University of Arizona Launches State’s First Undergraduate Degree Combining Business and Engineering
The growing demand for graduates with technical expertise and business acumen has prompted the University of Arizona to offer a combined degree. The Integrated Business Engineering Degree provides a solid foundation in technical problem-solving and strategic management.
The Eller College of Management and College of Engineering offer this joint Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, which the Arizona Board of Regents approved this summer.
“There is a clear trend in higher education to combine engineering and business programs, and I’m proud to say we’ve done it in a way that is uniquely Arizona,” says Karthik Kannan, Dean and Halle Chair in Leadership of the Eller College of Management. “Creating a program like this isn’t easy. It requires deep collaboration, innovative thinking and a shared commitment to increasing the value we offer students. We’ve done just that.”
Program Highlights:
Only undergraduate program of its kind in Arizona
Provides access to worldclass faculty, advisors and mentors in two nationally recognized colleges
Develops engineering mindset along with strong business, leadership and entrepreneurial capabilities
Emphasizes hands-on learning with real-life industry and community projects
Provides individualized flexibility in coursework
Creates a close-knit educational environment, fostering collaboration, growth and leadership
David W. Hahn, Craig M. Berge Dean of the College of Engineering, said the program will prepare students to lead in complex, technical industries. “We need leaders who can translate technical expertise into real-world solutions,” he stressed. “This program is about teaching students to understand engineering systems and the business strategies that bring them to life.”
The demand for graduates with this dual skill set is strong across a range of industries – from health care and medical devices to mining and aerospace. Students pursue opportunities in:
Management science
Engineering design, including computer systems, software and AI
Project management and business analytics
Product development
Technology commercialization
Entrepreneurship
The program also reflects the ingenuity and collaboration between the Eller College of Management and the College of Engineering—two nationally recognized colleges within the University of Arizona.
"The launch of the IBE program reflects the University of Arizona's strategic commitment to pioneering educational models that respond to evolving industry needs. By integrating business and engineering from day one, we're cultivating a new generation of problem-solvers who think holistically about technology, innovation, and value creation," says Provost and Chief Academic Officer at the University of Arizona, Patricia Prelock. "This program positions the university at the forefront of interdisciplinary education."
Applications for fall 2026 are being accepted at https://www.engineering.arizona.edu/majors/ibe