Degree Information

What is the difference between the Master of Science in Management Studies (MSMS) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA)?

The Kellogg MSMS is designed for students who have recently completed their undergraduate degree in a STEM or liberal arts field and who have limited full time work experience. If an applicant has more than 1 year of full time work experience (excluding internships and summer jobs) by the enrollment date they are ineligible to apply. The curriculum does not assume significant work experience and offers a broad exposure to management topics over one academic year.

Standard MBA programs require significant work experience (typically, four to six years) and take two years. An MBA curriculum builds off that work experience, and students have significant opportunities to specialize in different academic areas. The goal of an MBA degree is to prepare students for upper-level positions.

If I receive a MS in Management Studies, would I be able pursue an MBA at a later date?

Yes. Nothing precludes students who already hold a graduate degree from pursuing an MBA. In some cases, such students may be encouraged to consider a shorter program such as the Kellogg School's One-Year (1Y) MBA Program.

Do students in the MS in Management Studies Program have flexibility in when they take classes?

Students in the program move through as a cohort. All students enroll at the same time, however, there will be some quarters in which there will be the ability to customize your curriculum.