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What is the GSV MBA?

The GSV MBA is an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program focused on developing exceptional entrepreneurs. The aspiration of the GSV MBA is to be the premier entrepreneurship MBA program in the world.

GSV stands for Global Silicon Valley, reflecting the opportunity to connect Silicon Valley with innovators around the world. The program is designed by highly experienced investors and entrepreneurs from GSV and its network in partnership with Belhaven University. The program offers a real-world curriculum and is solely for entrepreneurs.

GSV is a leading Silicon Valley investor and has invested in game-changing companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Dropbox, Snap, Lyft, and Spotify. The Global Silicon Valley is a megatrend of the mindset of innovation and entrepreneurship, which has made Silicon Valley such a magical place is spreading throughout the World. Our Founder and CEO, Michael Moe, has been the founder of numerous businesses, including GSV Asset Management, ThinkEquity, the ASU GSV Summit, GSVlabs, Sharespost, BizEquity, EMG, and others. Michael is also the author of two highly regarded books, Finding the Next Starbucks and The Global Silicon Valley Handbook.

GSV partnered with Belhaven, a mid-size Christian liberal arts University that was started in 1883, to develop and run the program.

How is the GSV MBA program different from other graduate-level MBA programs?

The GSV MBA is designed for entrepreneurs and offers a real-world, relevant curriculum. Entrepreneurs will work on their business ideas throughout the program and the graduation project is launching their business! Students will have regular interactions with GSV and its network of investors, entrepreneurs, and mentors throughout the duration of this program. Students will also have access to GSV’s Pioneer Platform which is an online offering of resources including coaching networks, entrepreneur resources, capital sources, and much more.

How does the GSV MBA program protect my intellectual property and business ideas that I may bring to the program or generate while I'm taking classes?

GSV’s reputation is rooted in core values including trust and integrity. We’ve built our brand through many mutually rewarding partnerships, advising and investing in great companies, ideas, and entrepreneurs over several decades in the industry. While we hope that there are ideas developed through the program in which GSV would have an interest in investing, we are in the business of helping advance business ventures and opportunities, not claiming credit or ownership of other people’s ideas. Additionally, as ventures take shape and reach certain milestones, we can help ensure that proper documentation including non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and similar tools are used. The second course in the program—”Ethics, Culture & Purpose”—will delve into these issues; they’re essential topics, and we firmly believe in practicing what we preach.

When can I get started?

The GSV MBA program will begin summer 2020 and new classes start approximately every other month throughout the year.

How do I apply?

The first step is to fill out the application for admission. Then, you will need to submit your college transcripts. If you are applying for financial aid, also fill out the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, financial aid is available for those who qualify. Students needs to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov if applying for financial aid. When filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid be sure to include Belhaven as the institution to receive your results. Our Federal Code Number is 002397.

How much does the GSV MBA program cost?

The tuition for the entire program is $24,500 or $817 per credit hour. Note, there is no technology fee added to this cost. Through this program, GSV MBA students will have access to GSV’s Pioneer Platform which is an online offering of resources including coaching networks, entrepreneur resources, capital sources, and much more.

Do I need to purchase textbooks?

Yes, online students are required to purchase their books for each class. The Belhaven bookstore offers competitive pricing and even offers rental options for some textbooks. You may also choose to purchase your books each term from your provider of choice.

Do I need an undergraduate degree in order to enroll?

Yes, in order to be accepted to the program, you must provide proof of completing an undergraduate degree. Belhaven offers several online undergraduate degree programs if you need to finish your bachelor degree.

Is the GSV MBA offered exclusively/entirely online?

Yes, each class is taught over a 7-week period and taught in a 100% online format by faculty with expertise in marketing, economics, leadership, law, finance, and strategic planning, in addition to having experience in both starting and running a large variety of businesses.

Additionally, Michael Moe or members of the GSV team will participate regularly in weekly online office hours sessions. GSV will also bring special guests from time to time from our network of premier investors and entrepreneurs.

What are the computer requirements to take online classes?

You will need access to a PC or a Mac with internet connectivity. For more information, please go to the Computer Requirements page on the Belhaven website.

Who teaches the courses?

The instructors are all Belhaven University faculty. They have expertise in marketing, economics, leadership, law, finance, and strategic planning, in addition to having experience in both starting and running a large variety of businesses.

Michael Moe and GSV are intimately involved with the design and creation of the program in partnership with Belhaven. Michael or members of the GSV team will participate regularly in weekly office hours. GSV will also bring special guests from time to time from our network of premier investors and entrepreneurs.

What if my business requires funding to launch and/or operate? Can the GSV MBA program provide funding for my business?

The GSV MBA does not offer funding for your startup. However, as part of graduating from the program, students will present their business pitch in a “Demo Day” in front of investors. Additionally, students may also connect to investors through the investor network on the GSV Pioneer Platform.

If I don’t have a business idea, can I still enroll in the GSV MBA program? Can I graduate?

A unique aspect of the GSV MBA is that it is designed to provide skills and know-how to launch an aspiring entrepreneur’s business idea. Graduation from the GSV MBA will culminate with a business plan presented to investors. A reality of startups is that they often start with one idea and “pivot” to another concept. While many students in the program will come with their initial idea, others will be inspired to create an idea within the program. To graduate from the program it is a requirement that the student will have completed their business plan and pitched it to investors.

Is there a set amount of time students have to complete all courses to complete their MBA?

To graduate with a GSV MBA, it is required that you complete the curriculum of 10 courses (each 7 weeks long) and develop a final business plan. If a student were to go from beginning to end without a break, it would take approximately 1.5 years to complete the program.

Students who drop out for more than a year will have to re-enter under the current catalogue requirements for the program, if they have changed.

Is the GSV MBA accredited? Is Belhaven University accredited? Is it important that my degree is from an accredited university?

Yes, the GSV MBA from Belhaven University is an accredited degree through International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Belhaven University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. As stated on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation website, accreditation is important because students who want federal (and sometimes state) grants and loans need to attend a college, university, or program that is accredited.

And yes, Belhaven University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. As noted above, stated on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation website, accreditation is important because students who want federal (and sometimes state) grants and loans need to attend a college, university, or program that is accredited.

Who is GSV?

GSV is a leading Silicon Valley growth investor devoted to finding and aligning with the most dynamic, fastest growing businesses in the world—the companies we call “the stars of tomorrow.” GSV has invested in game-changing companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Dropbox, Snap, Lyft, and Spotify.

In literal terms, Silicon Valley is just a small area—less than 50 miles between San Francisco and San Jose. But its influence? To say massive would be a massive understatement. A remarkable percentage of the most innovative and successful companies—especially high tech enterprises—call this magical region home. It’s the undisputed hub for up-and-comers, representing nearly half of the VC investment in all of the U.S. Yet Silicon Valley extends far beyond northern California, and even North America. That’s where the “G” in “GSV” comes in. We believe that Silicon Valley is no longer a spot on a map. It’s a mindset.

This small region near the Bay Area has singlehandedly redefined entrepreneurism and, in many ways, business in general. Today, “Silicon Valley” stretches around our planet—roughly 57 million square miles of land on earth. Talk about impressive growth. It represents an addiction to constant innovation. A devotion to the brightest talent. An appetite for boldness. A magnet for capital and growth investors. It’s the ambitious pursuit of a destiny achieved by the likes of Apple, Google, Facebook, Cisco, Intel, HP, and eBay—by companies that are, at present, far more humble.

And GSV exists to help them fulfill that promise.

Can you tell me more about Belhaven University?

Belhaven University serves 5,000 students and stands among select Christian colleges and universities with national influence. The University offers 70 areas of undergraduate studies as well as a variety of master’s degree programs and doctoral degrees in education. Belhaven has achieved the distinction of being among only 36 universities nationally accredited in each of the major arts–music, theatre, visual art and dance. Belhaven has long been recognized as one of America’s “Best Christian Colleges.”

What sets Belhaven University apart from others is our commitment to the Christian worldview and our reputation for personal attention. We believe an education is part of God’s plan for your life, so Belhaven gives you a biblical foundation for examining all of life, including your education, work, and family. And from the day you enroll to the day you graduate, our full-time professors and advisors are never too busy to answer your questions, return your calls, or do what it takes to help you graduate. We think you’ll notice the difference.

How can I connect with someone if I have specific questions about the program?

We’re happy to accept inquiries via phone, fax, or email. You can reach the team at Belhaven University in several ways:

Phone: (601) 968-8881 | (800) 960-5940 (toll-free)

Fax: (601) 968-5953

Email: onlineadmission@belhaven.edu

If you don’t connect with someone in real-time, a member of the staff will respond to your inquiry typically within 24 hours.

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