B.S./Master of International Business Accelerated Program

Combine your undergraduate and graduate international business degrees to save time and money.

The Master of International Business Accelerated program allows high-achieving USC-Columbia students to complete their undergraduate business degree and the MIB degree in as few as four years. The Accelerated program option is available to all undergraduate business majors. Non-IB majors will need to consult with their academic advisors to design a specialized plan to participate in this program.

During the final year of your undergraduate program, students are allowed to enroll in graduate classes that count towards their undergraduate and graduate studies. After officially enrolling in the Accelerated program with the approval of your academic advisor and the MIB program, students can “double count” up to four classes for both undergraduate and graduate credit. “Double counting” these classes allows you to:

Finish the MIB program in less time (possibly in just one additional semester after undergraduate)
Save up to $8,400 in tuition costs
Use your undergraduate scholarships to pay for up to 40 percent of your MIB degree
Participate in our double-degree programs to deepen your study abroad experiences, earning two master’s degrees in 1.5 years

Students meeting all of the following requirements are eligible to apply for the Accelerated program. You are eligible if you:

Are a current USC-Columbia student
Have completed at least 90 credit hours
Have earned a minimum 3.65 cumulative GPA

Follow these steps to participate in the Accelerated program:

Meet the program eligibility requirements listed in the eligibility section above.
Meet with the MIB managing director to ensure you qualify for the program and understand the MIB application process.
Once you have met with MIB staff, the managing director will initiate the Accelerated paperwork and outline which courses should be taken under the Accelerated plan.
Undergraduate advisors will assist you developing a study plan that incorporates MIB coursework that can be “double counted.” If you and your advisor both agree with the plan, you will then need to obtain professor signatures.
Once you have obtained the necessary signatures, you’ll return the form to your undergraduate advisor, who will sign and submit it to the MIB managing director for approval. Once approved by the USC Graduate School, the MIB graduate courses will be added to your schedule. A fully signed copy of the form will be sent to both you and your undergraduate advisor for your records.

Please note that speaking with your advisor, speaking with MIB staff and applying to the MIB is a simultaneous process. The earlier you start this process, the better. While we cannot guarantee admission, meeting the aforementioned eligibility requirements makes for a strong MIB application.

Even if you are not admitted to the MIB, by working with your advisor, you can assure that the courses will still count towards your undergraduate program so that there is no negative impact on your studies.

Classes to “Double Count”

Up to four classes taken at the 500 and 700-level can count towards both the undergraduate and MIB graduate degrees. You can begin double counting courses in either the fall or spring of your senior year.

If you are graduating from the undergraduate program in the spring semester, it is necessary to include spring MIB Core courses in your study plan; otherwise the MIB cannot be completed on an accelerated basis, as MIB Core is only offered once per year. Likewise, if you are graduating from the undergraduate program in the fall semester, you must include fall MIB Core courses in their study plan.

Please note that you may only take MIB Core courses during your final semester of undergraduate studies. You are also required to enroll in IBUS 590 if you are graduating from the undergraduate program in the fall semester.

Applying to the Accelerated program requires the same steps as applying to the MIB program. You will complete the online MIB application and include the documents:

Current resume
Statement of purpose (essay)
Two letters of recommendation
GMAT or GRE score

You may apply as soon as you meet the eligibility requirements. Your Accelerated enrollment ideally should begin during the final year of your undergraduate degree and involves two key steps: applying to the MIB in the fall term and enrolling in MIB courses during the spring term. During the fall term you will also design an Accelerated study plan with your advisor, gain admittance to the MIB and be on track to double count courses during the spring.

Authorization to begin the Accelerated program is approved by the Graduate School, so the paperwork for this should be completed during the fall term. This paperwork cannot be submitted retroactively, so it is vital to begin speaking with your advisor as soon as possible.

Join the Master of International Business Program for a virtual information session about the Accelerated option. You will hear program specifics regarding curriculum, the admission process, career placement and the MIB student experience. Restricted to current USC students only. All sessions are EST.