One-Year MBA

Start Your MBA in January. Graduate in December 2027.

Choose the format that fits your life and career goals.

One-Year MBA Chicago (Hybrid)

Join our Chicago cohort in January 2027 and complete your degree by December 2027. 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. No matter which format you choose, you can start in January and complete your MBA in just one year.

One year to leadership opportunities, two convenient formats.

Earn your MBA in the northwestern suburb of Schaumburg or through our hybrid format (online and in-person in the vibrant heart of downtown Chicago).

You’ll grow your professional network, enhance your leadership and managerial abilities, and gain a valuable global perspective through an international immersion trip, while preparing to succeed in the everchanging business environment. And the entire NIU MBA team will be there to support you every step of the way.

At a Glance


30 credit hours


Hybrid (Chicago)
In-person (Schaumburg)


2 evening sessions a week


Start in the fall (Chicago) or spring (Schaumburg) semester

NIU One-Year MBA Chicago (Hybrid)

Classes take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with 75% held live online (synchronous) and 25% in person at MATTER, a nationally renowned health care incubator in downtown Chicago.

NIU One-Year MBA Schaumburg (In Person)

Classes are held on Monday and Thursday evenings at the Motorola Solutions Campus in Schaumburg.

Testimonial

I always wanted to go back to school to get myself into a higher position. The NIU MBA One-Year program definitely fit into my lifestyle. I was able to acclimate to it with the support of my classmates and the resources that were provided through NIU. I was provided the opportunity to study abroad, and I believe the NIU MBA program was the right push that I needed in order to go from being a manager to now a director, second in charge, of my organization.

  Michelle Hill, One Year MBA Schaumburg, ’23

Career Outlook for One-Year MBA Program

Average mid-career salary for alumni:

Top job titles for alumni:

Top employers for alumni:

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Curriculum and Requirements

You’ll benefit from:

  • Enhanced learning opportunities due to our unique locations and partnerships
  • Leadership development and career growth, including a personalized professional development plan
  • Fast-paced program that allows you to complete the degree requirements in just 12 months

Guiding Themes

With an eye to creating an integrative mindset to solve business problems and lead teams, our program is designed around the following five building blocks. Courses will map to each block, and real-world experiences will enhance your understanding of one or more of them.

  • Leadership and strategic thinking
  • Managing operations and technology
  • Understanding customers and people
  • Managing with a global perspective
  • Understanding and managing financial resources

International Immersion Trip

Broaden your horizons with our nine-day international immersion trip.

View Degree Requirements


How to Apply

You’ll apply through the Graduate School.

  • Fall application deadline: Aug. 1
  • Spring deadline: Dec. 10

We’ll consider several indicators of your potential for success in graduate business studies, including cumulative baccalaureate GPA, post-baccalaureate work experience, and leadership and communication skills. We may ask you to attend an interview and/or submit materials in addition to the following.

Application Materials

You’ll need to submit the following materials:

  • Official transcript from each college or university from which you graduated.
  • One professional or academic letter of recommendation. Applicants have the option of submitting up to two professional/academic letters of recommendation.
  • Statement of interest. Applicants are required to submit a two- to three- paragraph statement of interest describing future aspirations, and why they are interested in pursuing the program.
  • Professional resume.
  • Work experience is required for the One-Year Chicago MBA format and the One-Year Schaumburg MBA format.
  • The GMAT is not required for the One-Year Chicago MBA format, nor the One-Year Schaumburg MBA format.

Costs

Our affordable tuition ($39,000) includes course materials, nine-day international immersion trip, refreshment breaks on in-person class days and our unique concierge services.

Contact Us

MBA Program
Barsema Hall
740 Garden Road
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-1245
mba@niu.edu

NIU College of Business AACSB Accredited

Business Colleges of Distinction

P&Q Best Undergraduate Business Schools