Top-Rated Online MBA Programs for California Students

Profiling Three Online/Hybrid MBA Programs in California

Below are three standout online or hybrid MBA programs from accredited California universities. Each summary gives a snapshot of the program’s unique strengths, followed by key details like duration, format, cost, and admission requirements.

The Top Fields of Study for Your California MBA

California’s economic and job landscape influences which MBA specializations are most valuable. Below are the five top MBA concentration areas in the state, each backed by industry demand and growth trends.

Technology Management

It’s no surprise that technology is king in California. The state’s tech industry employs over 1.6 million people and accounts for over 10% of the economy. An MBA in Technology Management prepares graduates to lead in tech firms or information technology (IT) divisions, blending business strategy with innovation. 

With Silicon Valley and other tech hubs in the state, California offers abundant roles for tech-savvy managers. From product management to tech consulting, an MBA in this field can yield multiple opportunities.

Healthcare Management

Healthcare is now California’s largest employment sector, comprising roughly 16% of all jobs statewide. An MBA with a healthcare management concentration equips students to manage hospitals, biotechnology companies, or healthcare startups in a state known for cutting-edge medical centers and biotechnology clusters.

Healthcare services have experienced strong growth in California, as the industry has added 230,000 California jobs in a recent year. This drives demand for administrators who can improve efficiency and patient care and navigate healthcare laws.

Finance (FinTech & Real Estate)

Finance and related industries are a powerhouse in California’s economy. In 2023, finance, insurance, and real estate contributed about $577 billion to the state’s GDP, making it the highest of any sector. 

An MBA in Finance can open doors in banking, investment firms, venture capital, and corporate finance roles, especially in finance centers like San Francisco or Los Angeles. California’s fintech scene is bolstered by Silicon Valley startups merging finance and tech. Its massive real estate market creates a robust job market for MBA grads with financial expertise.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation 

California is synonymous with startups and innovation. In fact, the state attracts about 40% of all U.S. venture capital funding. A master’s in entrepreneurship teaches students how to launch and grow new ventures, skills which are highly valued in startup ecosystems like Silicon Valley and Silicon Beach. 

Students in these programs learn to write business plans, secure funding, and scale operations. Even within larger companies, this focus is prized for driving innovation from within. Given the state’s culture of entrepreneurship, this MBA track is perennially popular for those aspiring to found or lead startups.

Entertainment and Media Management

Home to Hollywood, Silicon Beach, and a vast media market, California’s entertainment industry is a multi-billion-dollar engine supporting over 200,000 jobs in Los Angeles alone. An MBA specializing in entertainment or media management leverages business skills for film studios, streaming companies, music labels, and sports management. 

Students of this specialty delve into entertainment law, finance, marketing, and project management specific to media ventures. As the industry evolves with technology, leaders who understand both creative and corporate sides are in high demand, making this a uniquely Californian MBA niche.

Breaking Down the Types of Online MBA Programs in California

Online MBA programs in California come in diverse formats from across the state. Prospective students can choose from full-time accelerated programs, flexible part-time options, and even MBAs that don’t require standardized testing. Understanding these formats will help you find a program that matches your lifestyle and goals, whether you plan to study intensively or balance school with a full-time job.

Immersive Full-Time Online MBA Programs

Full-time online MBAs in California condense the MBA experience into a shorter timeframe, often around 18 to 24 months. As a full-time student, you can expect an intensive course load with multiple classes each term, similar to a traditional full-time program. 

The upside to full-time study is quicker completion. You could graduate in as little as one to two years and fast-track your career. These programs still cater to working professionals by scheduling live classes on evenings or weekends. 

Example full-time programs:

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

Part-Time or Flexible Online MBA Programs

Part-time online MBA programs offer the most flexibility. They are ideal for those who need to keep a full-time job or juggle family commitments. You might take only one or two courses at a time, which can extend the program length to three or more years if needed. 

The lighter course load means you can better balance responsibilities, albeit with a longer time to your degree. Many California schools design their online MBAs as part-time by default because they know these programs are in demand for busy professionals. 

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

No-GRE/GMAT Required Programs

Many California online MBAs now waive the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for qualified applicants or make them completely optional. These “no-GRE” programs evaluate candidates on work experience, past academics, and interviews instead. 

The benefit to these programs is that you can apply without spending months on test prep, a relief for busy professionals. Quality isn’t sacrificed, either. These schools have made exams optional to broaden access. You will still need a robust application for entry, so be sure to emphasize your career progression and academic achievements and submit a quality admissions essay. 

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

Budgeting Your Education: The Cost of Online MBA Programs in California

Online MBA costs in California can vary widely based on the institution and format. Tuition at public universities tends to be lower, while prestigious private schools can exceed $100,000 for the full program. 

The number of credits needed to graduate will have a large impact on cost, as most online MBAs charge by the credit. A typical program ranges from around 30 credits for accelerated programs to 50 or more credits for comprehensive MBAs. 

Delivery format doesn’t drastically change tuition. Online and on-campus rates are often similar, but fully online students might save on relocation or commuting costs. Keep in mind additional fees, too. Some programs include textbooks or residencies in tuition, whereas others add technology fees or short residency travel costs. 

Financial aid for online students is available in many cases, including scholarships, so it’s worth exploring those to offset costs. Below is a comparison of three online MBA programs in California to illustrate credit requirements and tuition:

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.