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 three 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 or concentration.
In addition to the Downtown Campus, the College of Business offers the MBA program in Nice, France. The program 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.
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.
General Guidelines for Graduate Programs
All students planning to complete a master’s degree in 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, graduate computer science students and professional masters science students.
Registration in ACCT 890 and BUS 890 is limited to classified graduate business students.
Special Sessions students and undergraduate students are allowed to enroll in College of Business graduate courses only under special circumstances with written permission of the Graduate Coordinator for the Graduate Business Programs. There is an additional fee for Special Sessions 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
A classified graduate business student whose coursework drops below a 3.0 grade point average during a semester, will be notified 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 College of Business director of graduate programs.
Generally, the specified course requirements, including stipulated conditions for the graduate business programs may not be changed, substituted for, or altered in any way. Exceptions to this rule must be requested, in writing, before the course work is attempted and must be approved by the College of Business graduate curriculum committee.
Master of Business Administration
Jeff Chun, Assistant Director, Student Services
Manuel Maranan, Director of Recruitment and External Relations
Armaan Moatarri, Assistant Director, Admissions
Phone: (415) 817-4300 E-mail: mba@sfsu.edu
General Information
The graduate business administration 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. Students may choose a concentration in sustainable business, or an emphasis in other areas.
MBA Nice, France General Information
The MBA in Nice is a 9 to 10 month cohort full-time 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.
This program starts with the fall semester in Nice, France followed by the spring and summer semesters in San Francisco.
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.
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 program’s 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 on CSU Mentor available at http://www.csumentor.edu plus an application fee of $55.
- One official transcript from each college attended.
- The score on the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination). Information regarding the GMAT exam can be obtained at http://www.mba.com and the GRE exam at http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/register. The deadline to take the GMAT or GRE is April 1 for fall admission and October 1 of the prior year for spring admission.
- A statement of purpose showing how the desired graduate program is related to the applicant’s career goals.
- 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, writing scores, and Integrated Reasoning scores (average incoming class total GMAT score is 590). Or the GRE test total score, verbal, quantitative and writing scores. 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 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
Career skills and communication workshops 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.
Foundation Requirements
Depending upon a student’s previous academic background, the prerequisite course may range from 0 - 3 units and 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, and the amount of time elapsed since the course was completed.
Prerequisite (0 - 3 Units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| BUS 714 | Elements of Business Writing |
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 |
| BUS 788 | Management Principles and Organizational Behavior |
Advanced Program Requirements for M.B.A. (30 units)
Quantitative Track-- 6 units chosen from the following.
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ACCT 831 | Financial Statement Analysis |
| 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 | Strategic Marketing |
Advisor 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 advisor approval.) 15 units.
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| BUS 890 | Culminating Experience in Strategic Management |
Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) total: 30
Total for Master of Business Administration: 30 - 57
Sustainable Business Concentration
Graduate Advisors: Kleinrichert, Melhus, Paton, Silverman, Thomas
The concentration in sustainable business 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 in sustainable business concentration must complete MGMT 856 (Managing the Sustainable Business), BUS 857 (Business Management and Environmental Leadership), MGMT 858 (Sustainability and Business Opportunity) and two 800 level business electives on advisement.
Advancement to Candidacy
Before being considered for advancement to candidacy the student must meet all general university requirements, satisfy the Career and Communication Workshop requriment, the foundation course requirements, earn an overall SF State Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0, and complete at least 6 units in College of Business courses in the advanced requirement.
When requirements have been satisfied, an advancement to candidacy form (ATC) must be filed with the Division of Graduate Studies.
Accounting Emphasis
Graduate Advisors: Braswell, Duke, Hammond, Hsieh
The primary objective of the accounting emphasis is to provide broad-based knowledge in accounting especially directed to managerial positions in the accounting profession and business organizations. The emphasis and elective graduate courses, all at the 800 level, should be selected upon advisement.
Decision Sciences/Operations Research Emphasis
Graduate Advisors: 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 Advisors: 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 Advisors: Hsiao, Jung
The primary objective of the finance emphasis 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 Advisors: 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 Advisors: Heiman, Nicholson, Simeon, Wong, Yang
The international business emphasis 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 Advisors: Baack, Ericson, Flatt, Gaglio, Marks, Silverman
The emphasis 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 emphasis 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 focus is on new venture creation, business planning, innovation, and the foundations for small business management.
Marketing Emphasis
Graduate Advisors: Bhat, Ho, Hussain, Im, Kumar, O’Donnell, Papyrina, Robertson, Sengupta, Sinapuelas, Strebel, Tumbat, Wang
The marketing emphasis 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.
Master of Science in Accountancy
Director of M.S. Accountancy: Jodi Duke, Ph.D.
Phone: (415) 817-4300
E-mail: mba@sfsu.edu
Graduate Advisors: 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 9 units of 800-level graduate accounting courses must be completed. The remaining 18 units may be selected from appropriate graduate and undergraduate courses. The course selection must be approved by an advisor. 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 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 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 on CSU Mentor available at http://www.csumentor.edu plus an application fee of $55.
- One official transcript from each college attended.
- The score on the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination). Information regarding the GMAT exam can be obtained at http://www.mba.com and the GRE exam at http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/register. The deadline to take the GMAT or GRE is April 1 for fall admission and October 1 of the prior year for spring admission.
- 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, writing and Integrated Reasoning scores (average incoming class total GMAT score is 590). Or the GRE test total score, verbal, quantitative and writing scores. 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 admission 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
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.
Foundation Courses
Depending upon a student’s previous academic background, the prerequisite course may range from 0 to 3 units and 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 course was completed.
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 |
| BUS 788 | Management Principles and Organizational Behavior |
Advanced Program Requirements (30)
Students who have completed a non-accounting undergraduate degree should complete the following upon advisement.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 800 | Financial Accounting I | 3 |
| ACCT 801 | Financial Accounting II | 3 |
| ACCT 804 | Legal and Professional Responsibilities in Accounting | 3 |
| ACCT 807 | Seminar in Accounting Information Systems | 3 |
| One of the following two courses selected on advisement | 3 | |
| ACCT 802 | Strategic Management Accounting | |
| ACCT 848 | Seminar in Controllership | |
| Culminating Experience Requirement | 3 | |
| ACCT 890 | Research Issues in Accounting | |
| Courses offered by the accounting department by advisement of graduate major advisor (courses with ACCT prefix, see limitations below). | 6 | |
| Courses offered by the College of Business by advisement of graduate major advisor (800 level classes). | 6 | |
Limitations
Up to 6 units may be upper-division undergraduate accounting courses (500 - level) with prior approval of the graduate major advisor and the M.S. Accountancy Director.
Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) total: 30
Total: 30-51
Students who have completed an undergraduate accounting degree should select the following upon advisement.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| One of the following two courses selected on advisement | 3 | |
| ACCT 801 | Financial Accounting II | |
| ACCT 831 | Financial Statement Analysis | |
| One of the following two courses selected on advisement | 3 | |
| ACCT 802 | Strategic Management Accounting | |
| ACCT 848 | Seminar in Controllership | |
| One of the following two courses selected on advisement | 3 | |
| ACCT 804 | Legal and Professional Responsibilities in Accounting | |
| ACCT 818 | Accounting Ethics and Fraud | |
| Culminating Experience Requirement | 3 | |
| ACCT 890 | Research Issues in Accounting | |
| Courses offered by the accounting department by advisement of graduate major advisor (courses with ACCT prefix, see limitations below). | 6 | |
| Courses offered by the College of Business by advisement of graduate major advisor (800 level classes). | 12 | |
Limitations
Up to 6 units may be upper-division undergraduate accounting courses (500-level) with prior approval of the major advisor 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 advisor 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
Jeff Chun, Assistant Director, Student Services
Manuel Maranan, Director of Recruitment and External Relations
Armaan Moatarri, Assistant Director, Admissions
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 total score) or the GRE. The exam cannot be waived in lieu of years of working experience. However, you may qualify for a GMAT or GRE exemption if you have earned a 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 for Managers (4) |
| BUS 884 | The Political, Social, and Legal Environment of Business (3) |
| BUS 886 | Seminar in 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.
