Business Administration, M.B.A.

Master of Business Administration

Governors State University's Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a flexible, career-focused program designed for working professionals and aspiring leaders who want to sharpen their decision-making, expand their business knowledge, and move into higher-impact roles. Students explore real-world business challenges, including managing teams, analyzing data, and driving organizational growth, while building practical skills applicable immediately in the workplace.

A Program Connected to the Chicago Southland

GovState's MBA stands out for its strong ties to the Chicago Southland business community, small class sizes, and faculty who bring direct industry experience into the classroom. The curriculum goes beyond theory, incorporating case studies, collaborative projects, and applied learning experiences that reflect the needs of today's organizations. Whether students are advancing in a current field or transitioning into a new one, the program is built to meet them where they are and support their long-term professional goals.

Leadership Skills With Broad Application

An MBA from GovState prepares graduates to lead across industries. Students develop a broad understanding of how businesses operate, spanning finance, marketing, strategy, and operations, while building the confidence to lead teams and make high-stakes decisions. Graduates are prepared to step into roles offering greater responsibility, higher earning potential, and sustained career growth.

An MBA from Governors State University prepares graduates to pursue leadership and management roles across a wide range of industries. Common career paths for MBA graduates include:

Business Manager
Marketing Manager
Financial Analyst
Operations Manager
Human Resources Manager
Management Consultant

What Students Study

The MBA curriculum develops the analytical, strategic, and interpersonal skills needed to lead in complex organizational environments. Core areas of study include:

Leadership and team management
Data-driven decision making
Financial strategy and analysis
Marketing and competitive positioning

Faculty, Research, and Experiential Learning

GovState's MBA program pairs experienced faculty with applied learning opportunities that connect students to the regional business community. Program highlights include:

Faculty with executive-level industry experience
Hands-on consulting projects with local businesses
Internship opportunities with Chicago-area companies
Applied research in business strategy and innovation

Request Information Apply Now Visit Campus

Career Outcomes

MBA graduates from Governors State University enter a dynamic business landscape where strategic thinking, leadership, and data-informed decision making are essential. Organizations across industries seek professionals who can navigate complex business challenges, interpret information effectively, and guide teams toward strong, sustainable outcomes. These are core competencies developed throughout the MBA program.

What You'll Study

Governors State University's MBA curriculum builds a strong foundation in leadership, strategic thinking, and organizational decision making. Students develop an understanding of how businesses operate, how to solve complex problems, and how to guide teams and organizations toward sustainable growth.

Core areas of study include management, finance, marketing, operations, and organizational strategy, alongside coursework designed to strengthen analytical and problem-solving skills. Students can deepen their expertise by choosing one of four specializations:

Business Analytics
Finance
Leadership
Supply Chain Management

Each specialization offers advanced coursework that prepares graduates for leadership roles in a competitive business environment.

View Catalog

How to Apply

Governors State University's MBA program does not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission. To apply, submit the following materials:

Official transcripts confirming completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Two letters of recommendation from professional references, such as faculty members, supervisors, or community leaders
A current resume outlining academic and professional background
A two-page statement of intent addressing career goals, reasons for pursuing the MBA, and commitment to completing the program. Applicants to the online format should also address experience with online learning, time management, and remote collaboration.
A specialization selection at the time of application for students applying to the face-to-face program. Available specializations are Finance, Leadership, Business Analytics, Supply Chain Management, and General Management.

After Admission

Once admitted, students must apply for candidacy after completing 9 to 15 graduate credit hours with a minimum 3.0 GPA and satisfying all prerequisite and foundation course requirements.

Visit Admissions

Financial Aid for Graduate Studies

Governors State University (GovState) offers a range of financial aid options to help students make their degree more affordable, including federal, state, institutional, and private funding. To get started, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using GovState's school code (009145). The FAFSA determines eligibility for grants, loans, work-study programs, and many scholarship opportunities.

Grants and Loans

Grants, including the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), are awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment. Federal Direct Loans provide borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest after graduation.

Scholarships

GovState offers merit-based and institutional scholarships for students at every stage of their academic journey. Incoming students may qualify for highly competitive awards, including the Presidential, Provost, and Dean's Scholarships. Current students can explore additional opportunities through Scholarship Universe and specialized awards such as the Earthrise Scholarship and others administered through the GovState Foundation.

Office of Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid is available year-round to help students navigate applications, review award offers, and plan financial support that aligns with their academic goals.

Learn More about Financial Aid

Get Involved

The College of Business offers academic credit internships approved by the Division Chair and supported by College of Business faculty. Internships provide hands-on, on-the-job learning where students apply field-specific technology skills and professional terminology while adapting to real workplace environments.

Practical experience gained through an internship strengthens a resume and gives students a competitive edge in the job market. For many students, an internship is one of the most effective paths to a full-time position in their chosen career field.

Accreditations

AACSB accreditation is known, worldwide, as the longest-standing, most recognized form of specialized accreditation that an institution and its business programs can earn. Accreditation is a voluntary, nongovernmental process that includes a rigorous external review of a school's mission, faculty qualifications, curricula, and ability to provide the highest-quality programs. AACSB's accreditation processes are ISO 9001:2015 certified.