The USF Difference

MBA Blog / 18th April 2025

Alexandra Skinner talks to Senior Director, MBA Programs, Frank Fletcher

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.

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 education 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. 

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