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. Students will need to consult with their academic advisors and the MIB Program Coordinator to design a specialized plan to participate in this program.

During the final semesters 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 degree completion)
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 international 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:

1. Attend an Accelerated MIB Information Session as early as possible.

2. Establish an accurate, thorough understanding of their undergraduate degree requirements with their UG advisor and notify their UG advisor before starting this process.

3. Meet with the MIB Program Coordinator to ensure the student is qualified and review the enrollment process. The MIB Program Coordinator will outline which courses should be taken under the Accelerated plan and recommend opportunities to eligible students to incorporate double-count courses.

4. Complete the Accelerated Approval Form by the deadline to have your courses double count. This form must be completed each semester before enrolling in any Accelerated course.

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 ensure 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 on an Accelerated basis can count towards both the undergraduate and MIB graduate degrees. You must select one of the Functional Certificates and adhere to its curriculum requirements while in the Accelerated program.

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 your study plan.

Students who study abroad or plan to graduate early may be advised to take an Accelerated course before their final semester. However, 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.

Authorization to begin the Accelerated program is only given to students who complete the necessary paperwork outlined above. This paperwork cannot be submitted retroactively, so it is vital to begin speaking with your advisor and the MIB Program Coordinator as soon as possible and adhere to all deadlines.

The next step is to complete the online MIB application during your final undergraduate semester. The MIB Program Coordinator will contact you directly when it is time to begin the online application for the final term of the MIB degree as a full-time graduate student.

You will complete the online MIB application and include the following documents:

Current resume
Statement of purpose (essay)
Two letters of recommendation
GMAT or GRE score (*We may be willing to waive the standardized testing requirements for high-achieving students.)

Students wishing to apply for the MIB Double-Degree will indicate that preference via the Online MIB Application.

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.