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. As a student, 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.

MBA 2019

“It is not at all an overstatement to say that my four years in the joint JD/MBA program at Stanford have been life-changing. Committed professors and inspiring peers have challenged me to expand my vision of what is possible for myself and for the world. I am graduating with greater confidence, a clearer sense of self, and an excitement for what the future holds. Not only do I dream bigger as a result of my time at Stanford, but my dreams feel more attainable. I am leaving Stanford with so much more than the foundational skill set I was seeking.”

MBA 2019

“The GSB’s joint degree program allowed me to explore the intersection of two passions: investing and education. It provided the flexibility to study both fields and illustrated the opportunities for applying business skills to education in an informed way. Using tools developed and relationships built, I look forward to influencing the education field and inspiring a love of learning in young people during my career.”

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. 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.

 

MBA 2019

“After starting medical school at Stanford, I decided to pursue an MBA at the GSB to develop the skills to become a leader at the intersection of health care, technology, and medicine. Business school has not only taught me many valuable leadership skills, but also opened my eyes to think about problems in completely new ways. The best part about the GSB, however, has been getting to know and learn from so many wonderful classmates.”

Study Opportunities Outside Stanford

Stanford MBA students may also pursue degrees with certain professional schools at other universities. 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 not graduating with 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)