Best California MBA Schools and Programs

Best MBA Programs in California

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There are many colleges and universities in California that offer admission to online MBA programs. If you are interested in pursuing an advanced degree in business, it’s important to find an institution that fits both your budget and career goals. While there are numerous schools to choose from, read below to see some of the most prominent programs in California.

Why Consider An Online MBA?

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There are several reasons people choose to search for an online degree in business in California. For starters, MBAs are immensely popular among individuals who want to further advance their careers. While not all of the business industries in California expect their employees to have a graduate degree, it does provide an edge over potential competition, including access to upper-management and administration positions, which often require more training and experience. It’s also common for a professional with an MBA to make more money than those without one. Additionally, some companies and organizations require promotion candidates to have an advanced degree or limit the potential for future raises until after the next level of education is completed.

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At the very least, an MBA will impress a hiring committee; it shows great dedication to the field as a whole, indicates familiarity with more advanced concepts in business management, builds on your work experience, and suggests you're not afraid of innovation and are willing to learn. For this reason, current professionals interested in applying for leadership roles, changing their careers, or starting their own business should strongly consider enrolling in a part- or full-time MBA online. This type of degree makes graduates extremely marketable because content usually covers basic business, finance, and management techniques. The skills you develop throughout the program will be useful regardless of the focus of your specific career plans and goals.

Many people also choose to earn an MBA online because they are already employed, have family responsibilities, thrive academically without distractions, or are interested in a specific academic program, or one with great rankings, but are unable to move in order to study.

Earning an MBA, online or otherwise, does not guarantee advancement in your career, however. While a graduate degree in business will likely make you more marketable, impress potential employers, and result in a higher salary, these changes don’t occur overnight. You must combine the skills and knowledge attained from your MBA program with hard work and dedication to be truly successful in the field.

Typical MBA Concentrations

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As with many degrees, some MBA programs offer students the opportunity to choose a specialization in various areas. While the main coursework required will be the same, selecting a focus will allow you to take classes that will help you specialize in a specific business sub-field. Two of the most popular concentrations available for online MBA degrees in California are Health Administration and Information Technology. These may be completed in nearly the same amount of time as the usual degree, with only a few additional months needed for the most difficult specializations, such as engineering.

Career and Job Outlook for MBA Graduates

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The economy in California is quickly growing. In fact, according to the Employment Development Department, the state is expected to have an additional 2,585,500 job openings available before the year 2024. That’s on top of the 3,962,200 jobs expected due to replacement needs. About 12% of new jobs are expected to be office and administrative support occupations. Additionally, some of the fastest growing occupations include web developers, software developers, and operations research analysts.

Based on info provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals working in the business and financial operations field can expect a 10% increase in employment between 2016 and 2026. As of 2020, California was also the leading employer for medical and health services managers, database administrators, and network and computer systems administrators. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that all of these fields can also expect up to a 20% increase in job availability. The projected growth in many of these industries is faster than average.

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While the Employment Development Department in California states that most new positions will not require a graduate education, having an MBA will be extremely beneficial as requirements for higher-level positions continue to change. Individuals with a master’s degree in business will be qualified to apply for upper-level leadership, consulting, and executive positions. The training and skills acquired will also make it easier to find a place in a variety of different industries.

Some of the most common employment opportunities for professionals with an MBA include:

How to Choose & FAQ's

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If you believe an online MBA degree is right for you, it’s important that you research the available programs in California. You will need to find a college or university that offers a curriculum that suits your lifestyle and career goals. Keep in mind that some online graduate degrees do require physically being on campus from time to time. For this reason, it may be necessary to choose an institution that isn’t too far away from your home and job. Other factors to consider are curriculum expectations and the potential to gain hands-on experience throughout the program.

Most online MBA programs consist of 30 to 60 credit hours of coursework and are designed to be completed within one to two years. While no two programs are alike, many offer flexible scheduling for full-time professionals.

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Classes also vary, but often include topics like:

Many students worry that an online MBA will not provide them with the hands-on experience they need to be successful in the field. This is why some colleges and universities often require distance learners to complete certain requirements on campus during residency experiences.

You will need to seriously consider whether an online MBA will provide you with the skills necessary to be successful in your preferred business profession. Some careers require little in-person interaction to begin with. Accountants, for example, would likely benefit as much from an on-campus program as they would an online one. A health administrator, on the other hand, may prefer some hands-on management experiences.