10 Most Affordable MS/MBA Dual Degree Programs in 2025

If you have a business background and want to advance your career while gaining skills in a second field, earning dual Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science (MS) degrees is a good choice. Many schools offer MBA/MS dual degree options at affordable rates. Keep reading to discover some of the nation's best budget-friendly programs.

Can I Do an MS and an MBA at the Same Time?

Yes, it's possible to combine an MS degree with an MBA and earn both simultaneously. Schools nationwide enable students to add an MS in their field of choice to their MBA program, allowing them to graduate in less time than it would take to obtain these degrees separately.

What Is an MBA and MS Dual Degree?

MS/MBA dual degree programs combine coursework from two fields of study, allowing students to earn two degrees. Learners in these joint master's programs study core courses and electives in finance, marketing, organizational behavior, and other MBA concepts. Simultaneously, they study topics covered in their chosen MS program.

Common MS/MBA dual degrees options include:

• MBA/MS in data science
• MBA/MS in information systems (MSIS)
• MBA/MS in business analytics (MSBA)
• MBA/MS in supply chain management
• MBA/MS in nursing (MSN)
• MBA/MS in entrepreneurship

How Much Does an MBA/MS Dual Degree Cost?

The cost of an MBA/MS dual degree can vary depending on the school you attend and factors such as residency (in-state vs. out-of-state), financial aid eligibility (grants, scholarships, etc.), and enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time). However, you can find many affordable programs, including those at Eastern University and Walden University, which charge less than $600 per credit in tuition.

Cheapest MS/MBA Dual Degree Programs Online

Earning Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees simultaneously can save valuable time and money. Explore the following schools to discover top MS/MBA dual degree programs nationwide.

1. Eastern University

At Eastern University, learners can combine an MBA with an MS in data science and complete their studies in as little as 20 months. These 30-credit programs consist of self-paced courses with seven-week terms and are delivered through Eastern's 100% online LifeFlex modality.

In the MBA program, students learn the strategic mindset to lead successful teams in business. The data science program teaches coding, data analysis, machine learning, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $330 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can lower costs with federal financial aid and military benefits.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Lamar University

The MBA and MS in management information systems dual degree at Lamar University is an online program that helps enrollees grow their business acumen and technical information systems knowledge. Admission to this dual program requires taking specific business courses (if applying with a non-business undergraduate degree) and showing proof of a bachelor's degree. Students who meet GPA requirements can waive the GRE/GMAT.

• Estimated tuition cost: $478 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal student aid (e.g., work-study and loans) can help students lower tuition and fees.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham's Collat Graduate School of Management and its School of Health Professions' Department of Health Services Administration offer a dual MBA/MS in healthcare administration program.

It is designed for completion in 30 months. Learners take 21 months of on-campus coursework and complete a nine-month administrative residency. To pursue this dual degree, students must meet admission requirements for each program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $502 to $628 per credit hour (in-state); $1,229 to $1,550 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Limited scholarship and traineeship funds are available based on need and scholastic record.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Walden University

Walden University is home to a 24-month online MSN and MBA dual degree program, enabling students to combine their nursing skills and business knowledge to prepare for a medical and health services management career. Coursework in this 70-quarter-credit program explores healthcare systems, human resources, and advocacy for improving population health.

Learners also participate in a practicum for hands-on training.

• Estimated tuition cost: $550 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial aid and scholarships like the Believe & Achieve Scholarship can help MSN and MBA students save.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Liberty University

The MSN and MBA dual degree option from Liberty University teaches students how to apply executive business practices to the healthcare field. Coursework in this online program focuses on contemporary issues in human resource management, nursing administration, resource management for nurse leaders, and more.

After graduating, students begin careers as clinical managers and nursing administrators.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit hour (full-time); $645 per credit hour (part-time)
• Financial aid: Federal student aid and scholarships are available to help enrollees save.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Arizona State University

Students interested in developing key business and engineering skills can pursue Arizona State University's online MBA with an MS in engineering (MSE) in electrical engineering. This program is designed for working professionals with an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering. Coursework explores artificial neural computation systems, ethical issues for managers, the art of managing resources, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $605 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships and financial aid make earning a degree at ASU more affordable.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Auburn University

The Harbert College of Business at Auburn University offers an online MBA that students can combine with an online master's degree from another field to create a joint degree program. Four options include:

• MBA/MS in finance
• MBA/MS in information systems
• MBA/MS in industrial and systems engineering
• MBA/MS in supply chain management

The admission requirements for these dual degree options include having a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75, GMAT scores, official transcripts, a personal statement, a resume, and two letters of recommendation. It's good to note that admission to one program doesn't guarantee admission to another.

• Estimated tuition cost: $630 to $866 per credit (MS programs - in-state); $1,000 per credit (MBA); $1,890 to $2,126 per credit (MS programs - out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Graduate students can apply for financial aid and use veterans' benefits to save.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The Belk College of Business at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte has two MS programs that students can combine with an MBA to create a dual degree: the 54-credit MS in mathematical finance (MAFI) and the 56-credit MS in real estate (MSRE). To pursue either the MAFI/MBA or MSRE/MBA, learners must apply and be admitted to each program by the published census date of the third semester (including summer).

• Estimated tuition cost: $688.94 per credit (in-state MS) and $1,565.95 per credit (out-of-state MS); $884 per credit (in-state MBA) and $1,761 per credit (out-of-state MBA)
• Financial aid: Grants, assistantships, student employment, and federal student aid are available to make learning more affordable.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. University of Tennessee, Knoxville

In the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's MS in chemical engineering and MBA in business administration dual degree program, students learn what it takes to make quick changes in a competitive market via short cycles in design, manufacturing, and product development. To enroll in this program, students must submit separate applications for MS and MBA admissions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $639 per credit (in-state); $1,011 per credit (out-of-state); additional fees ($117 per credit for engineering courses and $103 per credit for some business courses)
• Financial aid: Enrollees may qualify for graduate fellowships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Spring Arbor University

The online MSN-MBA dual degree at Spring Arbor University prepares working nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for advanced careers, including certified nurse manager and chief nursing officer (CNO) roles. This 61-credit program offers the following concentrations:

• healthcare administration
• human resource development
• management
• organizational consulting
• executive leadership
• cybersecurity and data
• executive communication

Enrollees must complete 125 clinical hours and participate in one four-day campus residency. Many students finish this program in as few as two years and five months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $797 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Student aid, military discounts, and tax benefits may help eligible enrollees pay less for tuition and fees.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the institutions in this ranking list to verify that each has met the following criteria for delivering a quality educational experience:

• Accreditation: These schools have received accreditation from nationally recognized organizations, such as the MSCHE and the NECHE.
• Affordability: Each institution offers affordable tuition and helps students save with scholarships or other financial aid.
• Program reputation: All colleges and universities in this list provide quality graduate programs for on-campus and online students.

FAQs About Online MS/MBA Dual Degree Programs

Are you ready to pursue an MBA and add your Master of Science program of choice? Review the following FAQs to learn more about MBA/MS dual degree programs before taking the next step.

MBA vs. MS: What's the Difference?

An MBA is a master's degree in business administration, designed for students who want to advance the business and leadership skillset they developed in a bachelor's degree in business program. An MS is a degree type for students who prefer coursework incorporating science, technology, and math. While an MBA is solely focused on business, an MS can cover a range of fields, including IT, accounting, chemistry, nursing, social work, and education.

Is a Dual MBA/MS Program Worth It?

Yes, a dual MBA/MS degree can be worth it. In these programs, students take courses from two fields simultaneously, enabling them to graduate sooner while saving on tuition. After completing a dual program, students enjoy the added value of two graduate degrees on their resume, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market.

Are Dual MBA Programs a Better Investment Than a Traditional MBA?

Whether or not a dual MBA/MS program is a better investment depends on your career goals. If your interests don't extend beyond business, you can enjoy a very successful career after completing an MBA. However, if you're interested in two fields and want to impress future employers, adding an MS to an MBA can save time and money while enhancing your skillset and qualifying you for more jobs.

How Much Can I Earn With an MS/MBA Dual Degree?

The salaries that graduates of MS/MBA dual degree programs earn vary based on the type of degree obtained, alongside the graduate business degree. For instance, an MSN/MBA can lead to a medical and health services manager role that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earns a median annual wage of $117,960.

A student with an MBA and MS in human resource management could become a chief human resources officer and earn an executive median annual wage of $206,420.

Discover Online MBA Programs

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