MBA Programs in Chicago IL

Are you considering an MBA to boost your career but unsure where to start?

Exploring MBA programs in Chicago, IL might be the perfect solution.

In this guide, we’ll spotlight top MBA options in Chicago, outlining their unique features, specialties, and benefits.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, discover a program that fits your career aspirations and lifestyle.

UIC Business Liautaud Graduate School – MBA Program

The UIC Business Liautaud Graduate School MBA Program is tailored for both academic and professional growth. If you have at least two years of work experience, even military, you’re eligible to apply.

The 42-credit program outlines:

• 26 credits from core courses
• 16 credits from electives

Courses cover areas like financial accounting and corporate finance. Tuition varies based on residency and class load. Scholarships and partial tuition waivers are available.

You can choose concentrations such as:

• Business Analytics
• Economics
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• International Business
• Management
• Marketing
• Operations and Supply-Chain Management
• Real Estate

Additionally, you can pursue joint degrees in fields like Accounting, Business Analytics, or Public Health.

The program includes study abroad opportunities in Brazil, France, and Argentina, offering global exposure. There’s also an online MBA program for increased flexibility. If you prefer, you can even take courses as a non-degree student.

UIC emphasizes a high-touch student experience, preparing you for the evolving business landscape.

DePaul University – Full-Time Day MBA

DePaul University’s Full-Time Day MBA is excellent for early career professionals and career switchers. The program typically lasts just over a year, with day classes from Monday to Thursday.

For those balancing a job and personal commitments, DePaul offers flexible options:

• Evening MBA
• Online/Weekend MBA

The program duration for these options is approximately 21 months.

Wide-ranging concentrations include:

• Accountancy
• Applied Economics
• Business Analytics
• Finance
• Marketing
• Real Estate

DePaul ensures a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and boasts an alumni network of nearly 122,500 members, aiding career networking.

Experiential learning comes with real business challenges, complementing strategic ties with Chicago employers.

For up-to-date information on hours and costs, prospective students are encouraged to check DePaul University’s website.

University of Chicago Booth School of Business – Full-Time MBA

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business offers versatility with four MBA formats:

• Full-Time
• Evening
• Weekend
• Executive

The Full-Time MBA is situated at the Harper Center in Hyde Park. This flexible curriculum is complemented by internship opportunities. Evening and Weekend formats cater to working professionals, while the Executive MBA spans Chicago, London, and Hong Kong.

A global alumni network of over 56,000 members facilitates career advancements.

Key highlights:

• Flexible curriculum
• Analytical frameworks
• Evidence-based thinking
• Extracurricular involvement
• International programs

You can participate in joint-degree and early-career MBA pathways. Booth fosters a diverse and inclusive environment committed to intellectual growth and business innovation.

Northern Illinois University – One-Year Chicago MBA Program

Explore the NIU One-Year Chicago MBA for a hybrid learning format. It blends 75% online classes with 25% in-person sessions at MATTER, a healthcare incubator in downtown Chicago.

Classes meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, perfect for working professionals.

The program emphasizes:

• International trips
• Company visits (e.g., McDonald’s, Motorola, Siemens)
• Leadership development

Complete the degree within 12 months for $39,000. This fee covers materials, an international trip, refreshment breaks, and concierge services.

A Schaumburg option follows a slightly different schedule.

Alumni highlight strengths in strategic thinking and collaborative learning. If you’re aiming for excellence in the business world, the NIU program stands out.

Gies College of Business – Online MBA Program

The Gies College of Business iMBA at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers flexibility with customizable course sequences and multiple start dates. Duration ranges from 24 to 60 months, suiting various professional commitments.

Engage with weekly live lectures and office hours, fostering deep interaction. The curriculum integrates real-world applications and current trends. You’ll need to dedicate 10-15 hours weekly per class.

Highlights:

• Economical pricing at $24,984
• No on-campus obligations
• No GMAT/GRE requirements

Specializations include:

• Accounting
• Data Analytics
• Digital Marketing

Information sessions and admission team meetings guide you through the application process effortlessly.

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business – Full-Time MBA

The Full-Time MBA at Chicago Booth offers remarkable flexibility, empowering you to tailor your experience. Spanning 21 months, it includes core courses, summer internships, and the mandatory LEAD 1 course.

Key benefits:

• 96.4% job offer rate within three months of graduation
• Collaborative environment
• Extensive career resources
• Strong alumni network

With a flexible curriculum, you can take 3-4 courses per quarter across 14 concentrations. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

Beyond the classroom, over 70 student-led groups enrich the experience, making this highly ranked program a comprehensive choice for aspiring business leaders.

Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University – Full-Time MBA Program

The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University offers a prestigious and diverse Full-Time MBA program. This program is designed to provide a top-tier education through a variety of formats, spanning between one to three years. Located in Chicago, the school is renowned for its world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.

Key Highlights:

• Diverse Formats: Kellogg offers different tracks lasting from one to three years, accommodating various professional backgrounds and career goals.
• World-Class Faculty: Access to leading professors and industry experts ensures a robust educational experience.
• Experiential Learning: Engage in projects and case competitions that provide practical business insights.
• Global Immersion: Participate in international study programs and global business experiences that broaden your understanding of the business world.
• Leadership and Social Impact: Kellogg emphasizes leadership development with a focus on social responsibility and ethical business practices.

Kellogg’s blend of rigorous academics, practical learning, and global exposure makes it an excellent choice for aspiring business leaders.

Illinois Tech – Master’s in Business Administration (M.B.A.)

The Illinois Tech MBA program is renowned for its emphasis on technology and innovation. This program is particularly well-suited for professionals in tech-centered careers.

Program Features:

• Cutting-Edge Curriculum: Courses cover emerging topics like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things.
• Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations such as Chicago Innovation provide networking and scholarship opportunities, including the Chicago Innovation Scholarship of up to $14,000.
• Flexible Study Options: Available for both full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility for working professionals.
• Small Class Sizes: Ensures personalized attention and a tailored educational experience.
• Dual-Degree Options and Certifications: Offers dual-degree pathways and certifications like the globally recognized IBM certification in AI.

Graduates typically pursue roles at renowned companies, such as Bank of America and Intuit. This program is ideal for those looking to leverage technology within the business sector.

Roosevelt University – MBA Program

The Roosevelt University MBA Program is designed to prepare students for various management careers through a highly customizable curriculum.

Highlights:

• Flexible Formats: Available fully online or in a hybrid format, providing convenience for working professionals.
• Strategic Location: Situated in Chicago, it offers excellent networking and internship opportunities with numerous Fortune 500 companies.
• Accreditation and Affordability: Accredited by ACBSP and competitively priced, Roosevelt also offers accelerated degree options to help reduce time and cost.
• Expert Faculty: Comprising both scholars and industry leaders, ensuring a high-quality education.
• Strong Alumni Network: Graduates find leadership positions in companies like Allstate and Walgreens.

Roosevelt’s MBA aims to deliver a comprehensive and affordable management education tailored to the needs of future business leaders.

Northeastern Illinois University – MBA Program

The Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) MBA Program is especially appealing to working professionals due to its flexibility and affordability.

Program Essentials:

• Flexibility: Self-paced curriculum allows completion within one to two years based on individual schedules.
• Personalized Attention: Small class sizes ensure focused learning and interaction with faculty.
• Multicultural Environment: Exposure to diverse perspectives and ideas.
• Online and On-Campus Options: Core courses are available in both formats, while most electives are offered online.
• Affordable Tuition: Low tuition rates contribute to manageable student loan debt.

NEIU’s MBA program is ideal for professionals seeking an accredited, low-cost, and flexible graduate education in business.

University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) – Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The UIC Online MBA combines rigorous academic standards with the flexibility needed by working professionals. This AACSB-accredited program may be completed in as few as 14 months.

Notable Features:

• Specializations: Offers areas of focus such as Business Analytics, Finance, HR Management, and Management.
• Affordable Tuition: Pay-per-course model ensures cost-effectiveness.
• Flexible Learning: Asynchronous courses allow students to learn at their own pace.
• Career-Focused Curriculum: Prepares students for roles in strategic leadership, data analytics, and other high-demand fields.
• Supportive Faculty: Experienced professors offering practical, industry-relevant education.

UIC’s online MBA is an excellent choice for those seeking an accredited and affordable program designed for career enhancement.

Choosing the Best MBA Program for You

When selecting the best MBA program in Chicago, there are several key factors to consider:

1. Program Flexibility: Determine if you need a full-time, part-time, evening, or online option based on your personal and professional commitments.
2. Specializations: Align the program offerings with your career goals, whether in Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing, or another field.
3. Faculty Expertise: Investigate the qualifications and real-world experience of the faculty to ensure high-quality instruction.
4. Networking Opportunities: Evaluate the strength of the school’s alumni network and its connections to industry leaders.
5. Cost and Financial Aid: Consider tuition costs, scholarship opportunities, and potential return on investment post-graduation.
6. Program Reputation: Look for accreditation and rankings to gauge the program’s recognition and credibility.

By evaluating these factors, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your career aspirations and personal circumstances.

Conclusion: Grow Your Career with an MBA from Chicago IL

Pursuing an MBA program in Chicago, IL can significantly enhance your career prospects. Whether you aim to specialize in technology, finance, marketing, or management, these top-rated programs provide the flexibility, expertise, and networking opportunities you need to succeed. Take the next step in your professional journey by enrolling in an MBA program that meets your unique needs and ambitions.