Best Online MBA Programs for 2024 in California
When it comes to investing in your education—and yourself—Fortune wants to help you make the right choice. We are breaking out the best online MBA programs that are based in California to help you navigate the school selection process.
UC Davis Master of Management
The online Master of Management from UC Davis is a graduate business degree designed for recent college graduates, ambitious young professionals and career-changers aspiring to leadership roles.
The 15-month online Master of Management program provides aspiring leaders with a foundation in the functional areas of business, such as accounting, finance, marketing and strategy. No minimum professional experience is required.
Learn MoreUNC Kenan-Flagler’s top-ranked online MBA
STEM-designated. Tar Heel ROI. No compromises.
UNC Kenan-Flagler’s top-ranked online MBA is a top choice for experienced professionals with strong undergraduate performance. You can earn your degree at your own pace—in 18 to 36 months—without sacrificing academic quality and rigor. Access lifelong career benefits and join a global community of over 44,000 alumni with an AACSB-accredited online MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill. Online MBA Fellowships Available. GMAT waivers available. Learn more today.
Learn More1. University of Southern California (Marshall)
Los Angeles, CAUSC's Marshall School of Business does not require test scores to apply, but they are accepted. One letter of recommendation is needed, and international students must turn in a TOEFL score. The average number of students in core classes is about 55, and the school has 352 business school faculty. The deadline to apply for fall admission is May 28.
Acceptance rate, fall 2023 | 47% |
Avg. # of years of work experience, fall 2023 enrollees | 8.1 |
Avg. undergraduate GPA, fall 2023 enrollees | 3.19 |
Credits required to graduate | 51 |
GMAT requirement | No |
Graduation rate, 2020-23 | 91% |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 94% |
Size of 2022-2023 graduating class | 176 |
Tuition per credit, out-of-state | $2,421 |
Yield, fall 2023 (matriculates/admits) | 63% |
2. Santa Clara University (Leavey)
Santa Clara, CASanta Clara University's online MBA program waives standardized test scores for students who "can demonstrate quantitative aptitude." The program requires two letters of recommendation for all entrants and TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores for international applicants. The deadline to apply for fall 2024 is August 30.
Acceptance rate, fall 2023 | 88% |
Avg. # of years of work experience, fall 2023 enrollees | 9.0 |
Avg. undergraduate GPA, fall 2023 enrollees | 3.15 |
Credits required to graduate | 38 |
GMAT requirement | No |
Graduation rate, 2020-23 | 66% |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 79% |
Size of 2022-2023 graduating class | 132 |
Tuition per credit, out-of-state | $1,328 |
Yield, fall 2023 (matriculates/admits) | 73% |
3. Pepperdine University (Graziadio)
Malibu, CAThe online MBA program at the Graziadio Business School at Pepperdine University does not require GMAT or GRE test scores but does require English proficiency exam scores. The school is looking for applicants to submit one letter of recommendation. The deadline to apply for the fall 2024 program is June 25.
Acceptance rate, fall 2023 | 77% |
Avg. # of years of work experience, fall 2023 enrollees | 7.0 |
Avg. undergraduate GPA, fall 2023 enrollees | 3.13 |
Credits required to graduate | 70 |
GMAT requirement | Yes |
Graduation rate, 2020-23 | 70% |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 88% |
Size of 2022-2023 graduating class | 215 |
Tuition per credit, out-of-state | $2,115 |
Yield, fall 2023 (matriculates/admits) | 45% |
UC Davis Master of Management
The online Master of Management from UC Davis is a graduate business degree designed for recent college graduates, ambitious young professionals and career-changers aspiring to leadership roles.
The 15-month online Master of Management program provides aspiring leaders with a foundation in the functional areas of business, such as accounting, finance, marketing and strategy. No minimum professional experience is required.
Learn More4. California State University–Stanislaus
Turlock, CAStanislaus State's 30-credit online MBA program requires international students to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores for proof of English proficiency. The program does not require the GMAT or GRE scores as part of the application requirements but does require two letters of recommendation. On average, each course has 23 students. The deadline to apply for the fall 2024 semester is June 20.
Acceptance rate, fall 2023 | 63% |
Avg. # of years of work experience, fall 2023 enrollees | DNP |
Avg. undergraduate GPA, fall 2023 enrollees | 3.20 |
Credits required to graduate | 30 |
GMAT requirement | No |
Graduation rate, 2020-23 | 75% |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 94% |
Size of 2022-2023 graduating class | 52 |
Tuition per credit, out-of-state | DNP |
Yield, fall 2023 (matriculates/admits) | 91% |