Research Option: The Research Option is designed for students who want to focus on business research and quantitative methods  for research. Students would complete the Research Option if their goals are to continue their education and pursue a Ph.D., or if they have an interest in conducting research with a faculty mentor.

Applied Management Option: The Applied Management Option is focused on “hands-on” development of students’ intellectual and creative capacities. The program addresses a broad range of business-related skills emphasizing a combination of teamwork, writing, contemporary global and ethical issues, and analytical skills that can be immediately put into practice. (online program option available)

Geographic Information Systems Option: The GIS Option is designed to support careers using computer systems to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage and present spatial or geographical data in a variety of fields including management, logistics, insurance, and telecommunications. (online program option available)

Program Mission: Learning for Leadership: The MBA Program at Eastern Illinois University is an AACSB accredited graduate program that prepares students for employment in positions of leadership in small and large businesses, industry, government, and non-profit organizations in a contemporary global environment. The program emphasizes the application of analytical tools and related skills that are essential for making informed business decisions. Learning for Excellence: The dedicated faculty seeks to foster excellence, creativity, and innovation through a responsive, dynamic, challenging, and culturally diverse learning environment, with a focus on experiential and applied learning and research. Learning for Life:  The program promotes and expects ethical behavior in all aspects of professional work and prepares its students for life-long discovery and professional fulfillment in a global economy.

Program Aim: The degree Master of Business Administration is designed to develop the fundamental body of knowledge and analytical tools common to all management positions through advanced study in management, marketing, accounting, information systems, behavioral sciences, finance, and quantitative approaches to decision making.  In addition, both faculty and students are presented with the opportunity to conduct and utilize research in the solution of business problems.  The purpose of this program is to prepare students for business careers and advanced study.

Admission Requirements: To be eligible for degree candidacy, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School (see “Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs”). Also, candidates must be admitted to the Graduate School and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, or, have a GPA of 2.75 or higher with either two years of relevant work experience or GMAT/GRE equivalent of 450 or higher. Applicants apply in MyEIU where they will also submit an MBA program application, which requires an uploaded résumé clearly describing employment experience. Applicants may choose to submit GMAT or GRE scores, provide two references, and provide a statement summarizing qualifications and professional goals.

The School of Business Graduate Admissions Committee will begin reviewing completed applications on these dates: the last week of March for summer and fall admissions, and the third week of November for spring admissions.

All admission criteria are listed as guidelines. They are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission to the MBA program.

Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the “Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates” section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the program coordinator.