The Ivy MBA
Whether you want to complement your academic background or explore new professional opportunities, the Ivy MBA will help you accomplish your goals.
As an Ivy MBA student you will learn from the best. You’ll experience a rewarding and supportive learning environment with award-winning faculty and novel curriculum, customized academic and career services, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The Ivy MBA is available as a full-time MBA program, Professional MBA in Des Moines, or Executive MBA. Discover which path is the best fit for you.
Attn: International students – Three MBA specializations are now STEM Designated!
Which Ivy MBA path is right for you? Compare side by side or contact us to find the best fit.
Which Ivy MBA path is right for you? Compare side by side or contact us to find the best fit.
Full-Time MBA
This two-year program is comprised of ten core courses (30 credits) and six electives (18 credits). Core courses are offered on campus in the Gerdin Business Building, home of the Ivy College of Business. Electives are offered in Ames, Des Moines, and online. Customize your MBA experience with optional specializations and international study tours. Enjoy the benefits of a cohort and team based learning. Take advantage of the comprehensive and personalized academic and career services. Learn from faculty engaged in leading edge research and committed to teaching excellence.
With STEM-designated specializations in Business Analytics, Finance, and Information Systems, international students have the opportunity to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) work permit for up to 36 months after graduation.
Concurrent MBA: 3+2 Program
The concurrent MBA is a 3+2 program available to undergraduate students enrolled in select design, engineering, and science and technology majors at Iowa State University. It is designed to be completed in a total of five years, including undergraduate and MBA coursework.
In the first three years, students take courses in their undergraduate major. The final two years are comprised of the upper-level undergraduate courses and graduate coursework in business, with up to twelve credits applied toward both degrees.
Become the leader you were meant to be with the best MBA program in Des Moines. Take classes two nights per week and advance your career in two years or less. Core courses are offered at a convenient location in Capital Square. Electives are offered in Des Moines, Ames, and online. Customize your MBA experience with optional specializations and international study tours. Enjoy the benefits of a cohort and team based learning. It’s a full-time education on a part-time schedule, taught by the same world-class faculty as the Full-Time MBA program on campus.
Specializing in Food, Agriculture, and Biosystems
The Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business offers an Executive MBA program for professionals in food, agriculture, and biosystems. The 21-month program is designed for high potential employees that need a fast, flexible way to achieve their MBA while increasing their leadership responsibilities in their organization.
- Classes meet face-to-face every three weeks on Fridays and Saturdays in Des Moines (in-between classes there is a small amount of online course work)
- Courses are scripted with no electives so you know your full schedule the day you start and you go through the program with the same people for the full 21-months
- The curriculum follows a standard MBA program format and partners with ISU’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to offer customized content and case studies for food, agriculture, and biosystems industries executives
- Tuition is all inclusive of books, speakers, social events, study trips, and meals.
- Two study trips are included in the program (the first is to Washington D.C. and the second is to an international destination heavily impacting the industry)
| Program | Full-Time MBA | Professional MBA | Executive MBA |
| Total Credits | 48 | 48 | 48 |
| Core Credits | 30 | 30 | 48 |
| Elective Credits | 18 | 18 | 0 |
| Time to Completion | 2 years | 2.5 years or less | 21 months |
| Credits Per Semester | 12 | 6 | 12 |
| Semesters Per Year | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Class Schedule | During the day | In the evening | Every three weeks on Fridays and Saturdays during the day |
| Class Location | Ames | Des Moines | Des Moines |
| Admission Semester | Fall only | Spring, Summer, or Fall | Fall only |
| Average GMAT Score | 600s | 500s | Not required |
| Accept GRE? | Yes | Yes | Not required |
| Prerequisites? | None | None | 4 year degree from an accredited institution |
| Student Demographic | Full-time student | Working full-time | Working full-time |