Think boldly

Curriculum

Your time here at Stanford will be transformative.

During year one, you’ll strengthen your foundation of core business disciplines and analytical techniques. You’ll tackle problem solving, decision making, and data analytics in multi-leveled courses. Your global experience will further broaden your knowledge and perspective.

In year two, you’ll make the Stanford MBA Program your own. Choose from hundreds of electives to feed your curiosity and fuel your passions. Ground yourself in tried and true fundamentals or chase the next big thing. Get hands-on experience practicing your leadership style, writing a business plan, or building a prototype. It’s up to you.

(Every effort is made to ensure that the degree requirement and course information, applicable policies, and other materials provided by the GSB are accurate and current. The University reserves the right to make changes at any time without prior notice.)

A personal journey to professional success

Each year of our program is designed with its own focus, but the journey is still yours to shape.

Year One

Focus on core courses and your global experience

Autumn Quarter Core Courses
Ethics in Management
Finance I
Financial Accounting
Leadership Labs
Managerial Economics
Managing Groups and Teams
Optimization, Simulation & Modeling
Organizational Behavior

Winter/Spring Quarter Core Courses
Data Analysis and Decision Making
Finance II
Human Resources
Information Management
Macroeconomics
Managerial Accounting
Marketing
Operations
Strategy
Strategy Beyond Markets

Global Experiences
GMIX
Global Seminars
Global Study Trips
Stanford-Tsinghua Exchange Program (STEP)
Self-directed experiences

Year Two

Focus on personal passions through electives and experiential opportunities

150+ electives, including:

Startup Garage
Learn to create and launch new products. For real. In just 5 years, this course has helped students create more than 25 viable businesses.

The Future of Cities: Entrepreneurship, Policy & Business Strategy
Examine how cities run, how innovation can make them run better, and what challenges stand in the way of city-scale change.

Humor: Serious Business
Take a serious look at humor and learn how to harness it effectively to achieve business objectives.

History of Financial Crises
Walk away with an understanding of the root causes of past financial crises and what lessons they can teach us.

The Impact of AI on Productivity and Personal Performance
Gain insight from guest speakers on how AI is changing the workplace; use data to examine whether AI innovations translate into increased GDP and productivity.