledge for rapid introduction of new products to the marketplace. The objective of the dual degree program is to prepare graduates to take a leading management role in companies that must react quickly to a dynamic market where forces of competition require rapid changes via short cycles in design, manufacturing, and product development.

Options Available

Computer Science (Thesis, Project, or Course Only without Comprehensive Exam)

Business Administration (Course Only without Comprehensive Exam)

Campus Code

Knoxville Campus

Admissions Standards/Procedures

Applicants for the MBA-MS program must make separate applications to and be accepted by Graduate Admissions for the Master of Business Administration, and Graduate Admissions for the Master of Science in Computer Science.
Students who are accepted into the MBA-MS program will be assigned an advisor in each of the two majors, who will be responsible for course approval and supervision of the students’ progress through the dual program.
Applications by United States citizens and permanent residents received after the MBA application deadline (February 1) will be considered as space allows. Additional information is required and different application dates are established by Graduate Admissions for international students.

Academic Standards

Dual degree candidates must satisfy the curriculum and graduation requirements of the Haslam College of Business and the Tickle College of Engineering.

Credit Hours Required

60 or 63 graduate credit hours of which
- 36 credit hours of course work in the Haslam College of Business
- 24 or 27 credit hours of course work in the Computer Science curriculum depending on the option chosen for the Master of Science:
  - Thesis Option (27 credit hours): 21 credit hours of course work plus 6 credit hours of COSC 500.
  - Project Option (24 credit hours): 21 credit hours of course work plus 3 credit hours of COSC 501.
  - Course Only without Comprehensive Exam Option (24 credit hours): 24 credit hours of course work.

Required Courses

Students meet the degree requirements as defined in the Master of Business Administration major and the Master of Science in the Computer Science major, including:

COSC 500 - Thesis (6 credit hours)
COSC 501 - Project in Lieu of Thesis (3 credit hours)

Non-Course Requirements

Master of Science in Computer Science
- Thesis Option – write and defend the thesis
- Project Option – culminating experience in COSC 501
The student’s guidance committee should have representation from both the Computer Science and Business faculty to ensure that degree requirements for both the MBA and MS are fully met.

Undergraduates

Graduate Students