New U-M dual degree program trains leaders at the intersection of engineering and business
Students can now apply for this enhanced program to simultaneously earn two degrees in engineering and business.
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The Ross School of Business and the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan will offer a new undergraduate dual-degree program. Individuals interested in careers that require strong backgrounds in business and engineering can simultaneously pursue bachelor’s degrees from both schools. High school seniors can apply to the program via the Common App, which opened on Aug. 1, and will be admitted for the fall 2026 semester.
Evolving to meet the changing demand and skills required in the marketplace, the program offers courses that combine business knowledge with technical expertise. Michigan Ross and Michigan Engineering, both ranked in the top five for undergraduates by U.S. News & World Report, first began offering a dual degree in 2004. The vision for the new program is to create an integrated and cohesive experience for students, which will deepen their learning and prepare graduates for leadership roles in various industries.
“Our highly selective and rigorous program will equip our students with the skills to lead at the very important intersection of business and engineering,” said Sharon F. Matusik, Edward J. Frey Dean of Business. “One of the special attributes of the program is that the students will be co-horted together for an integrative learning experience throughout their time in the program. Collaboration and action-based learning are tenets of a Michigan Ross education, so we set out to design a program that encourages not only developing deep business and engineering knowledge, but also a strong sense of community and collaboration among participants, along with a host of experiences to connect with industry leaders. We deeply value this partnership with Michigan Engineering and look forward to welcoming the first students to experience this new program in 2026.”
“At Michigan Engineering, our goal is for every graduate to be equipped with deep technical knowledge, immersive hands-on experience, and the skill to lead in an evolving, technology-driven world,” said Karen A. Thole, Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering. “Preparing students with core competencies in engineering and business will position them to lead what’s next. I’m delighted with the way Michigan Engineering and Ross have come together to support these driven students with a program that exemplifies the breadth and depth of expertise at the University of Michigan, and the talent of the students who study here.”
Academic leaders from both schools solicited feedback from students, faculty, and alums to enhance the student experience inside and outside the classroom. Dual-degree students will take many required classes together and have additional opportunities to reinforce and apply their learning in real-world situations. Additionally, students can participate in clubs and other events outside of the classroom to foster connections and social interactions.
Roger Ehrenberg, BBA ’87, managing partner of Eberg Capital, is a long-time proponent of the dual business and engineering degree. He believes that in today’s global marketplace, more employees need both technical and business skills.
“As technology increasingly impacts our world, professionals with both engineering and business expertise are in greater demand,” said Ehrenberg. “The ability to identify and solve complex problems with elegant solutions has become the most prized skill set. Individuals also need to be strategic thinkers with strong people skills and customer empathy. It’s not enough to have great ideas if you can’t collaborate with others to bring them to the light of day, and it’s not enough to be an effective communicator if you’re not working on the best, most impactful ideas.”
Students who graduate from the program receive a Bachelor of Business Administration from Ross and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in any of 18 programs of study from Michigan Engineering.