GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS IN BUSINESS

Undergraduate Programs in Business Administration
Minor Programs in Business Administration

General Information

The College of Business Graduate Programs are located at the Downtown Campus of the University.
853 Market Street, Suite 550
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 817-4300
Email: mba@sfsu.edu

The College of Business offers a variety of programs at the graduate level, thereby providing diverse paths to achieving high quality in management education. Most students opt for one of the general Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) programs, but some prefer a more specialized and focused Master of Science (M.S.) program.

M.B.A. This is the flagship graduate business degree program that most students select. Courses are offered exclusively at the Downtown Campus. The program is designed to accommodate needs of either full-time or part-time students. The program allows for limited specialization in any of several functional areas of emphasis.

M.S.B.A. The program allows for more flexibility in developing a personalized curriculum, and permits substantial specialization in a particular functional area or cross-disciplinary studies. Courses for this program are primarily offered at the Downtown Campus and some 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 offered at the Downtown Campus for working professionals. The General Guidelines later in this section do not apply; instead, refer to the specific program description that follows that section below.

Admission to M.B.A. and M.S.B.A. Programs

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 March 1
• Spring semester filing period: August 1 through October 1

The above dates are subject to change. Check with Graduate Business Programs Office for the latest dates.

Prospective applicants judged to be of exceptionally high potential, especially those with extensive business experience, may be considered and processed on an exception basis beyond the dates indicated. Admission of these late applicants, however, may be contingent on time limitations and the enrollment may be restricted by space availability in the courses that will be offered in the forthcoming semester. The College of Business Graduate Programs Office should be contacted (415/817-4300) for information about current enrollment conditions.

Each applicant to College of Business graduate programs must submit the following to SFSU Graduate Studies:

• 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 March 1 for fall admission and October 1 of the prior year for spring admission. The SFSU code for reporting GMAT scores is F87-HP-99 for MBA applicants and F87-HP-42 for applicants to the MSBA program.
• A statement of purpose showing how the desired graduate program is related to the career goal.
• TOEFL or IELTS is required for admission by all applicants whose undergraduate work was not done in the English language or a degree was earned outside of the U.S. TOEFL school/department code is 4683. IELTS score reports can be sent to the SFSU Graduate Studies office. Applicants who need a student visa must also submit the SFSU SEVIS Information Form for International Students.
• Letters of recommendation and résumé (optional).
• The California State University Application for Admission may be submitted before the transcripts and GMAT score, but the admission decision is not made until all required materials are received.

The College of Business admissions committee reviews an applicant’s overall qualifications and takes the following requirements into consideration:

1. Completion of a degree equivalent to a four year U.S. bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
2. A minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average for the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of university coursework completed (average incoming class GPA is 3.3).
3. GMAT exam including total score, verbal, quantitative, and writing scores (average incoming class total GMAT score is 550).
4. Statement of purpose.
5. TOEFL score of at least 570/230/88 or IELTS score of at least 6.5, 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.
6. Letters of recommendations (minimum two).
7. Résumé

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

NOTE: 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 BUS 890 and BUS 895 is limited to classified graduate students in business only.

Open University students and undergraduate students are allowed to enroll in College of Business graduate courses only with written permission of the Director of Graduate Business Programs. There is an additional fee for Open University students.

Grading Policy

Phase II courses must be taken on a basis of A, B, C, D, F grading. At the instructor's discretion, pluses and minuses may be used. CR/NC grading is not allowed.

Phase III courses must be taken on a basis of A, B, C, D, F grading. At the instructor's discretion, pluses and minuses may be used. CR/NC grading is not allowed.

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 status, the student will not be allowed to enroll in graduate level business courses (700 and 800 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 thereto, for the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) 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.

General Guidelines for M.B.A. and M.S.B.A.

All students planning to complete a master's degree through the College of Business must complete on advisement the applicable requirements as specified in Phases I, II, and III below. Phase I represents proficiency requirements which must be satisfied early in the student's study in a graduate program in business. Phase II represents foundation course work which will be planned on advisement in accordance with the guidelines provided below. The number and type of courses prescribed for a student in Phase II will be determined on the basis of the student's degree objective, academic background, professional experience, and planned focus within the selected degree program. Phase III represents the advanced program that all students will be required to complete.

Phase I—Proficiency Requirements

Written English Proficiency. Level One: all incoming M.B.A./M.S.B.A. candidates are required to satisfy the entry-level written English proficiency requirement by a satisfactory score on the GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), a satisfactory score on the Graduate Essay Test (GET), or successful completion of BUS 714 by the end of the second semester in the program. Level Two: demonstration of a higher level of English proficiency than the required entry level. The students should then be able to demonstrate ability to do scholarly writing in the chosen field. This is normally shown by satisfactory completion of the research project or the master's thesis.

Mathematics/Statistics Proficiency. All students entering the graduate program in business must demonstrate a basic proficiency in mathematics and statistics, by passing mathematics and statistics tests given at various times during the year or by successfully completing DS 710 and 712, respectively by the end of the second semester in the program. This proficiency must be demonstrated before enrolling in any 800-level courses or by the end of the second semester in the program, whichever comes first.

Phase II—Foundation Requirements

Depending upon a student's previous academic background, the Phase II program may range from 0 to 25 units for the M.B.A. and 0 to 28 units for the M.S.B.A. 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.

For M.S.B.A. only, BUS 690 is required if BUS 890 is not taken as a part of the graduate program.

Phase III—Advanced Program Requirements

Advancement to Candidacy

Before being considered for advancement to candidacy the applicant must meet all general university requirements, satisfy all foundation requirements, be certified in written English proficiency (Level One), and complete at least 6 units in College of Business courses in the 800 series.

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 a Graduate Approved Program.

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

John A. Dopp, D.A.
Director of Graduate Business Programs
(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. The Master of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

Accounting Emphasis

Graduate Advisers—Danko, Hsieh, Huang, Jerris

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 from the graduate course listing for the College of Business.

Graduate-level accounting courses for the M.B.A. program may be selected from 800-level accounting courses. ACCT 800 and 801 may not be taken for credit if ACCT 301 and 302, or the equivalents, have been completed.

Decision Sciences/Operations Research Emphasis

Graduate Advisers—Bollapragada, Cholette, Mehrotra, 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.

All graduate decision sciences students must consult a decision sciences graduate adviser before taking Phase III specialization courses for the M.B.A. degree.

In addition to the Phase III 18 units prescribed for this degree, students desiring a limited specialization in decision sciences should take one adviser-approved elective and three courses from the following group: DS 816, DS 851, DS 852, DS 853, DS 854, DS 855, DS 856.

Electronic Commerce Emphasis

Graduate Advisers—Gill, Nickerson, Perttula, 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.

Students desiring a limited specialization in electronic commerce must complete three electronic commerce-related courses at the 800-level in the College of Business with adviser approval.

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, 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.

Every M.B.A. student desiring a limited specialization in finance must complete FIN 819, plus 9 additional units selected from the following courses: FIN 820, 822, 825, 828, 834, 835, and 836.

Information Systems Emphasis

Graduate Advisers—Gill, Mindel, Nickerson, Sayeed

The information systems emphasis offers a program in the development, use, management, and support of information systems in businesses and other organizations.

Students desiring a limited specialization in information systems complete three of the following courses: ISYS 812, 862, 863, 864, 865, 868, 869, 871, 882. Note: Because ISYS 814 is a prerequisite for many 800-level ISYS courses, students should take this course as one of their quantitative track courses in the MBA program.

International Business Emphasis

Graduate Advisers—G. Lee, 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.

The M.B.A. is a broadly based, highly structured, and widely recognized degree designed for the individual seeking greater managerial responsibility across the broad spectrum of business and government operations.

Specialized international business courses are found in the listings for accounting, finance, management, marketing, and transportation as well as those for international business. They include ACCT 808, FIN 835 and 836; IBUS 815, 818, 830, 855, 857, 859, 868, 879, 881, 890, 895, and 899; and MKTG 880 at the graduate level.

Limited specialization and elective courses, all at the 800-level, are selected with the adviser's approval from the College of Business listings.

Management Emphasis

Graduate Advisers—Baack, Castaldi, Ericson, Gaglio, Marks, McCline, Silverman

The specialization in management and organization provides the student with detailed knowledge of managerial functions, concepts, and practices of organization design and behavior required for decision making in a wide range of managerial positions.

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.

Limited specialization and elective graduate courses, all at the 800 level, must be approved in advance, in writing, by the graduate adviser.

Marketing Emphasis

Graduate Advisers—Bhat, Ho, Hussain, Im, Kumar, O’Donnell, Papyrina, Perttula, 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.

Limited specialization and elective graduate courses, all at the 800 level, should be selected, upon advisement, from the graduate course listing for the College of Business.

Sustainable Business Emphasis

Graduate Advisers—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: BUS 856 (Managing the Sustainable Business), BUS 857 (Business Management and Environmental Leadership), BUS 858 (Sustainability and Business Opportunity) and one 800 level business elective on advisement.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

John A. Dopp, D.A.
Director of Graduate Business Programs
(415) 817-4300
E-mail: mba@sfsu.edu

General Information

This degree is intended for students who desire a more individually designed program in business for eventual careers in business, government, trade associations, or the business functions of other agencies. It permits substantial specialization in a particular functional area or cross-disciplinary studies. Some specializations may require courses that are only offered on the Main Campus.

The Master of Science in Business Administration is accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business.

Students in the M.S.B.A. program must follow the Phase I, II, and III requirements listed under the General Guidelines in the Graduate Degree Programs in Business section.

Limitations:

1. Up to 6 of the units may be upper-division undergraduate courses with the approval of the graduate major adviser and the College of Business graduate director.
2. In unusual cases, to meet unique needs, up to 12 of the units may be upper-division undergraduate courses provided that the GAP containing more than 6 such units is approved by the College of Business Graduate Committee prior to the filing of the GAP.
3. In no instance may the GAP contain undergraduate courses that are:
1. lower-division undergraduate courses;
2. business core courses;
3. courses where an equivalent 800-level course is available.

Accounting Emphasis

Graduate Advisers—Danko, Hsieh, Huang, Jerris

This program provides an opportunity for students to specialize more extensively in accounting, including financial accounting, auditing, managerial accounting, taxation, and accounting information systems. In addition to BUS 898 (3 units) or ACCT 895 (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.

Decision Sciences/Operations Research Emphasis

Graduate Advisers—Bollapragada, Cholette, Mehrota, Özlük, Udayabhanu

The decision sciences/operations research emphasis covers techniques used in forecasting, simulation, data analysis, operations research, and quality and productivity, along with other powerful quantitative and computer-based tools for analyzing business problems. All the courses focus on real-world applications rather than on abstract theory. Students also have the option of taking courses that are tied to manufacturing and service operations in public and private organizations.
This emphasis is designed for students who want to develop a strong specialization in areas requiring analytical thinking and superior problem-solving skills. A background in basic mathematics through calculus is desirable. In addition to the 3 units prescribed for this degree (BUS 898), students desiring this specialization must take ISYS 814, at least four courses with a DS prefix from the following group, and with prior adviser approval, 12 units of electives constituting an integrated specialization: DS 816, DS 851, DS 852, DS 853, DS 854, DS 855, DS 856.

Electronic Commerce Emphasis

Graduate Advisers—Gill, Nickerson

The electronic commerce emphasis provides students with an understanding of the planning, development, and management of electronic commerce applications. Core courses in the emphasis cover: design and development of electronic commerce websites and networks, management of electronic commerce projects, and marketing concepts related to electronic commerce. Elective courses allow students to pursue selected technical or non-technical topics in greater depth.

The emphasis includes eight required courses and two elective courses. The required courses are: ISYS 814, ISYS 871, ISYS 865, ISYS 882, MKTG 869, MKTG 860 or FIN 819 or MGMT 842, BUS 890, ISYS 895 or BUS 898. The two elective courses must be selected with adviser approval.

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, 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.

At least 15 units of graduate finance courses in the 800 series beyond FIN 819 (minimum grade of B–) and BUS 898 (Master's Thesis) must be selected with the consent of an adviser. Students must have an adviser-approved program before attempting any 800-level course work.

Hospitality Management Emphasis

Graduate Advisers—Martin, Sim

The hospitality management emphasis is intended for students who desire a more individualized program in business in lodging, foodservice management, commercial recreation, and resort/tourism management. The program meets the needs of a rapidly growing hospitality industry while meeting the mission of the College of Business. This specialization is offered under the auspices of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

This emphasis includes nine elective courses selected with adviser approval. The student selects courses which include four undergraduate upper division hospitality management courses in hotel management; restaurant and institutional foodservice management; or commercial recreation, and resort management. (All undergraduate courses are taught on the Main Campus.) Up to 6 units can be BUS 899, Special Study. An additional 6 units may be transferred from another department or university, such as Marketing or Management Departments with adviser approval. Students can take either HM 590 or BUS 690 in Phase II foundation requirements.

Information Systems Emphasis

Graduate Advisers—Gill, Nickerson, Sayeed, Verma

The information systems emphasis offers a professional program in the development, use, management, and support of information systems in businesses and other organizations. Core courses provide a foundation in information technology application development; the analysis, design, and implementation of information systems; networks and telecommunications; database design and management; multimedia application development; information system management; and electronic commerce. Students may select from electives covering a variety of topics.

The emphasis includes ten courses as follows: ISYS 814 or the equivalent, at least four of the following courses, ISYS 812, 863, 864, 865, 868, 869, 871, 882; zero to five courses selected from the following such that a coherent program is maintained (maximum of two undergraduate courses), ISYS 367, 368, 475, 561, 573, 582, 639, 650, 675 upper division or graduate computer science courses selected with adviser approval, other information systems related graduate courses selected with adviser approval; zero to two 800-level College of Business courses from an area other than ISYS selected with adviser approval (both in the same area, if two are taken); and ISYS 895 or BUS 898.

International Business Emphasis

Graduate Advisers—G. Lee, 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. The M.S.B.A. provides an opportunity for greater specialization in international operations and functions.

Specialized international business courses are found in the listings for accounting, finance, management, and marketing as well as those for international business. They include ACCT 808; FIN 835 and 836; IBUS 815, 818, 830, 855, 857, 859, 868, 879, 881, 890, 895, and 899; and MKTG 880 at the graduate level.

With an adviser's approval, the student selects courses from the 800-series in the College of Business, and supporting graduate and upper-division courses from appropriate colleges to provide: (1) a functional emphasis; (2) a functional or regional emphasis including language; or (3) a program tailored to the individual needs and objectives of the student.

Management Emphasis

Graduate Advisers—Albert, Baack, Castaldi, Dopp, Ericson, Gaglio, Glenn, McCline, Purser, Silverman, Staley, Sullivan

The specialization in management and organization provides the student with detailed knowledge of managerial functions, concepts, and practices; and of organization design and behavior required for decision making in a wide range of managerial positions.

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.

At least 15 units of graduate courses in the 800-series beyond the 3 units required (BUS 898) should be selected, upon advisement, from the graduate courses listed for the College of Business. All selections must be approved in advance, in writing, by the graduate adviser. Special emphases are available in management and productivity improvement, and human resource management.

Marketing Emphasis

Graduate Advisers—Bhat, Ho, Hussain, Im, Kumar, O'Donnell, Papyrina, Perttula, 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.

Every student with an emphasis in marketing must complete MKTG 860, MKTG 861, and MKTG 864. At least 6 units from the following must be completed: MKTG 862, MKTG 865, MKTG 875, and MKTG 888. At least 6 additional units in 800-level courses offered by the College of Business must be selected upon advisement.

EXECUTIVE MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (EMBA) PROGRAM

Aaron D. Anderson, Ph.D., Director
Executive MBA Program, College of Business
835 Market Street, Suite 550
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 817-4320
E-mail: emba@sfsu.edu

Faculty—Baack, Bhat, Ericson, Heiman, Hsiao, Meeks, Mehrotra, Nicholson, O'Shaughnessy, Paton, Sengupta, Sayeed, Verma, Wong

The Executive MBA (EMBA) is a fixed curriculum, cohort program designed to accelerate careers of mid-level managers into executive management. Students in the EMBA program attend classes for 23 months to earn their degree. Cohorts meet either all day on Saturdays or two nights a week.

Admission Requirements. Students applying to the EMBA should follow the admissions process outlined in the section on MBA/MSBA admissions. Each cohort is comprised of fully employed professionals from all functional areas of business, government, or non-profit organizations who typically have at least five years of experience and have demonstrated a pattern of increased responsibility throughout their professional careers. Students need not have had previous course work in business. Applicants must have a GPA (Grade Point Average) of at least 3.0 for the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units of course work and a GMAT score of at least 500.

Cost. Contact the EMBA office for current tuition and fees.

Location. Class meetings are held at the downtown campus located at 835 Market Street, fifth floor, suite 550.

Curriculum. 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 emphasize leadership, cross-functional analysis, teamwork, and current issues in executive management such as electronic commerce. Each class member is expected to complete a research project (BUS 895) that identifies a current problem in the individual's firm or industry, examines alternatives, and recommends a course of action.

The courses that comprise the program are listed below. All courses are 3 semester units unless otherwise noted in parentheses.

Undergraduate Programs in Business Administration
Minor Programs in Business Administration

Footnotes

1. For the M.S.B.A. program with a limited specialization in international business, IBUS 895 may be taken in lieu of BUS 898; for the limited specialization in information systems, ISYS 895 may be taken in lieu of BUS 898; for the limited specialization in accounting, ACCT 895 may be taken in lieu of BUS 898.