The "Nano+MBA" represents two dual-degree interdisciplinary programs: one program links the M.S. in Nanoscale Sciences 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 programs is 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.

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 Sciences 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:

YEAR 1 Semester SOB Courses (evening) CNSE Courses (day) Fall 18 credits ACC 518* 3 credits NNSE Foundations^ 3 credits BUS 523* 1 credit FIN 515* 3 credits ITM 510* 1 credit NNSE 699** 3 credits ITM 520* 1 credit   MGT 513 3 credits Spring 15 credits ITM 513* 3 credits NNSE Foundations^ 3 credits ITM 522 3 credits NNSE 699** 3 credits MGT 514 3 credits Summer 6 credits BUS 675 3 credits NNSE Seminar/ External Course+ 3 credits   YEAR 2 Semester SOB Courses (evening) CNSE Courses (day) Fall 15 credits ITM 514 3 credits NNSE Foundations^ 3 credits FIN 525 3 credits NNSE 699** 3 credits MKT 522 3 credits Spring 9 credits MGT 682 3 credits NNSE Track+ 3 credits NNSE 699** 3 credits

* Courses may be waived with appropriate academic coursework (determined at SOB advisement session during orientation)
^ NNSE Foundations of Nanotechnology Modules selected from 506, 507, 508 and 509.
** NNSE 697 or NNSE 698 Masters Level Research in Nanoscale Science or Nanoscale Engineering will be substituted for those students pursuing the non-thesis route
+ Track-specific courses as advised

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.