BS MBA Combined

One kind of "dual" degree that business schools offer is the BS MBA combined degree.

The BS stands for a bachelors of science degree. This can apply to a BA (bachelor of arts) degree too.

Usually this bachelor's degree is in a business discipline. This degree can be combined with an MBA if the school allows it.

If a business school offers an undergraduate business degree as well as an MBA degree, they can often combine the degrees so that takes only one extra year to complete the MBA.

Sometimes this is called a 4 + 1 combination. So, someone could have a bachelor's and master's degree after only 5 years. In other words, some schools allow students to go "one more year" to finish their MBA.

Most commonly, just like any other dual degree, you have to meet the admission and program requirements for both programs.

This form of combined degree is a little different than other joint degrees in that the student usually finishes the bachelor's degree first and then the master's degree. In this way it is not truly a joint degree. Yet, it has the benefits of a dual degree because it takes less time to finish the two degrees together.

If you are earning an undergraduate degree in business but have not yet finished, you may have interest in a combined BS MBA option. You have two ways to look into it.

First, check with your school to see if they have an MBA and if such an option exists. This is the easiest way to do it.

Second, check with schools where you want to apply and see if they have an accelerated or one-year MBA program. See if your undergraduate degree will satisfy their prerequisite or foundation courses.

Understand that most full-time, two-year programs will not allow you to combine your bachelor's degree with your MBA. However, those schools with flexible programs that do not require work experience are always good candidates.