Professional Masters of Business Administration - Traditional Track

Program Overview

The Professional MBA Traditional Track at Saint Mary's is structured to provide a flexible yet comprehensive learning experience, typically completed over 24 months, though it can be extended up to 5 years for those needing more flexibility. The program comprises 12 to 15 courses, including foundational, core, and concentration courses, leading to a robust understanding of business functions. It caters to working professionals who aim to develop strategic skills and an ethical foundation crucial for leadership roles in today's dynamic global business environment. The program is specifically designed to balance academic rigor with real-world applicability, preparing graduates to make immediate and impactful contributions.

STEM-Designated: Yes, Saint Mary's College of California's MBA program, including the Traditional Track, is STEM-designated. This is a significant benefit, particularly for international students studying on F-1 visas. The STEM designation makes them eligible for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension, allowing for a total of up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. post-graduation. This extended period provides invaluable opportunities for gaining professional experience in the American workforce and underscores the program's strong focus on quantitative skills, analytics, and technological applications in business.

AACSB Accredited: The MBA program at Saint Mary's College of California holds the prestigious AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation. This is a globally recognized hallmark of excellence, achieved by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. AACSB accreditation assures prospective students and employers of the program's high academic standards, relevant curriculum, and commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that graduates possess the strategic skills and ethical foundation highly demanded by top global employers.

Curriculum: The Traditional Track curriculum is meticulously designed for a comprehensive business education. It typically begins with foundational courses in Economics, Quantitative Methods, and Accounting, which may be waived based on prior academic performance. The core curriculum encompasses essential business disciplines such as Operations Management, Organizational Behavior and Management, Managerial Finance, Marketing Management, International Business, Ethical and Social Aspects of Business, Leading Technology and Innovation, Doing Business in World Regions (which can be a travel course), and Strategic Decision Making. Students then personalize their MBA by choosing two concentration courses from areas like Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, or Entrepreneurship, enabling them to specialize their expertise to align with their specific career aspirations.

Research Focus: The Professional MBA program at Saint Mary's adopts an applied, practical research focus, aimed at enhancing students' analytical and strategic decision-making capabilities rather than purely theoretical academic research. The curriculum integrates rigorous examination of economic and business theories with advanced analytical methodologies. Students are expected to apply quantitative techniques for data-driven decision-making, conduct in-depth analyses of market structures, and investigate the dynamics of global financial systems. This focus is primarily delivered through case studies, simulations, and project-based learning that mimic real-world business challenges, allowing students to develop actionable insights and solutions.

Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College maintains robust industry engagement, which is deeply embedded in the Professional MBA program. The curriculum is continuously shaped by insights from an advisory board of seasoned industry leaders, ensuring its relevance to current business practices and emerging trends. Faculty members often bring extensive professional experience, enriching classroom discussions with real-world scenarios and practical wisdom. The program actively encourages experiential learning and fosters valuable networking opportunities with professors, alumni, and business partners within the thriving Bay Area business ecosystem and beyond. This strong connection to industry ensures graduates are well-prepared to step into impactful roles immediately.

Global Perspective: The Professional MBA program at Saint Mary's College inherently integrates a strong global perspective. Core courses such as "International Business" and "Doing Business in World Regions" directly immerse students in the complexities of global commerce, cross-cultural management, and international economic dynamics. The curriculum educates students to consider global contexts, cultural nuances, and ethical implications when analyzing and making business decisions. The diverse student body, which includes a significant international presence, further enriches classroom discussions with varied cultural and economic viewpoints, fostering a truly global learning environment. The program's STEM designation also facilitates extended opportunities for international graduates to gain professional experience in the U.S., enhancing their global competitiveness and contributions to the international business community.