Graduate Business Programs

Statement of Purpose

Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business develops students of competence, conscience, compassion, and community. These qualities equip our graduates to thrive as leaders in technologically advanced, fast-paced global environments.

  • Competence reflects our commitment to teaching excellence and scholarly research that fosters knowledge creation and animates instruction.
  • Conscience is enhanced through reflective inquiry that is both professionally rigorous and ethically sound.
  • Compassion lies at the intersection of competence and conscience, cultivated through an appreciation of diverse perspectives and recognition of the human element in every decision.
  • Community is built through a culture of collaboration and mutual respect on campus and in our unique Silicon Valley ecosystem, fostering a lifelong network of peers and mentors dedicated to innovation, the Common Good, and shared success.

Mission Statement of the Graduate Business Programs Office

At the Leavey School of Business, the Graduate Business Programs team delivers a supportive, inclusive, and transformative experience tailored to every student's unique journey.

Through seamless collaboration across admissions, program management, and career services, we bridge the gap between academic ambition and professional impact. We forge vital connections among faculty, students, and alumni empowering the next generation of ethical leaders to guide themselves and others toward the Common Good.

Graduate Business Programs Learning Objectives

Graduate students are expected to demonstrate academic competence through the mastery of comprehensive content knowledge and the ability to apply theoretical frameworks and concepts to complex professional contexts. They will engage in creative and collaborative learning to foster innovation, effective communication, and meaningful engagement with colleagues and experts within their discipline. Consistent with the University’s Jesuit mission, students will cultivate professional development characterized by ethical leadership, personal integrity, and a commitment to responsible participation in their professional, local, and global communities.

MBA Programs Learning Objectives

Refer to the program-specific chapter for details.

MS Programs Learning Objectives

Refer to the program-specific chapter for details.

Professional Orientation

Santa Clara University's Graduate Business Programs are tailored to meet the needs of working professionals seeking flexibility without compromising academic rigor.

Evening and weekend classes allow students to advance their careers while earning their degrees. The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications, guided by faculty who bring cutting-edge research expertise or extensive industry experience. Students further enrich classroom discussions with insights drawn from real-world organizational challenges.

Academic Standards

Santa Clara's Graduate Business Programs are well-known for their academic rigor and practical relevance. Admission standards are selective because courses are demanding, with high expectations from both faculty and fellow students. However, the atmosphere remains collegial rather than competitive.

While MBA and MS degrees are considered terminal professional degrees, we seek students who view education as a transformative experience rather than just a credential. MBA students should be prepared for an intensive curriculum covering all major functional areas while developing both quantitative and qualitative skills. MS students can expect rigorous coursework with a more specialized focus. Across all programs, curiosity, engagement, and collaboration are key traits for success.

Accreditation

Santa Clara University was among the first MBA programs accredited by AACSB International—the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business—in 1961. This specialized accrediting body conducts periodic reviews to ensure curricula, faculty, and students meet the highest standards of excellence.

Re-accredited in 2021, Santa Clara remains part of an elite group representing less than 10% of the world’s 13,000 business programs that have earned AACSB accreditation. The university is also accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), a prerequisite for specialized accreditation from AACSB International.

Student Body

Over 700 students enroll annually in Santa Clara’s MBA and MS programs from diverse academic backgrounds and industries. Entering MBA students typically have over seven years of work experience at admission.

Most MBA students work full-time at local companies while taking three to four courses per quarter. These students represent more than 500 organizations across Silicon Valley’s vibrant business ecosystem. Many MS students are international learners who enhance the program’s diversity. Additionally, online programs attract students from over ten states nationwide.

Alumni

Since 1961, more than 25,000 graduates have earned MBA or MS degrees from Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business. Alumni include over 2,000 company presidents and senior executives as well as leaders in global technology firms, Fortune 500 companies, startups, family businesses, nonprofits, and early-stage ventures.

Throughout the year, alumni networking events provide opportunities for lifelong learning and professional connections with peers, faculty members, staff members, prospective students, and current students. Alumni also serve on advisory panels, host reunions, share career insights with prospective applicants, mentor current students through professional institutes or clubs, and participate in commencement ceremonies.

The MBA Alumni Advisory Board plays an active role in advancing key strategic initiatives that strengthen Santa Clara’s top-ranked MBA program.

What Sets Santa Clara’s Leavey School of Business Apart

  • Top-ranked graduate business programs recognized by U.S. News & World Report, Poets & Quants, and Princeton Review.
  • A rigorous curriculum shaped by best practices tailored to Silicon Valley’s unique challenges while addressing global business needs
  • A robust alumni network over 25,000 strong providing unparalleled professional connections across industries.
  • Flexible schedules with evening classes, weekend options, online courses, and accessible office hours designed for working professionals.
  • Distinguished faculty who combine scholarly expertise with real-world industry insights.
  • Small class sizes that foster close relationships between faculty members and students.
  • A dynamic student body comprising professionals employed full-time at leading Silicon Valley firms who enrich classroom discussions with real-world experiences.
  • A Jesuit educational tradition spanning over 450 years that emphasizes analytical rigor alongside ethical inquiry.
  • A beautiful campus located in Silicon Valley, the world’s most dynamic business hub.
  • AACSB-accredited programs offering comprehensive exposure to core functional areas alongside practical applications grounded in real-world experience.