The Global Business Certificate is an academic MBA certificate option that consists of several international activities and opportunities, serving as evidence of a student’s preparation for and commitment to global business. To future employers, the Global Business Certificate is an important signal of MBA student’s interest in working as a global manager.
Completion of the certificate requires forward planning. We recommend working with the MBA Program Office and the Global Business Center to ensure your success. Email [email protected] to set up an advising appointment.
To earn a Global Business Certificate, the following four requirements must be completed:
1. Be a current, matriculated MBA student in the Michael G. Foster School of Business
2. Community Networking & Resources
- Daytime students: enrollment for credit in IBUS 579, Global Business Forum, during three academic quarters
- Evening students: enrollment for credit in IBUS 579, Global Business Forum, during two academic quarters
3. International Experience – Choose one of the following two options
- Option one – Participate in an MBA Exchange Program for one academic quarter
- Option two – Satisfy two of the following six activities:
- Foreign Language Study (one of these four)
- Summer intensive language program (completed after MBA admittance)
- Three quarters of academic foreign language (completed after MBA admittance)
- Foreign language placement test at 300 level or better
- Have been educated through junior high school in a language other than English
- A Global Business Study Tour
- MBA Practicum Experience (one of these three)
- Globally-focused internship
- Two 2-credit or one 4-credit globally-focused independent study
- Completion of a Field Study or Applied Strategy project
- Prior Work Experience – have at least 3 years work experience in a country other than your home country.
- Globally-focused Case Competitions
- Masters Track of the Russell Investments International Case Competition (RIICC) – Fall Quarter
- Other competition subject to approval by the GBC
- Periodically, Foster is invited to compete against other MBA programs at global case competition domestically and abroad. If you are interested in being considered to compete on a Foster Team, please email Angela Shelley at [email protected].
- Globally focused community service project subject to approval by the GBC
- Foreign Language Study (one of these four)
4. Curriculum – complete both:
- MGMT 509 (Advanced Elective: Managing in a Global Environment)
- Additional International Electives
- Day students: a total of 8 credits: these courses can be taken from the Foster School of Business, UW Graduate Department, or at an approved exchange partner institution. Independent study may also count, subject to approval by the GBC and MBA program office.
- Evening students: a total of 8 credits: these courses can be taken from the Foster School of Business, UW Graduate Department, or at an approved exchange partner institution. Independent study may also count, subject to approval by the GBC and MBA program office.
Only current MBA students are eligible for the Global Business Program Certificate. Individuals outside of the Foster School of Business may be eligible for the Executive Development Program certificate offered through Executive Education.
If you have completed the certificate requirements, please submit your completion application two months prior to graduation.