Stack credentials. Keep moving forward.
Stacking lets you build your education step by step — starting with a smaller credential and advancing toward a full degree. You can begin with a graduate certificate, a specialized master’s program, or even a single course, then apply those credits toward a larger credential.
When you stack, you don’t start over — you continue to build on the progress you’ve already made.
Benefits of stacking
- Flexibility: Start with a smaller credential and decide later if you want to pursue additional coursework.
- Career impact: Apply new skills immediately and signal your growth with each credential.
- Customization: Choose the credentials that best fit your goals and interests.
- Reduced risk: Earn a valuable credential even if you don’t complete a full degree.
- Affordability: Pay-as-you-go model means you never repeat courses or pay unnecessary tuition.
Types of Stacking
Open Content → For-Credit Course
Start with Gies open content on the Coursera platform to explore curriculum and earn a certificate. If you later enroll in the corresponding for-credit version through Gies Online, your earlier work carries over – giving you a valuable head start.
For-Credit Course → Graduate Certificate or Master's Degree
Take a for-credit course to explore any program. If you continue into a graduate certificate or degree, those credits count toward your credential – up to half of the program's total credit hours.
Graduate Certificate → Master’s Degree
Earn a graduate certificate and keep building. One certificate can be stacked into the iMSM or iMSA, or you can apply up to two certificates toward the iMBA – turning focused learning into a full degree.
Specialized Master’s Degree → iMBA
Graduates of Gies’ specialized master’s programs can carry their progress forward into the iMBA.
- Non-management master’s (MSF, MSA, MAS, MSBA, iMSA): up to 24 credit hours may be stacked.
- Management master’s (MSM, MSTM, iMSM): up to 36 credit hours may be applied.
What Our Students Say
I stacked my iMSM to the iMBA. The solid foundations taught in the iMSM set the stage for my aspiration to transition into product management, making the iMBA the natural next step in my career journey.
Padma
MSM '22, MBA '24
Admissions Information
Ready to keep building on your Gies experience? This section outlines when to apply, what you’ll need, and how the stacking application process works – so you can move forward with confidence.
Who can stack?
Students who have completed a Gies open content course on Coursera, a for-credit course, a graduate certificate, or an eligible Gies master’s degree may apply to stack into a program. Please note that while previous success in Gies coursework will be reviewed during the application process, admission is not guaranteed.
When should stacking students apply?
If you’ve already completed a Gies credential, finished a Gies open content course on Coursera, or are a non-degree student, you may apply to stack into your next program at any time.
If you’re currently enrolled in a degree or graduate certificate program, wait until you are in your final term and have added your name to the degree list for your current credential before applying to a future program.
Before submitting your application
Before applying, confirm that you meet the admission requirements for your next program.
- Current students: Connect with a member of the Student and Academic Success team and be sure your name is added to the degree list for your current credential.
- Former students: If you no longer have access to advising services, contact our team at i-support@illinois.edu. We’ll help guide you through the next steps.
How to apply
Applying is simple – submit a Gies Online application.
If you’ve applied to Gies before, some materials (such as transcripts) may be reused. However:
- Upload an updated résumé.
- Submit a new personal statement explaining how your prior Gies credential has shaped your goals and why you’re ready to continue your education.
Previous letters of recommendation may also be reused. If significant time has passed or your professional experience has evolved, submitting new letters is encouraged.
Application and decision timeline
Once submitted, your application is reviewed for completeness. Our admissions team will contact you if additional materials are needed. Reviews typically take 2–3 weeks after submission.
Additional considerations:
- Applicants stacking a non-degree course or graduate certificate into the iMSM or iMBA are required to complete an admissions interview.
- Applicants stacking a prior Gies master’s degree into the iMBA may also be asked to participate in an interview.
- Applicants currently enrolled in a program who have not yet reached their final term may have their decision held until additional grades are posted.
- Applicants seeking to begin a new degree in a mid-semester start term (March or October) may have their decision held until after the final application deadline for that term.
