GW School of Business site logo

School of Business

 

MS in Interdisciplinary Business Studies (older page version)
MS in Interdisciplinary Business Studies (older page version)

MS in Interdisciplinary Business Studies (older page version)

Stand out and get noticed! In a crowded talent pool, employers are looking for candidates who break away from the pack mentality and bring a unique skillset to the table. The MS in Interdisciplinary Business Studies (MIBS) program will help you do just that. This new program is the ultimate in modular, stackable, customizable graduate business education.

You will select two of our graduate business certificates and add six credits of electives to build your own unique degree that gives you a competitive edge. For example, you could choose the Business Analytics and Investments & Portfolio Management graduate certificates — combined, they provide an education of the depth and breadth one needs to be successful on Wall Street, but they also give you the technical skills needed to code and analyze data more effectively. Or you could choose to combine the Cloud, Applications and Information Technology certificate with the Artificial Intelligence certificate, giving you a highly technical background that also helps you prepare for the challenges and opportunities of managing increased automation in the workplace.

With so many graduate certificates to choose from, the combinations are only limited by your imagination.

Re-imagining Graduate Business Education

Former GWSB Dean Anuj Mehrotra and Professor Liesl Riddle discuss GWSB's new approach to graduate business education: modular, stackable credentials that utilize several graduate certificate programs as the building blocks of education.

 

Degree Requirements

Designed for flexibility, the MIBS degree allows students to combine two of the following 24 graduate certificates for a customized Master's degree. A sample curriculum and course sequencing is listed below.

Curriculum

This degree allows students to combine two graduate certificates. Below is an example curriculum combining the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics with the Graduate Certificate in Sport Management.

Business Analytics (12 credits)

  • Statistics for Analytics
  • Stochastic Foundations: Prob. Models
  • Programming for Analytics
  • Data Mining

Sport Management (12 credits)

  • Sport Marketing
  • Sport Media & Communications
  • Sport Law: Contracts & Negotiations
  • Sport & Event Facility Management

General Electives (6 credits)

  • General Elective 1
  • General Elective 2

 

Sample Course Sequencing

Below are two examples of MIBS course sequencing. The first combines the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics with the Graduate Certificate in Sport Management. The second combines the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics with the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management.

MIBS Degree in Business Analytics and Sport Management

Semester 1 (12 credits)

  • DNSC 6203 - Statistics for Analytics (1.5 credits)
  • DNSC 6206 - Stochastic Foundations: Probability Models (1.5 credits)
  • DNSC 6211 - Programming for Analytics (3 credits)
  • TSTD 6264 - Sport Marketing (3 credits)
  • TSTD 6267 - Sport Media & Communications (3 credits)

Semester 2 (12 credits)

  • DNSC 6279 - Data Mining (3 credits)
  • TSTD 6265 - Sport Law: Contracts & Negotiations (3 credits)
  • TSTD 6266 - Sport & Event Facility Management (3 credits)
  • Recommended – Business Analytics elective (3 credits)

Semester 3 (6 credits)

  • Two general business elective courses (3 credits each)

MIBS Degree in Business Analytics and Strategic Management

Semester 1 (12 credits)

  • DNSC 6203 - Statistics for Analytics (1.5 credits)
  • DNSC 6206 - Stochastic Foundations: Probability Models (1.5 credits)
  • DNSC 6211 - Programming for Analytics (3 credits)
  • SMPP 6290 - Strategic Leadership and Social Capital (3 credits)
  • SMPP 6290 - Strategic Networking (3 credits)

Semester 2 (12 credits)

  • DNSC 6279 - Data Mining (3 credits)
  • SMPP 6210 - Strategic Environmental Management (3 credits)
  • Recommended – Business Analytics elective (3 credits)
  • Recommended – Strategic Management elective (3 credits)

Semester 3 (6 credits)

  • Two general business elective courses (3 credits each)

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits, including all requirements of two preapproved 12-credit certificate programs (below) and 6 credits in elective courses.

Required

Completion of two of the following certificate programs:

Electives

Students take an additional 6 credits in elective courses. Students may elect to use these credits to focus in one specific area or to choose courses from different business areas in consultation with the advisor. Electives should focus on integrating the curricula of the two certificate programs.

Please note: Several of the graduate certificates approved for this degree program may be completed entirely online.

View online graduate certificates

 

Admissions

Admission to the MIBS program is highly competitive and enrollment is limited. Students operate in two cohorts throughout the academic year.

Due to the rolling admissions policy, it is highly recommended that candidates submit applications early. The candidate’s major and trend in grades, personal achievements, and letters of recommendation also affect the admission decision. This program seeks social, ethnic, cultural and geographical diversity in its student body.

Prerequisites
  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Strong academic performance
  • Demonstrated professional interest in interdisciplinary business studies
Admissions Process

Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. We also offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree, from scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements.

Application Requirements

To be considered complete, the following must be included in the application:

  • Completed online application form
  • Application fee (non-refundable)
  • Current résumé uploaded through the online application system
  • One letter of recommendation from a professional and/or academic reference
  • Statement of Purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe how this program fits into your professional life and your career objectives.
Additional Application Requirements
  • Provide a brief statement as to why you have selected your two certificate options as part of your degree combination and what you hope to accomplish upon completing the MS in Interdisciplinary Business Studies degree program.
  • Upload copies of your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, whether or not the program was completed or the credit appears as a transfer credit on another transcript. Note that admitted students will be required to submit official, sealed transcripts with proof of bachelor’s degree. There is no need to submit them at the time when you first apply.
  • The GRE or GMAT test is not required for this program — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. Learn more about our test-optional policy on the How to Apply page. GW School of Business applicants interested in taking the exam can benefit from 10% off any Kaplan GMAT or GRE preparation course. Use discount code GWUSB10.
International Applicants

Applicants who require a visa to study in the United States must also fulfill additional requirements in order to be considered for admission to a graduate program at the School of Business. Please visit our How to Apply page for further details.

Admissions Process

Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them.

 

Application Deadlines

Candidates seeking financial assistance and international students requiring visas are encouraged to apply early. Only completed applications, with all required materials, will be considered for admission.

  • Spring 2025 - Rolling. Upon seat availability.
  • Summer 2025 - January 15, 2025
  • Fall 2025 - January 15, 2025

Please note that admission to the following programs is only offered for the Fall semester: Global MBA, Accelerated MBA, Master of Accountancy in Accounting Analytics, M.S. in Business Analytics, and the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics. Summer admissions deadlines apply only to the Online MBA and Healthcare MBA programs; admission to all other programs is only offered for the Fall and Spring semesters. The MS in Finance and MS in Applied Finance programs, as well as our doctoral and executive education programs, each have different admissions deadlines.

Tuition and Other Costs

Explore tuition rates and fees, view health insurance and housing costs, and more.

Tuition and Fees

Please visit the Student Accounts Office for a complete list of tuition rates and fees.

Other Expenses
  • Student Health Insurance
    GW offers voluntary comprehensive health insurance through Aetna Student Health. All F-1 and J-1 international students are automatically enrolled. See the Student Health Insurance page for rates and other important information.
  • Housing
    View information about on-campus and off-campus housing for full-time GW graduate students.

 

Financial Resources

From scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements, we offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree.

GWSB Fellowships and Financial Support

The GW School of Business offers merit-based fellowships to incoming students at the time of admission. While applying to graduate degree programs at GWSB, prospective students may opt in to be automatically considered for all fellowship award opportunities funded by the School of Business as well as various university-funded tuition awards administered by the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF). Unless otherwise stated, no separate application is required.

In limited circumstances, current students may also be eligible for merit-based tuition fellowship awards.

Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships

The Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF) maintains a comprehensive database of GW and external fellowships to support graduate-level study and/or research. Incoming and current students are encouraged to browse the OGSAF website for information about additional merit-based funding opportunities.

Federal Financial Aid

U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens may qualify for:

  • Federally sponsored education loans through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Programs
  • Need-based financial assistance through the Federal Work Study Program, which allows students to earn income while working part-time at pre-approved organizations during their program

To apply for federal financial aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the appropriate deadline using GW’s FAFSA school code: 001444. Please note that students must apply for federal financial aid each academic year.

Visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance for details about eligibility criteria, application steps, and deadlines. Information about alternate private and federal loans is also available.

Tuition Discounts

Employer Discounts

The GW School of Business offers a tuition discount to current employees of the following companies:

  • Leidos
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Organization of American States (GS/OAS)
  • SAIC

Please note that eligible programs vary by employer. View details about eligibility, conditions, and the application process.

Veterans and Military

Nationally recognized as a top military- and veteran-friendly university, GW offers a wealth of services and benefits to student veterans, military personnel, and dependents of the United States Armed Forces. As a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, GW funds tuition expenses exceeding the maximum base pay amount covered through the GI Bill®, and its contributions are matched by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

For more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program and other education benefits, visit GW Veteran & Military Services (VMS).

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

Student Employment and Internships

The F. David Fowler Career Center supports GWSB student and alumni professional development by providing career management resources, career fairs and expos, and employer information sessions. GWSB students also have access to employment services and resources provided through GW’s Center for Career Services.

Handshake is the official online recruiting platform and event calendar for the F. David Fowler Career Center and the Center for Career Services. To search for jobs and internships, find and register for events, and connect with career coaches, log in to Handshake.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study Program is a federally-funded and need-based work program that allows GW students to earn income through part-time employment during the academic year at GW and other pre-approved organizations. Graduate students interested in the program must submit the FAFSA and apply through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

The Center for Career Services provides awarded students assistance with finding positions. Visit the Center for Career Services for information about the Federal Work Study Program at GW.

International Students

Students studying at GW on F-1 or J-1 visas may have additional restrictions on their employment due to visa regulations. F-1 Students are required to obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from the International Services Office for all paid, off-campus internships and employment. GW-sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to obtain employment authorization for all employment, whether on-campus or off-campus.

For more information about the CPT application process, see GWSB Global & Experiential Education’s Curricular Practical Training page.

For information about how your visa status may affect your employment options, please visit the International Services Office.

Billing and Payment Processing

The Student Accounts Office manages all student accounts and processes student bills, refunds, disbursements, payment plan enrollment, employer reimbursements, third party billing, and financial holds. For inquiries regarding your Student eBill, tuition and fees, or payment options and due dates, visit the Student Accounts Office.