a student talking with Professor Ilya A.Strebulaev

Stanford MSx Curriculum

The Stanford MSx curriculum is designed with you, the experienced leader, in mind. Though it is not a Stanford Executive MBA or traditional executive management program, the one-year master’s program offers the in-depth leadership, entrepreneurship, and industry knowledge you need to lead in the way and in the field that fits your career goals.

The academically rigorous curriculum is extremely flexible — more than half is comprised of electives. You choose the courses that will help you achieve your career goals, whatever your path may be. It’s a curriculum that will inspire you and enable you to explore new topics and take risks. Core classes provide a strong foundation in business fundamentals and teach students the language of business.

Electives allow you to customize your degree and explore new subjects. And you are not limited to the 130+ Stanford GSB electives. We encourage students to take classes offered at Stanford’s other schools including Education, Engineering, Humanities and Sciences, Law, Medicine, and Sustainability in order to create a unique course of study to help you achieve your goals. Explore classes and academic options to help you make the most of your MSx experience.

Core Curriculum*

Accounting Leading with Values
Microeconomics Negotiations
Operations & Strategies Organizational Behavior
Data & Decisions Finance
Marketing Strategy Beyond Markets

* courses are subject to change

World Class Centers

Stanford GSB centers provide specialized resources and courses for students interested in social innovation and entrepreneurship. 

The Center for Social Innovation educates leaders on social and environmental change. The center provides tools and resources for students interested in corporate social impact, nonprofit, government, or philanthropic careers. 

The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies supports entrepreneurial leaders. Stanford GSB has 50 courses in entrepreneurship and innovation as well as co-curricular learning options for students. 

Co-Curricular Activities

In addition to classes, students have plenty of opportunities to participate in extracurricular and co-curricular activities to enhance their educational and career goals.

Leadership Development

All MSx students have the option to strengthen their leadership skills by participating in Stanford’s LEAP (Leadership Evaluation and Action Planning) 360 Degree Feedback Assessment Program. With the use of an online dashboard, you can gather constructive feedback, clarify your goals, and outline a meaningful action plan. A weekly journal, coaching tips, and follow-up evaluation are a few of the added benefits. Throughout the entire process, the goal of LEAP remains the same — to help you improve your performance and advance your career.

Coaching and Communication

Communication coaching is offered to first-year MBA and MSx students. Coaches focus on three key areas: business writing, class participation, and impromptu speaking. Students can meet one-on-one with a coach and participate in a series of workshops and hands-on practice groups.

Studio on Demand provides videotaped one-on-one presentation coaching for all MBA and MSx students. Students work on all aspects of communicating, including managing anxiety, slide design, presentation preparation, and receiving feedback on delivery techniques.

Communication workshops are offered throughout the year on topics that include public speaking, meeting presence, managing anxiety, and impromptu speaking.

LOWkeynotes provides students the opportunity to develop and practice a nine-minute presentation on an idea they believe is in line with the school’s mission – to change lives, organizations, and the world. Students deliver their final presentation to an audience of their peers, faculty, and staff.

Hear from MSx Alumni

The Value of the MSx Curriculum
00:00:39

The Value of the MSx Curriculum

Brett Wilson, MS ’19, discusses the MSx Program’s curriculum and the impact for mid-career professionals.
MSx Class of 2019

“I was able to identify my own strengths and weaknesses, which helped me become a better, more self-aware leader. I left the program with a toolbox of new skills that will be invaluable as I move forward in my life’s journey.”

MSx Class of 2018

“Before the program, my boss would say that I was a talented individual who executed projects very well on a personal level. Now my boss would say, not only do I get quality work done, but I elevate my coworkers at the same time.”

One Amazing Year

Unlike a traditional executive management program, you will learn the skills, earn the degree, and create the network all in one remarkable year–while having the time of your life.