Graduate Business Programs : EMBA Admissions : Application Process

Step One— Applying to the Executive MBA Program

To submit the Executive MBA program application, visit EMBA Admissions : Online Application.

The Executive MBA Program employs a self-managed application process. Each applicant must collect all required materials (see items listed below) and submit them directly to the Executive MBA Program office. We encourage students to remit all documents (résumé, statement of Purpose, and recommendation letters) via e-mail and to send hard copies, such as official transcripts, only when there is no other alternative.

Our mailing address is:

Executive MBA Program
College of Business
San Francisco State University Downtown Campus
835 Market Street, Suite 550
San Francisco, California 94103
U.S.A.

Transcripts

Submit one set of official sealed transcripts from each post secondary institution attended as listed on your application form. Applicants with diplomas from outside the U.S. must also submit an official copy of their diploma. If you have taken extra courses since your last degree, or if you have courses in progress and would like those credits counted, send current appropriate transcripts. Documents not written in English must be accompanied by an official English translation. Original copies must be submitted. Faxes or photocopies will not be accepted.

GMAT or GRE Test

Applicants must take the GMAT or GRE test no later than the admissions deadline for the term for which they are applying. The test result is sent directly to San Francisco State University from the testing center as requested by the applicant on the test date, or by e-mail or phone request after the test.

The GMAT code for our Executive MBA Program is: F87HP51.

The GRE code for San Francisco State University is: 4684

If the test was taken more than once, the admission committee will consider only the highest scores reported.

Professional Résumé

Provide a current résumé listing your professional experiences, academic achievements, and other qualifications.

Statement of Purpose

The statement purpose must be between 500-750 words. We require a high-quality example of your best original and independent writing.

In addition to the typical components of a cover letter, we hope to better understand the following:

• What motivates you to apply?
• What are the most compelling reasons for your admission to this program?
• How will your background and experience add value to an EMBA cohort?
• What are your plans for becoming a positive member of our learning community?
• What do you intend to do with the earned education once you have graduated?

Recommendation Letters

Two letters of recommendation from past or current employers are required. There is no standard format, but please limit letters to one page. Download the Letter of Recommendation Cover Form, sign and submit to each recommender. Please ask your recommender to complete form and attach to their recommendation letter. The Letters of Recommendation must be sent directly from your recommenders to our office via e-mail to mba@sfsu.edu or by mail (address is noted on the top portion of the cover form).

TOEFL Requirement

The TOEFL is required for all applicants whose undergraduate degree was earned outside of the United States. The TOEFL test must have been taken within the past two years. Applicants must request two copies of their TOEFL results. Photocopies are not accepted. One copy should be mailed directly to the applicant and inserted, unopened, into the self-managed application packet that is mailed to the EMBA office. The second copy of the test result is sent directly to SF State from Educational Testing Service, as requested by the applicant on the test date, or by e-mail or phone request after the test. The San Francisco State University TOEFL code number is 4683.

You do not need to take the TOEFL if you graduated from the following universities:

• Canada
• Jamaica
• Australia
• The United Kingdom
• Ireland
• South Africa
• New Zealand
• Belize

Step Two— The California State University Application

Complete and submit the entire Graduate Application—parts A and B—online via CSU Mentor.

The program code for EMBA is 05011. Select “San Francisco State University,” “Executive MBA,” and type “EMBA” to clearly indicate via the CSU Mentor system that you are applying to the EMBA program.

In Part B, under Standardized Admission Tests, indicate when you took the GMAT. For applicants with international diplomas, please also indicate when you to the TOEFL exam.

Application Fee

Currently, the application fee is US$55.00, and can be paid electronically as you submit your CSU application online.

Application Evaluation

After all of the above steps have been completed and all documents have been received and processed, the applicant's file is transferred to and assessed by the university evaluators.

International transcripts are evaluated according to information compiled by NAFSA, including a review of your university’s accreditation. Evaluators also assess whether you have earned the equivalent of a U.S. 4-year bachelor's degree, earned above the minimum GPA as related to the U.S. system, and other criteria.

The EMBA Program director reviews only completed, evaluated files returned from the university evaluator. Applicants may be asked for a phone or in-person interview. The program director makes the final decision on all applications.

Admission Notification Procedure

Accepted applicants are notified by San Francisco State University with an Official Notice of Admission. To check your application status on line, see SF State Admission Status.

Registration

The EMBA program uses the registration system administered by SF State's College of Extended Learning (CEL). Students do not fill out SF State registration documents. Likewise, EMBA students do not pay tuition fees through the University process.

When an EMBA applicant is admitted to the program, the EMBA office sends a Welcome Packet with information on advising, student orientation, an invoice for fees, registration materials, and further advice to prepare for the first term of study