Dual Degree Programs

WVU offers dual degree programs with the Online MBA program. Combining different areas of study with a business degree can give you a clear advantage in your choice of industry. Our dual degree programs are designed to enhance the educational experience beyond what could be achieved by pursuing two degrees independently.  Additionally, there is a cost savings in pursuing our dual degree programs.

JD-Online MBA

The JD and Online MBA programs fit hand-in-glove, complementing each other in the office and the courtroom. Alum Imad Matini explains how this dual degree program put him in the best position possible, as a counselor and a businessman.

The College of Business and Economics and the College of Law offer this joint degree program to better prepare you for career opportunities in business areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, patent, copyright and trademark law. Once your first year of law classes are completed, you’ll begin to intertwine Online MBA courses into your customized plan of study. 12 of the 48 Online MBA degree credit hours are completed through the JD program, resulting in only an additional 36 credit hours to complete the Online MBA program. You may gain entry into our joint JD/Online MBA program by first being accepted into the JD program, then by applying to the Online MBA program in the spring of your first year. Acceptance into both programs separately is required.

View a sample JD-Online MBA plan of study - Course sequence is subject to change based on program start date and when courses are offered throughout the year.

PharmD-Online MBA

Wondering how to handle a dual degree program? Pharmacy and Online MBA student Joey Wright explains what it takes to earn two graduate degrees in one stretch. As Joey points out, it’s not only possible; it’s a great career move.

The College of Business and Economics and the College of Pharmacy offer this joint degree program to expose students to the business side of pharmacy while improving their problem-solving, leadership and communication skills. In today’s world of increasing health care costs, a complimentary business degree enhances your resume while better equipping you to balance rising health care costs with optimal patient care. Starting in the second year of the PharmD program, students complete 39 credit hours of Online MBA coursework. The remaining nine credit hours are fulfilled with the PharmD curriculum. You may gain entry into our joint PharmD/Online MBA program by first being accepted into the PharmD program, then by applying to the Online MBA program in the spring of your first year. Acceptance into both programs separately is required.

View a sample PharmD-Online MBA plan of study - Course sequence is subject to change based on program start date and when courses are offered throughout the year.

MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)-Online MBA

Are you thinking about taking on a leadership role in a healthcare organization? Let us give you the tools you need to succeed.

The WVU School of Nursing and the WVU College of Business & Economics have created the first off-campus dual master's degree program to give you the skills and knowledge to serve as a nurse leader. Graduates of the MSN (Executive Focus) and MBA program can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practice, nonprofit organizations and public sectors.

This blended degree program (totaling 67 credit hours) is done predominately online in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, and includes four 3-4 day residencies to enhance experiential learning and understanding of the curriculum content. Students take courses from both the MSN and MBA program concurrently, allowing assimilation of advanced business management concepts into the nursing administration role.

The program can be completed in eight (8) semesters of full-time study, including summer sessions. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for Nurse Executive, Advanced certification (ANCC) or the Certification in Executive Nursing Practice (AONE) exams after having held a nursing administration position for at least two (2) years.

The MSN Executive Focus major is offered only to students enrolled in the dual MSN/MBA degree program and is not offered as a “stand-alone” major. The combined MSN/MBA curriculum meets the Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing, the American Organization of Nurse Executive Competencies, and the expectations of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Students enrolled in the program will begin in August (July 1 application deadline). Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions schedule.

How do I apply for the program?

Students must apply and be admitted to both programs concurrently in order to complete the MSN/MBA dual degree program.

Classes in the MSN/MBA program start annually (August). We accept applications on a rolling admissions schedule, allowing you the opportunity to apply prior to the application deadline and receive a decision shortly thereafter. The application deadline is July 1. All applicants must have completed two or more years professional, full-time work experience and have received an undergraduate degree. There are no prerequisite courses; however, online, not-for-credit classes in Financial Accounting, Economics and Statistical Concepts through Ivy Software are recommended for those who do not have a strong background in these disciplines.

Baccalaureate prepared nurses can obtain a master's degree in nursing through the School of Nursing's MSN program. This program, designed for nurses who already have a bachelor's degree in nursing, two or more years professional, full-time work experience and have an interest leadership, will be able to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Master Business Administration (MBA).