The Fastest California MBA Programs

Earning an MBA in no simple task, and takes commitment on several levels. Of course there’s the financial commitment and, for those in part-time programs, there’s also a work commitment. There’s also a large time commitment involved—prospective MBAs must sink time into studying, attending class, immersion courses, case competitions, and the like.

Some prospective MBAs may want to try to complete their MBA program as quickly and efficiently as possible. That’s where accelerated MBA programs come into play: In only 12 months, those pursuing accelerated degrees are back in the job market, ready to start their next career. Accelerated, or one-year, MBA programs are designed for students who have clear ideas for what they want to do after graduation, or for students who already have established knowledge in business.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the Fastest MBA degrees in California by taking a closer look at business schools in the Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco.

The Fastest MBA Degrees in California

California State University, Long Beach

The CSULB Daytime Accelerated MBA program kicks off our list. This program allows students to complete their MBA requirements in a little more than one year. The program consist of five quarter-like sessions with students attending classes full-time. Classes are held Monday through Thursday. The cohort-based, 48-unit program features coursework focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation where will learn how to quantify risk, manage a small business venture and identify business opportunities.

All students in the Accelerated program must also complete an internship in their first summer session. The internship can be between 20 and 40 hours per week, paid or unpaid, and can be anywhere in country. In their second year, students are placed into the CBA Incubator program and compete in the Innovation Challenge. Finalists of this entrepreneurial competition win $50,000 in cash and prizes.

You cearn more about CSULB’s Daytime Accelerated MBA program here.

Graziado School of Business and Management – Pepperdine University

The Pepperdine Graziado Accelerated One-Year MBA is a 49-unit, full-time program taking place over three consecutive semesters. According to the school, the program is designed for those who have already completed at least three years of business experience and have an undergraduate degree in business. Students admitted to the 12-month program must have recently completed the following prerequisite courses with a grade of B or higher: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Statistical Methods, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Managerial Finance, and Marketing Management.

Students begin by completed core classes, such as: Managerial Economics, Information Resources and Technology, Personal Development of Leadership, and Strategic Management before tailoring their coursework to meet specific career goals. Specializations for the Accelerated MBA include Finance, Marketing and SEER Certification. Led by faculty member, Rob Bikel, the Socially, Environmentally, and Ethically Responsible (SEER) Business Strategy program helps develop responsible corporate citizens.

Find out more about Graziado’s MBA offerings here.

Marshall School of Business – USC

USC Marshall’s International Business Education and Research MBA, also known as the IBEAR MBA, can be completed in just 12 months. This specialized program is specially designed for mid career professionals who want to ultimately take on senior global positions.

According to the program’s website, each cohort is comprised of 55 diverse and globally focused participants with an average age of 35. The IBEAR program boast global travel opportunities for management consulting projects and business networking forums, frequent networking events with senior professionals and alumni from multiple industries, and a 4 month long client commissioned International Business Consulting Project that acts as the capstone of the IBEAR MBA Program.

Learn more about the specialized IBEAR MBA here.

Fermanian School of Business – Point Loma Nazarene University

The Point Loma Nazarene University Daytime MBA program at the Fermanian School of Business can be completed in as little as 12 months. The cohort-based program offers one intake per year in the fall semester. Students are encouraged to join this program either in the fall after their graduation or within two years of completing their undergraduate studies.

In order to graduate, MBA candidates must complete 14 core courses. The the first semester, students take Management, Marketing, Managerial Economics, and Leadership courses. In the spring semester, students focus on topics such as international business and entrepreneurship. In their final summer semester, students must complete Operations Management, Organizational Communication, and Strategic Management coursework.

In addition to coursework, students have the opportunity to participate in Executive Development Events exclusively designed for our MBA students, as well as Business Alumni networking events. Students must also complete a “Field Experience” in the second semester, which connects students with different executives to creatively solve real world problems facing their businesses.

You can learn more about PLNU’s Daytime MBA here.

Lucas Graduate School of Business – San Jose University

Last but not least, the Lucas Graduate School of Business also offers one of the fastest MBA degrees in the state with the Early Career MBA Accelerated Track, which can be completed in 12 months. According to the school’s website, the program features 2-3 courses per session, with sessions lasting for 6-8 each. Internships are not required, but encouraged. Accelerated Track students should note, however, that opportunities to secure an internship are limited due to the program’s pace.

The program’s curriculum consists of 42 semester credit units containing 11 core courses and four electives. Core courses include Managing in the Global Economy, Developing and Managing People, Financial and Managerial Accounting, Silicon Valley Experience, and Operations and Supply Chain Management. Elective courses are offered in the following disciplines: Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Organizational Development, Global Business Development, Entrepreneurship and Venture Development, Information Systems and Operations Management.

You can learn more about the Early Career MBA program here.

regions: Los Angeles / San Diego / San Francisco

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