10 Online MBA Programs In California

No matter where you are in the world, you can enroll in one of the online MBA programs in California. These online MBAs are offered by some of the top business schools and colleges in California, therefore, the online MBA degrees are widely recognized and accepted by HRs and clients from all over the world. Keep reading to see how you can enroll.

MBA – Master of Business Administration – is a graduate degree that offers you in-depth knowledge, both practically and theoretically, on business management. This is a degree that pushes you up the academic and professional ladder, develops you to become a leader and handle the leadership position of an organization effectively, and makes you when grounded in business matters.

If you are looking to get promoted in your workplace or want to become a CEO or take up any leadership position in an organization, then you should get an MBA degree. With this degree, business owners, HRs, and clients will trust your professional skill and expertise in the business space and offer you the position you are applying for. You also get to roll with the “big dogs” in an organization.

With an MBA degree, you get higher pay, a bigger office with a nice view, and earn respect in your workplace. Chief executive, for example, is one of the highest paying jobs in California, getting such a role is easy with an MBA.

These and many more are reasons why a lot of people are getting an MBA. And getting an MBA these days has become so easy, thanks to universities that had to start offering the degree program online, you can conveniently get your MBA while working, starting your enterprise, or from home. It doesn’t matter where you are, you can get an MBA degree online.

Online MBAs have become so popular that you can find some in Texas and you can enroll for them whether you are in Texas or not. And if you are not able to find a suitable online MBA in Texas, you may want to check my published post on the best online MBA programs with their fees. There are also online MBA programs in India but I am not sure they are open to everyone. However, I’m sure about the cheapest online MBA in Canada is open to everyone.

Online MBA programs are offered by universities and the quality is the same as the one offered on campus. Many people doubt the authenticity of online degree programs but I have been in the education niche long enough to tell you that there is absolutely no difference between them.

If online MBAs are not authentic then Harvard Business School Online (HBS), won’t be offering a wide range of online graduate business degrees online including an MBA. So, bury your doubts and go get your MBA online.

So, in this post, I have discussed some of the online MBA programs in California. They are a list of business schools or colleges and universities in California that offer online MBA programs.

And each of them is well-detailed for you to know the program that meets your demand and how to enroll. But before we get into that, let us look at some important details that will help facilitate your entry into one of the online MBA programs in California.

How Much Does Online MBA Cost in California?

The average cost of an online MBA in California ranges between approximately $30,000 and $60,000 depending on whether you are an in-state student or an out-of-state student. So basically, students who are residents of California will pay lesser compared to students from outside California which also includes students from other parts of the world.

Also, the fee varies if you are a full-time or part-time student and part-time students have always been known to pay more.

Requirements for Online MBA Programs in California

To get accepted into one of the online MBA programs in California you need to meet the program’s entry requirements. With these requirements, the admissions board of faculty can evaluate you and consider you for admission into the program.

Now, whether you are an online or on-campus student the entry requirements are usually the same, and failure to meet them or provide the necessary documents won’t get you into the program.

The requirements, as well as documents, for online MBA programs in California, are:

  • You must have completed and earned a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, or a related field.
  • Possess two to three years of work experience. The program may require more or less
  • Submit the GMAT or GRE scores. This can be waived if you have a high GPA and more years of work experience.
  • Meet the required GPA for entry into the online MBA program. With an undergraduate GPA of at least 2:1 or 2.5, you can be accepted. But it has to be backed with a high GMAT or GRE score.
  • Two or more letters of recommendations
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • TOEFL or IELTS for international students from non-English speaking countries.
  • Professional resume or CV and statement of purpose.

All of these will be provided online as the application is done online.

Also, an important requirement to participate in the online MBA programs in California is to have the appropriate online learning tools which are needed to join classes and submit your assignments and tests.

Benefits of Online MBA Programs in California

Getting an MBA online is such a flexible alternative to getting your business degree and taking your career to the next level and it is becoming increasingly popular. Let’s see some of the common benefits of online MBA programs in California;

Convenience

You get to enjoy the convenience that comes with online learning. You don’t need to take the bus to get to the campus nor do you have to travel abroad. You can learn from the comfort of your home or anywhere convenient enough for you to learn.

Flexibility

The online MBA programs in California offer flexibility, allowing you to study while working or carrying out other responsibilities. The schedules for the online MBA programs in California are designed to fit your busy life. This is what makes an online MBA the best option for working professionals looking to advance their careers.

Affordability

Maybe you don’t know this but studying online is cheaper compared to studying in the traditional format this is why you can easily find a host of free online courses or MOOCs. You can check out my article on the cheapest online colleges to confirm this. The online MBA programs in California are no exception. They are cheaper compared to the MBA programs offers in person.

MBA is expensive, to cut down on the cost you may want to try getting the degree online.

It is Faster to Complete

The online MBA programs in California and any online MBA program for that matter are completed faster. The traditional MBA takes two (2) years to complete but the online MBA can be completed in one year or less if you go for the accelerated track option. And this accelerated MBA is mostly offered to be completed online.

Connect With Business Professionals

The online MBA programs in California attract different people from vast business fields and you get to be in the same class with them. This presents an opportunity to connect with them, who could be business professionals like you, and you can learn from them and gain another perspective on the business field.

I’d have to stop here on the benefits of online MBA programs in California as we need to advance to the main part of this post.

online MBA programs in California

Online MBA Programs in California

California is a US state with a vibrant and diverse learning environment. There are over 400 higher institutions in this state – the highest in the US – offering a wide range of innovative degree programs and certifications.

We can say that California is a big-time advocate of quality education as it houses some of the best universities in the US and the world such as Stanford, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Caltech, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Davis, and the University of Southern California.

You may wonder how this concerns getting an online MBA from California, it does, because the state is known for its advanced universities, and getting a degree from them is no piece of cake, whether online or offline.

Now imagine getting an MBA from one of these universities in California, you will earn respect among your colleagues and you will stand above the competition in the workforce.

Unless you committed some heinous crimes in the past I doubt there would be any company, firm, or organization that won’t be eager to accept you into their team when you have an MBA from a university in California.

Enough of the hype, let’s get into the online MBA programs in California and see what they got to offer.

1.     UC Davis Online MBA

The University of California Davis or UC Davis offers a nationally ranked online MBA program through its Graduate School of Management. The MBA here provides you with a top-quality, transformational experience and an opportunity for you to earn a top graduate business degree from one of the best universities in the world.

Online MBA at UC Davis has its perks. Firstly, you will be connected to the school’s global alumni network and corporate partners across Northern California and secondly, you will benefit from strong relationships the school has built-in Silicon Valley. The online MBA program is also a STEM-designated one to prepare you for leadership roles in STEM fields.

The program has four (4) start dates in the year allowing you to begin your enrollment at a time that is convenient for you. You can apply for a GMAT waiver if you qualify for it. Tuition is charged per unit at $1,465 and this may be subject to increase at the beginning of an academic year.

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2.     The University of La Verne’s Online MBA Program

The online MBA at the University of La Verne can be considered one of the best online MBA programs in California due to its recognition by well-known education ranking platforms. First is the US News & World Report which ranked the program among the best online degree programs in 2022 and there is also Fortune Education which ranked it fourth-best in California.

The online MBA at La Verne will prepare you for career advancement through real-life leadership and management strategies. The program also offers seven (7) areas of concentration which are finance, accounting, IT, international business, management and leadership, supply chain management, and health service management for you to choose from. There are also up to five (5) start dates in the year allowing you to process your admission at your own time.

The total unit of the online MBA at the University of La Verne is 33, takes 1-3 years to complete, and the tuition is $935 per unit.

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3.     California State University Online MBA

California State University, Long Beach offers a fully online MBA program with part-time and full-time study tracks to make the program as flexible as possible. Applicants of the online MBA program are required to possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and a minimum of 3 years of work experience. GMAT/GRE scores are required but you can apply for a waiver if you meet the requirements.

Enrolling in this online MBA, you get the opportunity to work on exciting business problems across various disciplines, launch a successful enterprise, develop as a business leader, and gain experience working while studying. The cost of the program is $30 to $37k and is one of the cheapest online MBA programs you can find in California.

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4.     USC Marshall School of Business Online MBA Program

The University of Southern California USC has a business school known as the Marshall School of Business which offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate business degree programs including an online MBA.

The online MBA at USC is one of the best online MBA programs in California due to its recognition by different education ranking platforms.

The US News & World Report ranked the program among the best online MBA programs in 2021, Poets & Quants ranks it as No.1, and it is also ranked on the Princeton Review’s top 25 online MBA programs.

The program is designed to develop you to become a business leader with time-tested, forward-thinking skills to advance your career and your respective industry. The program is accelerated and takes 21 months to complete.

The total cost of the program is $119,822 and there are scholarships, which you can find here, ranging from $5,000 – $20,000 to make your education more affordable. This is one of the online MBA programs in California you may want to consider applying for. The scholarship provision can go a long way to assist your MBA funding.

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5.     Pepperdine University Online MBA

The online MBA at Pepperdine University is offered by Graziadio Business School one of the top 20 business schools in the US according to the US News & World Report. The online MBA program offers an innovative curriculum that combines education in strategy, technology, and values-driven leadership designed to empower you towards the path of success in your career and the world. The program has seven (7) concentrations allowing you to focus your degree.

The program can be completed in 2 years and does not require the GMAT to apply but you need to possess two or more years of relevant work experience, and of course, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

Other admission requirements include official transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, at least one letter of recommendation, and a $150 application fee. Tuition is $1,920 per unit and this online MBA comprises 52 units.

This is one of the online MBA programs in California that you may want to consider applying for, especially due to its concentrations.

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6.     SCU Leavey School of Business Online MBA

Santa Clara University or SCU houses the Leavey School of Business which provides an online MBA that you can complete in 24 months. It may also be one of the best online MBA programs in California as it is ranked top 3 best online MBAs by Poets & Quants. This institution has a deep connection with Silicon Valley and leverages its experience and connection to its online MBA program.

The online MBA at Leavey offers a concentration in data science and business analytics, leading innovative organizations, marketing, and finance. The online MBA is the same as the one offered on campus but the online option offers flexibility and self-paced learning allowing you to complete classes on your schedule. There are four (4) start dates and you can apply for a GMAT/GRE waiver.

Other entry requirements include two recommendation letters, a TOEFL or IELTS score for non-native English speakers, a personal statement, resume or CV, official transcripts, a 4-year bachelor’s degree, three or more years of work experience, and an application fee of $158.

The online MBA is charged at a cost per unit price of $1,198 and you can win scholarships of up to $5,000.

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7.     California State University, San Bernadino Online MBA for Executives

CSUSB is offering a high-quality, relevant curriculum, and an affordable online MBA for executives. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or AACSB. The program is designed to prepare you for a leadership position through education in the broad scope of business. You can apply for the program regardless of your undergraduate major.

The entry requirements include two years of work experience in a management or leadership role, a resume, a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, a 250-word statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and unofficial transcripts. The program cost is $36,000 and there are financial aid options to offset your tuition load and make your MBA education affordable.

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8.     California State University, Stanislau Online MBA

At Stan State, you can find an online, flexible, and affordable MBA program that you can enroll in irrespective of your location. The program is accredited by the AACSB and is designed for working professionals looking to advance their careers and handle leadership and management roles in business. The online MBA at Stan State takes 2-7 years to complete.

To get accepted into the program, you need to have an accredited undergraduate degree with an average GPA of 2.8, and two years of work experience although you can request a waiver if you want to enter the program without work experience. The total program cost is $27,600 and is so far the cheapest on the list of online MBA programs in California.

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9.     California State University Monterey Bay Online MBA Program

If you are looking to advance your career, switch to a new career path, or develop professional business skills and expertise in a convenient, flexible environment then you should consider enrolling in one of the online MBA programs in California and you might want to consider the online MBA program at the California State University in Monterey Bay.

The program can be completed in as little as 16 months and is the fastest one on this list of online MBA programs in California.

The program is designed to fit professionals in healthcare, consulting, advertising, technology, and finance. It does not require the GMAT and it is affordable with a tuition fee of $34,000. Also, class sizes are kept small capped at 30 students per online class.

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10.  Saint Mary’s College Online MBA

At Saint Mary’s College, you can earn an online MBA degree in as little as 12 months. The program is designed to be flexible and offers you the experience and insight you need to master the fundamentals of business. The program is AACSB accredited and there are two start dates in October and April. To enter the program, you need to have your bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum of 5 years of work experience.

Other documents for admission application include a personal statement, official transcripts, resume, two letters of recommendation, and a $50 application fee. This is the cheapest application fee by far and you also need to complete a 30 to 45 minutes online interview with the online MBA program director. The program tuition is $45,360 you can find scholarships here to fund your education.

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These are some of the online MBA programs in California and from here you should be able to find a few that meet your academic and professional needs. You can also apply to more than one online MBA program to increase your chances of getting accepted but that means you will sacrifice some cash for the application fee.

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