RPI’s Accelerated Science + MBA program is a streamlined pathway that enables students to earn both an undergraduate School of Science 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 science and technical expertise with business and leadership skills, fast-tracking themselves for management roles in science, technology, software, and innovation-driven industries. By integrating business coursework early and emphasizing experiential learning, graduates gain a competitive edge in science, 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 Science + 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, software and algorithms into success in the marketplace requires both rigorous disciplinary knowledge and business acumen. The Accelerated Science + MBA program was designed with this in mind. The program enables those in the science and software realms to successfully expand into leadership roles, seamlessly bridging technological and business skills.
The Accelerated Science + MBA program offers students an opportunity to connect discovery and innovation with finance and business. Starting in their undergraduate studies, the program introduces science 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 a science discipline and an MBA from the Lally School of Management, providing a powerful combination of scientific expertise and business acumen that is highly sought by industry.
Enhanced Career Opportunities
An MBA equips science 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 a science 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 scientific skills and business knowledge can lead to lucrative positions in management and leadership roles. There’s a strong demand for leaders who understand science, technology, and business. With the rise of AI, blockchain, and numerous tech advancements, this combination places you in a competitive position for higher-paying roles in the marketplace.
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.
Industry Fit
The MBA coursework is specifically designed for industries that leverage science and technology, so you can apply what you learn directly to your job or future roles.
Innovation Management
Scientists with an MBA can better manage and commercialize innovations, gaining the skills to turn technical ideas into profitable business opportunities. The MBA will provide you with the tools to build a company while understanding business models, funding, and scaling strategies.
Innovation Focus
Learning about innovation, entrepreneurship, and product development are critical in leading projects that leverage technology.
Networking with Techies
Being surrounded by other tech and science enthusiasts, including peers, alumni, and mentors, creates a strong network that can open up job opportunities.
Career Versatility
With an MBA, you gain the ability to move into a wide variety of roles: from software engineering and product development to management, consulting, and entrepreneurship. As part of the program, students will participate in internships or co-ops, gaining technological, business, or entrepreneurial experience.
Adaptability in Emerging Fields
Many technology and science trends, including AI in life science and fintech, require professionals who can bridge science, technology, and business. This background makes you well-suited to thrive in such emerging, high-impact areas.
Problem Solving from Multiple Angles
With an MBA, learn to approach problems from a technical, scientific, and business lens, allowing for innovative solutions that balance product functionality with market needs.
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 science 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 Science
- 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 scimba@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."