24 experienced entrepreneurs; 18 current or former CEOs; 9 members with military, government, or diplomatic experience; 15 professional investors; and 5 law firm partners.
These are just some of the people who make up the newest Stanford MSx class.
The MSx program is designed for mid-career professionals with at least eight years of professional work experience. It’s a one-year, full-time program and participants earn a master of science in management degree. When students arrive in July, they typically complete most of the streamlined core curriculum in foundational business topics including finance, strategy, and operations during their first quarter. Students can then select from over 130 electives at the GSB and from academic offerings throughout Stanford University. More than half of the MSx curriculum consists of electives, allowing students to focus on their interest areas.
Stanford MSx Class Profile
Eighty-four students joined the Stanford MSx Class of 2023. They had an average of over 13 years of work experience across dozens of industries. Additionally, half of students already have an advanced degree.
In line with Stanford’s commitment to diversity, the MSx class boasts 68 percent international students. More than half of the entire class identifies as U.S. students of color. Finally, women make up 37 percent of the MSx class—a record for the program. Over two-thirds of the new class have partners, and 35 class members have children: 63 in total, ranging in age from newborn to 24 years.
“We were very impressed with the caliber of applicants this year, and the result is an exceptional class,” said Mike Hochleutner, director of Stanford GSB MSx admissions. “As industries struggled to adapt to disruptive changes since 2020, opportunities arose for some to step up in remarkable ways as leaders. We sought those individuals.”
| Class Size | 84 |
| Women | 37% |
| U.S. Students of Color | 52% |
| International Students | 68% |
| Average Years of Work Experience | 13+ years |
Looking Ahead
The MSx class shared their post-program goals as well. About 40% want to return to the field they were working in prior to coming to the MSx program, ready for the career advancement the degree supports. Approximately one-third of students want to start an entrepreneurial venture, and about a quarter want to use the year-long program as a way to pivot to a new career.
“MSx students are courageous changemakers committed to expanding their knowledge and deepening their leadership skills to make an even bigger impact in their communities on a local or, in many cases, global scale,” Hochleutner said. “We are so lucky to have them and are excited to watch what they do this year and beyond.”
See more about the Stanford MSx class here.
