California has the largest higher education system in the United States. The sheer size of California's college system means students have many options in and outside of major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
California's job market also has many opportunities for MBA graduates. Given its large population, thriving economy, and strong corporate base, California ranks among the top U.S. destinations for business professionals.
Master of business administration (MBA) students should consider factors like school reputation, alumni networks, and concentration availability can impact career outcomes.
Start your journey by exploring a ranked list of California's best online MBA programs, accreditation, schooling costs, and career paths.
Popular Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
California's Best MBA Programs
#1 Best Online MBAs in California
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Southern California is the oldest private research institution in the state. The university was founded in 1880 by Robert Widney. USC is home to approximately 49,000 students on its 229 acre campus near downtown Los Angeles.
USC Marshall School of Business
The University of Southern California offers an Online Master of Business Administration degree program. The program includes the study of real-world scenarios and aims to enhance the skills of future executive level business leaders. Full-time students can complete the online program in two years, but there’s also a part-time option designed for working professionals.
The course is a hybrid online program with synchronous classes and in-person requirements such as clinics, worships, and other face-to-face sessions on campus. Students must stay on campus for seven days at the beginning of the first semester.
USCs MBA Specializations
Accounting | Business Analytics | Business Education | Business of Creative Industries | Business of Entertainment (Graduate Certificate) | Entrepreneurship | Finance and Business Economics | Information Systems | Strategic Management Consulting | Marketing | Operations Management | Supply Chain Management | Sustainability | Society and Business | Technology Development and E-Business
Applying to USC
Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and two years of work experience. Applicants need to also submit official transcripts, an essay, a resume, and three letters of recommendation. GMAT/GRE waivers are available
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASC) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $59,260/term for full-time students
- Required Credits: 24 units (eight 3-unit classes)
- Program Length: 2 years for full-time students | 1 year fast-track program available
- Delivery Format: hybrid (some online courses and in person requirements), synchronous online classes
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Best Online MBAs in California
California Institute of Advanced Management
- Alhambra, CA
- 4 years
- Online
The California Institute of Advanced Management, an independent, non-profit graduate school, is in southern California, in the city of Alhambra. Founder Peter F. Drucker's aspiration was to employ the philosophy of management as a liberal art (MLA). The university enrolls approximately 200 students each year.
California Institute of Advanced Management
The MBA in executive management offers a concentration in business analytics. Most business organizations today gather large amounts of business data. The MBA program prepares graduates to pursue work solving modern-day business problems.
The curriculum emphasizes data-based tools, consulting, and business services to find business solutions through analysis and statistical modeling. The program focuses on industries such as accounting, marketing, finance, and healthcare.
The online program is designed as a fast-track degree, which can be completed in 18 months.
CIAM's MBA Specializations
Available MBA specializations offered through this program include Database for Business Analytics | Applied Probability and Statistics in Data Analytics | Advanced Analytics for Business
Applying to CIAM
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and one year of professional organizational experience (a waiver can be requested). Applicants must also submit official transcripts.
CIAM considers work experience, school performance, and extracurricular activities, in addition to GRE standardized test scores for admissions decisions.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASC)
- Tuition: $667 per credit hour
- Required Credits: 36
- Program Length: 18 months for full-time students
- Delivery Format: Hybrid format (including 15-week courses that meet in-person every 6-8 weeks)
Out-of-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 Best Online MBAs in California
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online
A private institution, National University, in San Diego, California, was founded in 1930. The university has a total yearly undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,000 students on its 9 acre urban campus. The institution uses a semester-based academic schedule.
NU School of Business
NU offers an online master of business administration. The program teaches leadership skills to students seeking executive management positions in business, nonprofits, and government agencies. Students learn about evaluation of organizations, global business leadership, and financial problem solving.
The curriculum focuses on the development of effective business solutions, managing change within organizations, evaluating global trends, and more. The MBA program can be customized to specific career goals with many specializations.
NU's MBA Specializations
Homeland Security | Human Resources | Global Business| Virtual Organization Management | Information Technology | Strategic Marketing | Project Management | Entrepreneurship | Financial Management | Healthcare Administration
Applying to NU
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited program.
Students can complete the admission requirements and start the MBA program within 30 days. Transfer credits with a 3.0 or higher are limited to six master's level credits.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASC) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $1,021/credit
- Required Credits: 30
- Program Length:16 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online, synchronous and asynchronous
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#4 Best Online MBAs in California
California State University-San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1962, California State University — San Bernardino is a public university. The institution has enrolled about 17,000 undergraduate students on its 400 acre campus.
Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration (JHBC)
CSUSB offers a master of business administration online executives program for
students with early to mid-career professional work experience. The program emphasizes theoretical knowledge and practical skills in business leadership.
The curriculum includes courses such as advanced managerial communications, accounting for managerial decision making, and information systems and technology management.
Experiential learning opportunities, such as an MBA bootcamp, internships, student clubs and organizations, and study abroad programs, are available. Students must complete the MBA bootcamp before they can begin second quarter courses.
CSUSB's MBA Specializations
Accounting | Finance | Information Management | Supply Chain Management | Management
Applying to CSUSB
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative 2.5 or higher GPA. Applicants need two years of professional work experience. They must submit a personal statement, resume, and one letter of recommendation. No GMAT/GRE scores are required
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASC) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $1,200/unit
- Required Credits: 30 units (10 courses)
- Program Length: 18 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 Best Online MBAs in California
Pepperdine University
- Malibu, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, California. The university enrolls about 3,000 undergraduates each year on its 800-acre suburban campus and follows a semester-based academic schedule.
Pepperdine’s Graziadio Business School
Pepperdine's master of business administration online program offers weekly live courses and coursework that can be customized to fit professional working students’ busy schedules.
The curriculum includes courses on strategic management, financial processes and systems, and business technology. Experiential learning opportunities include working in teams, pitching solutions to real-life businesses, and on-campus immersions on the Malibu campus.
Pepperdine offers a Career Services team aimed at providing career support to MBA students. Services offered include 1:1 career coaching, resume assistance, and virtual career workshops.
Pepperdine's MBA Specializations
Business Analytics | Digital Innovation and Information Systems | Entrepreneurship | Finance, Leadership and Managing | Organizational Change | Marketing | Global Business
Applying to Pepperdine
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Students must submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose, a resume, and a $150 application fee (may request fee waiver). No GMAT/GRE test scores required.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASC) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $1,930/unit
- Required Credits: 52 units (15 courses + 1 immersion)
- Program Length: 20 months (full time); 48 months (part time)
- Delivery Format: Hybrid (online/on campus), synchronous
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
How We Choose Programs
At OnlineMBA.com, we rely on reputable sources to rank the best MBA programs. We use trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to find standout programs. We consider four metrics: affordability, reputation, academics, and program availability.
This list has not been updated for 2024. Visit our rankings methodology page to learn more about how we rank programs.
Why Get an Online MBA in California?
California has a large, diversified economy and a dense concentration of corporate and industrial activity. These features create an ongoing demand for MBA graduates and give the Golden State the potential to deliver strong returns on your educational investment.
Specific benefits of earning an online MBA in California include:
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Networking Opportunities
With so many business schools, and with MBA alumni employed in such large numbers throughout the state, California students can take advantage of exceptional networking opportunities.
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Strong Career Prospects
California has a large corporate presence and an enduring reputation as a leading hub of industry, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Given these factors, MBA graduates in California appear poised to enjoy bright career prospects.
Accreditation for California Schools
Accredited institutions deliver an academically rigorous education that meets the high-quality standards of independent evaluators. Proper accreditation also ensures that employers and other accredited schools will recognize your degree.
Institutional accreditation extends to all departments and academic programs hosted at a particular school. You should consider it a mandatory feature of any college or university you might attend as an online student. Use this Department of Education tool to research a school's institutional accreditation status.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) has traditionally served as the primary institutional accreditor of California schools. Despite recent changes to the U.S. higher education accreditation system, WASC remains the Golden State's most recognized accrediting body.
Some business schools and MBA programs also hold endorsements from programmatic accreditors. Examples of these accreditors include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
While programmatic accreditation is optional, it can signal a worthwhile educational experience. Specially accredited programs build specific, in-demand competencies and align with the sharply focused and demanding academic standards enforced by the AACSB, ACBSP, and similar agencies.
How Much Do MBAs Cost in California?
Business schools charge highly variable tuition rates. Key factors that influence online MBA costs include:
- School infrastructure, prestige, and reputation among employers
- Program delivery format
- Space availability and demand among students
A school's status as a public or private institution can also impact costs. Private institutions often charge more, but many also offer generous financial aid programs. If you attend a public institution, your status as an in-state or out-of-state student could affect the price you pay. Higher rates may apply to California non-residents.
In terms of hard figures, consider these graduate school tuition averages reported by the NCES for the 2021-22 school year:
- Public institutions: $12,596
- Private for-profit institutions: $14,161
- Private nonprofit institutions: $29,931
- Overall average among all institution types: $20,513
The NCES does not break down average graduate tuition costs by state, but the agency's undergraduate data shows that students at California's public colleges tend to pay a little less than the national average while those at private California colleges face higher-than-average costs.
You can earn an online MBA in California without physically relocating. This can help you avoid some of the state's highest living costs in the nation.
If you need financial aid, begin by seeking scholarships, grants, and awards offered by your school. Use the link below to connect with further financial aid resources.
What California Jobs Can MBAs Get You?
Completing an online MBA in California can open doors to management and executive career paths. These jobs can offer both high salaries and advancement potential.
If California were a country, it would have the world's fifth-largest economy. In 2023, the state had a nominal gross domestic product of almost $3.9 trillion. These statistics speak to the wealth of opportunities the state offers to business professionals with highly marketable MBA degrees.
California has especially large healthcare, professional services, hospitality, transportation, utilities, information technology, and construction industries. MBA-adjacent roles in these industries include positions like:
Read on to explore state-specific profiles for each of these roles.
California has 21 public healthcare systems, which complement a large network of privatized providers. Health services managers work in both public and private health institutions, administering resources and ensuring providers meet care quality and compliance standards. In May 2023, health services managers in California earned an average salary of $156,140 per year.
Job Outlook in California (2022-32): +39.6%
Sources: BLS, Projections Central
Professional and business services rank among the largest employment sectors in California's labor force. Management analysts operate in this sector, applying specialized business knowledge and training to identify areas for efficiency and performance improvements. As of May 2023, they earned an average annual salary of $119,370 in California. Management consultants are analysts who work for various businesses on a contract basis.
Job Outlook in California (2022-32): +9.3%
Sources: BLS, Projections Central
Logistics Manager
Many businesses depend heavily on smooth supply chains. Logistics managers specialize in this area. They monitor raw materials inventories, manage shipping and transportation needs, and negotiate with suppliers. The BLS tracks the role in its "logisticians" category, citing an average annual California salary of $94,310 per year in May 2023.
Job Outlook in California (2022-32): +21.1%
Sources: BLS, Projections Central
Information Systems Manager
Information systems managers function at the crossroads of technology and business management. They assess organizational technology and information management needs, design and maintain responsive systems, and supervise technical IT staff. Computer and information systems managers earned an average annual salary of $217,030 in California, as of May 2023.
Job Outlook in California (2022-32): +15.7%
Sources: BLS, Projections Central
Project Manager
Project managers oversee goal-oriented business initiatives by managing human resources, costs, budgets, and schedules. You can earn an online MBA in California with a project management concentration. Some schools offer project management MBA concentrations specific to particular industries, such as construction. In California, project management specialists earned an average salary of $117,410 per year as of May 2023.
Job Outlook in California (2022-32): +9.5%
Sources: BLS, Projections Central
California's Top MBA Employers
BLS data for California offers insights into industries that employ MBA graduates in especially large numbers, along with industries and roles that offer the highest pay rates.
Management, business, and financial occupations with high levels of employment in California include:
From this perspective, MBA concentrations like management, project management, and marketing hold relevance for California's labor market.
In terms of average pay, these MBA-oriented management, business, and financial occupations offer some of the state's highest salaries:
This list excludes chief executives, who earned an average base salary of $281,030 per year in California as of May 2023.
California's major metropolitan areas, including the Los Angeles area and the San Francisco and San Jose areas of northern California, may offer salary premiums. However, they are also expensive places to live. A 2024 CNBC analysis of the U.S. cities with the highest living costs featured all three of these areas in the top 10.
Three major employers you could target after graduating with an online MBA in California include:
Top MBA Employers in California
- AECOM: AECOM is a major international infrastructure-focused professional services firm. Employing 87,000 people globally, the company maintains a major regional office in Los Angeles and has a continuous need for MBA graduates, especially in its construction, capital management, and management services divisions.
- Amgen: One of just 30 companies included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Amgen ranks among the world's largest and most valuable biotechnology companies.With 2023 revenues of more than $28 billion, Amgen has strong and ongoing needs for professionals with MBA-adjacent managerial proficiencies.
- Salesforce: Salesforce is a well-known provider of customer relationship management software. The company has integrated artificial intelligence into its flagship product lines, positioning itself for sustained growth.The company operates recruitment campaigns at colleges and business schools and hires MBA graduates for both domestic and international roles.
Questions About MBAs in California
California has a prosperous, diversified economy, a large population, and a strong concentration of industrial and corporate activity. These factors combine to give the state a favorable profile for MBA graduates.
Core admission requirements for an online MBA in California include a four-year degree from an accredited college, a strong academic record, and multiple recommendations. You may also need to submit GMAT or GRE scores. A bachelor's degree in business may strengthen your application, but many schools consider applicants from non-business backgrounds.
The cost of an online MBA in California varies widely among schools. At the lower end, you could pay around $20,000 in tuition for your degree, while costlier schools charge $100,000 or more.
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