Business Administration, M.B.A. (Professional)

The Professional MBA at Saint Louis University’s Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is designed for working professionals who seek to accelerate their careers while remaining fully engaged in them. Delivered through a flexible combination of evening and online coursework, the program allows students to continue progressing professionally while developing the advanced knowledge and skills required for leadership in today’s business environment.

SLU's nationally ranked professional MBA program integrates a broad-based management curriculum with an intentional approach to artificial intelligence that enhances learning and decision-making. Students build a strong foundation across core business disciplines while developing the strategic perspective and analytical capabilities needed to navigate complex, real-world challenges.

Students may tailor their academic experience through elective coursework and specialized certificate options that support career advancement across a range of business fields, including areas of recognized strength such as entrepreneurship, international business and supply chain management. Experiential learning opportunities further connect classroom concepts to professional practice, enabling students to apply insights directly within their organizations.

Grounded in the St. Louis business community and connected to a global network, the Chaifetz School of Business combines local engagement with national recognition. The program can typically be completed in two to three years, with the flexibility to start in any term, providing a structured yet adaptable pathway for career advancement.

Curriculum Overview

SLU's Professional MBA courses are offered in-person Monday through Thursday from 6-9:15 p.m., with certain courses offered online, allowing students to complete the program and maintain full-time employment. On average, evening MBA students complete the program in two-and-a-half years but are allotted up to five years, if necessary, allowing students to maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives. 

The Professional MBA program requirements range from 33-39 credits, depending on academic background. The program consists of 15 credits of business essentials coursework (economics, accounting, management, finance and marketing), 12 credits of global management and decision-making coursework and 9-18 credits of advanced electives. Students complete the program with a 3-credit-hour capstone course during which students participate in live team-based consulting projects with local for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

Partial to complete waivers may be offered for the five business essentials courses for students demonstrating competency through previous coursework. These waivers are determined at the time of admission. Questions about course waivers can be directed to gradbiz@slu.edu.

Students have the option to pursue a specialized certificate using their 9-18 elective hours:

• Applied economic forecasting (STEM)
• Business analytics (STEM)
• Digital marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• Financial planning and modeling
• International business
• Product and brand management 
• Real estate finance 
• Supply chain management (STEM)

Careers

The Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business supports Professional MBA students through dedicated career resources designed for working professionals. Through individualized coaching, students clarify career goals, strengthen essential skills and develop targeted strategies for advancement or transition. Ongoing access to career advising, alumni networks and professional development resources ensures that students can translate their MBA experience into actionable next steps.

The Professional MBA is designed to accelerate career growth without interrupting it. Students apply what they learn in real time within their organizations, strengthening their ability to lead, make decisions and create value in dynamic business environments. Whether pursuing advancement within a current role or preparing for a career pivot, students graduate with both the capabilities and the direction to move forward with confidence.

Professional relationships are a critical component of long-term career success. Students benefit from opportunities to engage with peers, alumni and the broader business community throughout their time in the program. As one of the oldest business schools west of the Mississippi, the Chaifetz School is highly respected and connected in the St. Louis business community.

Admission Requirements

The Chaifetz School uses a holistic admissions approach to carefully evaluate all applicants, considering every aspect of their application. While an undergraduate degree is required for admission, a business background is not.

• Completed online application
• Transcript(s) from all previously attended institutions

• 1-2 letters of recommendation
• Resume/CV
• Professional goal statement of fewer than 500 words

Applications are reviewed once all application materials are received. The average time for admissions decisions is two weeks.

Requirements for International Students

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will also need to submit:

• English Language Proficiency Scores: For non-native speakers of English, an official English language test score report is required and must be sent directly to the institution. Scores should be no more than two years old. This program requires a TOEFL score of 80 and an IELTS broadband of at least 6.5 or a Duolingo score of 110.
  • The graduate admissions team in the Business Programs Office reserves the right to evaluate an applicant’s English based on an admissions interview and/or an English language test. Based on the results from either or both, applicants may be referred to INTO SLU for additional coursework. 
• Official Academic Transcripts: An official transcript articulating both GPA and grades for all previous coursework is required and will be evaluated at the time of admission.
  • The graduate admissions team in the Business Programs Office reserves the right to request an applicant submit a WES or ECE evaluation.
• Documentation of Financial Support: After an admission decision has been made and scholarship consideration has been assessed, students will need to complete an addendum form outlining certification of financial support for one year of study (if a student visa is required) that must be submitted with the necessary documentation. Documentation will include:

  • A letter (declaration) of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency providing funds for your tuition and living expenses for the duration of your study at Saint Louis University.

  • A letter (certification) from the sponsor’s bank verifying that such funds currently are available and will be so for each subsequent year of your study at this University. The financial evidence must cover at least the expenses needed for the first year of your study.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The Chaifetz School offers generous scholarships to make a graduate degree from our nationally ranked institution accessible. All applicants to the Professional MBA program are automatically considered for scholarship awards at the time of admission. Historically, more than 90% of admitted students receive scholarships or other forms of financial assistance.

For more information about student loans, please visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

Accreditation

The Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world’s largest business education alliance and accrediting body of business schools, ensuring continuous quality improvement in terms of curriculum, instructional resources, student selection, career placement and intellectual contributions and qualifications of the faculty. Approximately 5% of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation. 

The Professional M.B.A. is a customizable degree that allows professionals from varied backgrounds to stack certificates to earn the M.B.A. For those who successfully complete the requisite coursework, they can have part or all of the Business Essentials Certificate waived. All students will earn the Global Management & Decision-Making Certificate with the opportunity to finish the remaining 21-27 hours by earning 2 more certificates or choosing approved electives. 

To receive a STEM designation with the M.B.A., one of the following certificates is required: Applied Economic Forecasting, Business Analytics, or Supply Chain Management. 

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

For additional admission questions, please contact:

Chaifetz Business Programs Office
Graduate Business Admission Team
314-977-3800
gradbiz@slu.edu

For additional questions, please contact:

314-977-3812
chaifetzpmba@slu.edu