The Business Foundations Certificate at Saint Louis University's Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is an 18-credit certificate program available for graduates of any undergraduate program who are interested in gaining business knowledge and skills. Upon successful completion of the certificate, interested students may apply for admission to Saint Louis University's full MBA program and if accepted, the completed 18 credits may be applied toward the MBA program of study.

Curriculum Overview

The certificate requirements consist of 12 credits of graduate foundation courses and six credits of breadth courses (chosen by the student in association with their advisor) for a total of 18 credits.

Admission Requirements

• Online application 
• Current resume
• Two references
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
• Personal statement (This statement should include personal and professional goals, reasons for pursuing the graduate degree and any additional insights into character or academic/employment history that will be helpful to the admissions committee. Limit to 500 words or less.)
• GMAT is not required for the Business Foundation Certificate. (Students interested in applying for the full MBA program upon completion of this certificate will submit a GMAT or GRE score as part of their application.)

Requirements for International Students

• Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will also need to submit addendum form outlining certification of financial support for one year of study (if a student visa is required) submitted with necessary documentation.
• For non-native speakers of English, an official TOEFL or IELTS score report is also required and must be sent directly from ETS or the British Council (The school code is 6629 for ETS). TOEFL and IELTS scores should be no more than two years old. This program requires a TOEFL score of 88 and an IELTS broadband of at least a 6.5. The Pearson Test of English scores can be accepted as well.
• A GPA on a 4.0 scale is required and should be reflected on official transcripts or documentation. All international transcripts must be calculated by the World Education Services (WES) or the Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) and include a course-by-course evaluation, including GPA and course levels. The graduate business programs office prefers WES but will accept ECE.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for graduate assistantship, applicants should complete their applications by February 1. 

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.  

Accreditation 

The Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is accredited by AACSB, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the world’s largest business education alliance and accrediting body of business schools, ensuring continuous quality improvement in terms of curriculum, instructional resources, student selection, career placement and intellectual contributions and qualifications of the faculty.  Less than 10% of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation. 

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.