MBA at Northern Illinois University

For more than 50 years, NIU’s world-class MBA program has launched countless new career opportunities for our graduates. Now it’s your turn. Our program will help you think creatively, manage complex issues, make strategic decisions and be a dynamic leader. Get the most in-demand skills and advance your career through one of the best value MBA programs in Illinois.

You'll benefit from:

Nationally recognized faculty and AACSB-accredited program
Real-world applications and strong global networks
International immersion trip
Alumni network of extraordinary leaders
Flexible formats around your schedule

Start Your MBA in January. Graduate in December 2027.

Choose the format that fits your life and career goals:

One-Year MBA Chicago (Hybrid)

Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays and combine live online learning (75% live, synchronous sessions) with 25% in-person sessions at MATTER in downtown Chicago, located inside the Merchandise Mart.

One-Year MBA Schaumburg (In Person)

Prefer a fully in-person experience? Attend classes Monday and Thursday evenings in Schaumburg and finish your MBA in December 2027.

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Now Accepting Applications for One-Year MBA

Program Formats

We offer our AACSB-accredited MBA program in four formats, including weekday, weeknight and weekend MBA programs, as well as an online option.

Executive MBA

Our Executive MBA (EMBA) builds on your managerial experience and provides an instant professional network to take you to the highest levels of leadership. Earn your degree in 16 months, every other weekend, at our Naperville campus. Starting in 2026, the diploma awarded to program graduates will carry the distinct designation Executive MBA.

One-Year MBA

Our One-Year MBA Schaumburg format allows you to earn your MBA in 12 months with in-person evening classes, twice a week, at our Schaumburg location. Or, our One-Year MBA Chicago format allows you to complete classes twice a week, with some online synchronous and some in-person sessions at our Chicago Loop Merchandise Mart location. Our cohort format will give you an edge on your professional growth.

Global MBA

Earn your MBA at our main campus in DeKalb, while learning international business skills and principles by studying abroad with our Global MBA format.