Arizona’s Eller School of Management. Courtesy photo
Torn between studying engineering or business? The University of Arizona’s brand new Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE) degree is a game-changer for students who don’t want to pick just one.
It’s the first undergrad program of its kind in Arizona, and the school is taking applications for Fall of 2026.
Ideated by the College of Engineering and the Eller College of Management, IBE blends engineering design, software, AI, and biomedical devices with business analytics, marketing, and entrepreneurship. “We need leaders who can translate technical expertise into real-world solutions,” says Engineering Dean David Hahn.
Hahn adds that whether you’re dreaming of launching a startup or leading a product team at Amazon, this degree gives you the tools to do both.
INSIDE THE NEW IBE PROGRAM
From day one, students partake in real-world projects with major industry partners like Microsoft, Medtronic, and Caterpillar. “They’re going to be working with significant clients throughout their four years,” said program director Michael Kwinn.
IBE students will also experience career fairs, paid internships, student clubs, and research opportunities that build their network and sharpen their leadership skills.
The launch of the new IBE program is part of a national movement to fuse business and engineering education that other schools are pursuing as well. At Penn’s Wharton School, students can pursue dual degrees in engineering and business through the Jerome Fisher Program, while Stanford and UC Berkeley offer innovation-focused programs that blend design, tech, and strategy. What sets the IBE program apart from the others is its accessibility, hands-on industry engagement, and the fact that students earn both a BS and a BSBA – one of the few programs in the world to offer that kind of dual credential.
Eller Dean Karthik Kannan says, “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.”
© Copyright 2026 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.
