RPI’s Accelerated Engineering + MBA program is a streamlined pathway that enables students to earn both an undergraduate engineering degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in only five years or less.
This program is designed for high-achieving students who seek to combine technical expertise with business and leadership skills, fast-tracking themselves for management roles in engineering, science, technology, software, and innovation-driven industries. By integrating business coursework early and emphasizing experiential learning, graduates gain a competitive edge in both technical and executive career paths.
The program can begin as early as freshman year and as late as senior year. With Lally’s state-of-the-art 36-credit MBA, and an appropriate plan of study, students can gain their MBA in 2 additional semesters or less after their undergraduate degree completion.
This accelerated program, pairing RPI undergraduates with Lally’s highly-ranked MBA, saves students both time and tuition. Conditional on satisfactory academic performance, the Accelerated Engineering + MBA Program enables RPI undergraduates to receive a significant tuition merit award during their additional semesters of MBA study.
Program Overview
As technology continues to reshape the world, there is an increasing need for graduates who can successfully address the managerial, financial and organizational challenges that these technological advances present. Translation of cutting-edge science and engineering into success in the marketplace requires both rigorous disciplinary knowledge and business acumen. The Accelerated Engineering + MBA program was designed with this in mind. The program enables those in the technology and engineering realm to successfully expand into leadership roles, seamlessly bridging technological and business skills.
Students have an opportunity to connect discovery and innovation with finance and business. Starting in their undergraduate studies, the program introduces engineering students to a variety of business principles. By the end of their fifth year at RPI or sooner, students gain an incredible skillset, with a B.S. in an engineering discipline and an MBA from the Lally School of Management, providing a powerful combination of engineering expertise and business acumen that is highly sought by industry.
Enhanced Career Opportunities
An MBA equips engineering students with management, finance and business skills, enabling faster growth into leadership roles and expanded career opportunities with managerial and business acumen.
Competitive Edge
In a competitive job market, having both an engineering degree and an MBA helps differentiate candidates. Become more attractive to employers seeking individuals who can bridge the gap between business and technology.
Higher Earning Potential
MBA graduates typically have a higher earning potential compared to those with only an undergraduate degree. The combination of technical engineering skills and business knowledge can lead to lucrative positions in management and leadership roles.
Career Advancement
An MBA can accelerate career advancement, leading to faster promotions and higher salary increments, with a reduced need for learning managerial skills “on the job.” There continues to be high demand for leaders with technological and business expertise.
Specialized Learning
You’ll dive into tech-focused subjects such as management, analytics, marketing, strategy, and finance. This is ideal if you love the tech world and want to become a leader in it.
Innovation Management
Engineers with an MBA can better manage and commercialize innovations, gaining the skills to turn technical ideas into profitable business opportunities.
Industry Fit
The MBA coursework is specifically designed for industries that leverage technology, so you can apply what you learn directly to your job or future roles.
Innovation Focus
Learning about innovation, entrepreneurship, and product development are critical in leading projects that leverage technology. As part of the program, students will participate in internships or co-ops, gaining technological, business, or entrepreneurial experience.
Networking with Techies
Being surrounded by other tech enthusiasts, including peers, alumni, and mentors, creates a strong network that can open up job opportunities.
Tech and Business Mix
Learn how to connect technical work with financial analysis, making you a valuable bridge between tech teams and management.
Technology and Business Integration
This program is designed to bridge the gap between engineering and management, empowering engineers with business knowledge that leverages their technological expertise.
Program Structure
The program can begin as early as freshman year and as late as senior year. (The sooner you start, the easier the path forward.)
- Students will take courses within their chosen engineering discipline during their first three years.
- Students will typically take 2 MBA courses during their senior year; one in the fall, and one in the spring.
- With our new credit sharing policy, these 2 MBA courses can be applied as free electives toward their undergraduate degree.
- During their fifth year, students focus fully on completing their MBA, and will take 5 MBA courses, both fall and spring semesters.
Application Requirements
Students can join the pre-program at the end of their freshman year, and then will apply to the MBA during their junior year.
- Acceptance into the School of Engineering
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
- Attendance at pre-MBA seminars
- Students must have completed 15 credits at the 4000 level to apply.
To learn more about this opportunity, attend an information session, complete an inquiry form, or simply email us at EngMBA@rpi.edu.
Program Outcomes
Lally graduates thrive across a wide range of industries that leverage technology and are highly sought after by leading firms such as Google, IBM, GE, Deloitte, Cisco, Credit Suisse, Global Foundries, Raytheon, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Lockheed Martin, and Formlabs, among others, at which Lally alumni have impactful roles. With a strong foundation and cutting-edge skills in business, Lally students are exceptionally prepared to excel in diverse sectors, from technology and consulting to finance, data analytics, supply chain, and manufacturing, gaining an edge in today’s competitive job market. Launch a successful career by enhancing your RPI experience with a Lally MBA.
Spotlight
"The Lally School played a pivotal role in advancing my understanding the intersection between business and the life sciences industry. As a student in the Life Sciences concentration, the robust coursework, network, and career development offerings allowed me to secure my current position in the pharmaceutical industry and feel confident in my skill set. The real-world experience in the curriculum were instrumental in preparing me for the workforce and navigating this industry."