Credential Stacking

Stacking allows learners to build toward a larger Gies Business graduate degree by applying credits from a completed credential, such as a Graduate Certificate or a master’s program. This flexible option supports lifelong learning and makes it easier to continue your education over time. Admission to the larger program is not guaranteed and all standard admission requirements must be met.

Once admitted, eligible credits are automatically applied toward the new degree—no formal transfer process is needed. Learners may stack one Graduate Certificate into the iMSM or iMSA, up to two Graduate Certificates into the iMBA, or a completed iMSM, iMSA, or Gies residential graduate degree into the iMBA.

No more than 50% of the required credit hours can be stacked into a credential.

There is currently no time limit for stacking your for-credit courses or degrees. The Graduate College allows up to five years to complete each degree program.

Non-Degree to Graduate Certificate

  • Non-Degree learners will need to submit a new Graduate Certificate application.
  • No more than 50% of the 12 credit hours required for a Graduate Certificate may be taken as a non-degree learner before applying for the Certificate.

Non-Degree to Degree

  • Applicants must submit a full degree application.
  • No more than 50% of the total credit hours required for the degree program may be taken as a non-degree learner and applied to the master’s degree. It is highly recommended that learners apply to the degree program as soon as they decide on that desired path.

Graduate Certificate to Degree (iMBA, iMSM, iMSA)

  • Applicants must submit a degree application and an interview (iMSM or iMBA) or video essay (iMSA) will be required. 
  • No more than 50% of the credit hours required for the degree program may be taken through Graduate Certificates and applied to the master's degree. Graduate certificates may stack into online degrees only.

Gies Business Master’s Degree to iMBA

  • Applicants must submit a new degree application including the following information:
    • Updated resume
    • Brief personal statement indicating interest in another degree
    • Previous letters of reference can be used, but additional letters may be requested following review of submitted application
    • Interview may be requested
  • Applicants must meet all admissions criteria, including required professional experience.
  • All relevant course credit from the Gies Business master’s degree will be applied to the iMBA degree, totaling no more than 50% of the total required credit (36 hours) for the MBA degree. Course plan must be developed in conjunction with and approved by a Gies Business specialist.

Joint Degree

Learners interested in pursuing both the iMSA and iMBA degree may choose to pursue the joint degree. The degrees will share 12 credits (the “joint”). In the final term of the iMBA program, the learner will petition for the joint degree program to add the other curriculum. In the joint degree program, both credentials are conferred at the same time. Learners beginning in the iMSA who wish to pursue the iMBA should choose the path to stack into the degree. The Joint Degree is intended for those pursuing the iMSA after the iMBA.