Santa Clara University

Executive MBA Program

The Executive MBA program offers an accelerated path to the degree for experienced managers. The program is organized around cross-functional themes focusing on contemporary business challenges. Tailored to meet the needs of Silicon Valley executives, all aspects of the curriculum center on issues of substantive and pragmatic concern. In particular, course work and assignments are constructed to integrate current work challenges students face. Highlights of the program include degree completion in 17 months, a Friday/Saturday biweekly schedule, and a rigorous curriculum that meets Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB) requirements.

Redesigned in Fall 2008, the program has been enhanced with what is referred to as the “Cutting Edge Immersion” experience. Students have the opportunity to connect with Silicon Valley companies that are globally renowned for being on the forefront of business practices. Students work directly with key decision-makers, review the results, and debrief with corporate executives. The forward-thinking management techniques taught in Cutting Edge Immersion will appear in someone’s textbook several years down the road—but our students get to understand these management techniques both first-hand and first.

The new design places greater emphasis on global competencies throughout the curriculum. A key component is an international experience in the opening term. Faculty and students travel and study in countries with emerging economies.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

To be admitted to the Executive MBA program, the applicant must have 10-plus years of full-time work experience and a record of accomplishment leading people, projects, or programs. Strong applicants will be those who already hold the kind of leadership positions that many people attending conventional MBA programs hope to attain. Successful applicants also will show a high degree of academic aptitude as measured by the GMAT or GRE exam and prior course work; however, no prior business education is necessary. Admission is in the fall term only.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Executive MBA students must adhere to the policies and procedures described in this bulletin. The Executive MBA program director communicates policies and procedures unique to the Executive MBA program.

PROGRAM COMPARISONS

All of Santa Clara University’s MBA programs are committed to delivering the highest quality business education by means of a distinguished faculty, a rigorous curriculum, and a select student body. They differ from each other in their primary appeal and target audiences.

• The Evening MBA program is distinguished by its flexibility, as seen in waiver rules that accommodate prior business education, a liberal policy on leaves of absence, and varied schedule alternatives.
• The Accelerated MBA program is a unique opportunity to complete the degree in 21 months on a Thursday evening/Saturday schedule.
• The Executive MBA program is distinguished by its acceleration. The pace is demanding; there are no electives; and small-group work dominates classes, assignments, and student performance ratings. The entire curriculum has been redesigned from the ground up to deliver an MBA education in the shortest possible time.