Pre-MBA Certificate Curriculum

Review the Pre-MBA curriculum and plan your path to graduate business study. You will complete required courses, build key skills and prepare to meet MBA admission requirements at SFSU.

Curriculum

You must complete the following prerequisite courses or approved equivalents before or during the program.

As a Pre-MBA student, you will enroll in the Business Administration certificate program. You must pass all required courses to meet certificate and MBA entry requirements.

Some courses require prior study in calculus, economics, information systems and accounting. If you do not meet these prerequisites or an approved equivalent, you will need to complete them before or during the program.

You can take prerequisite courses at SFSU or at another college or university.

Total certificate units required: 24
Prerequisite units: 15

This roadmap is a suggested plan of study. You may need to adjust your course sequence based on availability and prerequisites. Consult the certificate faculty advisor for guidance.

Student has all prerequisites | Total units: 24

Semester 1 (12 units)

  • ACCT 100
  • BUS 300
  • DS 212
  • ISYS 363

Semester 2 (12 units)

  • DS 412
  • FIN 350
  • MGMT 405
  • MKTG 431

Semester 3
Not required

Student has no prerequisites | Total units: 39

Semester 1 (12 units)

  • ACCT 100
  • DS 110 or MATH 110
  • ECON 101 or ECON 102
  • ISYS 263

Semester 2 (15 units)

  • ACCT 101
  • BUS 300
  • DS 212
  • ECON 101 or ECON 102
  • ISYS 363

Semester 3 (12 units)

  • DS 412
  • FIN 350
  • MGMT 405
  • MKTG 431

This one-unit course introduces you to the geography, history, environment, culture and politics of the Bay Area, San Francisco and San Francisco State University. You will build community, learn about campus and explore the city as you prepare for life in San Francisco.

The course includes hands-on learning and field trips throughout the city.

This optional course is offered in person or in a hybrid format at no cost. You can sign up when you complete your course preference wishlist.

Global Business Communication Skills I and II are CEU courses that help you prepare for a job or internship search. You will build the professional skills you need to succeed. These courses are not required for the certificate, but we encourage you to take them if you plan to apply to graduate school, Optional Practical Training (OPT), an internship or a job.

MBA Eligibility

You may be eligible for admission to the SFSU Lam Family College of Business MBA program after completing the Pre-MBA program.

Direct consideration with test waiver
If you are from a 3+1+1 partner university, you will be considered for MBA admission with TOEFL and GMAT waived if you:

  • Complete the two-semester Pre-MBA program
  • Earn a 3.5 GPA or higher
  • Earn a B or higher in BUS 300: Business Communication for Professionals
  • Submit a complete application
  • Earn your bachelor’s degree from your home university

If admitted, you will take a proctored writing exam. Your score will determine if you need to complete BUS 714 in your first MBA semester.

Standard consideration
You may also be considered for MBA admission if you:

  • Complete the two-semester Pre-MBA program
  • Earn a 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Submit a complete application with TOEFL and GMAT scores
  • Earn your bachelor’s degree from your home university

MBA admission is competitive. Your application will be reviewed based on your academic record, recommendations, interview, résumé and statement of purpose.

MBA Requirements

If you complete the Pre-MBA program, you must meet the following requirements to be considered for MBA admission at SFSU.

Academic requirements

  • Pass all eight courses in the Pre-MBA program
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Earn a four-year bachelor’s degree from your home university

Test requirements

  • TOEFL waiver if you earn a 3.5 GPA or higher and a B or higher in BUS 300 (standard requirement is TOEFL iBT 88 or IELTS 6.5)
  • GMAT or GRE waiver for 3+1+1 partner university students with a 3.5 GPA or higher
  • GMAT or GRE required if your GPA is 3.0 to 3.49
  • Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 are not eligible

Additional requirements

  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • CV or résumé
  • Interview

If you receive a TOEFL or GMAT waiver, you will take an in-person proctored writing exam. Your score will determine if you need to complete BUS 714 in your first MBA semester.