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Business | Beedie School of Business Simon Fraser University Calendar | Spring 2025

Executive MBA

Master of Business Administration

The executive master of business administration (EMBA) program is for experienced, mid to upper level managers and professionals seeking the confidence and ability to drive a business strategically at the senior management level with the most current and innovative management practices. 

The EMBA utilizes a cohort model where students complete courses in the same sequence, and student interaction and co-operation are emphasized. Study groups and project teams are an important aspect of the learning experience. Program options include EMBA, the EMBA Americas Stream, and occasionally Community Cohorts.

EMBA Americas Stream 

Students may choose to apply to the EMBA Americas stream for their second year in the EMBA program. Students completing all EMBA Americas stream requirements receive a graduate certificate in business in the Americas in addition to the MBA degree. EMBA Americas stream classes are taught as intensive sessions in partnership with three other institutions at their campuses: Owen Graduate School, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA; ITAM, Mexico City, Mexico; FIA, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and one intensive session at Simon Fraser University. Courses in the EMBA Americas stream provide a greater emphasis on international management, and a capstone applied project is required. Students will also participate in company visits and workshops on local cultural and business practices in each of the four participating countries. 

Community Cohorts

The EMBA may also be offered as a regional cohort program situated in communities throughout Canada. Community cohorts follow the EMBA requirements while utilizing customized programming and delivery depending on regional needs. Courses from other SFU graduate business programs, or special topic courses, may be substituted at the discretion of the academic director. The location and theme of a community cohort will vary, and remains at the discretion of the academic director. Classes are normally scheduled in intensive formats at the program location.

Applicants should also refer to the program website located at http://beedie.sfu.ca/graduate/Executive-MBA/.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. Admission into this program is competitive; meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and a minimum of ten years of business experience. Exceptional managers (as determined by career progression and responsibilities relative to EMBA peer group) who have a CGPA lower than a 3.0/4.33 (B) in their undergraduate degree, or lack a formal degree or professional designation, but have other outstanding qualifications may be admitted into the program. Applicants will also be assessed on volunteer and/or community experience, other achievements, and letters of reference. Only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Program Requirements

This program consists of core course requirements for a minimum of 56 units. Courses from other SFU graduate business programs, or special topic courses, may be substituted for courses below at the discretion of the Dean and Vice-Provost of Graduate Studies.

EMBA students complete a minimum of 56 units from the following

BUS 603 - Structure and Change in Organizations (4)
BUS 606 - Finance (4)
BUS 607 - Strategy (4)
BUS 610 - Directed Studies in Business Administration (2)
BUS 611 - Directed Studies in Business Administration (4)
BUS 612 - Directed Studies in Business Administration (4)
BUS 615 - Marketing (4)
BUS 621 - Information Technology and Organizational Transformation (4)
BUS 632 - Operations Management (4)
BUS 635 - Operational Finance (2)
BUS 636 - Corporate Finance (2)
BUS 637 - Marketing Management (2)
BUS 638 - Marketing Strategy (2)
BUS 639 - Financial Statement Analysis (2)
BUS 640 - Managerial Accounting (2)
BUS 641 - Cross Cultural Management (2)
BUS 642 - International Competitive Strategy (2)
BUS 643 - Entrepreneurship (2)
BUS 644 - Entrepreneurial Finance (2)
BUS 645 - Capstone Simulation (2)
BUS 646 - Managing Innovation (2)
BUS 647 - Entrepreneurship and Innovation (4)
BUS 648 - Indigenous Business and Communities (2)
BUS 649 - Corporate Responsibility (2)
BUS 650 - Business Ethics (2)
BUS 651 - Managerial Economics (4)
BUS 652 - Special Topics in Business Administration (3)
BUS 653 - Special Topics in Business Administration (2)
BUS 654 - Special Topics in Business Administration (2)
BUS 655 - Special Topics in Business Administration (2)
BUS 660 - Special Topics in Business Administration (4)
BUS 661 - Special Topics in Business Administration (4)
BUS 662 - Negotiations (2)
BUS 663 - Special Topics in Business Administration (4)
BUS 664 - New Ventures (4)
BUS 681 - Leadership and Teamwork (4)
BUS 689 - Special Topics in Business Administration (3)
BUS 691 - Business, Community and Government (4)
BUS 694 - Brave Conversations for Building Trust and Collaboration I (2)
BUS 695 - Brave Conversations for Building Trust and Collaboration II (2)

EMBA Americas Stream

Students in the EMBA Americas stream complete the same curriculum in first year as EMBA students. In second year, EMBA Americas stream students complete all of

BUS 607 - Strategy (4)
BUS 641 - Cross Cultural Management (2)
BUS 662 - Negotiations (2)

and two sections of

BUS 605 - Applied Project in Business in the Americas (3)

and six of the following courses taken at the partner universities

FIA

BUS 660 - Special Topics in Business Administration (4)
BUS 661 - Special Topics in Business Administration (4)

ITAM

BUS 660 - Special Topics in Business Administration (4)
BUS 661 - Special Topics in Business Administration (4)

Vanderbilt

BUS 660 - Special Topics in Business Administration (4)
BUS 661 - Special Topics in Business Administration (4) or BUS 664 - New Ventures (4)

Graduate Certificate in Business in the Americas

The EMBA Americas stream includes four special topics courses in addition to those required for the EMBA. These four additional courses are required for the graduate certificate. Courses are relevant to business in the Americas covering a variety of business disciplines. Students will also participate in company visits and workshops on local cultural and business practices in each of the 4 participating countries.

The certificate is open to students enrolled in the EMBA Americas stream. Students must complete all stream requirements including those included in the graduate certificate.

Further details about the EMBA Americas stream are provided at http://beedie.sfu.ca/graduate/executive-mba/emba/about/americas-emba-elective

Program Length

Students are expected to complete the EMBA in five or six terms, depending on their stream or cohort requirements.

Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations

All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.