School of Management
Accreditation
We are an AACSB-accredited school, the highest standard of achievement held only by 5% of business schools worldwide. Our graduate program in public administration is accredited by NASPAA, the foremost membership organization of graduate programs in public administration, public policy, public affairs, and public and nonprofit management in the US and around the world.
WSCUC
In March 2019 the ASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) has again reaffirmed accreditation for the University of San Francisco.
Accreditation entitles the University to participate in federal student financial aid programs. Accreditation also helps ensure that credits and degrees are generally recognized for purposes of transfer, admission to other institutions, and employment.
AACSB
AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide held by fewer than 5 percent of business programs. Achieving AACSB-accreditation is a rigorous process. Each accreditation standard assesses a school's ability to perform in critical areas, such as teaching, research, curricula development, and student learning.
NASPAA
In July 2020 the Master of Public Administration again successfully met the NASPAA standards (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) for a Professional Master’s Degree Program in Public Affairs, Policy, and Administration. To achieve accreditation, the USF MPA has proven to contribute to the knowledge, research, and practice of public service, establish observable goals and outcomes and use information about performance to guide program improvement.
A mission-based process driven by public service values, NASPAA accreditation ensures students achieve learning objectives in domains essential to public service. When seeking employment, graduating from an accredited program assures your degree has met a standard of quality that adequately prepares you for the profession. In fact, many employers require that your degree come from an accredited program to be eligible for tuition reimbursements.
STEM Designated
The University of San Francisco is excited to offer a number of STEM designated (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) graduate programs that meet a variety of professional needs.
Our offerings range from single degree programs like MS in Financial Analysis to dual degree programs like MBA/MS Environmental Management. Each of our programs keep in mind market needs and long-term professional development. With a STEM designated degree, you will be well positioned to forge a career in roles that require data-driven decision making and the ability to lead technical teams.
Benefits of a STEM Designated Degree
- Demand for talent with technical proficiency in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond is greater than it’s ever been. STEM degrees prepare students for roles in tech-driven environments.
- Employers seek candidates who are capable of navigating complicated business problems using data. The STEM degrees provide students the skills to capture and interpret data effectively and to communicate solutions with authority.
- STEM graduates are afforded 36 months of OPT (Optional Practical Training). This extension of an additional 24 months of OPT means that potential employers do not need to sponsor you with an H1B Visa for up to three years. The main obstacle to employment in the US is removed with a STEM degree.
Are you a good fit for a STEM MBA program?
- STEM degrees are more technical in nature. Students should be proficient in and comfortable with quantitative coursework.
- If you do not have a quantitative or technical background, you may still be a good fit for a STEM degree. However, to ensure success, you should consider taking courses in areas like Calculus or Statistics prior to enrolling in a STEM degree.
- In order to maximize the benefit of the STEM degree, you will need to pursue career opportunities in STEM related fields. If this does not align with your career goals, then the STEM degree may not be a good fit for you.
STEM Degree Programs
USF School of Management offers several STEM designated graduate programs.