Berkeley Haas MBA Program Highlights

UC Berkeley Haas School of Business seeks candidates who bring together complimentary characteristics in personality and experience  – for example, individualism and team spirit. Though primarily offering an education in a general management Haas allows students to develop additional expertise in a variety of management fields.

Ethics and Social Responsibility

Haas has long been known for its commitment to research and development in areas of business ethics and social responsibility. In cooperation with the Goldman Sachs Foundation, Haas sponsors a nationwide competition called the National Social Venture Business Plan, which welcomes the submission of business plans for social and/or environmental businesses and awards a total of $100,000 to winners.

Fields of Expertise

Entrepreneurship - Lester Center for Entrepreneurship, founded in 1991, leads programs like the Berkeley Business Incubator and UC Berkeley Entrepreneurs Forum and provides fellowships and internships for entrepreneurs.

Technology - Geographically located in close proximity to Silicon Valley, Berkeley naturally is able to provide students the opportunity to work in the technology field. Many courses are aimed specifically at teaching students strategies for managing technology in global markets. Berkeley also hosts the Leading Edge Technology conference.

International Business - Courses and programs in International Business Development provide formal opportunities for students interested in gaining international expertise to expand their knowledge of business. In addition, Haas offers exchange programs for students in Europe and Asia.

Other programs in specific areas such as Health Care management and Environmental management are available at Haas.

Key Statistics and Information

• Students average 5 years work experience.
• Leadership is a required core course.
• Haas is a pioneer in field of business ethics.
• School strengths: real estate, health management, socially responsible business.
• Curriculum: leadership course is required; statistics, algebra and calculus are used in marketing courses.
• Non-California residents qualify for resident tuition ($26,881) after first year.
• 12% of students receive merit scholarships, either half-tuition or full-tuition waiver.
• Hardship scholarships available, with an optional essay, sponsored by Jennifer Maxwell (founder of Powerbar), alumna and Haas board member, including 2-3 full scholarships each year.
• 25-30% of applicants are from western US; 20-25% specialize in entrepreneurship; 5% become entrepreneurs after graduation.
• Sample of student groups: Digital Media group, a student-run conference, co-sponsored by Apple; Corporate Social Responsibility Group.
• Executive MBA program: 19 months; Students average 12 years of experience.

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