Earn multiple degrees

If you have interest in a broad understanding of business, an emphasis in analytics, and/or finance, complete the Iowa MBA, Master of Business Analytics (MSBA), and/or Master of Finance (MSFIN) program(s) to earn multiple degrees. Explore these options, including how and when to apply.

The MBA, MSBA, and MSFIN programs are available online. If you're near Des Moines, some MBA and MSFIN courses are also available in-person.

Tippie GPP degrees

Please reach out to your advising team to discuss your academic plan.

Iowa MBA & MSBA degrees

Due to the interconnectedness of the Iowa MBA and MSBA degrees, some courses can be counted toward both degrees, cutting down on how many courses you must take and potentially saving you up to 15 credit hours or over $11k in tuition.

Iowa MBA and MSBA planning guide (pdf)

Iowa MBA & MSFIN degrees

If you'd like to pursue the Iowa MBA and MSFIN degrees, you'll need at least 20 courses (60 semester hours).

Each degree program accepts, or cross-counts, courses from the other, which in effect cuts the credits you need by up to five courses (15 semester hours) or over $11k in tuition.

Iowa MBA and MSFIN planning guide (pdf)

MSBA & MSFIN degrees

If you'd like to pursue the MSFIN and MSBA degrees, these two programs share courses but there's no reduction in the total number of courses needed to complete the degrees.

Note: MBA:8150 Data and Decisions counts for both degree programs but then you'll add an elective to meet the minimum 60 semester hour requirement for earning two Tippie Graduate and Professional Program (GPP) degrees.

MSBA and MSFIN planning guide (pdf)

Iowa MBA, MSBA, and MSFIN degrees

If you'd like to earn all three degrees - Iowa MBA, MSBA, and MSFIN - you must complete at least 30 courses (or 90 semester hours) of unique coursework from the University of Iowa Tippie Graduate and Professional Programs by the time the third degree is awarded. This reduces your required credits by up to five courses (15 semester hours) because some courses can be counted across multiple degrees.

When and how to apply

Planning ahead is important when you're seeking multiple degrees. The requirements can seem complex, so talk to your academic advisor to ensure your plan of study is in alignment.

To pursue the Iowa MBA, MSBA, and/or MSFIN degree(s), you must be admitted to the respective program(s).

The programs make admissions decisions separately, so you'll need to meet the admissions requirements for whichever degree(s) you're pursuing. See the admissions requirements for each program: Iowa MBA, Part-time MSBA, Part-time MSFIN.

Timing

Submit your application(s) as soon as you decide to pursue multiple degrees.

You can benefit from shared coursework at any point in time, whether you've finished one degree already, are halfway through, or haven't started an additional degree yet. Choosing electives with the Iowa MBA, MSBA, and/or MSFIN in mind will help you maximize the number of credits that will apply to whichever programs you're pursuing. 

Once admitted to the program(s), your advising team will help you put together a plan of study that takes into account your goals, the schedule of classes, and program requirements. 

Additional information

Course requirements for earning multiple Tippie GPP degrees

Students pursuing two Tippie Graduate and Professional Programs (GPP) master's degrees must meet the individual requirements for each degree and have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours (20 courses) of unique University of Iowa coursework from Tippie GPP at the time the second degree is awarded.

Individuals pursuing all three degrees (Iowa MBA, MSBA, and MSFIN) must complete the requirements for each degree and 90 semester hours (30 courses) of unique coursework from Tippie GPP is required at the time the third degree is awarded.

For all Tippie Graduate & Professional Programs, credit used to fulfill degree and/or certificate requirements must be no more than 10 years old from the session in which the degree or certificate from the University of Iowa is conferred. Credit used to meet the unique semester hour total can be over 10 years old.

Transfer credit

Transfer credit does have an impact on degree completion for multiple degree students.

Though it can be used toward a course requirement within a degree, external (i.e., non-UI) transfer credit does not satisfy the total unique semester hour requirement noted above. In addition, credit originally earned toward a graduate or professional credential which is not associated with Tippie GPP, or curricular college is ineligible and does not satisfy the requirement.

Unique semester hours are those which are counted only one time toward the 60-semester hour or 90 semester minimum requirement even if the course is used for multiple programs of study.

Course waivers

If you've been waived from a course, it does not reduce the total number of courses required for a program of study. Instead, it allows you to replace the waived course with an approved elective based on your program(s) of study.

Please work with your academic advisor to understand how transfer credit and/or course waivers impact your course planning.