University of Illinois Gies College of Business logo

Master of Business Administration (iMBA)

University of Illinois Gies College of Business logo

Master of Business Administration (iMBA)

University of Illinois Gies College of Business

Final Summer Deadline: March 6

Start your application or request more information.

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Accredited diploma

Offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

24-36 months

72 credit hours of graduate coursework

100% online

Hands-on learning from anywhere, no travel required

Approximately $25k

Each time you take a course, pay tuition for that course only

Academics

Achieve practical business mastery and leadership vision as you build a professional network

In this program, you’ll master the skills of a lateral thinker who applies creative and abstract approaches to solving business problems.

Career-first course design
Your courses are grouped into specializations that include readings, lectures, hands-on projects, and more. Students complete 3 capstones total which simulate real-world business scenarios. Courses are designed to help you apply new skills directly to your career.
Future-forward leadership capacity
Gain leadership skills as you learn to improve existing processes. Learn to develop and implement a vision for the future. Choose courses from two out of three advanced-leadership pathways: innovation, digitalization, and globalization.
Global online classrooms & projects
You’ll unite with students from as many as 90 countries while in your iMBA live classroom sessions. Your peers bring real-time perspectives from the front lines of the business world. Faculty work with students via interactive classes, projects, and office hours.
Program length
The iMBA program is designed to be completed in 24-36 months, but students can take up to 5 years to complete the degree however as long as they are making satisfactory progress. On average, students spend 10-15 hours per week, per course and take 1-2 courses at a time.
Flexibility
You can access lectures and quizzes on demand, and schedule meetings with professors and teaching assistants (during their office hours). You can access classes from your mobile device, and download videos and readings for offline work.
Learn on mobile
Take your studies on the go with mobile-friendly learning on iOS and Android. Some assignments can’t be completed on a mobile device.

Summer/Fall 2025 Deadlines:

  • Summer Deadline: March 6, 2025
  • Fall Priority 1 Deadline: April 3, 2025
  • Fall Priority 2 Deadline: May 1, 2025
  • Fall Final Deadline (August start): June 5, 2025
  • Fall Final Deadline (October start): August 7, 2025

Upcoming Events:

  • Lunch and Learn | February 7, 2025 at 12 PM CT - Register here
  • iDegree Webinar | February 12, 2025 at 6 PM CT - Register here
  • LinkedIn Live with Gies Online | February 14, 2025 at 12 PM CT - Register here

Have questions? Please contact Gies College of Business at giesonline@illinois.edu or attend an upcoming event.

Summer/Fall 2025 Deadlines:

  • Summer Deadline: March 6, 2025
  • Fall Priority 1 Deadline: April 3, 2025
  • Fall Priority 2 Deadline: May 1, 2025
  • Fall Final Deadline (August start): June 5, 2025
  • Fall Final Deadline (October start): August 7, 2025

Upcoming Events:

  • Lunch and Learn | February 7, 2025 at 12 PM CT - Register here
  • iDegree Webinar | February 12, 2025 at 6 PM CT - Register here
  • LinkedIn Live with Gies Online | February 14, 2025 at 12 PM CT - Register here

Have questions? Please contact Gies College of Business at giesonline@illinois.edu or attend an upcoming event.

Not ready to enroll in the iMSA? Earn a credential that transfers credit into the degree.

These graduate certificates stack directly into the Master of Science in Accountancy (iMSA). Each of the high engagement courses that comprise these certificates carry University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign graduate credit.

Graduate Certificate in Accounting Data Analytics : Learn how to synthesize and communicate data-intensive information, findings and conclusions, and develop the job-ready skills to solve accounting and business challenges.

Learn more about this certificate

CPA Pathways Graduate Certificate: Build technical knowledge and skills in financial accounting, taxation, and accounting data analytics as you prepare for the Uniform CPA Examination®.

Learn more about this certificate

Accounting Foundations Graduate Certificate: Develop job-ready skills with the top accounting faculty in the nation in as little as eight months.

Learn more about this certificate

Curriculum

This course highlights the conceptual framework and financial statements. It also provides in-depth analysis of accounting issues related to the measurement, recognition and disclosure of current and non-current assets, and revenue recognition.

Students who have previously completed any of the required courses will take a suitable replacement course approved by a program advisor.

This course will cover the measurement and reporting of a firm's liabilities and shareholders' equity. Topics include contingencies, subsequent events, bonds, leases, deferred taxes, pensions, equity transactions, and earning per share.

Students who have previously completed any of the required courses will take a suitable replacement course approved by a program advisor.

Introduction to management accounting principles, as used to facilitate and align internal decisions made by managers and employees. Topics include analytical tools and techniques to address common business problems, cost information systems, budgeting, and strategic performance measurement systems.

Students who have previously completed any of the required courses will take a suitable replacement course approved by a program advisor.

Introduction to conceptual and applied material in the field of auditing. Emphasizes the audit process, reporting, and professional responsibilities.

Students who have previously completed any of the required courses will take a suitable replacement course approved by a program advisor.

Introduction to historical and conceptual as well as applied material in the accounting area of federal taxation; emphasizes the provisions of the tax law relevant to accounting measurement methods.

Students who have previously completed any of the required courses will take a suitable replacement course approved by a program advisor.

Students in the iMSA program will be able to choose from a list of electives to fulfill their degree requirements. Some electives include:

  • Data Analytics for Management Accounting
  • Data Analytics Foundations for Accountancy
  • Statistical Analytics for Accountancy
  • Data Analytics Applications in Accounting
  • Risk Management and Innovation

View a full list of available electives.

Concentrations:

  • Accounting Analytics

Specializations or Emphasis Areas:

  • Taxation
  • Corporate Governance & International Business
  • Finance
  • Information Technology & Control
  • Supply Chain Management

Learn more about the concentrations and specializations.

Final Summer Deadline: March 6

Start your application or request more information.