The on-campus Master of Science in Management (MSM) program at the University of Illinois’ Gies College of Business is a dynamic nine-month pathway for students to learn in-demand business skills that complement their undergraduate studies.

“Ask yourself whether you believe you’re truly prepared to enter the job market, or would you benefit from another boost in your skills,” said Brian Meehan, who will graduate with an MSM degree this spring after earning a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2024. “Also ask if you’d regret not doing it.”

Set yourself apart

The Gies MSM program is designed to advance the careers of learners from diverse academic backgrounds:

• Students without an undergraduate business degree: The MSM program is a steppingstone that broadens their expertise and enhances their marketability. It also provides a direct pipeline to the vibrant Chicago job market.
• International students: The STEM-designated MSM degree allows for an extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization for an additional 24 months (for a total eligibility of up to 36 months), offering invaluable hands-on work experience in the US.
• Additionally, the credits earned during the MSM program are stackable toward Gies’ online MBA (iMBA), providing a seamless pathway for continued education and professional development.

“Whatever field you want to work in, it’s a useful degree as you move up the ladder and begin managing people and reading a balance sheet,” said Emily Ziegler, director of residential graduate degrees at Gies College of Business. “It’s an exciting program that few universities offer. They come to Gies without a business background and in less than a year they add a new area of expertise that will make their resumes stand out.”

Fast-track your business acumen

The 2024 MSM cohort is comprised of 113 students (64% female) from 45 undergraduate majors and 10 countries. Within six months of graduation, 97% of domestic and 70% of international students from the class of 2023 secured positions at companies such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Chicago Bulls, COUNTRY Financial, Morgan Stanley, and United Airlines.

“This extra time on campus created opportunities to take advantage of everything the University of Illinois and the Urbana-Champaign community has to offer,” said Meehan. “I’ve become more involved with activities sponsored by Gies Business and registered student organizations. I’ve also connected with students and professors who have become mentors and made it easier for me to weed out career paths that aren’t a good fit.”

Make a vibrant college town your home

For those new to campus, moving to Urbana-Champaign offers a safe and welcoming environment. With a cost of living significantly lower than Chicago or New York, it consistently ranks among the Top 10 college towns and Top 25 cities in the Midwest. Urbana-Champaign is renowned for its diversity, well-designed transit system, and abundant green spaces. And the variety of cuisines is impressive – Midwest Living named Urbana-Champaign as the #1 Midwest food town.

“I appreciate how close we are to Chicago to network with fellow UIUC alumni,” said Meehan. “Their presence is strong on campus and they’re always willing to give advice. I also love how the Illini and Gies Business are respected everywhere.”

Gain a real-world business perspective

The Gies MSM program distinguishes itself through its emphasis on real-world experience, personalized support, and robust networking opportunities. It consists of 36 credit hours taken over two semesters (August to May) and includes two client-based consulting projects. Required coursework includes an introduction to finance and managerial accounting, communicating with data and decision-making, and marketing, operations, and strategic management. Students use their electives to focus on concentrations in business data analytics and supply chain management, among others. They also work with companies ranging in size from start-ups to Fortune 500 firms, including AT&T, Caterpillar, State Farm, and more. 

“The business practicum was invaluable,” said Meehan. “It offers hands-on experience, teaches you problem-solving skills, and gives you a compelling way to talk about your skills with prospective employers.”

In a marketing management course, Meehan further explored his interest in sports sponsorships and partnerships and learned how to communicate with data and sell his ideas. His semester-long project – voted best in class – centered on promoting Campbell’s Soup products at football tailgates through samples and coupons, capitalizing on the built-in incentive for repeat purchases for these regularly attended events.

Get one-on-one coaching and support

MSM students have access to a wide array of resources and opportunities beyond the classroom. Jennifer House, an embedded clinical counselor for Gies, confidentially helps students make the transition to graduate studies.

“My role is to give them the tools to make the most of their time on campus as they juggle academic demands, a career search, and networking with fellow students,” said House. “If they didn’t earn their undergraduate degree here, they’re acclimating to a brand-new campus environment and for international students, that adjustment also includes living in a new country far from home.”

House provides guidance on setting priorities, developing their soft skills for collaborative projects, and helps them manage the social anxiety that may arise from fitting into a tight-knit cohort.

Ziegler added that another unique aspect of the program is access to one-on-one executive career coaching. This offering goes a step beyond the support they receive from the Gies Career & Professional Development Office, which includes resume reviews, cover letter writing, and LinkedIn profile optimization.  With executive career coaching, MSMs can discuss their goals with an industry professional who offers insight into the field while simultaneously evaluating a student’s future plans and sets them on the path for success.  

The program also fosters a powerful sense of community with built-in networking events across the seven residential master’s programs from this top-ranked business school. These events include Illini football tailgates, business etiquette dinners, and even Friendsgiving, where US students share their culture and get a global perspective from their international classmates.

“These opportunities outside the classroom help Gies MSM students get outside their comfort zone and broaden their perspective,” said Ziegler. “Our goal is to surround them with everything they need to thrive personally and professionally in their chosen profession.”

Learn more about the Gies MSM program requirements and admissions deadlines.