U of A debuts state’s first combined engineering, business BS
With approval from the Arizona Board of Regents, the Integrated Business and Engineering Degree is accepting applications for fall 2026.
The University of Arizona’s Bachelor of Science in Integrated Business and Engineering is the first of its kind in Arizona.
Eller College of Management
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 and Engineering Degree provides a solid foundation in technical problem-solving and strategic management.
The College of Engineering and the Eller College of Management joined forces to offer this Bachelor of Science degree, which the Arizona Board of Regents approved this summer.
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.”
Program Highlights:
- Only undergraduate program of its kind in Arizona
- Provides access to world-class faculty, advisers 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
“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,” said 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.”
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
Program director Michael Kwinn said the curriculum is built to increase a student’s job prospects after graduation.
“Our students will work on real-world projects from the very beginning,” said Kwinn, professor of practice in systems and industrial engineering.
“They're going to be working with significant clients throughout their four years, getting exposure and opportunities.”
The program also reflects the ingenuity and collaboration between Engineering and Eller – two nationally recognized colleges within the U of A.
"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 U of A, 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.
