Frequently Asked Questions
Flex MBA General FAQs
The Flex MBA at UIC Business offers meaningful flexibility by allowing you to take classes on campus, online or your preferred combination of both. This program is designed for working professionals who want to customize their MBA experience to align with their career goals and personal schedules.
Full-time students can complete the Flex MBA in as little as three semesters. However, most working professionals complete the program in about two years as part-time students. The maximum time allowed to complete the degree is six years.
The Flex MBA has three start dates per year: fall (August), spring (January) and summer (May).
The Flex MBA allows students to take courses on campus, online or a mix of both, while the Online MBA is delivered 100% online. The Flex MBA offers in-person networking opportunities and campus experiences, while the Online MBA offers more frequent start dates (five per year) and is designed for students who need maximum scheduling flexibility. Both programs require 42 credit hours and offer the same five concentrations.
UIC Business has over 20 student organizations, including the MBA Association, Finance Interest Group, Real Estate Club, Consulting Club, Black Business Student Association and ALPFA for Latin American business students. These organizations allow students to tailor their involvement to their interests and career goals.
UIC Business has a dedicated Business Career Center that provides resume reviews, interview preparation, networking events and employer recruiting opportunities. The school's strong ties to Chicago's business community mean students have access to industry professionals as guest speakers and adjunct faculty members. UIC Business also has an alumni network of over 52,000 graduates, providing additional career connections.
Flex MBA Curriculum FAQs
The Flex MBA requires 42 credit hours, consisting of 26 credit hours of core courses, 12 credit hours in your chosen concentration and 4 credit hours of electives.
The Flex MBA offers five concentrations:
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- Human Resource Management
- Management
- Marketing
Online MBA General FAQs
The Online MBA at UIC Business is a 100% online program that allows you to earn your MBA with maximum flexibility. The program offers the same high-quality curriculum as the on-campus program and is taught by the same expert faculty.
The Online MBA has five start dates per year: fall A (August), fall B (October), spring A (January), spring B (March) and summer (May).
No, Online MBA students cannot take in-person classes. However, if an online student wants to become a Flex MBA student and take on-campus courses, they can complete a change of program form.
Yes, there are optional synchronous sessions available for students. Faculty hold weekly synchronous sessions that are recorded and posted on the learning management system for students who cannot attend.
Online students have full access to the virtual offerings of the Business Career Center and online library services. Online students are also invited to join business student organizations and attend on-campus events. However, online students don't receive an iCard, which provides access to the physical library, recreation center and other on-campus facilities.
Online MBA Curriculum FAQs
The Online MBA requires 42 credit hours, consisting of 26 credit hours of core courses and 16 credit hours of electives. Most of these electives are fulfilled by concentration courses.
The Online MBA offers five concentrations:
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- Human Resource Management
- Management
- Marketing
Admission FAQs
For both the Flex and Online MBA programs, applicants must submit:
- Completed online application
- Application fee
- Current resume
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Two letters of recommendation from professional references
- Personal statement
- GMAT/GRE scores (optional)
- English proficiency test scores (if applicable for international applicants)
Flex MBA applicants will also attend a virtual interview.
The personal statement should address:
- What strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
- What professional experiences have led you to determine that business school is the right next step
- Your career aspirations after business school
You should also feel free to share additional information not addressed elsewhere in the application.
Yes, both programs accept international students. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS or PTE-Academic.
Tuition and Financial Aid FAQs
The Online MBA uses a per-credit-hour tuition model with a flat rate for all students, regardless of residency. This makes budgeting for your degree straightforward and predictable.
Visit our tuition and fees page for current Online MBA tuition rates.
The Flex MBA uses a semester-based tuition model that varies based on:
- Your residency status (Illinois resident, non-resident or international student)
- How many credits you take each semester (full time vs. part time)
This tiered structure allows you to adjust your course load each semester based on your schedule and budget.
View current Flex MBA tuition rates on our tuition and fees page.
Request Information
To learn more about UIC Business MBA programs and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below. You can also talk one-on-one with an enrollment specialist directly by calling (872) 327-2205.