Joint & Dual Degrees

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 percent of Stanford MBA students take advantage of a joint or dual degree to complement their MBA. You may also take courses in any department or graduate school at Stanford University.

Joint Degrees

Your Stanford joint 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. Learn more about joint degree programs below.

Joy Shen
MBA 2022

"Changing lives through education is no easy feat, but we know it takes an interdisciplinary approach: from teachers and administrators to leaders in strategy, technology, and policy. The GSB's joint degree program is an embodiment of that mindset, and my time at Stanford prepared me for the opportunity to apply my background in management consulting to a career in public schools. Even more importantly, it introduced me to an inspiring group of peers who are driven by the same passions, while bringing a diverse array of perspectives and experiences.”

Dual Degrees

Interested in an additional discipline that is not represented in our joint degree programs? You can pursue a master’s degree from another Stanford program along with your MBA as a dual degree. While in the Stanford MBA program, you may not pursue concurrently more than one additional degree.

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, and then notify Stanford GSB. You may apply concurrently to both programs or apply to the dual degree program during your first year as an MBA student; some graduate programs also permit you to apply in your second year. As with joint degrees, you may only pursue one additional degree while in the MBA program.

 

Dual Study Opportunities Outside Stanford

Stanford MBA students may also pursue degrees with specific professional schools at the universities listed below. Check with each school regarding its policy and timeline.

Things to Consider

Benefits of These Experiences

  • Completing two degrees in a shorter amount of time while also saving on tuition
  • Expanding one’s network outside of Stanford GSB
  • Enhancing marketability for certain career opportunities
  • Personalizing and individualizing your academic experience to meet your specific learning goals

Trade-Offs

  • Limited capacity for electives that don’t count toward either degree program
  • Higher quarterly enrollment load compared to peers pursuing the MBA only
  • Possibly graduating later than your MBA cohort (depending upon your program)
  • Additional moving expenses and logistical challenges if pursuing a program in a different location
  • Not being able to participate in specific activities or courses that occur during a quarter that you are away from Stanford GSB (e.g., Arbuckle Leadership Fellows, View From The Top Leaders, Peer Advisors, TALK coach, Leadership Perspectives course assistants)