Santa Clara University

Executive Education

The Executive Development Center (EDC) began in 1959 to provide timely, short-form professional development for Silicon Valley's emerging technology companies: Hewlett-Packard, Fairchild, Varian, and IBM were among the first companies to send managers to participate in two- or three-day intensive workshops and seminars.

Currently a full schedule of open enrollment and company-based programs assist individuals and company HR departments in providing training in particular business skills, including project management, negotiation, and finance for non-financial managers.

In the 1980s, the Certified Equity Professional Institute (CEPI) was developed under the aegis of the EDC to standardize education for corporate staff responsible for managing equity compensation. 

At the beginning of the new century, the EDC launched the Certificate of Advanced Accounting Proficiency program in conjunction with the academic department of accounting to provide post-baccalaureate preparation for those wanting to sit for the CPA exam.

In addition, the St. Gallen University/Santa Clara University Silicon Valley Experience is a joint partnership between the Swiss university's Executive MBA program and Santa Clara University as host, introducing students to the Silicon Valley in a four-week residential experience. The curriculum is planned and delivered by the Executive Development Program, leveraging its connections to the innovative and entrepreneurial organizations within Silicon Valley.

The School of Business also offers an Executive MBA degree program which is administered by the Graduate Business Programs office.