MBA Degree Options: 36 or 30 Credits | Rowan University

MBA Degree Options: 36 or 30 Credits | Rowan University

Compare the 36-Credit and 30-Credit MBA Options

Rowan’s MBA program gives students two ways to build advanced business capabilities within the same academic community. Both options include the same 18-credit MBA Core and at least one 9-credit Concentration. The 36-credit option provides additional room for breadth and specialization, while the 30-credit option offers a focused structure centered on one Concentration and one graduate business elective. 

The options support different academic and professional goals. Neither is the default or a different level of academic quality.

Choose the MBA option based on the depth, breadth, and areas of expertise you want to build into your degree.

What Both MBA Options Share

  • The same 18-credit MBA Core 
  • At least one 9-credit Concentration 
  • Access to the same Rowan MBA faculty and, when schedules align, shared course sections 
  • The same Foundation Requirements based on prior academic preparation 
  • Full-time or part-time study, subject to course availability and an appropriate academic plan 

36-Credit MBA Option 

The 36-credit MBA consists of 18 credits in the MBA Core and 18 credits in Concentration and elective coursework. 

  • Complete two 9-credit Concentrations; or
  • Complete one 9-credit Concentration and three graduate business electives.

The 36-Credit MBA May Be a Strong Fit for Students Who Want To 

  • Build significant depth through two related Concentrations 
  • Build breadth through two distinct Concentrations 
  • Complete one Concentration and use three electives to explore additional business topics 
  • Use additional graduate business coursework to support a professional transition or employer need 
  • Participate in an approved accelerated, dual-degree, or shared-credit MBA pathway 

 30-Credit MBA Option 

The 30-credit MBA consists of the 18-credit MBA Core, one 9-credit Concentration, and one 3-credit graduate business elective. 

The 30-Credit MBA May Be a Strong Fit for Students Who Want To 

  • Focus the MBA around one Concentration 
  • Use one graduate business elective to complement the Concentration or another professional interest 
  • Complete a focused MBA structure without a second Concentration or three additional electives 
  • Build a clear course plan with recruiting, admissions, advising, or success-coaching support 

How the STEM MBA Fits 

The STEM MBA is a separate 36-credit degree within Rowan’s MBA portfolio. It combines broad business study with at least 18 credits of STEM-designated coursework, including a STEM-designated Concentration. Students interested in sustained quantitative, analytical, and technology-enabled business preparation should review the STEM MBA page before choosing a route. 

Explore the STEM MBA

Accelerated and Shared-Credit MBA Pathways 

Students participating in accelerated, dual-degree, and shared-credit MBA pathways complete the 36-credit MBA option. The expanded Concentration and elective portion of the 36-credit MBA provides the flexibility needed to incorporate the approved shared coursework associated with the pathway.

For Prospective Students and Applicants

Application Selection Through October

The Rowan graduate application does not yet present the 30-credit MBA option or STEM MBA as separate choices. Until those selections become available in October, submit the current MBA application and contact the appropriate admissions team to identify the MBA route you intend to pursue. The team can help update your record to reflect your choice. 

For Recently Admitted and Continuing Students

Recently admitted and continuing students who want to explore another MBA option or the STEM MBA should first review this page, MBA Curriculum Details, their DegreeWorks record, and current or planned Concentration. Then connect with their Academic Advisor or Rowan Online Success Coach for individual planning. Completed coursework, Concentrations, transferred or shared credits, and other degree requirements may affect whether a change is feasible.

International Students

Students who require Rowan sponsorship for F-1 status should consult the Rowan International Center before requesting a change to their graduate program or MBA option. Federal requirements governing program changes for F-1 graduate students change effective September 15, 2026, and may limit available changes. Contact rowanic@rowan.edu for current guidance. 

Review International Center D/S Final Rule Guidance

Review the Curriculum

Review MBA Curriculum Details
Review MBA Curriculum Details
Explore MBA Concentrations
 Explore MBA Concentrations
Review Graduate Business Foundation Requirements
Review Graduate Business Foundation Requirements