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Global Business Program Certificate

WHY

The Global Business Program Certificate (GBPC) is an academic MBA certificate option that consists of multiple international activities and opportunities, serving as evidence of your preparation for and commitment to global business. It documents the global experiences you add to your MBA education.

Completing the GBPC will help you gain diverse perspectives and increase your global competency, making you more competitive in the global workforce. To future employers, the GBPC is an important signal of your interest in working in a global field. Certificate students are given priority placement on MBA Short-Term Study Abroad programs, given access to networking opportunities with Global Business Center Advisory Board members, and benefit from additional events and opportunities.

To learn more about the GBPC, please watch this recording of our recent info session and review the info session PPT.

HOW

To earn the certificate, you must be a current, matriculated MBA student in the Michael G. Foster School of Business.

Apply for the GBPC
Rolling applications accepted year-round.

Completion of the Certificate requires advance 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.

1. Core GBPC Courses

2.  International Elective Courses

  • 8 credits of INTL designated courses
    • Can be taken through Foster, a 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.

3.  Experiential Opportunities

  • Choose one of the following:
    • Participate in an MBA Exchange Program for one academic quarter
    • Complete the equivalent of one year of academic foreign language, fulfilled through either a summer intensive language program or by taking three quarters of course work at the 400 level or higher* (completed after MBA admittance) – subject to approval by the GBC
  • Or, choose two of the following:
    • An MBA Short Term Study Abroad Program
      • Includes Study Tours and Doing Business in Programs
    • An MBA Practicum Experience (one of these three) – subject to approval by the GBC
      • Complete a globally focused internship
      • Complete two 2-credit or one 4-credit globally focused Independent Study
      • Complete a globally focused Consulting Project, Applied Strategy Project, or Field Study
    • A Globally Focused Competition:
      • Participate in the Masters Track of the Russell Investments International Case Competition (RIICC) – Fall Quarter
      • Participate in other case competitions, at UW or other universities – subject to approval by the GBC
      • Participate, with a globally focused business plan, in the Investment or Final Round of a business plan competition – subject to approval by the GBC
    • A Globally Focused Community Service Project – subject to approval by the GBC

*Students should consult with their academic adviser and UW Memo 46 when selecting language courses.

Activities with the designation “Subject to approval by the GBC” must include a strong global element and be focused on an international aspect of business. Requests for approval can be sent to [email protected].

Note: Changes to GBPC requirements were approved on January 11, 2022. The above requirements apply to all incoming MBA students, starting Fall 2022. Students from earlier classes will be allowed to complete their certificate using the previous parameters, found here.