Business Administration

The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program at the University of Illinois Chicago offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of modern business management. Designed to prepare graduates for a dynamic and competitive global marketplace, this program combines rigorous coursework with practical experiences to develop essential skills in leadership, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as finance, marketing, management, or entrepreneurship, allowing them to tailor their education to their individual career goals and interests. The curriculum emphasizes a blend of theoretical foundations and real-world applications, incorporating case studies, team projects, internships, and research opportunities. Faculty members are experienced professionals and scholars committed to fostering an engaging learning environment that encourages critical thinking and innovation. The program also provides access to extensive resources, including modern laboratories, career services, and networking events with industry leaders, helping students to build connections and gain valuable insights into the business world. Graduates of the BBA program at UIC are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths in corporate management, consulting, financial services, marketing, or to continue their education at graduate schools. With a focus on ethical decision-making, sustainability, and social responsibility, the program strives to develop responsible business leaders who can make meaningful contributions to society. Students benefit from a multicultural campus community and opportunities for global experiential learning, preparing them for careers that require cultural awareness and adaptability. Overall, the BBA program at the University of Illinois Chicago offers a rigorous, innovative, and inclusive environment for aspiring business professionals to thrive academically and professionally.

Year 1

Fall: MGMT 573 (Research Methods) or MGMT 576 (Seminar in Organizational Behavior) statistics/methods course; Elective seminar (MGMT 587or 589), or a seminar from another department/college; generate idea for qualifying paper 

Spring: MGMT 575 (Seminar in HR) and/or Elective seminar (MGMT 587or 589), or a seminar from another department/college statistics/methods course; begin conducting qualifying paper research

Year 2

Fall: MGMT 573 (Research Methods) or MGMT 576 (Seminar in Organizational Behavior) statistics/methods course; elective seminar (MGMT 587or 589), or a seminar from another department/college; work on qualifying paper

Spring: MGMT 575 (Seminar in HR) and/or elective seminar (MGMT 587or 589), or a seminar from another department/college statistics/methods course; complete and present qualifying paper

Year 3

Fall: Take preliminary exam

Spring: Dissertation proposal defense

Year 4

Fall: Dissertation; teach one course

Spring: Dissertation (continue into year 5 if required); teach one course 

Requirements

• Test Scores: GMAT or GRE scores are accepted. GMAT and GRE scores are valid for up to 5 years. Please contact the testing companies for full details.
• Academic Record: A business-related undergraduate degree is not required to be admitted to our masters programs. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0.
• Letters of Recommendation: We require two letters of recommendation from references who know you in a professional manner and can attest to your professional abilities. Specialized master’s degree programs also accept letters from previous professors who can speak to your academic abilities. You will submit the recommenders’ names and contact information and we will contact them for the recommendation.
• Personal Statement: The personal statement provides you with the opportunity to discuss your career goals and why you think the UIC Liautaud program is a good fit. Guidelines are provided in the online application.
• Interview: MBA applicants only: All completed applications are reviewed by the admissions committee and qualified candidates will be invited for an interview.
• The UIC Supplemental application is a brief application where you will pay the $70 application fee and upload your academic credentials. Applicants will be required to upload their academic credentials (transcripts/marksheets/degree certificates) as one, single PDF file to the "CRDS" checklist link in the supplemental application. While completing two applications may be slightly redundant for the candidate, it allows us to process applications faster, resulting in quicker admissions decisions.
• Baccalaureate Field No restrictions. Prior academic work should include all of the following fields: mathematics/statistics, computing/analysis, and business.
• Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study.
• Minimum English Competency Test Score
  • TOEFL 600 (paper-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
  • IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores, OR,
  • PTE-Academic 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.

Scholarships

• Graduate Assistantships. Students who enrolled for eight or more credit hours during the fall and spring semesters are eligible to apply for a graduate assistantship. These on-campus job opportunities provide students with a partial tuition waiver and a stipend that varies in amount according to the time worked. They also provide valuable work experience in areas related to their degree program. Students are responsible for finding their own assistantships, just as one would find a job.

• Partial Tuition Waivers. A number of partial tuition and fee waivers are available for incoming UIC Liautaud students. Funding awards are based on academic merit. Students do not need to apply separately for a waiver. You will be notified during the admissions process if you are being considered for a scholarship or a partial tuition and service fee waiver. We also offer the Liautaud Scholars program for highly qualified full-time MBA students, a program that includes merit-based scholarships providing tuition remission. Ask an admissions representative to learn more about the program.

• Federal Funding. You may be eligible for up to $20,500 per year of federal loan funding whether you plan to study on a part-time or full-time basis and regardless of your economic status. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps students begin the process of determining how to pay for their program. The funds are government loans and are made available to domestic students who are interested in pursuing a degree from an accredited institution who are not in default of past student loans and have correctly submitted the FAFSA form. UIC Federal School Code: 001776

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Illinois Chicago is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for diverse careers in the business world. The program offers a rigorous curriculum that covers fundamental areas such as management, marketing, finance, accounting, and information systems, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of business operations. Students have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning through internships, projects, and case studies, which help develop practical skills applicable in real-world settings. The program emphasizes critical thinking, communication, leadership, and ethical decision-making, equipping graduates to adapt to the rapidly changing global business environment. UIC’s strong connections with industry partners and its location in Chicago, a major business hub, facilitate networking opportunities and career placement services for students. The Bachelor’s degree can be pursued with options for specialization or minors in areas such as entrepreneurship, international business, or supply chain management. The program’s faculty are experienced professionals and scholars committed to student success and research-driven teaching. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for entry-level positions or graduate studies in business or related fields. The program encourages a diverse student body and offers resources to support students from different backgrounds, including academic advising, tutoring, and professional development workshops. Overall, UIC’s Business Administration program aims to develop strategic thinkers and ethical leaders capable of making meaningful contributions to the business community locally and globally.