Business Administration, M.B.A. (Professional)

The Professional MBA program at Saint Louis University's Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is tailored to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. 

SLU's broad-based Professional MBA program, ranked in the top 100 nationally by U.S. News & World Report for 2022, prepares students to succeed in management roles by developing strategic skills and knowledge in a range of functional business areas. In addition to the managerial core, students can focus elective coursework in one of 10 concentration areas, including the Chaifetz School’s nationally ranked specialty areas of entrepreneurship (No. 14), international business (No. 9) and supply chain management (No. 16).

Curriculum Overview

SLU's Professional MBA courses are offered in-person Monday through Thursday from 6-9:15 p.m., with many classes also online, allowing students to complete the program and maintain full-time employment. On average, evening MBA students complete the program in two-and-a-half years but are allotted up to five years, if necessary, allowing students to maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives. 

The Professional MBA program requirements range from 36-48 credits, depending on academic background. The program consists of 12 credits of foundation coursework (economics, accounting, applied business statistics and operations management), 21 credits of advanced managerial core requirements and nine credits of advanced electives. Partial to complete waivers may be offered for the four foundations courses for students demonstrating competency through previous coursework. These waivers are determined at the time of admission. Questions about course waivers can be directed to gradbiz@slu.edu.

The advanced managerial core includes coursework in finance, information technology, global business, business analytics, management, marketing, legal/ethical environment of business and professional effectiveness. Lastly, students complete a strategy and practice course during which students participate in live team-based consulting projects with local for-profit and nonprofit organizations. The course is aimed at developing teamwork and integrated strategy skills. Electives may be taken in any business discipline or, with academic approval, several non-business disciplines.

Students have the option to pursue a concentration using their nine elective hours:

• Accounting (Additional prerequisites may be required)
• Economics
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Information technology management
• International business
• Management
• Marketing
• Project management
• Supply chain management

Careers

The Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business has a dedicated Career Resources Center and graduate career advisor to help MBA students define professional goals, build essential career skills, create a robust professional network and develop a job search strategy. The center’s support, resources and advisement are available to students after graduation.

Eighty percent of graduates reported a change in employment status. About one-third accepted offers from a new employer, about one-third received promotions, and about one-third changed functional roles within their organizations. Ninety-six percent of graduates who indicated a change in employment reported a salary increase at an average of 33 percent. 

Admission Requirements

The Chaifetz School uses a holistic admissions approach to carefully evaluate all applicants, considering every aspect of their application. While an undergraduate degree is required for admission, a business background is not. Applicants must submit their:

• Completed online application
• Transcript(s) from all previously attended institutions
• 1-2 letters of recommendation
• Résumé/CV
• Professional goal statement of fewer than 500 words

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once all application materials are received. The average time for admissions decisions is two weeks.

Requirements for International Students

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will also need to submit:

• English Language Proficiency Scores: For non-native speakers of English, an official English language test score report is required and must be sent directly to the institution. Scores should be no more than two years old. This program requires a TOEFL score of 80 and an IELTS broadband of at least 6.5 or a Duolingo score of 110.
  • The Graduate Programs Office reserves the right to evaluate an applicant’s English based on an admissions interview and/or an English language test. Based on the results from either or both, applicants may be referred to INTO SLU for additional coursework. 
• Official Academic Transcripts: An official transcript articulating both GPA and grades for all previous coursework is required and will be evaluated at the time of admission.
  • The Graduate Programs Office reserves the right to request an applicant submit a WES or ECE evaluation.
• Documentation of Financial Support: After an admission decision has been made and scholarship consideration has been assessed, students will need to complete an addendum form outlining certification of financial support for one year of study (if a student visa is required) that must be submitted with the necessary documentation. Documentation will include:

  • A letter (declaration) of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency providing funds for your tuition and living expenses for the duration of your study at Saint Louis University.

  • A letter (certification) from the sponsor’s bank verifying that such funds currently are available and will be so for each subsequent year of your study at this University. The financial evidence must cover at least the expenses needed for the first year of your study.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The Chaifetz School offers generous scholarships to make a graduate degree from our nationally ranked institution accessible. All applicants to the Professional MBA program are automatically considered for scholarship awards at the time of admission. Learn more about Professional MBA scholarships. 

For more information about student loans, please visit the Office of Student Financial Services.;

Accreditation

The Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world’s largest business education alliance and accrediting body of business schools, ensuring continuous quality improvement in terms of curriculum, instructional resources, student selection, career placement and intellectual contributions and qualifications of the faculty. Approximately 5% of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation. 

The Professional M.B.A. is a customizable degree that allows professionals from varied backgrounds to stack certificates to earn the M.B.A. For those who successfully complete the requisite coursework, they can have part or all of the Business Essentials Certificate waived. All students will earn the Global Management & Decision-Making Certificate with the opportunity to finish the remaining 21-27 hours by earning 2 more certificates or choosing approved electives. 

To receive a STEM designation with the M.B.A., one of the following certificates is required: Applied Economic Forecasting, Business Analytics, or Supply Chain Management. 

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

For additional admission questions, please contact:

Graduate Business Admission Team
314-977-3800
gradbiz@slu.edu

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