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 offers options built on the same 18-credit MBA Core and taught by the same RCB faculty. Both use Concentrations and graduate business electives for customization. The 36-credit option provides additional customization through more Concentration and elective coursework, while the 30-credit option offers a focused structure centered on one Concentration and one graduate business elective.Students in both options learn within the same graduate business curriculum and from the same RCB faculty, often alongside students pursuing the STEM MBA, graduate certificates, and accelerated pathways. The difference is how much additional specialization and elective study you want to build into the degree, whether that means developing expertise across multiple business disciplines or tailoring coursework around particular academic and professional priorities.
What Both MBA Options Share
- The same 18-credit MBA Core
- At least one 9-credit Concentration
- The same RCB faculty and shared graduate business 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
- Develop expertise across two business disciplines by completing two Concentrations, whether in complementary areas or across different areas of business
- Customize the degree around particular academic and professional priorities by pairing one Concentration with three graduate business electives
- Complete an approved accelerated, dual-degree, or shared-credit MBA pathway that uses the 36-credit structure
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
- Center MBA specialization on one Concentration aligned with their academic or professional interests
- Add one graduate business elective to extend that Concentration or explore another eligible business area
Other MBA Pathways to Consider
Rowan also offers MBA pathways with different degree or credit-sharing requirements. The STEM MBA is a distinct 36-credit degree, while approved accelerated and shared-credit pathways allow eligible students to connect MBA study with other academic or professional graduate coursework.STEM MBA
The STEM MBA is a distinct 36-credit degree that combines the MBA Core with at least 18 credits of STEM-designated coursework. It draws from the same graduate business curriculum and faculty while adding STEM-specific degree requirements across the Core, Concentration, and electives.
Accelerated and Shared-Credit MBA Pathways
Some students can connect the MBA with another Rowan graduate or professional program through an approved accelerated, dual-degree, or shared-credit pathway. These pathways use the 36-credit MBA structure, with approved shared coursework incorporated into the Concentration and elective portion of the degree.
For Prospective Students and Applicants
Temporary Application Process for the 30-Credit MBA
The Rowan graduate application is still being updated to add the 30-credit MBA as a distinct selection. Until that option appears, submit the current MBA application, then contact the admissions team that matches your intended format or applicant type and identify the 30-credit MBA as the option you intend to pursue. The admissions team will coordinate the update to your record.
- Campus-based or hybrid programs: gradadmissions@rowan.edu
- Online programs: online@global.rowan.edu
- International applicants to campus-based or hybrid programs: international@rowan.edu
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.
- Campus-based or hybrid students: GraduateBusinessStudies@rowan.edu
- Online students: onlinestudents@rowan.edu
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 the Curriculum
Review MBA Curriculum Details
Explore MBA Concentrations
Review Graduate Business Foundation Requirements
