Business Administration Graduate Programs
General Information
The College of Business Graduate Programs are located at San Francisco State University Downtown Campus.
835 Market Street, Suite 550
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 817-4300
Email: mba@sfsu.edu
The College of Business offers four programs at the graduate level.
M.B.A. This is the flagship graduate business degree program. Courses are offered exclusively at the Downtown Campus. The program is designed to accommodate needs of both full-time and part-time students. The program allows for limited specialization in any of several functional areas of emphasis.
M.S.A. The MS in Accountancy program allows for substantial specialization in accounting. Courses for this program are primarily offered at the Downtown Campus and some elective courses are offered on the Main Campus for both full-time and part-time students.
Executive M.B.A. This is a fixed curriculum, cohort program for working professionals offered at the Downtown Campus. The General Guidelines later in this section do not apply; instead, refer to the specific EMBA program description that follows that section.
MBA MIB. This is a dual degree program in which students earn both an MBA from San Francisco State University and a Master in International Business (MIB) from the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis of France. It is designed to immerse students in different management styles of American and European business, and provide a point of analysis and comparison to shape a global business outlook.
General Guidelines for graduate programs
All students planning to complete a master’s degree through the College of Business must complete on advisement the applicable requirements including career and communication workshops, the Foundation level and the Advanced Requirement level courses.
Registration in graduate courses in business (700-899) is limited to classified graduate business students and, with second priority, classified graduate students in other academic departments.
Registration in ACCT 890 and BUS 890 is limited to classified graduate business students.
Open University students and undergraduate students are allowed to enroll in College of Business graduate courses only under special circumstances with written permission of the Director of Graduate Business Programs. There is an additional fee for Open University students.
Grading Policy
Foundation and Advanced Requirement courses must be taken on a basis of letter A, B, C, D, F grading. At the instructor’s discretion, pluses and minuses may be used. CR/NC grading is not allowed. The minimum grade for Advanced Requirement courses is C.
ACCT 890 and BUS 890 (Culminating Experience) courses must be completed with a B or better grade.
Grade Deficiency
In the College of Business, if a classified graduate business student drops below a 3.0 grade point average during a semester, s/he will be notified on the grade report by the Registrar’s Office that s/he has been placed on probation. If the grade point deficiency is not made up, the student may be declassified effective the beginning of the semester following the first probationary semester. In such situations, the student will not be allowed to enroll in graduate level business courses (Foundation and Advanced Requirement level).
Any student who becomes declassified under the above provisions and who wishes to appeal such declassification must file a formal appeal within ten days of the date of notice of declassification. Such appeal must be filed with the Director of Graduate Programs of the College of Business.
Generally, the specified course requirements, including stipulated conditions for the Graduate Business Programs may not be changed, substituted for, or altered in any way. Any exceptions to this rule must be requested, in writing, before the course work is attempted and must be approved by the Graduate Curriculum Committee of the College of Business.
Master of Business Administration
Acting Executive Director of Graduate Business Programs: Aaron Anderson, Ph.D. Phone: (415) 817-4300 E-mail: mba@sfsu.edu
General Information
This program is designed as a balanced preparation for managerial careers in business. Its purpose is to prepare students for responsible positions in a rapidly changing world; to develop an attitude of intellectual curiosity; to foster a program of continuous learning throughout life; and to study management as a unique function applicable to all types of endeavors which involve the coordination of people and material resources toward given objectives.
Accreditation
The MBA program is accredited by the most respected business accrediting association in the world, the AACSB, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. San Francisco State University is also accredited by WASC, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This ensures continuous improvement of faculty in teaching, research, and professional service.
Admission
U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students are accepted for both fall and spring admission according to the following schedule.
- Fall semester filing period: October 1 through April 1
- Spring semester filing period: August 1 through October 1
The above dates are subject to change. Check the Graduate Business Programs website for the latest dates.
Application Process
Each applicant to the MBA must submit the following to the SF State Graduate Studies Office:
- California State University Application for Graduate or International Admission available at http://www.csumentor.edu plus an application fee of $55.
- One official transcript from each college attended.
- The score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). Information regarding the exam can be obtained at http://www.mba.com. The deadline to take the GMAT is April 1 for fall admission and October 1 of the prior year for spring admission. The SF State code for reporting GMAT scores is F87-HP-99 for MBA applicants.
- A statement of purpose showing how the desired graduate program is related to the applicant’s career goal.
- TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English is required for admission by all applicants in a non-English speaking country. The TOEFL school/department code is 4683. Score reports can be sent to the SF State Graduate Studies office. Applicants who need a student visa must also submit the SF State SEVIS Information Form for International Students.
- Two letters of recommendation and résumé.
- The California State University Application for Admission may be submitted before other documents are submitted, but the admission decision is not made until all required materials are received.
Admission Criteria
The College of Business admissions committee reviews an applicant’s overall qualifications and takes the following requirements into consideration:
- Completion of a degree equivalent to a four year U.S. bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- A minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average overall or for the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of university coursework completed (average incoming class GPA is 3.3).
- GMAT exam including total score, verbal, quantitative, and writing scores (average incoming class total GMAT score is 590). An AWA score of 5.0 or higher is required for classified admission. An AWA score of 4.5 is accepted, but as a conditional admit and student must take an approved writing course.
- Statement of purpose.
- TOEFL score of at least 590/243/96 or IELTS score of at least 7.0, or PTE of at least 65, taken within the past two years, is required of all applicants who have earned their undergraduate degree from a country where the official language is not English.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Résumé (Full time work experience recommended).
The admissions committee also considers evidence of unusual motivation, career maturity, and past success in making admission judgments.
Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee admission to the program.
Program Requirements
Career Skills & Communications Workshops
These workshop requirements are about enhancing career prospects and professional communication styles. Students must complete a series of four workshops in the first semester of the program and learn how to strategically manage their career and practice effective presentation & communication skills. These required workshops are free of charge and students are automatically placed on the class rosters since there are no units associated with the sessions.
Students who fail to complete the workshop requirements in the first semester of the program will have an administrative hold placed on their record and may not be able to register for classes in the following semester.
Foundation Requirements
Depending upon a student's previous academic background, the Foundation courses may range from 0 to 27 units. The foundation requirements are met by taking the nine business foundation courses or by waivers of individual courses based on previous equivalent course work. Each equivalency is determined by course content, grade received, elapsed time since work was completed and supporting experience.
Foundation Courses for M.B.A.
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| BUS 776 | Data Analysis for Managers |
| BUS 780 | Financial Accounting |
| BUS 782 | Information Systems for Management |
| BUS 783 | Economics for Managers |
| BUS 784 | The Political, Social, and Legal Environment of Business |
| BUS 785 | Financial Management |
| BUS 786 | Operation Analysis |
| BUS 787 | Marketing Management and Multinational Operations |
| BUS 788 | Management Principles and Organizational Behavior |
Advanced Program Requirements
Quantitative Track-- 6 units chosen from the following.
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ACCT 831 | Seminar in Financial Reporting |
| DS 852 | Managerial Decision Making |
| FIN 819 | Financial Analysis and Management |
| ISYS 814 | Information Systems for Strategic Advantage |
Qualitative Track-- 6 units chosen from the following.
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| IBUS 815 | Seminar in International Business |
| MGMT 842 | Seminar in Organization Design and Change |
| MKTG 860 | Seminar in Strategic Marketing |
Adviser approved electives in field of specialization (four must be 800-level courses offered by the College of Business, one may be a 800-level course within the University, with prior adviser approval.) 15 units.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BUS 890 | Culminating Experience in Strategic Management | 3 |
Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) total: 30
Total for Master of Business Administration: 30 - 57
Advancement to Candidacy
Before being considered for advancement to candidacy the applicant must meet all general university requirements, satisfy the Career and Communication Workshop and Foundation Course requirements, and complete at least 6 units in College of Business courses in the Advanced Requirement.
When requirements have been satisfied, the graduate adviser and the Director of Graduate Studies in Business may recommend to the Dean of the Division of Graduate Studies that the applicant be advanced to candidacy for the degree by filing the Advancement to Candidacy (ATC).
Accounting Emphasis
Graduate Advisers: Braswell, Duke, Hammond, Hsieh
The primary objective of this limited specialization is to provide broad-based knowledge in accounting especially directed to managerial positions in the accounting profession and business organizations. The specialization and elective graduate courses, all at the 800 level, should be selected upon advisement.
Decision Sciences/Operations Research Emphasis
Graduate Advisers: Bollapragada, Cholette, Özlük, Udayabhanu
The decision sciences/operations research emphasis focuses on the connection between real-world business applications and quantitative modeling and analysis techniques. This emphasis includes courses in forecasting, simulation, data analysis, project management, optimization, supply chain management, process improvement and quality management. In these courses, students apply analytical methods and computer based tools to problems in a wide variety of industries.
Electronic Commerce Emphasis
Graduate Advisers: Nickerson, Sengupta
The electronic commerce technology emphasis provides students with an understanding of various aspects of electronic commerce in businesses and other organizations. Students may elect to take courses that cover the design and development of electronic commerce web sites, Internet marketing, electronic commerce project management, marketing strategy for electronic commerce, networks for electronic commerce, multimedia application development, and other business aspects of electronic commerce.
Finance Emphasis
Graduate Advisers: Hsiao, Jung
The primary objective of the program is to provide broad management perspective as well as in-depth analytical skills and conceptual background in the various aspects of domestic and international financial management and decision-making. The courses offered are aimed at understanding, analyzing, and improving managerial decision-making process in the fields of corporate finance, financial markets and institutions, investment and portfolio analysis, financial data analysis, financial risk management and international finance.
The program is designed to prepare the students for employment positions in the field of finance, which require analytical skills and decision-making abilities. Students should carefully check prerequisites for all 800-series courses.
Information Systems Emphasis
Graduate Advisers: Nickerson, Sayeed
The information systems emphasis offers a program in the development, use, management, and support of information systems in businesses and other organizations.
International Business Emphasis
Graduate Advisers: Nicholson, Simeon, Wong, Yang
The program is designed to prepare individuals to assume managerial responsibilities in international business, to perform in a responsive and responsible way in the multinational environment, and to contribute to economic development and international understanding through investment, production, and trade.
Management Emphasis
Graduate Advisers: Baack, Ericson, Flatt, Gaglio, Marks, Silverman
The specialization in organization development and change provides students with practical knowledge and skills in organizational development and change, organizational behavior and organization design. This focus will be beneficial both to students who wish to pursue general management careers or who wish to specialize in facilitating organizational development and change as consultants, change agents or leaders.
The specialization in entrepreneurial/small business management is designed to provide the student with the concepts, skills, and attitudes necessary to start and manage a small business. The program focuses on new venture creation, business planning, innovation, and the foundations for small business management.
Marketing Emphasis
Graduate Advisers: Bhat, Ho, Hussain, Im, Kumar, O’Donnell, Papyrina, Robertson, Sengupta, Sinapuelas, Strebel, Tumbat, Wang
The program prepares a student for career opportunities in business firms, non-profit organizations, or governmental agencies. The combination of graduate work and specific job experience can lead to staff or line positions in general marketing, sales, Internet marketing, advertising, new product development, retail management, and marketing research.
Sustainable Business Emphasis
Graduate Advisers: Kleinrichert, Melhus, Paton, Silverman, Thomas
This emphasis will provide students with an in-depth appreciation of the environmental and social dimensions of conducting business in a global market. Three aspects of sustainable business that improve a firm’s long-term performance will be emphasized: managing risks (regulatory, reputation, litigation, market, etc.), values-driven leadership, and recognizing market opportunities created by environmental and social challenges. Learning outcomes include how to articulate the business case for sustainability, develop and lead internal and external coalitions needed to drive organizational change, and implement metrics for measuring progress and providing accountability.
Students specializing in sustainable business must complete: MGMT 856 (Managing the Sustainable Business), BUS 857 (Business Management and Environmental Leadership), MGMT 858 (Sustainability and Business Opportunity) and one 800 level business elective on advisement.
Master of Science in Accountancy
Director of M.S. Accountancy: Jodi Duke, Ph.D.
Phone: (415) 817-4300
E-mail: mba@sfsu.edu
Graduate Advisers: Braswell, Duke, Hammond, Hsieh
General Information
This program provides an emphasis in accounting, with specialization in financial accounting, auditing, managerial accounting, and accounting information systems. In addition to ACCT 890 (3 units), at least 15 units of 800-level graduate accounting courses must be completed. The remaining 12 units may be selected from appropriate graduate and undergraduate courses. The course selection must be approved by an adviser. ACCT 800 and 801 may not be taken for credit if ACCT 301 and 302, or the equivalents, have been completed in which case two additional 800-level Accounting classes must be substituted. ACCT 807 cannot be taken for credit if ACCT 307, or the equivalent, has been completed in which case an additional 800-level Accounting class must be substituted. For students without prior accounting or business course work, additional classes may be needed to qualify for the 150 hour CPA licensure requirements. Contact the California State Board of Accountancy for details.
Accreditation
The MSA program is accredited by the most respected business accrediting association in the world, the AACSB, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. San Francisco State University is also accredited by WASC, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This ensures continuous improvement of faculty in teaching, research, and professional service.
Admission
U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students are accepted for both fall and spring admission according to the following schedule.
- Fall semester filing period: October 1 through April 1
- Spring semester filing period: August 1 through October 1
The above dates are subject to change. Check the Graduate Business Programs website for the latest dates.
Application Process
Each applicant to the MSA must submit the following to SF State Graduate Studies Office:
- California State University Application for Graduate or International Admission available at http://www.csumentor.edu plus an application fee of $55.
- One official transcript from each college attended.
- The score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). Information regarding the exam can be obtained at http://www.mba.com. The deadline to take the GMAT is April 1 for fall admission and October 1 of the prior year for spring admission. The SF State code for reporting GMAT scores is F87-HP-42 for MSA applicants.
- A statement of purpose showing how the desired graduate program is related to the applicant’s career goal.
- TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English (PTE) is required for admission by all applicants who completed their undergraduate work in a non-English speaking country. TOEFL school/department code is 4683. Score reports can be sent to the SF State Graduate Studies office. Applicants who need a student visa must also submit the SF State SEVIS Information Form for International Students.
- Two Letters of recommendation and résumé.
- The California State University Application for Admission may be submitted before other documents are submitted, but the admission decision is not made until all required materials are received.
Admission Criteria
The College of Business admissions committee reviews an applicant’s overall qualifications and takes the following requirements into consideration:
- Completion of a degree equivalent to a four year U.S. bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- A minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average overall, or in the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of university coursework completed (average incoming class GPA is 3.3).
- GMAT exam including total score, verbal, quantitative, and writing scores (average incoming class total GMAT score is 590). An AWA score of 5.0 or higher is required for classified admission. An AWA score of 4.5 is accepted, but as a conditional admit and student must take an approved writing course.
- Statement of purpose.
- TOEFL score of at least 590/243/96 or IELTS score of at least 7.0 or PTE of at least 65, taken within the past two years, is required of all applicants who have earned their undergraduate degree from a country where the official language is not English.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Résumé (at least internships or part time work experience).
The admissions committee also considers evidence of unusual motivation, career maturity, and past success in making admission judgments.
Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee admission to the program.
Program Requirements
Career Skills & Communciations Workshops
These workshop requirements are about enhancing career prospects and professional communication styles. Students must complete a series of four workshops in the first semester of the program and learn how to strategically manage their career and practice effective presentation & communication skills. These required workshops are free of charge and students are automatically placed on the class rosters since there are no units associated with the sessions.
Students who fail to complete the workshop requirements in the first semester of the program will have an administrative hold placed on their record and may not be able to register for classes in the following semester
Foundation Courses
Depending upon a student’s previous academic background, the prerequisite course may range from 0 to 3 units, the foundation courses from 0 to 18 units. The foundation requirements are met by taking the six business foundation courses or by waivers of individual courses based on previous equivalent course work. Each equivalency is determined by course content, grade received, and elapsed time since work completed and supporting experience.
Prerequisite (0 - 3)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| BUS 714 | Elements of Business Writing |
Foundation Courses for M.S.A. (0 - 18)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| BUS 776 | Data Analysis for Managers |
| BUS 780 | Financial Accounting |
| BUS 783 | Economics for Managers |
| BUS 785 | Financial Management |
| Choose two of the following (6 units) | |
| BUS 786 | Operation Analysis |
| BUS 787 | Marketing Management and Multinational Operations |
| BUS 788 | Management Principles and Organizational Behavior |
Advanced Program Requirements (18)
Students who have completed substantial accounting course work should meet with an MSA advisor to discuss possible substitutions.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 800 | Financial Accounting I | 3 |
| ACCT 801 | Financial Accounting II | 3 |
| ACCT 802 | Strategic Management Accounting | 3 |
| ACCT 804 | Legal and Professional Responsibilities in Accounting | 3 |
| ACCT 807 | Seminar in Accounting Information Systems | 3 |
| ACCT 890 | Research Issues in Accounting | 3 |
| Courses offered by the accounting department as approved by graduate major adviser (courses with ACCT prefix, see limitations below). | 6 | |
| Courses offered by the College of Business as approved by graduate major adviser (800 level classes). | 6 | |
Limitations
Up to 6 units may be upper-division undergraduate courses (500 level) with prior approval of the graduate major adviser and the M.S. Accountancy Director.
Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) total: 30
Total: 30-51
Advancement to Candidacy
Before being considered for advancement to candidacy the applicant must meet all general university requirements, satisfy the Career & Communication Workshop and Foundation Course requirements, and complete at least 6 units in College of Business courses in the Advanced Requirement.
When requirements have been satisfied, the graduate adviser and the Director of M.S. in Accountancy may recommend to the Dean of the Division of Graduate Studies that the applicant be advanced to candidacy for the degree by filing the Advancement to Candidacy (ATC).
Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program
Acting Executive Director of Graduate Programs: Aaron D. Anderson, Ph.D.
Phone: (415) 817-4320
E-mail: emba@sfsu.edu
General Information
The Executive MBA (EMBA) is a fixed curriculum, part-time cohort program designed to accelerate careers of mid-level managers into executive management. Students in the EMBA program attend courses two nights a week. There are a total of 12 courses required for the entire program and the degree is earned in 22 months.
Accreditation
The EMBA program is accredited by the most respected business accrediting association in the world, the AACSB, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. San Francisco State University is also accredited by WASC, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This ensures continuous improvement of faculty in teaching, research, and professional service.
Admission
Executive MBA cohorts are comprised of a diverse cross section of fully employed professionals from all industries and organizations represented in the San Francisco Bay Area. Admitted students have at least five years of experience and a demonstrated pattern of increased responsibility throughout their professional careers. It is not necessary to have previous coursework in business. Applicants must have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 for their last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units of course work and successfully complete the GMAT exam (our current average is 590 composite score). The GMAT Exam cannot be waived in lieu of years of working experience. However, you may qualify for a GMAT exemption if you have earned Ph.D. or Doctoral degree. Applicants also need to submit a resume and two letters of recommendation. A detailed set of guidelines and requirements for admission to the Executive MBA Program are outlined in the Application Process of the EMBA website.
Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee admission to the program.
Program Requirements
The core curriculum balances the art and science of management so the student not only understands theoretical issues, but also learns to apply the theory in diverse management situations. The foundation courses of accounting, economics, and statistics are efficiently integrated with the functional areas of finance, marketing, organizational behavior and design, and computer information systems to accelerate the student's progress through the program. Case studies of actual business situations and guest speakers with specialized expertise are an important part of the curriculum. Specialized courses are selected by the faculty to meet the specific objectives of mid-career professionals. These courses are considered electives and cover topics such as leadership, international business negotiations and sustainable business.
The courses that comprise the program are listed below. The course credit units are stipulated in parentheses after the course name. On-line course descriptions are available.
Foundation Courses
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| BUS 881 | Financial and Managerial Accounting (4) |
| BUS 883 | Economics and Quantitative Analysis for Managers (4) |
| BUS 884 | The Political, Social, and Legal Environment of Business (3) |
| BUS 886 | Statistics and Operations Analysis (4) |
Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) Courses
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| BUS 882 | Seminar in Advanced Computer Applications and Information Systems for Management (4) |
| BUS 885 | Corporate Financial Management (4) |
| BUS 887 | Strategic Marketing Management (4) |
| BUS 888 | Managing Organizational Change (4) |
| BUS 890 | Culminating Experience in Strategic Management (3) |
and
three specialized course electives selected by faculty for each cohort.
MBA MIB Dual Degree in Nice, France
Director: Robert Nickerson, Ph.D.
Phone: (415) 817-4300
E-mail: rnick@sfsu.edu
General Information
The MBA MIB is a 9 to 10 month cohort full-time dual degree program delivered by the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis and SF State. Upon completion of the program, students receive an MBA degree from the College of Business at San Francisco State University and a Masters in International Business (MIB) diploma from the IAE School of Business at the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, one of France’s top public universities.
Accreditation
The MBA MIB program is accredited by the most respected business accrediting association in the world, the AACSB, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. San Francisco State University is also accredited by WASC, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This ensures continuous improvement of faculty in teaching, research, and professional service.
Location
This program starts with the fall semester in Nice, France followed by the spring and summer semesters in San Francisco.
Admission
The College of Business admissions committee reviews an applicant’s overall qualifications and takes the following requirements into consideration:
- Completion of a degree equivalent to a four year U.S. bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Completion or waiver of the Business foundation courses or equivalent (see MBA program for list of courses). This requirement is waived for students with a bachelor’s degree in business from an AACSB accredited or equivalent school of business within seven years of starting the MBA MIB program. These courses can also be satisfied by completing the GDBA diploma at the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis or by completing equivalent courses at another.
- A minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average overall, or in the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of university coursework completed.
- GMAT exam including total score, verbal, quantitative, and writing scores.
- Statement of purpose.
- TOEFL score of at least 590/243/96 or IELTS score of at least 7.0, or PTE of at least 65, taken within the past two years, is required of all applicants who have earned their undergraduate degree from a country where the official language is not English.
- Two letters of recommedation.
- Résumé
The admissions committee also considers evidence of unusual motivation, career maturity, and past success in making admission judgments.
Students enrolled in the SF State MBA program qualify for the program as soon as all Foundation Courses requirements are completed with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
MBA MIB Course Curriculum
Subjects
- Organizational Design and Change
- Alliances and Network
- Information Systems for Strategic Advantage
- Environment of Business in Europe
- Strategic Marketing
- International Financial Reporting
- Project Management
- The European Banking and Insurance Market
- Strategic Management
- Research Project
