Stanford GSB MBA Program

Stanford University GSB Program Overview

With its proximity to Silicon Valley, Stanford Graduate School of Business prides itself on having a culture of innovation and collaboration, as well as attracting cutting-edge faculty and speakers. This emphasis on challenging the status quo pushes students to take risks and experiment with new ideas.

Stanford GSB’s entrepreneurial mindset is one of the defining characteristics of its MBA experience. The school’s small class size facilitates this innovative spirit, offering close peer-to-peer interaction and one-to-one coaching. Stanford is also known for its strong joint-degree programs and its connection to the undergraduate research university.  Students have access to seven schools within one single campus — business, earth sciences, education, engineering, law, medicine, and humanities and sciences.

Through the first year curriculum at Stanford GSB, students build their general management knowledge and gain global exposure. In year two, students have the opportunity to strengthen their areas of development, and explore new coursework, through seminars, electives, a joint or dual degree, and Stanford courses outside of Stanford GSB. 

The average salary and bonus for the Stanford GSB full-time class of 2021 was $176,956, and 91.5% of students received job offers within three months of graduation.

Stanford GSB reported a 6.2% acceptance rate for the class of 2023.

Comprehensive Stanford GSB Application Support

If you are ready to take the plunge and begin the Stanford GSB application process, Personal MBA Coach is here to guide you via our comprehensive packages.

Keep in Mind:

Stanford is looking to see the impact that candidates have had on others: people, groups, organizations.

Do not copy your HBS essay for Stanford. Each is looking for something different.

What Sets Stanford Apart

• A Culture of Innovation and Change: Stanford GSB has a reputation of being a catalyst for change, encouraging Stanford MBA students think about what kind of impact they want to make in the world. The program constantly pushes students to think boldly and act fearlessly.
• Progressive Teaching Methods: From experiential teaching to labs to global immersion, Stanford GSB’s variety of instructional approaches fosters a dynamic learning environment. Other core areas of focus include lecture and discussion, guest speakers, leadership and design, role play, feedback and coaching, simulation, and case-based learning.
• Principled Leadership: Principled leadership is a key component of the Stanford GSB experience. This mindset focuses not only on leading with a responsibility to one’s organization, but to society and the world as a whole.
• Integrated Living and Learning Experience: Most students choose to live on-campus. This housing dynamic helps strengthen relationships and maximizes learning opportunities.
• Unique Global Alumni Communities: Stanford GSB offers alumni resources for various career paths and communities. From women’s programs to regional and diversity chapters, there is a community for everyone, both online and in-person.

2024 Stanford GSB MBA Class Profile

The Stanford GSB class of 2024 is made up of 424 students.

The most popular undergraduate majors for the class of 2024 were engineering, economics, and social sciences.

Of those enrolled in the class of 2024, 44% identify as women, and 51% are U.S. students of color. 37% of the incoming class are international students, representing 56 countries and speak 71 different languages collectively.

Students also have an average of nearly five years of work experience. While, pre-MBA, they come from a range of industries, the top three are investment management/PE/VC, consulting, and technology. The Stanford MBA Program welcomes those with all levels of work experience.

Joint/Dual Degrees Offered at Stanford

Stanford also offers joint and dual degrees for those interested in pursuing more than one academic discipline or area of expertise. These include:

• JD/MBA: This joint degree program with Stanford Law is designed for those considering a career in law/public service who want to build the skills of a general manager, or those seeking a career in management who want to build the skills of a lawyer.
• MA Education/MBA: This joint degree program with Stanford Graduate School of Education is designed for those with an interest in K-12 and higher education, for-profit education, etc. This includes teaching and learning, education policy, education management, and the application of technology to education.
• MPP/MBA: This joint degree program allows you to pursue a Stanford MBA and an MPP degree from the Public Policy Program at Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences at the same time. The program is designed for those seeking a career in public policy or at the intersection of business and government.
• MS Computer Science/MBA: This joint degree program connects Stanford GSB and the Stanford University Computer Science Department. The program is designed for students who want to acquire the skills to become a manager and/or entrepreneur for new technology ventures.
• MS Electrical Engineering/MBA: This joint degree program connects Stanford GSB and the Stanford University Electrical Engineering Department. The program is designed for those who interested in building an understanding of engineering, strategy, and execution to drive future technological and business innovations.
• MS Environment and Resources (E-IPER)/MBA: This joint degree program with Stanford’s School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences enables students to acquire a background in the science, engineering, and technology that underlie environmental problems.
• MD/MBA: This dual degree program allows students to pursue a Stanford MBA and an MD from Stanford’s School of Medicine. This program takes five academic years of residence to complete.
• Other Dual Degrees: Students may pursue a dual degree with any graduate program at Stanford. Applicants must be accepted by the other chosen program separately, and then notify Stanford GSB separately.

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