Programs Leading to the M.S. in Nanoscale Science/MBA and M.S. in Nanoscale Engineering/MBA ("Nano+MBA")

Learn about the MBA elective track in nanotechnology.

The "Nano+MBA" represents two dual-degree interdisciplinary programs: one program links the M.S. in Nanoscale Science with the Masters of Business Administration, and the other program links the M.S. in Nanoscale Engineering with the Masters of Business Administration. The "Nano+MBA" is a cooperative effort between the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and the School of Business at the University at Albany. The goal of the program is to develop industry ready graduates who will be facilitators of change with the ability to integrate science, engineering, business, and management.

In addition, the Nano+MBA program also includes a doctoral-level curriculum, to supplement the master's-level program. Students participating in this program must complete the 48-credit MBA program on a part-time basis while furthering their CNSE studies, helping to develop industry-ready graduates who will be facilitators of change with the ability to integrate science, engineering, business, and management. 

The objectives of these programs are to:

1. Integrate knowledge and skills from nanotechnology and business disciplines for effective responses to rapidly changing environments; and
2. Prepare scientists and engineers for effective participation in the management of nanotechnology-based organizations.

Requirements for M.S.-MBA

The requirements for the M.S.-MBA dual degree programs include a minimum of 63 credits: 36 credits in required School of Business (SOB) coursework and 27 credits in required College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) coursework. Students enrolled in this program will participate in the evening MBA program to complete the SOB requirements of the dual degree. International students are required to take the SPEAK test during orientation; those not achieving a minimum score of 50 are required to register for English as a Second Language (ESL) courses as advised.

An original research project is required to fulfill the requirements of the M.S. in Nanoscale Science and the M.S. in Nanoscale Engineering. The combined curriculum is full-time and designed to be completed in two years. 

Below is a chart identifying the semester, course, and credit requirements of the M.S.-MBA program:

The original research project requirement should represent a significant scientific contribution to the appropriate CNSE concentration area. Completion of this research requirement follows one of two pathways:

1. Submission and successful defense of a formal Masters Thesis:
   
   Within two semesters of matriculation, the student must submit a proposal outlining an original research project constituting a Masters Thesis to his or her thesis committee. The candidate must describe the motivation and background for the thesis, the critical milestones for completing the research, and a statement of work outlining a specific research plan.
   
   The five-person M.S. thesis committee consists of at least three members of the CNSE faculty (including the candidate's advisor who serves as chair) and at least one outside member (School of Business faculty or CNSE research partner). Upon timely completion of the thesis research project, the candidate prepares a thesis and submits the final draft to the thesis committee. The committee ascertains the suitability of the draft and recommends amendments which the candidate must complete before the final defense is scheduled. Once approved by the committee, permission is granted for the candidate to present and defend his or her thesis in a public seminar.
   
   
2. Submission of a detailed written research report combined with the successful completion of a portion of the Ph.D. written qualifying examination:
   
   Within two semesters of matriculation, the student must submit to his or her research advisor a proposal outlining an original research project to be undertaken. The candidate must describe the motivation and background for the proposal, the critical milestones for completing the research, and a statement of work outlining a specific research plan.
   
   Upon timely completion of the Masters research project, the candidate prepares a detailed written research report and submits the final draft to the research advisor. The advisor ascertains the suitability of the draft and recommends amendments, which the candidate must complete before being recommended for the Masters degree. Students following this pathway must also pass a portion of the Ph.D. written qualifying examination within two attempts.

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Course Descriptions for the M.S.-MBA Program