UIC Flex MBA Curriculum
Succeeding in the business environment requires more than foundational business knowledge: you also need a strategic mindset, leadership skills and a powerful professional network. The UIC Business Flex MBA delivers all three while adapting to your busy life, not disrupting it.
The Flex MBA program is set apart by its flexibility. You can personalize your curriculum and timeline to build an MBA that meets your goals:
- Choose traditional 16-week, in-person courses or accelerated eight-week, online formats. You can also mix and match courses to suit your needs.
- Study part time or full time based on your current schedule.
- Choose from five in-demand concentrations.
Curriculum Structure
The Flex MBA curriculum includes:
- 26 credits of core coursework
- 12 credits of concentration coursework
- 4 credits of additional electives
Classroom Experience
At UIC Business, you’ll learn through a mix of case discussions, hands-on projects and collaborative problem-solving that brings business concepts to life. Our live evening courses typically meet once per week and are structured to accommodate your busy schedule while providing rich opportunities for meaningful collaboration and networking.
These collaborative experiences are intentionally designed to mirror real-world business scenarios. You’ll leverage diverse perspectives and skill sets to solve complex problems just like you do in your professional role.
Group projects are a core component of nearly every class, fostering collaboration and networking among students. Additionally, MBA students often take electives with students from specialized master’s programs, broadening their professional connections beyond their immediate cohort.
Beyond the Classroom
Your UIC Flex MBA experience extends well beyond coursework. From the required onboarding session that kicks off your program to our wealth of student organizations (including the MBA Association, Finance Interest Group and other industry-specific clubs), you’ll have numerous opportunities to deepen your knowledge and expand your professional network.
Our dedicated Business Career Center’s support staff provides personalized support through resume reviews, interview preparation, networking events and employer recruiting opportunities.
Core Courses (26 Credits)
- Introduction to Financial Accounting
- Microeconomics for Business Decisions
- Introduction to Corporate Finance
- Introduction to Operations Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Introduction to Marketing
- Enterprise Strategy or Strategic Management
Concentrations
Choose from five industry-relevant concentrations. Each concentration requires a minimum of 12 credit hours, which typically equates to three courses.
The MBA in business analytics prepares you to leverage data for strategic business decisions. Learn to transform raw data into actionable insights that drive organizational performance and competitive advantage in today's data-driven business environment.
Learning Outcomes:
- Apply advanced statistical methods to extract insights from complex business data
- Develop predictive models to forecast business trends and outcomes
- Create data visualization solutions that effectively communicate findings to stakeholders
- Implement data-driven strategies that solve real-world business problems
Career Outcomes:
- Business analytics manager
- Business consultant
- Data strategy director
- Database manager
- Supply chain analyst
Who is this program for? Professionals who want to lead data-driven initiatives, business managers seeking to make better decisions through analytics and those looking to transition into specialized analytics roles.
Required Courses:
- Statistics for Management
- Data Mining for Business Professionals or Business Data Mining
Plus four credit hours from approved business analytics electives:
- Analytics for Big Data
- Social Media and Network Analysis
- Business Data Visualization
- Machine Learning and Statistical Methods for Business Analytics
- Time Series Econometrics
The MBA concentration in finance prepares you for leadership roles in financial analysis, investment management and corporate finance. Develop advanced skills in capital structure evaluation, investment analysis and financial decision-making that are essential for success in Chicago's financial sector and beyond.
Learning Outcomes:
- Evaluate complex investment opportunities using modern portfolio theory and asset pricing models
- Analyze capital structure decisions and their impact on firm value
- Develop risk management strategies for various financial contexts
- Apply financial principles to corporate decision-making across industries
Career Outcomes:
- Chief financial officer
- Financial consultant
- Mergers and acquisitions manager
- Portfolio manager
- Portfolio compliance specialist
- Senior financial analyst
Who is this program for? Finance professionals looking to advance to leadership positions and career changers seeking the analytical tools needed for roles in investment banking, corporate finance or financial consulting.
Required Courses:
- Investments
- Corporate Finance
Plus four credit hours from approved finance electives:
- Portfolio Analysis
- Fixed Income Securities
- Theory and Structure of Options and Futures Markets
- International Finance
- Empirical Issues in Finance
- Risk Management
The HRM concentration equips you with the strategic and analytical skills needed to lead human resource functions in today's complex business environment. This concentration aligns with SHRM standards, preparing you for certification and leadership in talent management.
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop comprehensive talent management strategies for attracting and retaining top employees
- Design compensation and benefits systems that align with organizational goals
- Implement effective employee relations practices that enhance workplace culture
- Navigate complex employment laws and regulations to minimize organizational risk
Career Outcomes:
- Chief learning officer
- Compensation and benefits manager
- Employee relations manager
- Human resources director
- Talent acquisition manager
- Training and development director
Who is this program for? HR professionals seeking advancement to leadership roles, managers looking to expand their people management capabilities and professionals transitioning into human resources leadership.
Required Courses:
- Human Resources Management
- Talent Management
Plus four credit hours from approved HR electives:
- HRM and the Business Environment
- Negotiations
- Compensation Administration
The MBA with marketing concentration provides a comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior, marketing analytics and strategic brand management. Gain expertise in creating innovative marketing campaigns and driving customer engagement in today's digital landscape.
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop integrated marketing strategies that leverage multiple channels
- Apply marketing analytics to inform decision-making and measure campaign effectiveness
- Create customer-centric approaches to product development and brand positioning
- Master digital marketing techniques including social media strategy and content marketing
Career Outcomes:
- Brand manager
- Digital marketing strategist
- Market research analyst
- Marketing director
- Product marketing manager
Who is this program for? Marketing professionals seeking advancement and business leaders who want to strengthen their understanding of customer acquisition, retention strategies and brand development.
Required Courses:
- Marketing Management (should be taken after two other MKTG electives)
Plus eight credit hours from approved marketing electives:
- Consumer Behavior
- Marketing Analytics
- Advanced Digital Marketing and Advertising
- Digital and Social Media Marketing
- Brand Management
- International Marketing
The MBA management concentration provides comprehensive leadership training to excel in general management roles across industries. Develop the strategic thinking, organizational leadership and operational expertise needed for senior leadership positions.
Learning Outcomes:
- Formulate and implement effective business strategies in competitive environments
- Lead organizational change initiatives with proven management frameworks
- Develop high-performing teams through effective leadership practices
- Navigate complex business challenges through critical thinking and problem-solving
Career Outcomes:
- Business unit manager
- Chief executive officer
- Entrepreneur/business owner
- Management consultant
- Operations director
Who is this program for? Current and aspiring managers seeking to advance to senior leadership positions, entrepreneurs looking to build management expertise and professionals transitioning into management roles.
Required Courses:
- Strategic Management (capstone — should be taken in final year of program)
Plus eight credit hours from approved management electives:
- Leading for Impact
- Human Resource Management
- International Management
- Negotiations
Request Information
To learn more about UIC Business Flex MBA program 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.