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Foster School of Business


Global Business Program Certificate

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.

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

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:
    1. 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
    2. A Global Business Study Tour
    3. 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
    4. Prior Work Experience – have at least 3 years work experience in a country other than your home country.
    5. Globally-focused Case Competitions
    6. Globally focused community service project subject to approval by the GBC

4. Curriculum – complete both:

  • MGMT 509 (Advanced Elective: Foundations of International Business)
  • Additional International Electives
    • Day students: a total of 12 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 10 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.

Send an email to MBA Global Programs with any questions.