Leavey School of Business

Santa Clara University, Leavey School of Business History

Santa Clara University, founded in 1851, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Jesuits. The 104-acre campus is located in a suburban area 46 miles south of San Francisco. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 8377.

The Leavey School of Business was founded in 1926 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, Kenna Hall. The basic educational approach is to develop men and women of competence, conscience, and compassion who can lead organizations to positions of competitive strength in the rapidly changing global environment. The case method and team projects are used.

Santa Clara University, Leavey School of Business Academics

The Santa Clara MBA Program offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) as well as a joint degree in law (JD/MBA). Other programs include cross-registration, work-study programs, and a multilateral agreement with AACSB-accredited MBA programs at other Jesuit schools. The strongest areas of study are entrepreneurship, finance, international business, leadership, and marketing. The most popular courses are in marketing, finance, and management. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus, including classroom speakers, quarterly lectures, and the breakfast speaker series.

Required courses include:

• Leadership for Justice and Prosperity
• Managerial Competencies and Team Effectiveness
• Social, Political, and Legal Environment of Business
• Operations Management
• Advanced Accounting
• Investments
• Business Policy
• 6 waivable required courses
• 8 electives
• Competitive Marketing Strategy
• Organizational Analysis and Management
• Economics for Business Decisions

Required courses for the Executive MBA include:

• 4 1-unit foundation courses
• 9 interdisciplinary themes (6 units each):
• Leadership
• Complex Decisions
• Navigating the Business Environment
• Operating in Global Financial and Product Markets
• Supply Chain Management
• Bringing Technology to Market
• Managing Innovation and Change
• New Business Ventures
• Creating Value

Required courses for the MSIS include:

• Accounting for Business Decisions
• Financial Management
• Computer-Based Decision Models
• Organizational Analysis and Management
• Object-Oriented Analysis and Programming
• Information Systems Analysis and Design
• Database Management Systems
• Information Systems Policy and Strategy
• Telecommunications and Business Networks
• Software Project Management
• 5 elective courses
• 3 integrative experience courses

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by taking equivalency exams. Equivalent course grade must be B or better and meet age requirement for automatic waiver.

The maximum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time or part time is 6 years.

There are 68 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 98% hold a doctorate; there are 18 part-time faculty, of whom 50% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated well above average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 6; average business class size is 35.

Santa Clara University, Leavey School of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 758,000 volumes and 780,000 microform items, and subscribes to 4800 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as OSCAR, LINK+, and other database search services.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 210 IBM PCs, located in the library and business school building. Hours vary, covering 8 a.m. to midnight. Various software packages are available.

Career and Job Placement

In spring 2006, 80 companies recruited on campus. Ninety percent were national corporations. Majors most in demand were marketing, finance, consulting, and technology. Average starting salary of the graduating class was $88,680; range was $55,000 to $142,000. Placement services for alumni include full use of career services, for a small fee. Placement is available through Graduate Business Career Services. Eighty percent of the most recent graduating class found jobs within three months of receiving their degree.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. International students must score 600 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of a waiver form and a copy of an insurance card, and proof of adequate funds to cover first year of study. There is a special $100 application fee and a $100 annual student services fee. The application deadline for fall entry is June 1.

Calendar

The school operates on a quarter basis. Quarters are 10 weeks long; summer sessions, 7 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only and weekends.

Santa Clara University, Leavey School of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and work experience. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 395; 316 were accepted; 203 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.28; average GMAT score was 624. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, winter, and spring. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $75, 2 letters of recommendation, and essays (2 required; 1 optional). The application deadlines are June 1 for fall entry; September 1, winter; December 1, spring. Students are notified of the admissions decision 4 to 6 weeks after the deadline. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is May 31. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 2 quarters (includes summer).

Santa Clara University, Leavey School of Business Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include a small amount of available diversity funds. The FAFSA, the school’s own financial statement, and the previous year’s tax return are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is $714 per credit. Graduate student housing is not available on campus. House sharing is possible in the local area. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Santa Clara University, Leavey School of Business Students

Twenty-two percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 95% have had an average of 7 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from California (90%). Thirty-two percent are women, 30% are minorities, and 21% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 30; ages range from 21 to 60. Two percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 18% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 50%, engineering; 14%, liberal arts; 12%, business; 12%, math and science; 5%, economics; and 4%, social sciences. In 2006, 374 graduate business degrees were awarded.