Santa Clara University

The Dean’s Challenge

Santa Clara University’s MBA program is the premier business program for Silicon Valley and ranked as one of the top 15 programs in the nation. We combine tradition with innovation, excellence in research with excellence in teaching, and theory with practice. Our mission is to develop men and women with competence, conscience, and compassion who can provide leadership in technologically advanced and rapidly changing global environments. Here are some unique elements of our education experience.

The Jesuit tradition of education stresses development of the whole person. This emphasis is reflected in our commitment to ethics and to the human impact of decisions. Grace under pressure, the ability to reason calmly and make productive decisions in the presence of uncertainty, and the capacity to inspire confidence and trust are essential dimensions of human character that are cultivated through our MBA program.

The spirit of innovation  is reflected in the ongoing transformation of the Leavey School of Business. Our curriculum has been significantly enhanced to reflect the dynamic nature of Silicon Valley careers and concerns. New courses, new concentrations, new formats, and many other curricular changes reflect the process of continuous improvement to which our faculty is committed.

A tradition of excellence  is clearly embodied in our students and alumni. Our student body mirrors the national and international composition of working professionals from Silicon Valley’s vibrant business community. Representing a cadre of  “Who’s Who” among technology firms, and drawn as well from entrepreneurial firms and service organizations, our students enliven the classroom with their experiences, verve, and energy. Students are challenged through individual and team-based approaches to develop their critical thinking skills and their effectiveness in working collaboratively in complex problem-solving environments.

Our faculty of teaching scholars  is actively involved not just in the transmission of information, but also in the generation of knowledge.  They play leading roles in their professional associations and publish in the top scholarly journals. This excellence of scholarship is balanced by a strong commitment to teaching and continuous improvement in service to students. Our executive faculty provide pragmatic perspectives on critical issues and the application of new knowledge and skills.  Faculty continue to develop new courses to reflect the demands of such salient issues as managing innovation and technology, entrepreneurship, behavioral finance, and the globalization of business strategies.

The integration of theory and practice  is achieved through the Santa Clara MBA experience. As a professional school, we are concerned with the nettlesome issues that spell the difference between success and failure in today’s competitive marketplace. Such issues as time to market, managing change, technology transfer, workforce diversity, competitive supply-chain manufacturing strategies, leadership, and ethics are addressed throughout the curriculum and the faculty’s own scholarly contributions to the frontiers of knowledge for practical purpose. Both theoretical rigor and practical relevance are stressed throughout our program.

We are looking for applicants who seek challenge and stimulation, who are bright and imaginative, and who love to learn; those with enthusiasm, zest, and an aspiration to make a difference in the lives of others.

Barry Z. Posner
Dean and Professor of Leadership