Fast-Track Your International Career
View or download the Accelerated program fact sheet.
The Master of International Business Accelerated program allows high-achieving UofSC-Columbia students to complete their undergraduate business degree and the MIB degree in as few as four years. The Accelerated program option is currently available to undergraduate international business (IB) 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 $7,500 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 UofSC-Columbia student majoring in international business
- 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 your academic advisor to design an undergraduate study program that incorporates MIB courses.
- Apply to the MIB program and consult with MIB staff to confirm the availability and sequencing for your courses.
- Confirm your MIB enrollment and follow up with MIB program staff to submit the appropriate Accelerated paperwork at the beginning of the term in which you are taking classes you want to “double count.”
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”
No more than four classes at the 500- and 700-level can count toward both your undergraduate and graduate degrees. It is important that students take the MIB core courses as part of those they are double counting; otherwise the MIB cannot be completed on an Accelerated basis (these core courses are only offered once a year).
You are encouraged to use the Course Planning Worksheets to map out your undergraduate and MIB degrees via the Accelerated program. After completing these forms, please schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to review your plan.
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.
Accelerated Program Fact Sheet