Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business

Leadership

Jackson Nickerson, Ph.D.
    Edward Jones Dean
Chris Thomas, Ph.D.
    Associate dean for graduate education
Bidisha Chakrabarty, Ph.D.
    Associate dean for research and faculty affairs
Debbie Pike, MBA
    Associate dean for undergraduate education
Brett Boyle, Ph.D.
    Assistant dean, marketing and communications 

Description

Founded as a distinct unit of Saint Louis University in 1910, the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business was one of the first schools in the American West to provide business education at the university level. Today, SLU's nationally-ranked Chaifetz School of Business encourages individuals to imagine who they can be and then assists, guides, and coaches them on their journey to live a full and complete life. The Chaifetz School also continues to pioneer business education with the launch of Co-op³, a novel approach to cooperative education. 

The Chaifetz School is rooted in four fundamental principles, referred to as the “4-C’s”. First, the school seeks and nurtures students of character, knowing that effective business decisions are those made with integrity. Second, the school seeks students who wish to use their business skills to care about their communities, both locally and globally, and especially about those most vulnerable within them. Third, a student builds courage to change their communities and the world for the better through the intellectual and creative challenges the business school presents to them. Finally, students are guided and supported in discerning their career paths, with career aspirations to serve others while pursuing their professional objectives throughout their lifetime.

The business school also offers nationally ranked graduate business programs to support professionals in developing the capabilities necessary to accelerate their careers. Graduate students can choose from 13 post-baccalaureate certificates, part-time and full-time MBA programs, four specialized master’s programs, five dual-degree programs, and a doctoral program in marketing and international business.

Accreditation 

Selecting a business school is one of the most important decisions a student makes; therefore, high standards should be set. The premier business school accrediting body, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, governs the standards by which select business schools are evaluated.

Achieving AACSB accreditation in the field of business education ensures continuous quality improvement in the learning environment through enhancements to the curriculum, instructional resources, student selection, career planning and placement, and the intellectual contributions and qualifications of the faculty. Students who choose to attend an AACSB-accredited business school join an environment where learning matters and where highly qualified faculty guide students’ study through a curriculum relevant to contemporary business needs and practices.

The faculty and staff of the Chaifetz School of Business are proud of our accreditation status as it places us in a category of distinction among our peers. Approximately 5% of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation. In addition, our accounting program has received supplemental AACSB accreditation, putting the Chaifetz School of Business among less than 200 business schools worldwide to achieve this recognition.

Principles for Responsible Management Education

As Wall Street was crumbling in December 2008, a group of universities from across the globe gathered a few blocks away at the United Nations to define actions they should take to support a new approach to business in society. The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) are a call to transform curricula, research and teaching methodologies based on the universal values of sustainability, social responsibility and good corporate citizenship. The Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business was pleased to be a signatory because PRME reflects our values and traditions.

Undergraduate Degree-enhancing Opportunities

Co-op³ and Internship Programs

In today's competitive business environment, gaining career-related experience before graduation is imperative. Recognizing this necessity, the Chaifetz School of Business launched a novel approach to cooperative education called Co-op³, enabling students to work full time for six months while simultaneously earning course credit and income to pay for college. The Chaifetz School also facilitates internship opportunities, offering students a wide range of experiences with employers in the St. Louis region and throughout the United States. SLU’s metropolitan setting is an ideal location to pursue a business degree. In addition to traditional summer internships, students can participate in internships while attending classes during the traditional fall and spring semesters. Whether or not a student chooses to earn course credit, the Chaifetz School of Business encourages all students to participate in at least one co-op or internship (or more!) to enhance their academic studies, understand the business world, develop business relationships and build work experience.

Career Resources Center

Career Development

The Chaifetz School of Business believes the future and success of its students are highly important; so important that the curriculum includes a one-credit BIZ 3000 Career Foundations (1 cr) course as part of the Business Common Body of Knowledge requirements. This course, designed and conducted by a dedicated career education team, helps students proactively identify a potential career path and learn and practice skills that help secure internships and qualify for Co-op³ opportunities while an undergraduate student and full-time employment upon graduation. In addition, students participate in workshops, career fairs and networking events with employers, alumni and executives. Contact the business school’s Valerie A. Davisson Career Resources Center (Davis-Shaughnessy Hall, Room 150) for more information.

Service Leadership Program and Minor

Through the school’s nationally recognized Service Leadership Program (The Templeton Guide: Colleges that Encourage Character Development), students have the opportunity to bridge Ignatian philosophy with academic learning, personal experiences and reflection while making a positive, real-time difference in the St. Louis community. This unique and transformative four-year experiential learning opportunity is only available to Chaifetz School students.

Service Leadership Minor

Study Abroad/Short-term Immersion Opportunities

With the increasing globalization of business, graduates must embrace the importance of the impact of cultural, social, economic and political differences which can be gained through a study abroad experience. While the curriculum can provide exposure to these concepts, an overseas immersion experience offers real-life learning opportunities. Options range from a large selection of full-semester destinations to shorter summer programs, one-week to two-week courses, or even a service trip learning about sustainable agriculture in Belize during spring break.

The Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business offers several exchange programs with business schools in locations such as Austria, Australia, Chile, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Business students may also participate in shorter programs over the summer, during one week in January in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, or on spring break in Budapest, Hungary. Through the Office of International Services, business students can access many study abroad destinations worldwide — including the SLU-Madrid campus, which offers students an economics, international business or marketing major that can be completed in Spain.

Due to the requirement that the last 30 of 36 business education credits be completed in residence at the St. Louis location, undergraduate students should begin planning their immersion experience early in their academic careers, even as soon as their freshman year. Most travel in their sophomore year or early in their junior year. (Students choosing to pursue an economics, international business or marketing major in Madrid will receive an exception to this residency requirement.)

The first step is to investigate the many study abroad opportunities available. Next, have your academic advisor evaluate your specific planned course selections to determine SLU equivalency. Then, you will complete an application for that study abroad experience.  Your advisor can assist you with the application process, with the University's Office of International Services providing the final review and confirmation of all details for a study abroad experience.

All grades earned from approved study abroad locations will be included in a student’s grade point average (GPA). If a student studies abroad at a nonapproved study abroad location, the coursework will be treated as transfer coursework; therefore, a minimum grade of a “C” is required to transfer course credits, but grades will not be included in the student’s grade point average. 

CFA University-affiliated Program

The Department of Finance is a CFA University-affiliated program. This initiative is a relationship between the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute and select colleges and universities worldwide. Less than 300 U.S. schools are CFA University Affiliated Programs. Detailed information can be found on the undergraduate Finance B.S. page.   

SAP University Alliance

The Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is a member of the SAP University Alliance, allowing us to provide students in specific courses with hands-on experience with Systems Applications Products software. This enables students to put classroom theory into practice. 

Business Scholars – Three-year Degree Program

The Business Scholars Program at Saint Louis University’s Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business allows students to complete any undergraduate business degree in only three calendar years, including summer courses. This unique SLU program helps you start the next phase of your life a year earlier, saving time and money.

The Business Scholars curriculum has the same content and credit-hour requirements as the traditional four-year degree program but is structured so that scholars earn their degrees in three years. Scholars generally take six classes each fall and spring semester and one to two classes over the summer.

Business scholars have guaranteed enrollment in their business courses, special advising and mentoring, and access to special events as long as they follow the curriculum plan and maintain a minimum cumulative SLU GPA of 3.5. Scholars receive a $2,000 scholarship if they remain on track to graduate in a three-year period.

Academically qualified high school seniors are invited to this program after applying for admission and are reviewed on an individual basis. Standardized test scores are optional but recommended; international applicants may be required to submit proof of English proficiency. Applicants should note that students accepted in previous years had an average composite 30-plus ACT or an average total of 1330-plus SAT scores.

Accounting Scholars Program

Academically qualified high school seniors potentially interested in accounting are invited after applying for admission, and applicants are reviewed individually. Accounting Scholars who complete the program requirements are guaranteed a seat in the integrated accounting program, receive priority consideration for accounting-only scholarships and opportunities for one-on-one mentoring from SLU’s Young Accounting Professionals Board. Accounting Scholars must formally submit application material to the integrated accounting program to complete their admission. To remain in the program, students must maintain a minimum 3.4 cumulative GPA at the end of each year and complete select coursework and other activities as determined by the accounting department.

Other Special Programs

• Business Scholars Program - Three-year Degree Program
• Business Bachelor's to Law, J.D. Accelerated Program

Degrees

Dual Degrees

Certificates

Admission Requirements

The minimum grade point average requirement for admission to the Chaifetz School of Business is a 2.50 high school GPA for freshmen. Transfer students (having completed 24 credits or more from a previous institution) must have a 2.50 cumulative college GPA for all majors except accounting, which requires a 2.70 GPA.  

Advanced Placement Coursework/Dual-credit Coursework

Details available at Policies and Procedures - Academic Policies.

Academic Advising/Faculty Mentoring

During summer orientation conducted prior to the start of classes, students are assigned an academic advisor. These full-time professional advisors assist students in sequencing the courses needed to graduate and serve an important role as the liaison between students and a number of student-centered support services available on campus. Business school students may also work with faculty mentors who provide career advice, general guidance, and are available to discuss students’ personal and educational goals.

Academic Integrity

Students, faculty and staff members share the responsibility to maintain a learning environment of mutual trust and integrity. Academic dishonesty violates this trust and may result in grade reduction and/or probation, suspension or dismissal. Dishonest conduct includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism and soliciting, receiving or providing any unauthorized assistance, including the use of technological devices, in the completion of any work submitted toward academic credit. It is the responsibility of any student who observes such dishonest conduct to call it to the attention of a faculty member or administrator.

For more information, see section under Policies & Procedures - Academic Policies.

Honors, Pre-law and Pre-professional Health Studies Programs

The Chaifetz School of Business participates in the University’s honors, pre-law, and pre-professional health studies programs. Students in each of these programs can complete a major in business in addition to any required program courses. Information regarding these programs can be found elsewhere in the undergraduate catalog.

Minor Policies

In addition to a chosen major, students may complete one or more academic minors offered by the University, including one of the 12 in business. Students are responsible for completing any prerequisites. A minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA is required in minor coursework.

Outside of the Business Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), a maximum of one business course (3 credit hours) may be used to fulfill requirements in two business majors/minors.

Pass/No Pass Option

The Chaifetz School of Business does not allow the "pass/no pass option" to any undergraduate student enrolled in business courses. In addition, business students may not take any course on a "pass/no pass" basis if the course is used to fulfill degree requirements.

Probation

Accounting Program Probation

Accounting students will be on program probation if the cumulative SLU grade point average falls below 2.70. Students will have one semester to increase their cumulative GPA to 2.70. If the GPA minimum is not subsequently met, students will not be allowed to register for 3000- or 4000-level accounting courses.

Major and Minor Program Probation

Students in a business major and/or business minor (except accounting – see above) will be on program probation if the grade point average in major-specific courses used to fulfill major or minor requirements falls below 2.0. Students will have one semester to increase their GPA in their major- or minor-specific GPA to a 2.0; if not, students will not be allowed to register for 3000- or 4000-level major-specific courses

Second Major

In addition to pursuing a second major in a program outside the business school, business students may supplement a chosen major with a second major and/or minor in a different business discipline. However, a second major within the business school is considered a single undergraduate degree and not two undergraduate degrees. Students completing more than one major within the business school will receive one diploma indicating majors while their academic transcript will indicate both the majors and minor(s). Outside of the Business Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), a maximum of one business course (3 credit hours) may be used to fulfill requirements in two business majors/minors.

Transfer Credit Guidelines/Concurrent Enrollment

Students may request that coursework completed at other higher education institutions be evaluated for application of such credit toward graduation requirements.

The following criteria apply for undergraduate coursework:

• The coursework must be completed at a regionally accredited institution. Any coursework applicable to the required six major-specific courses unique to that program must have been completed at an AACSB-accredited program. With special permission from the applicable department chair, credit may be accepted from a non-AACSB program if the course is validated by completing another major-specific course taken at SLU and a grade of “C” or better is earned. 
• A grade of “C” or better must be earned in a course to be eligible for transfer.
• For courses to transfer towards degree requirements that are not for general elective credit, the course taken must be deemed to be substantially equivalent to the Chaifetz course. Department chairs (or their designated faculty member with appropriate subject matter expertise) will evaluate the course syllabus and ensure that the course is at least 80% the same as the Chaifetz course.

In accordance with the University’s Time Limits on Course Work Policy, courses completed over five years ago may not fulfill students’ current requirements in the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business’s undergraduate majors or minors. For courses beyond the five-year time limits, the department chair will determine:

• to apply the course(s) toward requirements in the programs listed above (this is more likely for courses in the Business Common Body of Knowledge),
• to not apply the course(s) toward requirements in the programs listed above, or
• request that students revalidate the substance of such course(s) before the outdated course(s) are applied toward requirements in the programs listed above. If offered, revalidation may include an examination, a portfolio or other academically appropriate experience.

Continuing students must receive approval prior to enrolling in courses away from SLU. Full-time, business degree-seeking students may not take courses concurrently at other institutions during the fall or spring semesters unless offered through an inter-university agreement.

Transfer credit for graduate courses follows the university policy with no additional specifications.

Undergraduate Students Taking Graduate Business Courses

Undergraduate students are generally not permitted to enroll in graduate business courses; however, seniors with a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average may petition to take up to six credits of graduate coursework in their senior year. Before completing their bachelor's degree, students are limited to a 15-credit course load during any semester in which they take graduate-level coursework. Approval by the associate dean for undergraduate education is required.

Undergraduate business students complete the University Undergraduate Core, program requirements, the Business Common Body of Knowledge, and major-specific requirements.

Program Requirements

Business Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) 

¹

All other business CBK courses must be completed prior to taking MGT 4000 Strategic Management and Policy (3 cr).