The Dean’s Challenge
Santa Clara University’s MBA program is the premier business program for Silicon Valley and ranked as one of the top 15 programs for working professionals in the nation. We combine tradition with innovation, theory with practical applications, and excellence in research with excellence in teaching. Our mission is to develop men and women with competence, conscience, and compassion who can provide leadership in technologically advanced and rapidly changing global environments. Here are some unique elements of our educational experience.
The Jesuit tradition of education stresses development of the whole person. This emphasis is reflected in our commitment to ethics and to the human impact of decisions. Grace under pressure, the ability to reason calmly and make productive decisions in the presence of uncertainty, and the capacity to inspire confidence and trust are essential dimensions of human character that are cultivated through our MBA program.
The spirit of innovation is reflected in the ongoing transformation of the Leavey School of Business. Our curriculum is constantly being enhanced to reflect the dynamic nature of Silicon Valley careers and concerns. New courses, new formats and delivery mechanisms, global study experiences, and many other curricular changes reflect the process of continuous improvement to which our faculty is committed.
A tradition of excellence is clearly embodied in our students and alumni. Our student body mirrors the national and international composition of working professionals from Silicon Valley’s vibrant business community. Representing a cadre of “Who’s Who” among technology firms, as well as from entrepreneurial firms and service organizations, our students enliven the classroom with their experiences, verve, and energy. Students are challenged through individual and team-based approaches to develop their critical thinking skills and their effectiveness in working collaboratively in complex problem-solving environments.
Our faculty of teaching scholars is involved actively not just in the transmission of information, but also in the generation of knowledge. They play leading roles in their professional associations and publish in the top scholarly journals. This excellence of scholarship is balanced by a strong commitment to teaching and continuous improvement in service to students. Our executive faculty provide pragmatic perspectives on critical issues and the application of new knowledge and skills. Faculty continue to develop new courses to reflect the demands of such salient issues as managing innovation and technology, entrepreneurship, behavioral finance, and the globalization of business strategies.
The integration of theory and practice is achieved through the Santa Clara MBA experience. As a professional school, we are concerned with the nettlesome issues that spell the difference between success and failure in today’s competitive marketplace. Such issues as time-to-market, managing change, technology transfer, workforce diversity, competitive supply-chain manufacturing strategies, leadership, and ethics are addressed throughout the curriculum and the faculty’s own scholarly contributions to the frontiers of knowledge for practical purpose. Both theoretical rigor and practical relevance are stressed throughout our program.
A New Building brings together all of the faculty, students, staff and program offices into a single entity and enlivens the energy, vitality, networking and productivity of our educational community. Lucas Hall is an entirely wirelessly-enhanced broadband facility, with every classroom outfitted to meet the needs of working professionals, including full video and audio recording capabilities, complete with 14 small group student breakout conference rooms and dozens of additional small conference areas, indoor and outdoor terraces, cyber cafe services, and convenient parking.
We are looking for applicants who seek challenge and stimulation, who are bright and imaginative, and who love to learn; those with enthusiasm, zest, and an aspiration to make a difference in the lives of others.
Barry Z. Posner, PhD.
Dean and Professor of Leadership
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