4+1 Program

The IU MBA Columbus 4+1 Program provides qualified IU Columbus business students with an accelerated pathway to earn both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA in five years.

Students who apply and are accepted to the 4+1 MBA program begin taking graduate-level MBA courses during their fourth year while completing the remaining requirements for their undergraduate degree. Through careful coordination of undergraduate and graduate coursework with their advisors, participants are able to apply 12 credit hours toward both degrees, reducing the time required to complete an MBA.

Why Choose the 4+1 Program

The program is designed for motivated students who have demonstrated academic readiness, leadership potential, and a strong fit with IU MBA Columbus. Participants learn alongside members of the MBA cohort and gain earlier access to the rigorous, applied, and professionally focused curriculum of IU MBA Columbus.

Through the 4+1 Program, students can:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree and an MBA in five years.
• Begin graduate coursework during their senior year.
• Apply 12 eligible credit hours toward both degrees.
• Complete a 36-credit-hour MBA.
• Learn alongside students in the IU MBA Columbus cohort.
• Develop advanced skills in leadership, analytics, finance, accounting, marketing, operations, strategy, and other areas of modern business.
• Enter the workforce with both undergraduate and graduate credentials.

The 4+1 Program is intended for IU Columbus business students who are interested in accelerating their education and preparing for advanced professional and leadership opportunities.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong academic performance
• Readiness for graduate-level coursework
• Leadership potential in the classroom, workplace, campus, or community
• Professionalism and personal initiative
• Clear academic and career goals
• The ability to manage an accelerated course schedule
• A strong fit with IU MBA Columbus

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for admission to the 4+1 Program, students must:

• Be pursuing an eligible undergraduate business degree at IU Columbus.
• Have earned at least 60 undergraduate credit hours.
• Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA after at least 60 hours.
• Submit a personal written statement.
• Submit a letter of recommendation from a business faculty of IU Columbus.
• Participate in an interview with the Director of IU MBA Columbus.
• Work with an academic advisor to develop an approved five-year plan of study.

Application Process

Students will apply to the program during the spring semester prior to their senior year. If accepted into the 4+1 program, they will begin MBA coursework starting in the fall of their senior year. During their senior year, they can apply for admission into the MBA program, contingent upon completion of their bachelor’s degree.

Application Timeline

Students should begin discussing the program with their academic advisor and the Director of IU MBA Columbus before applying.

• Application period: January through May of the student's junior year of their undergraduate program.
• Notification of acceptance/denial: On or before June 30th
• Program participation: Begins with fall semester of the student’s senior year of their undergraduate program.