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 in 1910 as one of the first business schools in the American West to offer university-level business education, the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business at Saint Louis University has a long-standing tradition of academic rigor and innovation. Today, the Chaifetz School is nationally recognized and is advancing a distinctive model of business education that prepares graduates to lead in an AI-enabled, team-driven economy with sound judgment, technological fluency and the capacity to lead others to high performance.

At the Chaifetz School of Business, SLU students do more than acquire technical knowledge. They develop sound judgment, human-centered leadership capabilities and the confidence to lead in complex, real-world environments. This approach — known as The Chaifetz Way — integrates advanced technology, leadership formation and immersive professional experience to prepare students for meaningful and sustained contributions in their professions and communities.

This educational model is grounded in three signature initiatives. The first is an intentional approach to artificial intelligence that emphasizes its use as an amplifier of human thinking. Students learn to apply AI in ways that enhance critical thinking, accelerate learning and strengthen decision-making rather than substituting for it. Next, rooted in the Jesuit tradition, the Chaifetz School's emphasis on care of the whole person aligns with a focus on humanistic leadership and students' developing the capacity to lead across differences, foster high-performing teams and navigate complexity with accountability and respect for others. Finally, the Chaifetz School of Business's novel approach to cooperative education, Co-op³, provides a single, immersive six-month compensated professional experience that integrates academic learning with real-world application, enabling students to graduate with substantial career experience.

The Chaifetz School of Business offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) with nine majors, along with a range of concentrations and minors across business disciplines. At the graduate level, the school offers nationally ranked programs, including both part-time and full-time MBA formats, five specialized master’s degrees, five dual-degree programs and a portfolio of post-baccalaureate certificates, as well as 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.

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

Dignity-Based Leadership Academy

Chaifetz School of Business students have a unique opportunity to grow as leaders and earn credit by joining the Dignity-Based Leadership Academy — a dynamic fall retreat focused on dignity, conflict resolution, problem formulation, and leading change. Students who complete the retreat and a follow-up project earn a digital badge and make an immediate impact in the Saint Louis University community!

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 an academic minor that 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 Saint Louis University-Madrid, 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. 

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University-Affiliated Program

The Department of Finance is a CFA University-affiliated program, reflecting alignment with professional standards and preparation for the CFA examinations. This initiative is a relationship between the CFA 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.B.A. 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 using SAP software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools. Students who demonstrate proficiency may earn SAP-recognized certification.

Business Scholars – Three-year Degree Program

The Business Scholars Program at Saint Louis University’s Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is an exciting opportunity that allows incoming freshmen from all majors in business to complete any undergraduate business degree in just three calendar years, including summer courses. Benefits of the program include guaranteed enrollment in business courses, specialized academic advising and mentoring and access to exclusive networking events. Scholars receive a $2,000 scholarship if they remain on track to graduate in a three-year period.

Students apply for consideration for the Business Scholars Program after completing their application for admission to the University.

Minimum Requirements for Business Scholars: 

• Cumulative 3.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale, weighted or unweighted
• Emphasis placed on the student having earned A's and B's in math coursework; transcripts will be accepted through the student's seventh semester.  
• To remain in the program, a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA at the end of each semester

Accounting Scholars Program

The Accounting Scholars program at Saint Louis University's Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is an exclusive opportunity available only to entering first-year students whose high school scholastic achievements demonstrate superior academic potential. Accounting Scholars have access to exclusive events, receive priority consideration for accounting-only scholarships and participate in mentoring with members of SLU's Young Accounting Professionals Board.

Students apply for consideration for the Accounting Scholars Program after completing their application for admission to the University. The program is available to accounting majors; other applied majors (including business-still deciding) may apply to the program, but admission will be dependent on switching to the accounting major.

Admission Requirements

• Cumulative 3.6 GPA on a 4.0 scale, weighted or unweighted.
• High school math GPA of 3.6 after completing at least three years of coursework; transcripts will be accepted through the student's seventh semester.
• Completion of a brief essay.
• Admission to the Scholars Program reflects a holistic review that values not only academic achievement, but also meaningful engagement in extracurricular activities, leadership, and service.

Program Requirements

• Maintain a minimum 3.40 SLU cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the end of each semester
• Complete select coursework and other activities as determined by the accounting department

Other Special Programs

• Business Scholars Program - Three-year Degree Program
• Accounting Scholars 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 prior to the start of classes, students are assigned an academic advisor. These full-time professional advisors assist students in planning and sequencing the courses required for graduation and serve as a key liaison to student support services across the University. Advisors also work with students to consider how participation in experiential and academic opportunities — such as Co-op³, study abroad and other specialized programs — may influence their academic plans and timelines.

In addition to professional advising, business students may engage with faculty mentors who provide career insight, academic guidance and support in clarifying personal and professional goals. Together, advising and mentoring relationships help students make informed decisions and fully leverage the opportunities available within the Chaifetz School of Business.

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, prelaw, and preprofessional 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 who have commenced their major coursework will be on program probation if their cumulative SLU grade point average (GPA) falls below a 2.70. Students will have one semester to increase their cumulative SLU GPA to a 2.70; if not, students will not be allowed to register for 3000- or 4000-level accounting courses. In addition, accounting students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in all upper-level accounting courses to graduate.

Major and Minor Program Probation

Students in a business major and/or business minor (except accounting – see above) will be placed 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 be restricted from registering for 3000- or 4000-level major-specific courses

Second Major

In addition to pursuing a second major in a program outside the business school, students may supplement their primary business major with a second major and/or minor in another business discipline. A second major within the business school is considered part of a single undergraduate degree, not a separate degree. Students completing multiple business majors will receive one diploma listing all majors, and their academic transcript will reflect both majors and any minor(s) earned.

Outside of the Business Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), a maximum of one business course (3 credit hours) may be applied toward the requirements of two business majors or minors.

Students pursuing majors or programs outside the business school may also wish to review the University’s policy on earning a Dual Degree (Bachelor's). 

Transfer Credit Guidelines/Concurrent Enrollment

Undergraduate students may request that coursework completed at other regionally accredited higher education institutions with a grade of "C" or better be evaluated for application as transfer credit toward graduation requirements.

For courses to transfer toward 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 and ensure that the course is at least 75% the same as the Chaifetz course.

A minimum of 50% of the coursework in each of the following categories must be completed at Saint Louis University: Business Common Body of Knowledge, Business Program Requirements and Major-specific required courses (each category evaluated separately).

In accordance with the University’s Time Limits on Course Work Policy, courses completed more than five years prior may not be applied toward current major or minor requirements. In such cases, the department chair will determine whether the course may be applied, should not be applied or may be applied following revalidation. Revalidation, when permitted, may include an examination, portfolio or other appropriate academic assessment.

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 interuniversity agreement.

Undergraduate Students Taking Graduate Business Courses

Undergraduate business students are generally not permitted to enroll in graduate business courses. However, all seniors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 may petition to enroll in up to six credits of graduate coursework during their senior year. In approved accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s programs, students may complete up to 15 total credits of graduate coursework prior to earning the bachelor’s degree. In any semester in which a student enrolls in graduate-level coursework, the total course load may not exceed 15 credit hours. All such enrollments require approval from the associate dean for undergraduate education.

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).