Best Online MBA/Computer Science Dual Degree Programs 2027

Technology companies and IT departments need leaders who can talk credibly with engineers and executives alike. An MBA paired with a master's in computer science or information technology gives you both perspectives, combining technical depth with the strategy, finance, and management skills needed to lead teams and shape product decisions. This pairing is one of the most career-focused online dual MBA programs for professionals aiming at technology leadership.

Fully online MBA/MS in Computer Science dual degrees are still extremely rare, so this guide also includes online programs that pair the MBA with information technology or management information systems. The first two programs below can be completed online, while the last two are true MBA/computer science dual degrees offered on campus. Each entry identifies the degree type and format so you can compare your options clearly.

What Is an Online MBA/Computer Science Degree?

An MBA/computer science dual degree combines a Master of Business Administration with a Master of Science in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Management Information Systems, and you graduate with two separate diplomas. Shared coursework reduces your total credits, typically to between 56 and 60, compared with 66 or more for separate degrees.

Computer science programs focus on programming, algorithms, software engineering, systems, and emerging areas like artificial intelligence. Information technology and MIS programs emphasize applying technology in organizations, with coursework in systems analysis, cybersecurity, databases, cloud computing, and enterprise architecture. If you're coming from a non-technical background, an online master's in computer science for non-CS majors can show you how programs help career changers build foundational skills.

Best Online MBA/Computer Science Dual Degree Programs

The programs below pair an MBA with either a computer science or an IT-focused master's degree. Online programs are listed first, followed by campus-based computer science dual degrees.

1. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania offers a 100% online MBA and MS in Information Technology dual degree, with intensive six-week sessions and spring, summer, and fall starts. Full-time students may finish in about one year, while part-time students can move at their own pace. The Zeigler College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

IT coursework covers systems, cybersecurity, analytics, and enterprise architecture, and you can earn SAS and Python programming certificates during the MS portion. Admission is rolling, and applicants with an academic GPA above 2.5 may qualify for a GMAT or GRE waiver. The fast pace and flexible enrollment make this a strong option for working professionals who want two credentials quickly.

2. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona's Eller College of Management offers an online MBA and MS in Management Information Systems dual degree that requires 60 units, with 15 counting toward both degrees. Students can finish in as little as three years, though prerequisites may add a semester. Eller is AACSB-accredited, and the dual degree is STEM-designated.

MIS coursework blends technical and managerial topics, preparing you to lead technology strategy, data, and systems projects within organizations. You'll apply to both programs separately. Eller also offers online MBA dual degrees in accounting, finance, and healthcare management if your career goals change.

3. University of Delaware

For a true MBA/MS in Computer Science, the University of Delaware offers a dual degree that totals 56 credits instead of 68, thanks to overlapping coursework. The program combines technical computer science training with MBA courses in strategy, finance, marketing, operations, and analytics, and the business school is AACSB-accredited. This program is based on the Newark, Delaware, campus.

You can apply directly to the dual degree or while enrolled in either program, and acceptance into the computer science program automatically admits you to the MBA. Graduates often pursue technical leadership, management consulting, product management, or entrepreneurship. The program is STEM-designated, which extends Optional Practical Training eligibility for international students.

4. University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers a dual MS in Computer Science and MBA through its Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the AACSB-accredited Haslam College of Business. The program takes five semesters of full-time, in-person study on the Knoxville campus.

This option suits students who can relocate or already live in the region and want a structured, full-time path to both degrees. You'll gain advanced computer science training alongside a full MBA curriculum. As a large public research university, UT Knoxville offers extensive recruiting connections with technology and manufacturing employers across the Southeast.

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. Because online MBA/computer science dual degrees are extremely rare, this list includes online MBA/IT and MIS programs alongside campus-based computer science dual degrees. These criteria guided our selections:

• Accreditation: Every business school on this list holds AACSB accreditation.
• Online availability: Fully online programs are listed first, and campus-based programs are clearly identified.
• Technical depth: Programs with substantial computer science, IT, or information systems coursework were prioritized.
• Credit efficiency: Dual degrees with meaningful overlap between programs earned extra weight.
• Accessibility: Public universities and programs with flexible admission requirements were favored over highly selective schools.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Will You Learn in an MBA/Computer Science Degree Program?

Computer science coursework covers programming, data structures and algorithms, software engineering, operating systems, databases, and specialized areas like artificial intelligence or cybersecurity. IT and MIS programs focus on systems analysis, cloud computing, enterprise architecture, cybersecurity management, and data analytics.

The MBA side builds skills in finance, accounting, marketing, operations, organizational behavior, and strategy. Together, the degrees prepare you to manage technical teams, evaluate technology investments, lead product development, and align technology strategy with business goals.

How Long Does It Take To Earn an MBA/Computer Science Degree Online?

Accelerated online MBA/IT programs with short sessions can be completed in about one year of full-time study. Most other MBA/computer science and IT dual degrees take two to three years, depending on credit requirements and prerequisites.

Students without a technical background may need foundation courses in programming or mathematics, which can add a semester or more. Part-time students often take three years or longer.

How Much Does an Online MBA/Computer Science Degree Cost?

Total tuition for an MBA/computer science or IT dual degree generally ranges from about $25,000 to $80,000 or more. Public universities with in-state rates and flat online pricing tend to cost less, while out-of-state tuition and full-time campus programs typically cost more.

Prerequisite courses, technology fees, and software or certification costs can add to your total. Comparing affordable online master's in computer science degrees can help you understand typical pricing for the technical half of a dual program.

Financial Aid for Online MBA/Computer Science Degrees

Technology employers often invest heavily in employee education, and several other funding sources can help as well. Combining options can keep your borrowing manageable.

• Employer tuition assistance: Many technology and IT employers help pay for graduate degrees, often up to $5,250 per year tax-free. Exploring companies that offer tuition reimbursement can help you identify generous employers.
• Federal student loans: Graduate students can use Direct Unsubsidized Loans within annual and aggregate limits. Filing the FAFSA for an MBA also qualifies you for many school-based awards.
• STEM scholarships: Many universities and organizations offer scholarships for graduate students in computing and technology fields. Some specifically support women and underrepresented groups in tech.
• Graduate assistantships: On-campus programs may offer teaching or research assistantships with tuition waivers or stipends. These are especially common in computer science departments.
• Military benefits: Service members and veterans may be able to apply education benefits toward both degrees. Many schools also offer tuition discounts for military students.

How To Choose the Right MBA/Computer Science Degree

Since this pairing includes computer science, IT, and information systems programs, start by deciding how technical you want your training to be. These factors can help you narrow your choices.

Computer Science vs. Information Technology

Computer science programs emphasize programming, algorithms, and building software, while IT and MIS programs focus on managing and applying technology in organizations. Choose computer science for engineering-heavy roles and IT or MIS for technology management.

Online vs. Campus Format

Online programs offer flexibility for working professionals, while campus programs may provide more networking, research, and recruiting opportunities. Consider whether you can relocate or study full time.

Technical Prerequisites

Computer science programs often require programming experience, data structures, or advanced math. Check prerequisites carefully, and ask whether bridge courses are available if you're changing careers.

STEM Designation

STEM-designated programs emphasize quantitative and technical skills and can extend Optional Practical Training for international students. This designation may also signal a more rigorous technical curriculum.

Certifications and Career Support

Some programs let you earn industry certificates in programming, analytics, or cybersecurity along the way. Strong career services and employer connections can also help you land technology leadership roles.

Career Outlook With an Online MBA/Computer Science Degree

An MBA/computer science or IT dual degree prepares you for roles like IT director, chief technology officer, product manager, engineering manager, and technology consultant. These positions require both technical credibility and the business judgment to manage budgets, teams, and strategy.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information systems managers earn a median annual wage of $175,140. Employment is projected to grow 16% through 2035, with about 53,500 openings expected each year as organizations expand their technology operations. Combining technical expertise with an MBA can help you advance into the highest-paying leadership roles in the field.

FAQs About the Best Online MBA/Computer Science Degree Programs

Students weighing an MBA alongside a technical master's often have questions about prerequisites, career fit, and program value. These answers cover several of the most common ones.

Do You Need a Computer Science Degree To Enroll?

Many IT and MIS programs welcome students from non-technical backgrounds, though computer science programs usually expect programming experience or prerequisite coursework. Some schools offer bridge courses for career changers. Reviewing each program's prerequisites before applying can help you plan your path.

Is an MBA/CS Dual Degree Worth It for Software Engineers?

For software engineers who want to move into management, product leadership, or entrepreneurship, an MBA/CS dual degree can be a strong investment. The MBA builds business skills that technical roles rarely teach, while the CS degree deepens your technical credibility. Engineers who plan to stay in purely technical roles may get more value from a standalone CS master's.

What's the Difference Between an MS in IT and an MS in MIS?

An MS in Information Technology typically focuses on technical infrastructure, networks, cybersecurity, and systems administration. An MS in Management Information Systems focuses more on how technology supports business processes and decision-making. Both pair well with an MBA, with MIS often overlapping more closely with business coursework.

Can You Become a CTO With an MBA/Computer Science Degree?

A dual degree can strengthen your qualifications for chief technology officer roles, which require deep technical knowledge and strong leadership skills. However, most CTOs also have extensive hands-on experience leading engineering teams. The degree works best as a complement to a track record of technical and managerial accomplishments.

Are There Online Alternatives to a Full CS Dual Degree?

If a dual degree isn't the right fit, you can pursue an online master's in computer science and add business coursework through a graduate certificate, or choose an MBA with a technology concentration. Exploring the best online computer science master's degrees can help you compare standalone technical programs.

Explore Online MBA/Computer Science Dual Degrees

An online MBA paired with computer science or IT can help you lead technology teams and shape strategy at the highest levels of an organization. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about prerequisites, formats, and costs.