Recent Proposals, Defenses and Dissertations

Start your research career in a rigorous, collaborative environment at Carnegie Mellon. This page explains how to apply to the Ph.D. program at the Tepper School of Business, what we look for, and how funding works.

There’s no one “best” program, but MBA rankings can help you compare programs and feel confident that a Tepper School MBA will advance your career.

Several publications including U.S. News & World Report, Financial Times, Businessweek, and more publish rankings of our programs at the Tepper School of Business. Rankings are based on a combination of factors, including publicly available data, data submitted by schools (career outcomes, graduation rates, tuition rates, research production) and surveys of alumni, students, staff, and employers.

These surveys have an impact on the Tepper School’s brand and prestige, so if you are a Tepper School alumni and receive a survey from Businessweek, Financial Times, or Poets&Quants, please use that opportunity to share about the world class experience that the Tepper School of Business provides for its students.

Earn Your MBA on Your Time

The Tepper School of Business offers an Online Hybrid MBA program, designed for working professionals who want the flexibility of online learning with the benefits of in-person immersion. You will earn the same MBA degree as students in the Full-Time MBA program, taught by the same faculty who are recognized worldwide for their research and teaching.

How Does the Online Hybrid MBA Work?

Our Online Hybrid MBA delivers the full Tepper School MBA experience in a flexible format that works with your schedule.

• Count on the same challenging and rewarding core coursework taught by our professors who lead the Tepper School’s Full-Time MBA program — just in a different format.
   
• Join live, interactive online classes two evenings a week and complete additional coursework on your own time.
   
• Graduate with our STEM-designated MBA — the same degree as the full-time format — ready to lead at the speed of change.
   
• Enjoy all the benefits of a Tepper School MBA, from personalized leadership coaching and career services to a powerful international alumni community that’s always there for you.

No matter how you pace your studies, you get the full Tepper School experience.

Access Weekends

Access Weekends are a signature feature of the Tepper School Online Hybrid MBA, bringing students together for in-person learning and networking. These weekends complement weekly live online classes and group projects by offering the chance to connect face-to-face with faculty, peers, and industry leaders.

There are three types of Access Weekends:

• Academic Access Weekends (in Pittsburgh): Tied to core courses, these weekends include faculty-led sessions, career coaching, and professional development workshops such as Developing Executive Presence and Inclusive Leadership. Attendance at the first four Academic Access Weekends, including BaseCamp, is expected.
   
• Experiential Access Weekends (Pittsburgh): Optional in the second and third year, these weekends feature case competitions, hackathons, and collaborative CMU programming that help you practice skills in high-energy, real-world settings.
   
• Travel Access Weekend (U.S. city): Once during the program, your cohort will travel together to a major U.S. city outside Pittsburgh. You’ll engage in corporate site visits, alumni panels, and cultural experiences that broaden your industry exposure and professional network.

Through Access Weekends, Online Hybrid MBA students gain the same sense of community, hands-on learning, and career development as those in the Full-Time MBA, while balancing professional and personal commitments.

Build Lifelong Connections

A strong, supportive community is a hallmark of the Tepper MBA experience.

In every part of your MBA experience, you'll tackle team-based projects, soak up diverse perspectives, and strengthen bonds with faculty and fellow students that will continue throughout your career.

You’ll complement your online coursework with in-person Access Weekends — immersive opportunities to forge close ties with your cohort and professors and participate in professional development activities.

All admitted MBA students, full-time and part-time, participate in BaseCamp Orientation, which is not your typical new-student orientation. MBA students can also take part in MBA Global Treks, explore Pittsburgh’s cultural richness and greenery, or join MBA student clubs.

Analytics-Focused, STEM-Designated MBA Curriculum

The Tepper School’s STEM-designated MBA curriculum sets us apart — and will set you apart in the business world. 

The curriculum combines courses in optimization and statistical decision-making with core coursework in foundational business areas: marketing, finance, operations, economics, accounting, organizational behavior, and strategy. You’ll dive deep into analytics right from the start, learning to use technology, data, and AI to make informed and strategic business decisions.
 
Learn more about the STEM MBA curriculum.

Learning to Lead With Confidence

Online Hybrid MBA Admissions

We know what it takes to deliver on the promises of a data-informed, human-driven future. That’s why the Tepper School’s MBA admissions process takes into account everything you bring — your goals, background, and accomplishments — to determine if the program is a good fit for you.

The admissions process is the same across our online hybrid and full-time MBA formats. We also offer an application fee waiver to candidates who wish to strengthen their application.

Review Tepper School MBA Admissions

Take The Next Step 

You can earn a Carnegie Mellon MBA without putting your life or career on hold. The Tepper School of Business Online Hybrid MBA gives you the flexibility to learn from anywhere, combined with in-person experiences that strengthen your network and leadership skills. From admissions support to career coaching, you will have resources every step of the way. Reach out to us today to explore how the Tepper School can help you reach your goals and join a community of professionals who are shaping the future of business.

Developing Leaders. Strengthening Communities.

Welcome to the Golub Capital Board Fellows Program at the Tepper School of Business, where we connect emerging business leaders with nonprofit organizations for impactful board service and leadership development.

The Golub Capital Board Fellows Program provides MBA students with hands-on experience in nonprofit board service, combining academic knowledge with real-world impact.

Through an 18-month fellowship, students selected by the Tepper School's Accelerate Leadership Center will serve as non-voting members on nonprofit boards, gaining valuable insights and mentorship. Our program, in partnership with the Golub Capital Board Fellows Program, connects Tepper School students with an elite network of peers from other top business schools, including Yale, Columbia, Chicago Booth, Northwestern, New York University, and University of Pennsylvania. 

The Board Fellows Program is open to first-year MBA students interested in expanding their leadership capacity while making a tangible difference in the community.

As a Golub Capital Board Fellow, students will have the opportunity to:

• Serve on a Nonprofit Board: Be placed as a non-voting board member with a local nonprofit organization.
   
• Gain Strategic Board Experience: Observe and engage in high-level board meetings, committee work, and strategic planning sessions.
   
• Impact the Community: Contribute your business skills to help guide nonprofit strategy, operations, and growth.
   
• Network and Learn: Build relationships with prominent nonprofit leaders, mentors, and community advocates.

First-year Tepper School MBA students interested in applying will receive full application details and timelines via Tepper School communication channels. For more information, please contact the Board Fellows Program team at boardfellows@andrew.cmu.edu.

Become a Partner Organization

The Golub Capital Board Fellows Program is proud to partner with mission-driven organizations across a range of focus areas, including education, health, the arts, economic development, and more.

Partnering with the Tepper School of Business provides your organization with:

• Dedicated Support: A Golub Capital fellow who brings fresh perspectives and analytical skills to your boardroom.
   
• Strategic Insight: Golub Capital fellows work closely with board members and executives, contributing to strategic planning, program evaluation, and special projects.
   
• Leadership Pipeline: Access to high-potential business leaders who are eager to contribute and learn.

June 1 - August 1, 2025

Get a head start on your Tepper School of Business journey with the Business English and Cultural Immersion (BECI) Summer Program. Designed for new international master's students, BECI helps you acclimate to U.S. academic culture and life before your program begins in the fall. This hybrid program includes several weeks of online instruction followed by two weeks of in-person activities in Pittsburgh leading up to Base Camp.

Program Overview

• Who: Newly admitted international Tepper School master's students admitted for Fall 2025.
   
• What: An immersion program in U.S. culture and business English.
   
• When: June 1 – August 1, 2025
   
• Where: The first part of the course will consist of online learning. Participants will have time to travel and get settled in Pittsburgh. The final two weeks will be in-person on the main campus of Carnegie Mellon at the Tepper School of Business in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

• Why: Business English skill development, network and community building, and cultural immersion to maximize your MBA experience.

   

Logistics

Note - All student travel costs to and from CMU and accommodations are the responsibility of the student.

• Modified schedule options are available.
   
• Scholarships are available and will be awarded on a case-by-case basis.
   
• All books and materials are covered by the program.

• Transportation, entry tickets, and meals for the planned group outings are covered by the program.

   

What to Expect

As a BECI participant, you'll engage in a dynamic six-week online program followed by two immersive weeks on Carnegie Mellon's campus in Pittsburgh. This intensive experience is designed to enhance your MBA journey, helping you improve your business English proficiency, strengthen communication and presentation skills, and navigate U.S. academic culture and life. Plus, you'll build valuable personal and professional connections along the way!

If you're in the full-time program, you'll attend online classes for about three hours per day, five days a week. If you choose the modified program, you'll have sessions for about an hour and a half, three days a week.

Program Flexibility

We recognize that students may need flexibility to participate in the program, so we are offering three different options and the possibility of scholarships.

Note: Times and dates given in Eastern Time.

Full Program (Online and In-Person)

• Six weeks of online instruction from June 1 - July 11 and two weeks of in-person instruction in Pittsburgh from July 21 - Aug. 1. 
   
• Online instruction for the six-week portion will be for three hours in the evening (eastern time), Sunday to Thursday, with approximately three hours of homework per day.
   
• In-person instruction will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday, which includes experiential and cultural activities.
   
• Tuition includes all costs associated with the course such as materials, entry fees and some food during the in-person course.

Modified Online and In-Person Program

• This option is best for those who are required to work full time until the in-person portion in Pittsburgh.
   
• The modified option is a shortened version of the online class held from June 1 - July 11, for one and a half hours in the morning (eastern time) Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with approximately one hour of homework per class period.
   
• Students will then begin the in-person portion from July 21 - Aug. 1.
   
• Tuition includes all costs associated with the course such as materials, entry fees and some food during the in-person course.

In-Person Only

• Two weeks of in-person instruction in Pittsburgh from July 21 - Aug. 1.
   
• Classes will be held Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and include experiential learning activities and cultural events.
   
• Homework will be approximately 1-2 hours per day.
   
• Tuition includes all costs associated with the course such as materials, entry fees and some food during the in-person course.

Meet Your Instructor: Kristen Williams

Kristen Williams brings extensive expertise to the realm of higher education. For the past 18 years, she has served as an ESL practitioner at the former English Language Learning Institute (ELLI) within West Virginia University (WVU) where she has recently been awarded emerita status. Kristen holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pittsburgh, and an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) along with a certificate in university teaching from WVU. She demonstrates a profound commitment to academic excellence and is dedicated to advancing her knowledge and skills in the field.

Beyond her instructional roles, Kristen possesses adeptness in various facets of university administration, particularly in the recruitment, admissions, and enrollment processes for international students within U.S. higher education institutions. Moreover, she has garnered experience in managing programmatic accreditation, responding to requests for proposals, and orchestrating specialized programs. Her current venture with the Tepper School team as the director of the Business English and Cultural Immersion Program marks an exciting new chapter in her career journey.

Advance Your Career with Data-Informed Leadership

The Full-Time MBA program at the Tepper School of Business equips you with the analytical expertise, leadership skills, and real-world experience to succeed in today’s complex business environment. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the program blends Carnegie Mellon’s strengths in technology, analytics, and innovation with a highly personalized approach to career development.

Why Choose the Tepper School’s Full-Time MBA?

The highly ranked Full-Time Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program at the Tepper School of Business leverages Carnegie Mellon's expertise in analytics and technology to prepare you for leadership roles that didn't exist a decade ago.

Our STEM-designated curriculum and collaborative on-campus experience will transform your abilities and position you for innovative careers in artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, consulting, and emerging industries. Graduate ready to lead organizations through technological disruption, equipped with unshakeable analytical confidence and a team-focused spirit that drives results.

Why Pursue the Full-Time MBA In-Person at the Tepper School?

The Full-Time program at the Tepper School is an immersive, on-campus experience defined by our welcoming and supportive culture. Step into a diverse cohort of learners and professionals that is intentionally small, so everyone has a chance to flourish.

As you and your cohort are challenged to collaborate and innovate as part of a team, your bond will deepen into a strong network. Here, success is collective, and our MBA students thrive on coming together to learn from diverse perspectives and skill sets.

You’ll also develop connections outside the classroom through the on-campus MBA program’s rich student life. Find your people in over 40 MBA student clubs. Join one of the MBA Global Treks to immerse yourself in new cultures, international business practices, and emerging trends.

Top-Ranked, STEM-Designated MBA Curriculum

Today, our STEM MBA curriculum is the next iteration of that legacy: a future-focused business school experience, designed for the complexity of today’s marketplace.

In our unique academic approach, you will dive deep into analytics on day one through core curriculum coursework in topics like optimization, prescriptive modeling, and predictive modeling. This foundation will complement other coursework in which you’ll master essential business functions: marketing, finance, operations, economics, accounting, organizational behavior, and strategy. The Leadership Development component of our curriculum is also distinctive, complete with individualized leadership coaching through the Accelerate Leadership Center.

We offer several ways to customize your course of study, from electives and concentrations to these five tracks:

• Business Analytics
• Energy and Sustainability Business
• Entrepreneurship
• Management of Innovation and Product Development
• Technology Strategy and Product Management

Review the MBA curriculum.

Leading From the Start With a Tepper School MBA

Full-Time MBA Admissions

The Tepper School’s MBA program transforms ambitious learners into architects of the Intelligent Future. Our dedicated MBA admissions team is here to support you every step of the way, providing personalized guidance and comprehensive resources to help you navigate the application process with clarity and confidence.

We're committed to ensuring you have all the information, tools, and encouragement you need to present your strongest application. To assist you in your application process, we offer a seven-step roadmap for you to chart your future as a full-time MBA student, which ends with an application fee waiver.

Application Deadlines

Round 1 (Full-Time and Online Hybrid)
Deadline: Sept. 30, 2025
Decision: Dec. 3, 2025
First Deposit: Feb. 9, 2026
Second Deposit: May 12, 2026 (FT only)

Round 2 (Full-Time and Online Hybrid) 
Deadline: Jan. 8, 2026
Decision: March 3, 2026
First Deposit: April 21, 2026

Round 3 (Full-Time and Online Hybrid)
Deadline: March 3, 2026
Decision: April 29, 2026
Deposit: May 26, 2026

Note for international applicants: Round 3 is the final round to apply for the full-time program.

Round 4 (Full-Time and Online Hybrid)
Deadline: May 5, 2026
Decision: June 3, 2026
Deposit: June 30, 2026

The Intelligent Future of Business Begins Here — With You 

Develop the expertise, strategic vision, and powerful connections needed for leadership success. Unlock your potential with the Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Tepper School of Business.