An online MBA sets you apart as a key asset for your organization and unlocks new pathways for career advancement. According to Fortune, an overwhelming majority of recent graduates report a positive return on investment after graduation and rate the value of their MBA as outstanding or excellent.
Earning an MBA in California is more convenient than ever thanks to online and hybrid programs that allow you to pursue your degree while you work. You’ll gain in-demand leadership and management skills that can quickly pay off.
This guide to the best online MBA programs in California introduces this year’s top-rated programs and highlights the many specializations available. You’ll also learn about income and employment potential and discover financial aid and other resources to help you reach your goals.
Top Online MBA Programs in California in 2023
The school rankings below represent the the top online MBA programs in California in terms of affordability, accreditation, flexible delivery, and overall student support. See which California schools stand above the rest for 2023 and learn how they can help you advance your career in business management.
Fresno Pacific University combines academic excellence with Christian values to give students a unique, day-to-day perspective on business. This program focuses on ethical standards, practical skills, and professional integrity. The curriculum consists of hands-on experience and collaborative and critical analysis, giving students a chance to integrate feedback and improve. Classes can be taken either fully online or one evening a week, designed to fit the busy schedule of a working professional. Students may have the opportunity to travel nationally and internationally with instruction from highly rated faculty, allowing for experience and networking opportunities.
Program Highlights:
MBA
- Credits: 41 credits
- Length: 20 months
- Cost: $757/credit
- Mode: Online and On-Campus
- AACBSP Candidate for Accreditation
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
Southern States University offers an MBA both online or on-campus in the evenings. This program is designed to prepare students for the world of business through academic and theoretical business foundations, study of the global economy, and modern management skills. SSU also offers the unique opportunity to bring together students from countries all over the world, giving students a global and international experience and education. Students can expect to take courses in business law, strategic management, financial accounting, managerial economics, operation management, organizational leadership, global strategy and management, and more through the guidance of qualified faculty members.
Program Highlights:
MBA
- Credits: 61
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $196/credit
- Mode: Online and On-Campus
- Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges & Schools
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ACICS |
California Aeronautical University offers an MBA degree 100% online, on campus, or in a hybrid format. The program focuses on leadership, entrepreneurship, management, finance, and economics. Students will examine the role a leader has on morale and business performance, development and application of ethical decisions, and effective strategies for resource allocation, inventory, production, and quality control. Students will study entrepreneurship opportunities focusing on creation, development, profitability, and successful operations within the context of small businesses and startups as well as large companies. The curriculum consists of courses in entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, business information systems, human resource management, and more.
Program Highlights:
MBA
- Credits: 56
- Length: 1.5 years
- Cost: ~$8,520/year
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ACICS |
California Miramar University offers an affordable, online MBA degree. Courses can be taken 100% online or in hybrid format depending on students’ needs, which allows students to complete coursework on their own schedule. This program implements various teaching methods and strategies to give students the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the business world. This program is designed to help students navigate the competitive world of business and entrepreneurship at the corporate level through preparing and implementing strategies for innovation and technology. Courses include operation management, managerial finance and economics, marketing management, information systems, human resource management, and organizational development and change.
Program Highlights:
MBA
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $450/credit
- Mode: Online and Hybrid
- Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ACICS |
Westcliff University offers an MBA designed to prepare students for a career in business, management, or entrepreneurship. It will provide the opportunity for students to develop knowledge, skills, attitudes, and understanding of competent business management professionals. This program focuses on analyzing case studies, problem solving in cooperative groups, hands-on experience, understanding and using management principles, and creative problem solving, all taught by faculty who are senior managers or business owners. This program utilizes quizzes, research papers, group assignments, discussion questions, and final examinations in both online and on-campus formats.
Program Highlights:
MBA
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $760/credit
- Mode: Online and On-Campus
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | DEAC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ABHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NA |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
Popular Online MBA Specializations in California
Many online MBA programs in California offer special areas of focus or concentrations. In addition to building core competency in business administration, these pathways allow you to tailor your skills to your professional aims. Learn more about popular specializations and the qualifications they unlock below.
MBA with an Emphasis in Finance
This concentration focuses your MBA studies on the financial side of business administration. Ideal for those interested in becoming financial analysts or accounting managers, curricula look at principles of economic and marketing analysis, investment and holdings strategies, and large-scale portfolio management. Graduates gain expertise in stocks, bonds, and futures.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in California with this Specialization
MBA with an Emphasis in Human Resource Management
MBA programs emphasizing human resources build extra competency in the rules and regulations that govern human resources. Courses typically look at fundamental principles for managing human capital, labor law and negotiation strategy, and organizational behavior. Students also learn to effectively coordinate recruitment and training efforts and optimize personnel performance.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in California with this Specialization
MBA with an Emphasis in Marketing
This specialization focuses on the marketing side of business and organizational management. It builds competency in developing and selling different products, brands, and services in a range of sectors and contexts. Courses cover market segmentation and targeting, customer relations, channel distribution, and strategic planning.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in California with this Specialization
MBA with an Emphasis in Global/International Business
MBA programs with a global/international emphasis build concentrated skills related to business operations in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. Ideal for those interested in leadership roles within transnational or multinational organizations, specialized programming develops technical knowledge in competitive marketing and sales, risk assessment, cross-cultural competency, and foreign markets.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in California with this Specialization
Health Services Management
A perfect option for those looking to blend health services delivery with business and management acumen, this MBA concentration prepares professionals for work in the growing field of healthcare administration. It focuses on healthcare policy, population health, healthcare law and regulations, and budgeting. Some curricula may also consider topics like healthcare analytics and health care information systems.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in California with this Specialization
The Generalist Track
Also called a standard MBA at some schools, this path develops a comprehensive generalist understanding of management and business administration. It prepares students for entry into a range of roles, and some schools offer the opportunity for developing an individual plan of study.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in California with this Specialization
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Earning your MBA Online in California
What is the average cost of an MBA program in California?
The average cost of an MBA program in California is difficult to quantify because of varying tuition rates that change each academic year. Taking the schools profiled above as examples, expect to pay at least $270 per credit and possibly up to $3,000 per credit. These rates do not include scholarships, grants, or other types of financial aid nor do they account for any employer assistance, especially popular for these types of programs, you might receive.
What does an MBA admissions process in California look like?
Most programs use a similar admissions process with some shared requirements. As a general rule, applicants need a relevant, accredited bachelor’s degree, a recent resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose that discuss career plans and intent for study. If you plan to enter an accelerated or executive-level program, you’ll likely need several years of professional experience in an administrative or managerial role as well.
How quickly can I earn an online MBA in California?
Seasoned professionals entering an executive-level program and those with some relevant work experience could complete their studies in as few as 12 months. Timeframes for completion vary widely, however, and often depend on program pacing, student background, and enrollment status. Most online California MBA programs graduate full-time students in two to three years. Part-time study can take a year to a year and a half more, depending on the program and pacing.
Is the GMAT required to get into an MBA program in California?
Some schools may require GMAT or GRE scores, but standardized tests are not a universal requirement for online California MBA programs. Check the admissions criteria for each school before applying. Institutions like UCLA make the test optional for prospective students. Others, like UC Berkley, require it for all applicants. Schools such as Sacramento State do not require these tests at all, while Cal State partners currently waive the requirement.
In California, what is the ROI on an MBA vs a bachelor’s degree in business?
In terms of pay, the ROI on an MBA could amount to an extra $20,000 in compensation and benefits each year as the median salary for MBA-holders is more than double that of bachelor’s degree graduates nationwide. California is a great example of this broader trend since, according to ZipRecruiter, graduates with an MBA earn just over $85,000 each year on average while those with a bachelor’s degree in business only take home around $55,000 annually.
What accreditations should I look for in an online MBA program in California?
Any MBA program you consider should come from a school with institutional accreditation from the appropriate agency. For California, accreditation comes from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Programmatic accreditation comes from top-level agencies in business or management, like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Online California MBA programs with institutional and programmatic accreditation meet the same standards of quality and excellence as in-person MBA offerings.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for MBA Students in California
The best online MBA programs in Californiaextend opportunities for financial aid to help lessen the financial burden of earning a master’s degree. Some even offer full funding. Many professional organizations in business and management also fund relevant scholarships, and some California MBA students can receive employer tuition assistance as well.
Consult the list below to learn more about scholarships open to students completing an online MBA in California. For more information, including tips on how to secure financial aid and advice on where to apply, navigate to our guides on financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance.
Cal State Chico MBA Scholarships
Salary Potential for MBA Grads in California
MBA graduates enjoy a significant bump in pay in a field already known for being lucrative and profitable. As you can see from the table below, the earning power for most roles is in the six-figure range. Additionally, graduates with an MBA earn more than double the annual mean wage for all occupations in California (currently $68,510) and nearly three times the national average of $45,760.
Nearly all the professions listed below will benefit from an overwhelmingly positive growth rate well above the state growth rate of 16% through the next decade. Each role, other than chief executives, will grow faster than virtually all other positions in California. Medical and health services managers in particular will see a significant growth rate, almost twice as fast as the remainder of the workforce.
| Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2021) | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Training and Development Manager |
19.6% |
650 |
$147,520 |
|
Medical and Health Services Manager |
35.5% |
6,430 |
$132,180 |
|
Financial Manager |
27% |
10,760 |
$166,220 |
|
Chief Executive |
-0.6% |
3,170 |
$230,730 |
|
Human Resources Manager |
20.1% |
2,660 |
$154,430 |