Business Administration – Master’s without Thesis
The Business Administration (English) Master’s without Thesis program at Istanbul University offers advanced postgraduate education in business and management, taught entirely in English. The program is designed for graduates from various undergraduate backgrounds who want to deepen their knowledge in business management, finance, marketing, strategy, and organizational leadership without the need to complete a research thesis. Through practical, course-based training, case studies, and applied projects, students develop managerial, analytical and strategic skills suited for professional roles in business and administration.
Based in Istanbul — a major global and economic center — this program combines academic rigor with practical orientation. With a curriculum covering contemporary business practices, international business perspectives, and management fundamentals, students are prepared to meet the demands of dynamic business environments and global markets.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Master of Business Administration (MBA / M.Sc.) without Thesis
- Standard period of study: ~2 years (depending on scheduling; second-education format)
- Location: Istanbul
- Study Type: Graduate (part-time / second-education, English-taught)
- Admission semester: Fall semester
- Area of study: Business Management, Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Organizational Leadership
- Admission modus: Graduate admission (post-bachelor application)
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Year / Semester 1 – Core Business Fundamentals
- Advanced Management Theory & Organizational Behavior
- Financial Management / Corporate Finance Fundamentals
- Marketing Management or Strategic Marketing
- Quantitative Methods / Business Analytics
- Business Law / Ethics in Business (or equivalent core course)
Year / Semester 2 – Advanced Business & Management Courses
- Strategic Management & Business Strategy
- International Business / Global Business Environments
- Operations Management or Supply Chain / Project Management
- Elective courses depending on student interest (e.g. entrepreneurship, HR, finance, marketing)
- Business Communications / Leadership & Professional Skills
Practical & Applied Component
- Applied Projects / Case Studies / Business Projects (instead of thesis)
- Business Plan / Graduation Project or Capstone Work (non-thesis deliverable)
- Professional development, career preparation or elective specialization
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for managerial and leadership roles in private sector companies, international firms, NGOs, startups, consultancy or finance. They may work as business managers, project managers, consultants, marketing or finance specialists, operations managers, or pursue entrepreneurship. The applied nature of the program also supports roles in international business, global trade, business development, and corporate strategy — domestically or internationally.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing the Business Administration (English) Master’s without Thesis at Istanbul University offers a flexible, practice-oriented pathway to advance your business career without the requirement of a full research thesis. The program blends foundational and advanced business knowledge with applied skills, preparing students for managerial positions in a globalized business environment.
With instruction in English, contemporary curriculum, and the use of case studies and practical projects over academic research, the program is ideal for professionals or graduates seeking to enhance their business acumen, leadership capacities, and readiness for real-world business challenges — rather than pursuing academic research.
Contact Information
Istanbul University – Institute of Business Economics
Business Faculty / Graduate Programs Office
Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 412 24 00
Email: iie@istanbul.edu.tr
Student Affairs – Graduate Business Programs
Avcılar Campüsü, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 412 24 00
Email: studentaffairs@iie.istanbul.edu.tr
International Office – Istanbul University
Beyazıt Campus, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 440 00 00
Email: international@istanbul.edu.tr
