Fast-Track Your International Career
View or download the Accelerated program fact sheet.
The Master of International Business Accelerated program allows high-achieving UofSC-Columbia students to complete their undergraduate business degree and the MIB degree in as few as four years. The Accelerated program option is available to all undergraduate business majors. Non-IB majors will need to consult with their academic advisors to design a specialized plan to participate in this program.
During the final year of your undergraduate program, students are allowed to enroll in graduate classes that count towards their undergraduate and graduate studies. After officially enrolling in the Accelerated program with the approval of your academic advisor and the MIB program, students can “double count” up to four classes for both undergraduate and graduate credit. “Double counting” these classes allows you to:
- Finish the MIB program in less time (possibly in just one additional semester after undergraduate)
- Save up to $7,500 in tuition costs
- Use your undergraduate scholarships to pay for up to 40 percent of your MIB degree
- Participate in our double-degree programs to deepen your study abroad experiences, earning two master’s degrees in 1.5 years
Students meeting all of the following requirements are eligible to apply for the Accelerated program. You are eligible if you:
- Are a current UofSC-Columbia student majoring in business
- Have completed at least 90 credit hours
- Have earned a minimum 3.65 cumulative GPA
Follow these steps to participate in the Accelerated program:
- Meet the program eligibility requirements listed in the eligibility section above.
- Meet with the MIB managing director to ensure you qualify for the program and understand the MIB application process.
- Once you have met with MIB staff, the managing director will initiate the Accelerated paperwork and outline which courses should be taken under the Accelerated plan.
- Undergraduate advisors will assist you developing a study plan that incorporates MIB coursework that can be “double counted.” If you and your advisor both agree with the plan, you will then need to obtain professor signatures.
- Once you have obtained the necessary signatures, you’ll return the form to your undergraduate advisor, who will sign and submit it to the MIB managing director for approval. Once approved by the UofSC Graduate School, the MIB graduate courses will be added to your schedule. A fully signed copy of the form will be sent to both you and your undergraduate advisor for your records.
Please note that speaking with your advisor, speaking with MIB staff and applying to the MIB is a simultaneous process. The earlier you start this process, the better. While we cannot guarantee admission, meeting the aforementioned eligibility requirements makes for a strong MIB application.
Even if you are not admitted to the MIB, by working with your advisor, you can assure that the courses will still count towards your undergraduate program so that there is no negative impact on your studies.
Classes to “Double Count”
Up to four classes taken at the 500 and 700-level can count towards both the undergraduate and MIB graduate degrees. You can begin double counting courses in either the fall or spring of your senior year.
If you are graduating from the undergraduate program in the spring semester, it is necessary to include spring MIB Core courses in your study plan; otherwise the MIB cannot be completed on an accelerated basis, as MIB Core is only offered once per year. Likewise, if you are graduating from the undergraduate program in the fall semester, you must include fall MIB Core courses in their study plan.
Please note that you may only take MIB Core courses during your final semester of undergraduate studies. You are also required to enroll in IBUS 590 in your final semester of undergraduate studies.
Applying to the Accelerated program requires the same steps as applying to the MIB program. You will complete the online MIB application and include the documents:
- Current resume
- Statement of purpose (essay)
- Two letters of recommendation
- GMAT or GRE score
You may apply as soon as you meet the eligibility requirements. Your Accelerated enrollment ideally should begin during the final year of your undergraduate degree and involves two key steps: applying to the MIB in the fall term and enrolling in MIB courses during the spring term. During the fall term you will also design an Accelerated study plan with your advisor, gain admittance to the MIB and be on track to double count courses during the spring.
Authorization to begin the Accelerated program is approved by the Graduate School, so the paperwork for this should be completed during the fall term. This paperwork cannot be submitted retroactively, so it is vital to begin speaking with your advisor as soon as possible.
Accelerated Program Fact Sheet