Working for San Francisco
and beyond

• Bulletin Home
• A to Z Index
• About the University
• Academic Programs
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Undergraduate Education
• Graduate Studies
• Fees and Financial Aid
• Policies and Procedures
• Resources and Services
• Course Descriptions

Related Links

• How to Use This Bulletin
• Academic Calendar
• Future Students
• Graduate Admissions
• Articulation
• Class Schedule
• Testing
• Advising, Undergraduate
• Advising, Graduate

Contact

Corrections or comments about this Bulletin

E-mail: bulletin@sfsu.edu

 

Updated March 03, 2015

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 600
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.

 

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.

 

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 at the 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

Bruce Paton, Faculty Director, Graduate Business Programs
Jeff Chun, Assistant Director, Student Services
Manuel Maranan, Director of Recruitment and External Relations
Armaan Moattari, 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.

 

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 May 15, with rounds
• Spring semester filing period: August 1 through November 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 May 15 for fall admission and November 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 and future goals
• TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English is required for admission by all applicants who have completed their undergraduate degree 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 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 scores, and Integrated Reasoning scores (average incoming class total GMAT score is 590). Or the GRE test verbal, quantitative and writing scores. A GMAT AWA score of 5.0 or higher is required for classified admission or a GRE AWA score of 4.5 or higher. A GMAT AWA score of 4.5 or GRE AWA score of 4.0 is accepted, but as a conditional admission and student must complete an approved College of Business writing course.
• Statement of purpose
• Two letters of recommendation
• Résumé (Full time work experience recommended)
• 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.

The admissions committee also considers evidence of motivation, career maturity, and past success in making admission decisions.

 

Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee admission to the program.

 

Program Requirements

Professional Development Workshops

The College of Business Graduate Programs orientation helps students prepare for the academic program and provides professional development opportunities. The workshops included during orientation are designed to enhance career prospects, professional communication style, leadership skills and teamwork. Students are expected to attend the required orientation days.

 

Foundation Requirements

Foundation courses offer students without a business undergraduate degree the opportunity to learn the basic elements of business. Depending upon a student's previous academic background, the foundation courses may range from 0 to 24 units. The foundation requirements are met by taking the eight business foundation courses or by waivers of individual courses based on previous equivalent course work.

 

Students who have earned a bachelor's degree in business administration within the past seven years from an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)-accredited university, with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester units of coursework, can automatically waive all 700-level Foundation courses. An up-to-date listing of AACSB schools around the world can be found on the AACSB International website. Students who have taken and completed course work equivalent to any of the foundation courses at other institutions within the last five to seven years may be able to waive foundation courses. Each equivalency is determined by course content, grade received, and the amount of time elapsed since the course was completed.

 

For students who completed their undergraduate degree in business over seven years ago, the foundation courses offer an opportunity to refresh their knowledge and catch up on advances that have taken place in the different disciplines.

 

Master of Business Administration — 30 - 54 units

 

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 the 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 Professional Development Workshop requirement, 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 prior to enrolling in the culminating experience course.

 

Accounting Emphasis

Graduate Advisors: Duke, Hammond, Hsieh, Hurley

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.

 

Ethics and Compliance Emphasis

Graduate Advisors: Baack, Kleinrichert

The MBA emphasis in Ethics & Compliance focuses on emerging business needs for ethics and compliance professionals in growth industries such as healthcare, biotech, pharmaceutical, information technology services and products, finance and accounting, manufacturing and hospitality. Ethics and compliance specialists work to reduce the risk of unethical or illegal activities by individuals working in organizations by developing policies and practices to prevent these failures.

 

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.

 

Global Business and Innovation

Graduate Advisors: Wong, Ungson, Heiman, Wang

The MBA emphasis in Global Business and Innovation prepares students to operate effectively in a technological, global and interconnected world. The emphasis will provide a variety of options for cultural immersion experiences through virtual projects and travel-study experiences.

 

Hospitality and Tourism Management Emphasis

Graduate Advisors: Roe, Walls, Yang

The primary objective of the hospitality and tourism management emphasis is to provides advanced, specific knowledge in important hospitality areas, especially directed to managerial positions in the hospitality profession and related service organizations.

 

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.

 

Leadership Emphasis

Graduate Advisors: Paton, Marks, Baack

The emphasis in leadership focuses on the skills necessary to lead organizations in a complex and rapidly changing world.

 

Management Emphasis

Graduate Advisors: Baack, Paton, Marks, Flatt

The management emphasis provides students with practical knowledge and skills in organizational development and change, organizational behavior and organization design. This emphasis is designed for students who wish to pursue general management careers or who wish to specialize in facilitating organizational development and change as consultants or change agents.

 

Marketing Emphasis

Graduate Advisors: Bhat, Hussain, Kumar, Sengupta, Tumbat

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.

 

Nonprofit and Social Enterprise Emphasis

Graduate Advisors: Paton, Desa

This emphasis focuses on leadership of social purpose organizations in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. The emphasis provides opportunities for students to combine coursework in business with appropriate electives in public administration.

 

Social Innovation Emphasis

Graduate Advisors: Paton, Heiman

This emphasis focuses on applying creativity and business innovation skills to address complex social problems. Special emphasis is placed on design thinking, systems thinking, and skills for collaboration across sectors.

 

Strategic Leadership in Emerging and Developing Markets Emphasis

Graduate Advisors: Simeon, Ungson, Wong

This emphasis provides students knowledge of global trends and a substantive understanding of emerging opportunities and issues in a rapidly globalizing world. The courses will focus on, though not be confined, to study of emerging and developing markets.

 

Master of Science in Accountancy

Faculty Advisor: Jodi Duke, Ph.D.
Phone: (415) 817-4300
E-mail: mba@sfsu.edu

Graduate Advisors: Duke, Hammond, Hsieh

 

General Information

This program provides an emphasis in accounting, with specialization in financial accounting tax, 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. 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 May 15 with rounds
• Spring semester filing period: August 1 through November 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 May 15 for fall admission and November 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 verbal, quantitative and writing scores. A GMAT AWA score of 5.0 or higher or a GRE AWA score of 4.5 or higher is required for classified admission. A GMAT AWA score of 4.5 or GRE AWA score of 4.0 is accepted, but as a conditional admission and student must take an approved College of Business writing course.
• Statement of purpose
• Two letters of recommendation
• Résumé
• 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.

The admissions committee also considers evidence of unusual motivation, career maturity, and past success in making admission decisions.

 

Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee admission to the program.

 

Program Requirements

Orientation and Professional Development Workshops

The College of Business Graduate Programs orientation helps students prepare for the academic program and provides professional development opportunities. The workshops included during orientation are designed to enhance career prospects, professional communication style, leadership skills and teamwork. Students are expected to attend the required orientation days.

 

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.

 

Accountancy, M.S. — 30 - 51 units

Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program

 

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.

 

For information on the EMBA program Application process, admission criteria and program requirements, see the College of Business website: http://cob.sfsu.edu/content/graduate-programs

 

---

Minor Programs in Business Administration

Undergraduate Programs in Business Administration

---