Choosing a graduate program is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. So it’s important to do your research and find the right program for you.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in computer science and business administration concomitantly, then you should consider a dual MS/MBA program.
These programs offer the best of both worlds, providing students with the theoretical knowledge of a Master’s in Computer Science degree and the practical skills of a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).
In this article, we discuss what is a joint MS/MBA computer science program, what benefits it offers, and what are the top 16 dual MS/MBA computer science programs in the United States.
What Is An MS/MBA Computer Science Program?
An MS/MBA computer science program is a dual degree program that combines the coursework of a Master’s in Computer Science degree with an MBA. These programs are designed for students who want to pursue careers in both computer science and business administration.
The MBA portion of the program provides students with the business skills they need to succeed in the corporate world, while the MS in Computer Science gives them the technical expertise needed to excel in the world of technology.
Who Should Pursue MS/MBA Computer Science Degree?
The MBA/MS in Computer Science degree is a great option for students who want to gain a strong foundation in business and computer science. This program is perfect for students who want to pursue a career in technology and business, and excel to management positions within the tech industry.
MBA/MS in Computer Science students will learn the necessary skills to lead and manage teams of developers, analysts, and other professionals within the tech industry.
MBA/MS in Computer Science students should have a strong interest in both computer science and business. For some programs, applicants are expected to be comfortable with popular programming languages and software development tools, while for others no previous background in computer science is required (see our list below).
Students should also be interested in learning about business management, marketing, and finance. Computer Science MBA/MS students should be able to work independently and as part of a team.
They need to be self-motivated and able to handle a fast-paced, demanding curriculum. They should also have a strong desire to learn and apply new technologies and solve complex business problems.
MS/MBA Computer Science Syllabus
The typical syllabus for MBA/MSCS students includes individual courses from each degree. To satisfy degree requirements for dual programs, students have to take a certain number of credits from each program.
MBA courses typically include the following:
- Financial accounting
- Managerial economics
- Statistics for business decisions
- Marketing management
- Financial management
- Operations and supply chain management
- Business ethics
- Leadership and organizational behavior
MS in Computer Science courses vary by program, but may include the following:
- Programming languages
- Software development tools
- Computer architecture
- Data structures and algorithms
- Theory of computation
- Information systems
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
MS/MBA Computer Science Jobs
Some MBA/MS in Computer Science alumni have gone on to pursue careers as chief technology officers (CTO), chief information officers (CIO), or other executive-level positions in technological companies.
MBA/MS in Computer Science graduates have also gone on to start their own tech companies, or to take on leadership roles in non-tech companies.
The list of jobs available for MBA/MSCS graduates includes:
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- Chief Information Officer (CIO)
- Vice President of Research and Development (R&D)
- Director of Product Management
- Product Manager
- Business Analyst
- Software Development Manager
- Data Science Director
- Senior Technical Consultant
MBA/MS in Computer Science graduates will be in high demand as businesses seek to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing world of technology.
The job outlook for MBA/MS in Computer Science graduates is very positive, with an expected growth of 22% from 2020 to 2029 (much faster than the average for all occupations).
MBA/MS in Computer Science graduates will find plenty of job opportunities in a variety of industries, including medicine, finance, manufacturing, and government.
MS/MBA Computer Science Salary
According to Payscale, the median salary for MBA/MS in Computer Science graduates is $128,000 per year. MBA/MS in Computer Science graduates with experience and expertise in a particular area may earn even more. The top 10% of earners make over $180,000 per year.
MBA/MS in Computer Science graduates have the potential to earn a high salary right out of college. With the right experience and skills, MBA/MS in Computer Science graduates can earn a six-figure salary, while those who go into management positions can expect to earn even more.
Admission to MS/MBA Computer Science Programs
Admission to MS/MBA Computer Science programs is highly competitive. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a strong GPA (usually 3.0 or higher).
Dual MS/MBA degree applicants should also have a strong GMAT or GRE score, and prior work experience is often preferred. MBA/MSCS programs typically last two years, and some programs may require a thesis or capstone project.
Some Computer Science MBA programs may require applicants to have a background in computer science, while others may not. It is important to check with each MBA/MSCS program to see what their admissions requirements are (we provide this information in our list of top 16 programs below).
Other admission requirements to MS/MBA Computer Science programs include:
- TOEFL score (for international students)
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Application fee
Admission to MBA/MSCS programs is very competitive, so applicants should make sure they meet all the requirements for the programs they are interested in before applying.
Top 16 dual MS/MBA Computer Science programs in the United States
Now that we’ve gone over some general information about MBA/MSCS programs, let’s take a look at some of the top programs in the United States.
1. MS/MBA @ Stanford University
Stanford University is a leading institution in both technological fields and business development. Stanford’s stellar dual MS/MBA computer science program combines the best of the two degrees offered by the university.
MS/MBA degree is awarded by completion of courses from each program while choosing a computer science specialization in Artificial Intelligence, Biocomputation, Computer and Network Security, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Management and Analytics, and more. Students are expected to complete the program in 9 quarters (3 years).
2. MS/MBA Engineering Sciences @ Harvard University
The MS/MBA Engineering Sciences degree is a joint program offered by the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) at Harvard. The program is designed to train future leaders in the technology industry.
Students will learn how to apply their programming skills to business problems, and they will also gain a strong foundation in general management, as well as technical education in engineering, design, and innovation. The dual degree program is to be completed in 4 semesters (2 years).
3. MBA/MCIT @ University of Pennsylvania
Wharton School of Business is consistently ranked at the top of the list among business schools in the United States. This exceptional program, combined with one of the best Master’s programs in computer science designed for students with no CS background called MCIT, offers a chance to individuals who are only tech beginners to obtain top-notch education in business and technology.
The MBA/MCIT program can be completed in 2 years and has a strong student and alumni community both within the Wharton School of Business and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at UPenn.
4. MBA/MPCS @ University of Chicago
The joint Computer Science MBA program at University of Chicago provides students the ability to learn business and technology skills to become leaders in entrepreneurship, fintech, and technology management fields.
In US News 2023 Rankings, UChicago’s Booth School of Business placed #1 among MBA programs in the United States.
The leadership and management skills acquired through Booth’s MBA program are accompanied by rigorous theoretical, programming, and technical knowledge learned through UChicago’s Department of Computer Science, making this program incredibly sophisticated. The program can be completed in 2-2.5 years.
5. LGO @ Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Leaders of Global Operations program at MIT is a dual MBA and Master’s in Engineering program that trains students to become leaders in the technology-intensive manufacturing and service industries.
The program is designed for mid-career professionals who want to take their careers to the next level and excel in management and entrepreneurial engineering roles.
In a span of 2 years, you get to experience the top-level education at one of the world’s best tech institutions with the finest Sloan School of Management, which is also consistently rated in the top 10 business schools in the US.
6. MBA/Software Engineering @ Carnegie Mellon University
The MBA/Software Engineering dual degree at Carnegie Mellon University provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in senior-level positions in the technology industry.
The program is designed for students with engineering and science backgrounds, or for students who have appropriate experience.
The MBA/MSE is a three-year program that begins in August and is offered by the Tepper School of Business and the School of Computer Science.
7. MBA/MEng @ University of California Berkeley
The MBA/MEng program at UC Berkeley is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become leaders in technological innovation in a variety of different industries.
Applicants who have a technical undergraduate education can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Haas School of Business and a Master of Engineering (MEng) from the College of Engineering in four semesters.
Students will take both business and engineering courses, as well as participate in courses and interdisciplinary projects specifically designed for the concurrent degree program. Employment opportunities abound in locations around the world, including Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and beyond.
8. MBAxMS @ Columbia University
The MBAxMS program at Columbia University is perfect for entrepreneurs, engineers, or product managers who want to move their organization forward by leveraging new technologies or designing and implementing innovative products and solutions.
This dual degree program provides students with an MBA from Columbia Business School and an Executive MS in Engineering and Applied Science from Columbia’s University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science in less than two years.
9. Tech MBA @ New York University
The NYU Stern Andre Koo Tech MBA is designed to deepen your foundation in business and expand your knowledge of technology. The curriculum has four major components: the business core, the technology core, Stern Solutions, and electives.
The business core provides broad knowledge in fundamental areas of business, while the technology core delves deep into the tech industry. Stern Solutions helps students build a portfolio of skillsets, relationships, and experiences that serve as the foundation for successful careers.
Electives allow students to explore a specific functional area or take courses in an area of interest. The program runs from May to May and is a one-year program.
10. Tech MBA @ Cornell University
The Johnson Cornell MBA is conferred by the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University, one of the top 15 business schools in the United States. The program is designed for working professionals who want to spend as little time out of the workforce as possible.
The MBA at Cornell Tech is designed around three main experiential pillars: a fourteen-week intensive summer semester, product studio in the fall, and startup, bigco, or pittech studio in the spring. In summer you will complete your business courses at Cornell’s Ithaca campus.
During product studio, you will work on a team to develop a technology-driven solution to a business need for a real client. In your final semester, you will apply what you learned during product studio to develop a new business idea.
11. MBA/MSCS @ UCLA
The MBA/MSCS dual degree program at UCLA offers students the opportunity to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from The Anderson School of Management and a Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) from the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science.
This 3-year program is designed for students who want to pursue careers in the technology sector. The MBA portion of the program provides students with the business knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the tech industry, while the MSCS portion provides students with the technical expertise needed to develop and implement innovative technology solutions.
12. MBA/MS Dual Degree @ Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech is known for its stellar computer science program. The university’s MBA dual degree program allows students to gain a more well-rounded education by combining coursework from their MBA with courses from computer science.
This can help students to develop the skills they need to excel in their career. MBA dual degree programs allow students to count 15 credit hours from their M.S. courses toward their MBA elective requirements, reducing the time required to complete both degrees. Students can complete an MBA with 39 credit hours instead of 54 credit hours by taking advantage of this option.
13. MBA/MS STEM @ University of Colorado, Boulder
The MBA/MS dual degree provides students with the opportunity to gain business skills and specialized knowledge in STEM. The MBA program offers leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills, while the MS program provides training in a STEM-designated area, such as Business Analytics or Supply Chain Management.
Earning these two degrees together allows students to gain the best of both worlds and distinguishes their technical proficiency with management ability.
14. MBA x Software Development @ Northeastern University
The MBA x Software Development concentration offers a unique way to reimagine a traditional MBA. Through a partnership with Northeastern’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences, you’ll gain deep technical knowledge and skills in web and mobile application development, as well as exposure to a variety of modern technologies.
This concentration is perfect for business leaders who want to thrive in an environment of digital convergence. You’ll learn crucial integration, data handling, and design skills that will equip you for the complex needs of the modern business world.
If you have a degree in computer science, no extra courses are required. If your degree is not in computer science, you will need to take 16 credits of beginner computer science courses to get ready for the MBA x Software Development concentration coursework.
15. MEM/MBA @ Dartmouth University
The M.B.A. program at Tuck School of Business and the M.S. in Engineering Management at Thayer School of Engineering are two excellent degrees that offer students the full range of management and technical skills as a joint degree.
Students can complete both degrees in eight semesters (including one summer) if they take them concurrently rather than consecutively.
Each school has its own separate application and financial aid process for applicants. It’s suggested that first-year Tuck students submit an application to Thayer, then enroll there during their first year at Tuck.
16. MBA/ME @ University of Virginia
The MBA/ME dual degree offers the opportunity to develop leaders with both business and technical skills. The ME degree provides a foundation in engineering or applied science, while the MBA develops essential behavioral and quantitative sciences that are applicable to management.
When combined, these degrees provide the knowledge required for a variety of business applications. If a student wants to receive both degrees, they must apply and gain admittance to both degree programs.
Satisfying nearly all requirements for both degrees is typically required as well. Usually, the time it takes to complete the whole program decreases by one semester in comparison to receiving both degrees separately.
Conclusion
MS/MBA Computer Science programs offer an opportunity to specialize in computer science and learn about the business world.
These programs are designed for students with undergraduate degrees in computer science or an unrelated field who want to pursue a career in business or technology management or become entrepreneurs.
MBA/MSCS graduates can expect to earn a good salary and find jobs in a variety of industries. The 16 top MBA/MSCS programs we outlined in this review provide students with access to some of the best faculty, resources, and networks in the country.
If you are a finance or business major who would like to consider doing a Master’s in Computer Science only (and not an MBA), take a look at the top Master’s degree for non-CS majors.
Apply and put your best foot forward to get the ultimate business and tech education you desire!
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.