General FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about UIC's Corporate MBA Programs
Q: How do the Corporate MBA Programs differ from other MBA programs at UIC?
A: Traditional campus MBA programs, like the one at UIC, are typically designed for students to study full time over a two-year period or part time over an extended period while still employed. Students individually choose their courses to meet the degree requirements, including an advanced area of study.
In contrast, CMBA students go through the program together as a cohort-allowing the entire degree program to be tailored to the needs of the group including sequence, delivery and selection of advanced courses or the development of special topic courses. To accomplish program goals, the CMBA programs, working with the sponsoring organization, may modify instructional schedules and the selection of advanced courses after the program begins.
Even though the format differs from the traditional MBA program that follows the regular academic calendar, it leads to the same degree with the same academic requirements and the same diploma from UIC.
Q: How does one apply?
A: Students in the Corporate MBA Programs apply through a sponsoring agency or corporation working in partnership with UIC. All other students should apply through the open enrollment MBA program.
Q: What areas of focus do you offer in your Corporate MBA Programs?
A: Every student must successfully complete at least 12 hours within his or her concentration or area of focus.
In addition to traditional areas such as strategic management, marketing, accounting, finance, and entrepreneurship, the programs have developed customized areas of focus in such fields as financial markets and risk management, local government and banking.
CMBA's base in a major public urban research university allows the programs to draw on the breadth and depth of faculty in the College of Business Administration and on the broader expertise and resources of the university. The programs additionally utilize the resources of the City of Chicago and the metropolitan area. These resources from diverse sources allow us to design a program tailored to the needs of your corporation or organization. For example, students with a local government focus are taught by faculty in the urban planning department and visit municipal governments as part of their program.
Q: How are the programs structured?
A: All of the university's MBA Programs require a minimum of 54 semester hours of credit, including the successful completion of all core courses and an area of focus or concentration.
Classes for corporate programs are custom delivered according to participating employee's needs and schedule. This practice extends value to part-time MBA students who need a time-efficient program to balance work, study and family obligations. The concentration or area of focus is chosen in collaboration with your corporate leaders based upon strategic company objectives.
Courses for our international programs are scheduled in a number of modules varying in length over the 12-month period. There is one major vacation break at the end of December.
For professionals working outside the United States, it may not be possible to complete traditional programs within the length of time that one can be away from home and work. Most international UIC Corporate MBA students complete program requirements in 12 months. The program concentration or focus is tailored to the needs of the particular cohort.
Q: How is it possible to complete the degree program in 12 months?
A: The relatively shorter timeframe for the MBA for International Managers is achieved by making the program somewhat more intensive than traditional full-time MBA programs and by greatly reducing the amount of vacation time. Instead of four semesters of study spread over 16 to 21 months in a typical 2-year program, our International Managers programs require a slightly more demanding course load: all degree requirements are completed in approximately 49 weeks of study within the 12 months of the program.
Q: Tell me more about The University of Illinois at Chicago and its status.
A: UIC is the largest university in the Chicago area and one of the top research institutions in the nation. Located in the heart of one of the world's great cities, UIC provides a first-rate education for its students and is committed to creating and disseminating new knowledge. UIC has 25,000 students, 15 colleges, 74 programs leading to a bachelor's degree and over 135 master and doctoral degrees.
A culturally diverse campus reflecting the global character of Chicago, more than a third of UIC students speak English as a second language. UIC's student body-approximately 65 percent undergraduate and 35 percent graduate and professional-is recognized as one of the nation's most diverse. The university considers this diversity among its greatest strengths.
Located just one mile west of downtown Chicago, UIC is a vital part of the educational, technological and cultural fabric of the region, reflecting the full variety and energy of this world-class city. Its Great Cities Commitment includes hundreds of programs with community, corporate, government and civic partners to improve the quality of life in Chicago and other metropolitan areas around the world through the engagement of its faculty, staff and students.
Playing a critical role in Illinois healthcare, UIC operates the state's major public medical center and serves as the principal educator of Illinois' physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
With more than 100 buildings on approximately 240 acres, UIC has recently transformed its campus environment with its southern edge expansion. The South Campus project includes housing for more than 1,500 students, academic offices, 930 units of private facilities and athletic fields on 85-acres immediately south of the east side of campus.
The College of Business Administration's Liautaud Graduate School of Business is highly regarded by both external and internal constituencies alike. The program is accredited by AACSB International, an agency that sets the standards of excellence in management education.
