10 Most Affordable MS/MBA Dual Degree Programs in 2027

Combining a Master of Science with an MBA lets you build deep expertise in a specific field, whether that's nursing, engineering, or information systems, without giving up the broad business and leadership training an MBA provides. Rather than earning these two degrees separately, a dual program shares core coursework between them, which typically saves both time and tuition compared to pursuing each on its own.

This combination doesn't require an expensive degree to pursue. A number of accredited, affordable dual MS/MBA programs let you build both credentials without steep costs. This guide rounds up ten of those programs, along with what each one combines and what to expect from the coursework.

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

Yes, it's possible to combine an affordable online MS degree with an affordable online MBA program 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

Eastern University offers a dual MBA and MS in Data Science that students can complete in as little as 20 months, delivered through the school's self-paced, 100% online LifeFlex format with seven-week terms. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredits the MBA portion of the program.

The MBA builds strategic leadership skills for managing teams, while the data science coursework covers coding, data analysis, and machine learning. This pairing suits students who want technical data skills backed by formal business training.

2. Lamar University

Lamar University, a public AACSB-accredited institution in Beaumont, Texas, offers a dual MBA and MS in Management Information Systems that combines business acumen with technical information systems expertise. Applicants with a non-business undergraduate degree may need to complete specific prerequisite courses, and a bachelor's degree along with sufficient GPA can waive the GRE or GMAT requirement.

The program blends core MBA coursework with technical training in managing organizational information systems. Lamar's broader business programs share the same AACSB accreditation backing this dual degree.

3. University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham pairs its AACSB-accredited MBA with an MS in Healthcare Administration through its School of Health Professions, with the healthcare administration side separately accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). The 30-month program includes 21 months of coursework followed by a nine-month administrative residency.

Applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Collat Graduate School of Management and the Department of Health Services Administration separately. This dual accreditation across both the business and healthcare sides gives the degree added credibility for healthcare leadership roles specifically.

4. Walden University

Walden University, a private for-profit institution based in Minneapolis, offers a 70-quarter-credit dual MSN and MBA program that students can complete in as little as two years. The MBA portion carries accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), while the MSN portion is separately accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Coursework covers healthcare systems, human resources, and population health advocacy, preparing graduates for medical and health services management roles. A hands-on practicum rounds out the program with practical, applied experience.

5. Liberty University

Liberty University, a private Christian institution in Lynchburg, Virginia, offers a dual MSN and MBA program built around applying business practices specifically to the healthcare field, with the MBA portion accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Coursework covers contemporary human resource management issues, nursing administration, and resource management for nurse leaders.

Graduates commonly move into roles like clinical manager or nursing administrator after completing the program. Liberty's large online student population includes many working nurses pursuing this specific dual credential.

6. Arizona State University

Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business, AACSB-accredited for more than 60 years, offers a dual MBA and MS in Electrical Engineering designed for working professionals with an undergraduate engineering background. Coursework spans artificial neural computation systems, ethical issues for managers, and resource management alongside core business and engineering training.

The program suits students aiming to bridge deep technical engineering expertise with business leadership skills. ASU's Online MBA delivers the same curriculum and faculty as its full-time and evening programs.

7. Auburn University

Auburn University's Harbert College of Business, AACSB-accredited, lets students combine its online MBA with one of several master's degrees, including finance, information systems, industrial and systems engineering, or supply chain management. Admission requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75, GMAT scores, transcripts, a personal statement, a resume, and two recommendation letters, and acceptance to one program doesn't guarantee acceptance to the other.

This flexible pairing structure lets students tailor a dual degree to their specific technical interest while still earning an AACSB-accredited MBA. Each combination draws on Harbert's core business curriculum alongside the specialized master's coursework.

8. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Belk College of Business, AACSB-accredited, offers two dual degree paths: an MBA paired with an MS in Mathematical Finance, or an MBA paired with an MS in Real Estate. Students must apply and be admitted to both programs separately by the published census date of their third semester.

The mathematical finance track runs 54 credits, while the real estate track runs 56 credits, both layered onto the core MBA curriculum. This structure gives students deep technical expertise in a specific financial discipline alongside broader business training.

9. University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Haslam College of Business, AACSB-accredited, offers a dual MBA and MS in Chemical Engineering that teaches students to navigate rapid change across design, manufacturing, and product development cycles. Applicants must submit separate applications for the MS and MBA portions of the program.

This pairing suits engineering professionals aiming for management roles within technical or manufacturing organizations. The dual structure lets students build deep technical chemical engineering knowledge alongside core business leadership training.

10. Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor University, a private Christian institution in Michigan, offers an online MSN-MBA dual degree with the nursing portion accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); the university's MBA coursework itself doesn't carry separate business-specific accreditation beyond the school's general regional accreditation. The 61-credit program offers concentrations including healthcare administration, human resource development, and executive leadership, and can be completed in as few as two years and five months.

Students complete 125 clinical hours and participate in a four-day campus residency as part of the program. Graduates commonly pursue roles like certified nurse manager or chief nursing officer after completing the degree.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

• 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.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

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.

Discover Online MBA Programs

Begin a fulfilling journey in higher education by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to discover ways they can help you reach your academic and career goals.