Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business

As a Jesuit institution, the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University focuses on educating the whole person — mind, body, and soul. This approach is part of the school’s goal to prepare MBAs to create a more just, ethical, and sustainable world.

“SCU is grounded in Jesuit values that allow students the opportunity for ethical decision making and principled leadership development,” says Toby McChesney, senior assistant dean of graduate business programs. 

Santa Clara’s executive and evening MBAs make balancing work and education easier. Leavey’s Executive MBA is a 20-month cohort-based program tailored to the seasoned professional. Ranked #22 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best Graduate Schools rankings, the Evening MBA is a program that caters to the working professional by utilizing global business models and an expansive network of alumni, peers, and professionals. 

Beginning in spring 2020, Leavey introduced the “MBA Anywhere: You Choose, You Excel” program. Students pursuing an Executive or Online MBA degree will be able to select elective from a wider range of online and on-campus options. For both degrees students may choose up to 12 units of elective credits. Executive MBA students will be able to take online elective whereas online students will be able to take on-campus electives. This exciting addition gives students the opportunity to finish coursework on their own time while maintaining the same high level of education. 

In their first year, MBAs take most of their core classes with a cohort of roughly 35 students.

With Leavey’s commitment to Jesuit ideals of integrity and social and corporate responsibility, it’s no wonder the school gives its MBAs a solid foundation in business ethics and sustainability. As part of the core curriculum, students take Business Ethics, where they are taught the moral and ethical implications of business decisions and bring about creative solutions to real-world problems. In their second year, MBAs can choose from 26 units of electives to personalize their MBA to suit their individual interests or career goals. 

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Leavey offers MBAs a direct connection to some of the most innovative companies in the world. A number of Leavey courses are taught with an emphasis on “live” cases, connections to Silicon Valley best practices, and involvement of Silicon Valley executives. 

“Our geography is our laboratory to explore the elements of business success, helping students discover and leverage their own ingenuity,” McChesney says. Some popular employers for Leavey MBAs: Apple, Cisco, Google, Oracle, Google, Zoom, Workday, and Adobe — to name a few. Leavey MBAs have a number of opportunities to connect with companies in the region, including on-campus and virtual company information sessions, corporate visits to Silicon Valley companies, career fairs, and sponsored events. 

To be considered for the Leavey MBA program, applicants should have at least three years of work experience and a strong academic background. But Leavey also specifically seeks applicants who align with their vision of creating a better world.

“We are looking for students who prioritize collaboration over personal achievement, and who value community involvement,” McChesney says. “Our graduates are our biggest asset and graduating from SCU means you are a Bronco for life, sharing opportunities and camaraderie with fellow Broncos.”

 “With a firm grasp of both theory and practice — what should be done as well as how to get it done — our graduates bring the best tools and an energetic perspective to every business decision,” McChesney says. “The faculty at the Leavey School of Business comprises both renowned scholars and celebrated teachers. These committed instructors and dedicated researchers create the knowledge and tools that are the foundations of modern business education.”