The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an advanced degree in the field of business management, administration, and theory. The popularity of the MBA degree means that many universities offer MBA degree programs that are flexible and can be completed online. In California, several universities have affordable online MBA degree programs, and in this article, we will delve into these specific programs, tuition costs, and what the curriculum entails.
Why Get an Online MBA in California?
Earning an online MBA in California takes time and money but delivers many benefits. Online MBA schools offer opportunities to develop business and management skills applicable to any industry. Graduates qualify for a variety of diverse careers and earn much higher annual salaries than the average worker in the United States.High SalariesMBA graduates qualify for careers that garner substantial salaries. For example, sales managers earn a median annual salary of $132,290, and compensation and benefits managers make $125,130 a year.Broad Skill SetEarning an online MBA develops a versatile, broadly applicable skill set. Students learn management, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills in addition to general business knowledge.Career OpportunitiesCalifornia MBA programs prepare students for exciting, well-paid careers in business and finance, including top executive, human resources manager, and training and development manager.
Pursuing an online MBA program in California offers benefits not available in every state, including access to a large number of schools with online programs, excellent networking opportunities, and diverse career opportunities after graduation.
California boasts nearly 450 postsecondary institutions, more than any other state in the U.S. This includes prestigious private and public universities and online and in-person programs at a variety of price points. The state’s experience offering high-quality distance education means that students can find a variety of online MBA programs in California. In 2020, about 55.3% of students in the state participated in online learning at least some of the time.
What California’s Best MBA Programs Have in Common
Higher education institutions provide a variety of experiences and opportunities, each offering its own campus culture, course selections, resources, and ways to engage with the community. Even so, the top schools tend to share several common characteristics:
- They are accredited. Institutions that have earned accreditation from a third-party agency are recognized for offering a superior standard of education. All of the top schools found on this list are accredited by one or more of the following bodies: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB); the Western Association for Schools and Colleges (WSCUC); and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
- They are affordable. Students may be eligible for various forms of financial aid to assist with the costs of education. The FAFSA helps determine allocation of state and federal aid, and each college or university determines institutional aid.
- They uphold academic excellence. Institutions with a student-focused approach to academics prioritize the student learning experience and quality of education. Colleges and universities with smaller class sizes, for example, tend to offer a more personalized student experience.
- Their MBA programs are reputable and robust. A reputable and robust MBA program features selective admissions and impressive student outcomes. Considering the percentages of graduate degrees offered, online enrollment rates, acceptance rates, and graduation rates, our ranked schools demonstrate that they offer reputable and reliable MBA programs.
California Schools with Affordable Online MBA Programs
Below, you will find the average graduate tuition rates for several public or private, non-profit, schools in California that offer an affordable online MBA program.
| School | Location | Average Graduate Tuition (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|
| California State University, Dominguez Hills | Carson, CA | $7,176 (in-state) |
| California Baptist University | Riverside, CA | $13,420 |
| California State University, San Bernardino | San Bernardino, CA | $7,176 (in-state) |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | $19,065 |
| California State University, Stanislaus | Stanislaus, CA | $7,176 (in-state) |
Overview of Affordable Online MBA Programs in California
California State University, Dominguez Hills
The online program at California State University, Dominguez Hills is a 30-credit program that will allow you to specialize in the area of marketing, finance, human resources, and other subjects. You may be able to complete this program in about 18 months. There are four academic sessions per year, each lasting 12 weeks. Online classes can be done on your time through the use of the online portal, Blackboard, where you will participate in online discussions and assignments. You take core coursework in accounting, marketing, and organizational and human behavior, as well as electives that could fulfill your chosen concentration.
California Baptist University
California Baptist University’s online MBA program was designed with the working professional in mind, and you will be able to attend this program full or part time. This general management MBA is also meant for those who want to achieve a senior-level management position. You might be able to complete this 36-credit program in 12 months. During your studies, you will take various management course in global business, finance, and information systems.
California State University, San Bernardino
Some students complete the online MBA program at California State University, San Bernardino in only 18 months. This is a 48-unit program with classes that last 5 weeks. You will need to take an MBA boot camp during the early part of your program, and these small self-guided modules focus on one business topic, such as accounting or marketing. Other requirements include an internship, a portfolio, and an analysis project as well as coursework. For this program, you will need about 5 years of professional experience in order to apply.
California Lutheran University
The online MBA program at California Lutheran University can be attended full time or part time, and completion of the 45 credits could take anywhere from 12-24 months. The online MBA is made up of 8-week terms that have various start times throughout the year. Your coursework will entail core classes in ethics, law, marketing, and enterprise strategy, as well as classes that fit into your personal concentration. You must also complete a capstone course that can be in the form of an internship, a business plan, or international travel.
California State University, Stanislaus
California State University, Stanislaus’ online MBA program consists of 30 units that cover core courses in finance, business behavior theory, financial management, and several electives, some of which can fulfill the finance concentration, if you have chosen that option. You must also complete comprehensive exams to finish off your MBA degree. This program features online classroom sessions, online office hours where you can have one-on-one time with professors, and online chat sessions with your peers.
In California, there are several universities with affordable online MBA programs that can be attended according to your schedule and may be completed in anywhere from 1-2 years. These programs offer robust coursework and various areas of concentration that could fit your personal goals.Next: View Schools Link to this page
What To Expect From MBA Programs in California
Online MBA programs in California typically take two full-time years to complete and require 30-60 credits. Some schools offer accelerated one-year online MBAs, allowing degree-seekers to take more credits each semester and graduate sooner. Other universities maintain hybrid programs, enabling learners to complete some coursework online and some in person.
Costs for California MBA programs vary by type of school (public or private), format (online or on-campus), and tuition rate (in-state or out-of-state). Attending a public university and paying in-state tuition typically offers the most affordable route to an MBA.
Most business schools offer MBA concentrations like human resources management, strategic management, finance, and IT. MBA candidates typically take classes like marketing for managers, strategic management, the legal and ethical environment of business, and leading in organizations. Read on for more about what to expect from the best online MBA programs.What Is an MBA Degree?Comparing an MBA to a Master’sWhat To Expect From an Online MBA
Admission Requirements for MBAs
Admission requirements for California MBA programs vary by school, but typically include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college. Some universities require an undergraduate degree in business, but most accept any bachelor’s degree as long as the applicant completes prerequisite foundational courses. Additional admission criteria may include a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA, 1-5 years of relevant professional experience, and satisfactory GRE or GMAT scores.
The admissions process usually includes an online application, paying a fee, and submitting college transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a resume. Most programs also ask for a statement of purpose and writing sample. Applicants may need to complete an in-person or telephone interview. Different types of degree specializations typically do not change required prerequisites.
Specialized MBAs
California’s online MBA programs offer concentrations that let students spend more time on a particular area of interest. Adding a concentration develops knowledge and skills that can help learners qualify for more specialized careers after graduation and stand out from general MBA holders. Students who want to keep their options open and gain the broadest skill set possible may decide to pursue a general MBA.
Specializations particularly relevant for California may include IT, social entrepreneurship, healthcare management, and strategic leadership.
Online MBA Programs in California
California has the largest state economy in the U.S., making it an excellent place to earn an MBA and start a career in business. Projections Central expects a 10.9% boom in jobs in California from 2016-2026, pointing to a healthy and growing economy. Plus, over 940,000 managers and 978,000 business and financial professionals work in California — more than in any other state.
Moreover, California’s management and business professionals rank among the highest-paid in the country, earning mean annual salaries of $132,220 and $83,500, respectively.
This page lists online MBA programs in California and explores key topics for aspiring business administration students. Read on to learn more about California’s economy, its biggest industries, and potential career paths for business school graduates.
Top 10 Online MBA Programs in California
- Ashford University – San Diego, CA
- Azusa Pacific University – Azusa, CA
- Brandman University – Irvine, CA
- California Baptist University – Riverside, CA
- California College San Diego – San Diego, CA
- California InterContinental University – Irvine, CA
- California Lutheran University – Thousand Oaks, CA
- California State University – Dominguez Hills – Carson, CA
- California State University – Fresno – Fresno, CA
- California State University – Monterey Bay – Seaside, CA
SEE MORE SCHOOLS IN CALIFORNIA
Featured Online MBA Programs
Start your search with accredited online programs.AD
London School of Economics and Political SciencePROGRAM: LSE MBA ESSENTIALSThis London School of Economics and Political Science online certificate course helps you gain holistic business skills from anywhere in the world, in just 10 weeks. Master business strategy, finance and leadership, guided by expert LSE faculty.VISIT SITE
Rice University – Jones Graduate School of BusinessPROGRAM: STRATEGIC PROJECT MANAGEMENTLearn to align project, program, and portfolio goals with organizational strategy in this 8-week online short course from Rice University.VISIT SITE
California’s Online MBA Programs
The list below presents some online MBA programs in California. Browse the listed schools to learn more about each program and decide which school best fits your professional and personal interests. Choosing from among a huge selection of MBA programs in California may prove an arduous task, and the list below makes a great place to start your college search.
This list only features accredited MBA programs. Attending an accredited school ensures that employers, scholarship programs, and other universities respect the credentials.
Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in California
California’s economic landscape is shaped by industry growth and the career opportunities available to the state’s workforce. The information industry relies on the production and distribution of data. It provides the channels for processing data, as well. In California, Silicon Valley is the information industry’s main hub, boasting a 3.5% industry growth for April 2019.
The education and health services industries, on the other hand, are concentrated in the Central Sierra and Upstate California regions, including Sacramento. These industries grew by 2.9% in April 2019. The San Francisco Bay Area is home to the professional and business services industries, which experienced a 2.5% growth in April 2019.
California is known for entertainment and tourism, as well, making its leisure and hospitality industries essential to the state’s economy. These industries experienced a 2.1% growth in the past year.
California has the world’s fifth-largest economy. Its gross domestic product surpassed $2.7 trillion in 2017, and it should continue to grow over the next decade. Due to climate change, however, California has become particularly susceptible to wildfires and drought. These natural disasters cost the state billions of dollars each year.
| COMPANY | LOCATION | MAIN INDUSTRY | NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAX | Los Angeles | Transportation | 45,000 |
| 32nd Street Naval Station | San Diego | Military and Defense | 42,951 |
| Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S. | Anaheim | Amusement and Theme Parks | 28,000 |
Source: Career One Stop
Most industries require employees with computer and information security expertise to secure data and protect online systems. Graduates with homeland security and healthcare administration concentrations qualify for employment at LAX and in the UCLA health system. Employees with these specializations require less on-the-job training and prior work experience, giving them leverage in the job market.
Careers for MBA Grads in California
Information Technology Manager
Computer and information systems managers oversee their organizations’ various computer-related activities. They hold titles such as chief information officer, chief technology officer, IT director, and IT security manager. In general, IT managers determine their company’s technology needs, implement new computer systems, and supervise other IT workers such as support specialists and software developers.
Technology is one of California’s most important industries, with plenty of available IT positions. Projections Central expects a 17.7% increase in job opportunities for California’s IT managers from 2016-2026. Information systems managers in the state earn a mean salary of $174,790 per year.LEARN MORE
Financial Controller
Human Resources Manager
Financial Analyst
Management Consultant
MBA Concentrations for California Students
Future business school students should strongly consider adding a concentration to their California MBA to better prepare for the state’s job market. Master’s students should factor in their personal interests when choosing a specialization, but they should also consider which jobs have the most openings and which industries demonstrate high growth potential. By choosing the right concentration, students can demonstrate specialized skills and possibly accelerate their job search.
Some of California’s largest employers include companies dealing in technology, telecommunications, and aerospace manufacturing. Students pursuing a California online MBA can learn more about MBA concentrations through this link.
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