Top-Rated Online MBA Programs for California Students

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Updated: 09/22/2025

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Updated: 09/22/2025

Profiling Online/Hybrid MBA Programs in California

California has several AACSB-accredited universities offering online or hybrid MBA programs. Each option blends flexibility with the rigor of a traditional MBA, making them ideal for working professionals.

Below are three standout programs with quick overviews and program details.

Top Fields of Study for Your California MBA

California’s economy shapes which MBA concentrations offer the highest career value. Five specializations stand out across the state:

Technology Management

It’s no surprise that technology is king in California. The state’s tech industry employs over 1.6 million people and makes up more than 10% of the economy. An MBA in technology management prepares graduates for roles in product management, IT leadership, and consulting. With hubs like Silicon Valley, job opportunities are abundant for tech-savvy managers who can combine business strategy with innovation.

Healthcare Management

Healthcare is now California’s largest employment sector, representing about 16% of all jobs statewide. Hospitals, biotech firms, and healthcare startups are looking for leaders who can navigate regulations and improve efficiency. An MBA in healthcare management gives graduates the tools to step into those roles. Growth has been steady — the industry added 230,000 jobs in one recent year — and the demand for skilled administrators continues to rise.

Finance (FinTech & Real Estate)

Finance, insurance, and real estate contributed $577 billion to California’s GDP in 2023, the largest of any sector. An MBA in finance can open doors in banking, investment firms, venture capital, or real estate development. The state’s fintech scene is booming, driven by Silicon Valley startups, while California’s massive housing market fuels steady demand for financial expertise.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation 

California attracts nearly 40% of all U.S. venture capital funding, making it a hotspot for entrepreneurs. MBA programs with this focus teach students to craft business plans, secure funding, and scale operations. Whether launching a startup in Silicon Valley or leading innovation within a large company, these skills are highly valued in the state’s thriving business culture.

Entertainment and Media Management

From Hollywood to Silicon Beach, California’s entertainment industry supports more than 200,000 jobs in Los Angeles alone. An MBA in this field blends business expertise with industry-specific knowledge in entertainment law, finance, and project management. Graduates are prepared for roles in streaming, film, music, and sports management — industries where leaders who understand both creative and corporate needs are in high demand.

Types of Online MBA Programs in California

An MBA in this field blends business expertise with industry-specific knowledge in entertainment law, finance, and project management. Graduates are prepared for roles in streaming, film, music, and sports management — industries where leaders who understand both creative and corporate needs are in high demand.

Immersive full-time programs typically last 18 to 24 months and mirror traditional MBAs with heavier course loads and multiple classes per term. The advantage is speed: graduates can finish in one to two years. Many programs schedule live sessions in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate working professionals. Examples:

• USC Marshall — Online MBA
• CSU Long Beach — Online MBA

Part-time or flexible programs stretch the MBA experience over a longer period, usually three years or more if students take just one or two courses per term. The lighter load makes balancing work and family easier, though it extends the timeline. Many California universities design their MBAs with this flexibility in mind. Examples:

• University of San Francisco — Online MBA
• UC Irvine — Flex MBA

No-GRE/GMAT programs are becoming common. Schools now evaluate applicants based on professional experience, GPA, essays, and interviews rather than standardized tests. This makes applying more accessible without lowering quality. Examples:

• CSU Monterey Bay — Online MBA
• UC Davis — Online MBA

Budgeting Your Education: Online MBA Costs in California

The cost of an online MBA varies widely. Public universities often offer more affordable tuition, while private universities can exceed $100,000 for the full degree. Most programs require anywhere from 30 to 50+ credits, and tuition is charged per credit.

Online students may save on housing or commuting, but expect additional expenses like technology fees, textbooks, or travel for short residencies. Some programs include extras in tuition (such as materials or residencies), while others do not.

Answering Online MBA Program FAQs

Q: Should I take the GMAT or GRE to get into an online MBA program in California?

A: This step may not be necessary. Many online MBA programs in California have made entrance exams optional or waived. For example, USC Marshall’s online MBA does not require GMAT/GRE scores. While you can submit one to strengthen your application, it’s optional. Such programs will focus more on your work experience, undergraduate GPA, and essays during admissions. 

Always review each school’s policy. While you’ll have plenty of test-optional options, taking the GRE or GMAT may be a good option for strengthening your application. If you do decide to take a standardized test, whether you’re prepping for the GRE or prepping for the GMAT, be sure to set aside plenty of study time beforehand and know what to expect. 

Q: What accreditation should I look for in an online MBA program?

A:Verifying the accreditation of your master’s program is very important. First, ensure the university has regional accreditation. For California schools, the Western Association of Schools (WASC) is the regional accreditor. This guarantees basic academic quality and that employers will respect your degree. 

Second, look for Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation for the business school. AACSB is considered the gold standard for business programs, as it signifies high academic standards and is recognized by employers. All the programs listed above, for instance, are AACSB-accredited or equivalent. Attending an accredited MBA program means your MBA will hold value and credibility in the job market.

Q: Can I work full-time while pursuing my online MBA?

A: Yes, it’s possible. In fact, most online MBA students do work full-time. These programs are built for working professionals, so courses often have flexible scheduling or live sessions in the evenings to accommodate nine-to-five jobs. Many students find they can immediately apply what they learn to their current job, which employers appreciate. 

That said, expect to dedicate 15 or more hours per week to coursework for a part-time load. Strong time management is key. If your job is very demanding, you might choose a lighter course load (extending the program) to avoid burnout during school.

Q: Will my diploma say that my MBA was earned online, and do employers care?

A: Generally, your MBA diploma will not indicate the mode of instruction. It will simply state “Master of Business Administration” from the university. For example, UC Davis awards the same MBA degree to online graduates as it does to on-campus students. 

Employers today are increasingly accepting of online degrees, especially if the school is reputable and accredited. What matters more is the school’s brand and the skills you bring. In California’s dynamic job market, many employers care about your ability to do the job and how you leveraged your MBA experience, rather than whether you sat in a classroom or learned via Zoom. 

Q: Do online MBA programs require any on-campus attendance, or are they 100% online?

A: It depends on the program. Many online MBAs in California are entirely online with no required campus visits, meaning you can complete all coursework remotely. Others have a hybrid element, in which they include short residencies or weekend meetups. For instance, USC’s online MBA kicks off with a one-week on-campus intensive in Los Angeles, and UC Davis requires students to attend two to four brief residential sessions for networking and hands-on projects. 

These in-person components are typically as brief as a few days and are scheduled well in advance. They can be valuable for building peer relationships and practical skills. However, if traveling to California is difficult for you, look for programs advertised as “fully online” with no required residency. 

Top-Rated Online MBA Programs in California

With so many options available, how do you identify the best online MBA programs in California? Below, we’ve included a curated list of top programs to get you started. These schools were evaluated on key factors that matter to students: affordability, the quality of student support services, flexibility/online access, and of course, proper accreditation.

Use this list as a starting point, and then consider which program aligns with your budget, scheduling needs, and career goals.