Q: What makes the University of San Francisco’s MBA unique?
The USF MBA is more than a degree—it’s an immersive, career-shaping experience at the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs. USF’s MBA isn’t confined to the classroom. Through client projects with leading companies, access to top industry conferences, and daily networking opportunities, students are constantly engaged with the city’s innovation and business ecosystem. With small class sizes – individual classes never exceed 30 students – and a cohort that brings global perspectives and diverse professional backgrounds, students collaborate closely, building meaningful relationships that last a lifetime.
Q: Can you talk about the MBA pathways and delivery methods you offer at the University of San Francisco?
The MBA is offered as a two-year, full-time MBA, an online part-time MBA, and an Executive MBA (EMBA). The full-time and EMBA programs are delivered in person.
Students pursuing the full-time MBA choose a Career Accelerator Platform (CAP) in the spring of their first year. This is a dynamic, industry-focused initiative designed to equip MBA students with the skills, experiences, and connections needed to advance their careers. One of the highlights of the CAP experience is a 14-week client-facing project. In addition, students receive personalized career coaching, exclusive networking opportunities with top employers, and a fully curated academic journey led by some of our top faculty. By integrating career development directly into the MBA experience, the CAP empowers students to navigate their professional journeys with confidence and impact.
“Experiential learning is at the heart of the USF MBA program, providing students with hands-on opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world business settings.”
One of the advantages of the USF MBA program is that it fosters a dynamic and collaborative learning environment by bringing together students from all three program formats—full-time, online part-time, and EMBA—through shared academic and co-curricular experiences. Elective courses and the Horizon Core, a flexible core curriculum, allow students to engage with peers across programs, enriching discussions with diverse perspectives and professional insights. Beyond the classroom, networking events, industry speaker series, and conferences create opportunities for students to build meaningful connections, gain industry knowledge, and expand their professional networks. This integrated approach ensures that all USF MBA students benefit from a broad, cross-program learning community that enhances their educational and career growth.
Q: Students have access to a host of experiential learning opportunities, from project and consulting work to domestic (Silicon Valley) and global immersions. Can you unpack these opportunities for our readers and talk about the benefits attached?
Experiential learning is at the heart of the USF MBA program, providing students with hands-on opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world business settings. Course-embedded projects integrate live case studies and industry collaborations, allowing students to tackle real business challenges within their coursework. The 14-week CAP project connects students with companies for immersive, project-based work that enhances their industry expertise and professional networks. The Magis Final Project serves as a capstone experience, where students synthesize their learning to develop strategic, high-impact solutions for real organizations. Additionally, the Malloy Group, USF’s student-run consulting club, enables students to engage with businesses and nonprofits, sharpening their consulting skills while making a tangible impact. Together, these experiential learning opportunities ensure that USF MBA students graduate with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to drive meaningful change in their careers.
Q: Given that the Bay Area breathes tech, one might assume this is the default sector for most of your graduates. Is this the case?
While the tech sector is a major draw for many graduates of the USF MBA program, our location in one of the most diverse economies in the US provides students with a wealth of career opportunities beyond technology. Our graduates leverage this sector diversity to explore careers in financial services, advisory services, healthcare, travel and tourism, and agriculture, among others. This broad economic landscape not only expands job prospects but also attracts a diverse student body with varied professional backgrounds and career aspirations. As a result, the learning experience is enriched by a wide range of perspectives, fostering dynamic discussions, cross-industry insights, and a stronger professional network that extends far beyond the classroom.
“Your application should reflect who you truly are—your experiences, aspirations, and the unique perspective you bring to the program.”
Q: From an admissions standpoint, what advice would you give potential applicants?
Applying to the USF MBA program is an opportunity to take a transformative step in your career, but it starts with authenticity. Your application should reflect who you truly are—your experiences, aspirations, and the unique perspective you bring to the program. Take the self-reflection process seriously; an MBA is not just a credential but a deeply personal and professional journey. Think critically about the kind of learning experience that resonates with you most. Consider the Who, Where, What, and Why of your decision: Who do you want to share this experience with and learn from? Where do you want to immerse yourself in business education? What are you hoping to achieve, both during and after your MBA? And most importantly, Why is this the right time for you to pursue it? Thoughtful answers to these questions will not only strengthen your application but also ensure that you choose the MBA experience that aligns best with your goals and values.
Biography
Frank Fletcher is the senior director of MBA programs at the University of San Francisco’s Masagung Graduate School of Management.
