Developing
business leaders
One of Canada's leading business schools
Our History
Simon Fraser University was founded in 1965 with a mission to be a different kind of university – to bring an interdisciplinary rigour to learning, to embrace bold initiatives, and to engage deeply with communities near and far. Shortly afterwards, SFU’s School of Business launched Canada’s first Executive MBA. Take a look at some of SFU Beedie’s highlights from then until now.
A History of Beedie School of Business
1965
Simon Fraser University opens its doors
In 1965, SFU opens its doors. The School of Business is housed in the Department of Economics and Business within the Faculty of Arts.
1968
Launch of Executive MBA
SFU launches Canada’s first executive MBA.
1982
BBA is launched
The school becomes the Faculty of Business Administration. The Bachelor of Administration (BBA) degree is established.
1989
EMBA Program moves downtown
The Executive MBA program moves to SFU’s new downtown campus, in the heart of Vancouver’s financial district.
1999
GDBA is created
The graduate Diploma in Business Administration (GDBA) is created.
1999
SFU establishes Exec Ed
SFU establishes what is now the Executive Education focused specifically on corporate education and management development.
2000
MOT is launched
The Management of Technology MBA is launched at SFU.
2002
Undergraduate BBA launches in Surrey
The Undergraduate BBA program opens a second location at the SFU Surry campus.
2004
PhD in Business Administration launches
SFU launches a PhD in Business Administration.
2005
Master of Science in Finance launches
A graduate program in finance - known as the Master of Science in Finance - is launched.
2005
Joseph Segal donation
Longtime university supporter and chancellor emeritus Jospeh Segal donates to SFU the Segal Graduate school in downtown Vancouver, hosting all graduate business programs.
2006
Accreditation by the AACSB
The school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
2007
Accelerated MBA launches
SFU launches its accelerated full-time MBA program at the Segal Graduate School.
2009
School receives EQUIS
The school receives EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System) accreditation.
2009
School acheives PRME
The school becomes signatory to the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME).
2011
School is named Beedie School of Business
In recognition of a record $22 million gift from alumnus Ryan Beedie and his father Keith, the school is named the Beedie School of Business.
2011
Executive MBA in Aboriginal Business and Leadership launched
The Executive MBA in Aboriginal Business and Leadership - a first for Canada - is launched.
2011
Americas MBA for Executives launches
Beedie launches the Americas MBA for Executives with partners FIA (Brazil), ITAM (Mexico) and Vanderbilt University (USA).
2013
Part-Time MBA launches
Beedie launches the part-time MBA at SFU’s Surrey Campus.
2014
Graduate Certificate in Science and Technology Commercialization
2014
Graduate Diploma in Financial Engineering launches
Beedie, along with SFU’s Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, offer the Graduate Diploma in Financial Engineering.
2016
Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship
Through a $10 million gift from alumnus Charles Chang, Beedie establishes the Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship
2019
Digital University is launched in collaboration with KPMG
Offering two micro-credential programs - Graduate Certificate in Accounting with Digital Analytics and Master of Science in Accounting with Cognitive Analytics
SFU Beedie Celebrates its 40th Anniversary
In 2022 we celebrated 40 years since the creation of SFU's Beedie School of Business. Learn more about how we marked the occasion, our accomplishments and the friends who supported us along the way.