Your interests and goals may span multiple academic disciplines or areas of expertise. That is why the Stanford MBA Program empowers you to combine studies. This flexibility offers a rich and valuable academic experience.
Generally, about 20% of Stanford MBA students take advantage of a joint or dual degree to complement their MBA. As a student, you may also take courses in any graduate school at Stanford University.
In a joint degree program, credit from a single course may count toward both degrees. Your degrees must be conferred simultaneously, upon completion of degree requirements for both programs. While in the Stanford MBA Program, you may not pursue concurrently more than one additional degree.
The JD/MBA joint degree program with Stanford Law School is designed for individuals considering:
You must fulfill the degree requirements for the joint degree program as outlined in the academic policies from each school for the year in which you began the required curriculum.
| MBA Units | 84 |
|---|---|
| JD Units | 80 |
| Total Units | 164 |
| Time to Complete | 11 to 12 quarters (4 years) |
In addition to satisfying the SLS residency requirement, you must complete five quarters of residency, i.e. full-tuition study, at Stanford GSB. Residency starts accruing when you begin the core coursework in the autumn quarter.
Option 1 — Complete your first two years of law school, then your first year of business school, followed by courses primarily at the business school in your final year.
Option 2 — Complete your first year of law school, then your first year of business school, followed by a variety of courses at both schools in your remaining two years.
If you intend to complete the JD/MBA program in 11 quarters, you may elect to go on leave during the winter quarter of your fourth year to prepare for the bar exam, and return to classes in spring quarter.
The MA Education/MBA joint degree program with Stanford Graduate School of Education is designed for individuals with a wide variety of interests in education (both K–12 and higher education, for-profit education, etc.), including:
| MBA Units | 84 |
|---|---|
| MA Education Units | 35 |
| Total Units | 109–119* |
| Time to Complete | 6 quarters (two years) |
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*Dependent upon number of cross-listed courses taken |
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In this program, you will spend most of your first year taking MBA courses, while your second year will comprise a mix of business and education courses. You have the flexibility to take a variety of electives at both schools. Depending on your course load, you may need an extra quarter to complete the program.
The MPP/MBA joint degree program allows you to simultaneously pursue an MBA from Stanford GSB and an MPP degree from the Public Policy Program at Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences.
You may be interested in this degree if you wish to pursue a career in public policy, or at the intersection of business and government.
| MBA Units | 84 |
|---|---|
| MPP Units | 90 (of which up to 29 units can be credited toward both programs) |
| Total Units | 145 |
| Time to Complete | 9 quarters (3 years) |
You will spend most of your first year taking MBA courses; you may take MPP courses once you begin your second year. During autumn and winter quarters of the third year, you will participate in the MPP’s two-quarter practicum course, in which interdisciplinary teams of the MPP cohort analyze and report on real-world policy issues for an outside client.
The MS Computer Science/MBA joint degree program links two of Stanford University’s world-class programs — Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Stanford University Computer Science Department. Students develop the necessary skills to become a manager and/or entrepreneur for new technology ventures.
| MBA Units | 84 |
|---|---|
| MS Computer Science Units | 45 |
| Total Units | 129 |
| Time to Complete | 9 quarters (3 years) |
If you start at Stanford GSB, you will spend your first year taking MBA courses. Your second and third years, you will take courses in both programs. If you start in the computer science department, you will spend your first year taking CS courses. Your second year, you will take MBA courses and your third year you will take courses in both programs. The joint degree program is typically one to two quarters shorter than completing the two degrees separately.
The MS Electrical Engineering/MBA joint degree program links two of Stanford University’s world-class programs — Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Stanford University Electrical Engineering Department. Students develop an integrated understanding of engineering, strategy, and execution to drive future innovations that increasingly involve both technology and business.
| MBA Units | 84 |
|---|---|
| MS Electrical Engineering Units | 45 |
| Total Units | 129 |
| Time to Complete | 9 quarters (3 years) |
If you start at Stanford GSB, you will spend your first year taking MBA courses. Your second and third years, you will take courses in both programs. If you start at the electrical engineering department, you will spend your first year taking EE courses. Your second year, you will take MBA courses and your third year you will take courses in both programs. The joint degree program is typically one to two quarters shorter than completing the two degrees separately.
The MS Environment and Resources (E-IPER)/MBA joint degree program with the Stanford School of Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences offers you the opportunity to develop a background in the science, engineering, and technology that underlie environmental problems. You’ll integrate that knowledge with your MBA curriculum to become an influential and innovative leader addressing environmental issues — either directly or peripherally.
| MBA Units | 84 |
|---|---|
| E-IPER MS Units | 45* |
| Total Units | 129 |
| Time to Complete | 7 to 9 quarters (3 years) |
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*May include courses offered by other schools within the university, but must be science-related coursework approved by the School of Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences |
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In one of your final quarters, you will complete a capstone project that allows you to demonstrate your ability to integrate business, science, and engineering knowledge.
It is not at all an overstatement to say that my four years in the joint JD/MBA program at Stanford have been life-changing. Committed professors and inspiring peers have challenged me to expand my vision of what is possible for myself and for the world. I am graduating with greater confidence, a clearer sense of self and an excitement for what the future holds. Not only do I dream bigger as a result of my time at Stanford, but my dreams feel more attainable. I am leaving Stanford with so much more than the foundational skill set I was seeking.
The GSB’s joint degree program allowed me to explore the intersection of two passions: investing and education. It provided the flexibility to study both fields and illustrated the opportunities for applying business skills to education in an informed way. Using tools developed and relationships built, I look forward to influencing the education field and inspiring a love of learning in young people during my career.
You may pursue a dual degree with any graduate program at Stanford University. Candidates must apply to and be accepted by the other program separately, then notify Stanford GSB. Candidates may apply concurrently to both programs or apply to the dual degree program during the first year as an MBA student. As with joint degrees, you may only pursue one additional degree while in the MBA program.
The MD/MBA dual degree program allows you to pursue an MBA at Stanford GSB and an MD from the Stanford School of Medicine in five academic years of residence.
You must fulfill the degree requirements for the dual degree program as outlined in the academic policies from each school for the year in which you began the required curriculum.
| MBA Units | 90 |
|---|---|
| MD Units | A minimum of 235 and completion of all MD graduation requirements |
| Time to Complete | 17 quarters (5 years) |
| Year | School | Coursework |
|---|---|---|
| One | School of Medicine | Pre-clerkship/scholarly concentration |
| Two | School of Medicine | Pre-clerkship/scholarly concentration |
| Three | School of Medicine | Core clinical rotations, including surgery and medicine plus selective subjects |
| Four* | Stanford GSB | |
| Five (Fall Quarter) | School of Medicine | Clinics, core, and electives |
| Five (Winter & Spring Quarters) | Stanford GSB | |
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*Per Stanford School of Medicine policy, students must receive an overall pass on Step 1 of the USMLE within 12 months of the start of clinical clerkships. It is highly recommended that MD/MBAs take their Step 1 exam prior to starting at Stanford GSB. |
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After starting medical school at Stanford, I decided to pursue an MBA at the GSB to develop the skills to become a leader at the intersection of healthcare, technology and medicine. Business school has not only taught me many valuable leadership skills, but also opened my eyes to think about problems in completely new ways. The best part about the GSB, however, has been getting to know and learn from so many wonderful classmates.
Stanford MBA students may also pursue degrees with certain professional schools at other universities. Check with each school regarding its policy and timeline.
You may enroll in either a joint or dual degree with another school at Stanford or a degree from an external university, but not both.
| Stanford GSB Units | 90 |
|---|---|
| Other Program Units | 8 |
| Total Units for MBA | 98 |
| Total Time to Complete | 6 to 9 quarters (3 years) |
You must spend five quarters of full-time study at Stanford GSB. The combined degree programs must be completed in one of the following timelines. Note that some programs may require a particular academic path in order to successfully complete both degrees.
| First Year | Second Year | Third Year | Graduate with… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other school (this is the preferred path for Princeton School of Public and International Affairs) | Stanford GSB | Autumn semester at the other school; winter and spring quarters at Stanford GSB | Stanford GSB cohort |
| Stanford GSB | Autumn semester at the other school; winter and spring quarters at Stanford GSB | Other school | Both cohorts |
| Stanford GSB | Other school | Autumn semester at the other school; winter and spring quarters at Stanford GSB | Other school’s cohort |
You must spend five quarters of full-time study at Stanford GSB and complete at least one year at YMS or YLS first. Consult with YMS or YLS for their timeline requirements.
