The Paul Merage School of Business – University of California, Irvine - Full-Time MBA

UC Irvine Full-Time MBA Program Structure

The University of California, Irvine full-time MBA at the Paul Merage School of Business is a 21-month daytime program taking place Monday through Thursdays with a total of 92 units. There is one intake of students each year, and classes begin in the fall semester. A cohort structure helps to optimize learning. During the course of the UC Irvine full-time MBA, students are given the opportunity to participate in a week-long international study trip. Students may also participate in a quarter-long International Exchange Program at partnering schools in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Due to COVID-19, both the international study trip and the International Exchange Program may be postponed or canceled due to student safety.

Curriculum

First-year UC Irvine full-time MBA students start their studies with an intensive two-week orientation designed to prepare them for the rest of their MBA careers. This experiential learning course teaches ethical decision-making, the fundamentals of team dynamics, persuasive communication skills, and how to identify and understand global markets. It helps to establish student cohorts or collaborative learning groups.

Students begin the MBA program with the core courses that build the foundation of the degree, such as Marketing Principles and Managerial Finance. Students learn the quantitative tools, systematic analysis, and persuasion skills necessary to succeed in business.

Between the first and second year, students will have a chance to apply their knowledge and gain real-world experience during a summer internship.

The second year includes a variety of innovative electives to prepare you for a future in business. Electives expand on the key components of the UC Irvine full-time MBA program: Strategic Communication, Information Technology, and Advanced Data Analytics. During the winter quarter, students can also enroll in EDGE—a course that explores how technology and globalization are transforming the business landscape.

Second year students have the opportunity to participate in the Merage MBA Field Project, where they will be asked to address current business challenges in southern California-based global companies. Working in a team directly with company employees, students complete a 10-week corporate project while receiving guidance from a faculty expert.

During the second year, students may also experience a week-long international study trip. This opportunity provides a richer grasp of global business through informative seminars and company visits, led by an experienced Merage School faculty. Please note, the international study trip may be impacted by COVID-19.

Merage School of Business Full-Time MBA Rankings

• U.S. News & World Report: 67th
• Bloomberg: 46th
• Forbes: 43rd
• Financial Times: 33rd
• The Economist: 56th

Class Profile

One third of students in the Merage Full-time MBA class were born outside of the United States.  Around 50 percent of the class are female students with the average age of the class currently at 29-years old. Students join with a 3.43 GPA and an average GMAT score of 671. Most students join the program with around 5 years of professional work experience.

Career Statistics

Around 65 percent of UC Irvine full-time MBA graduates earn job offers by graduation, with 77 percent of graduates earning an offer within three months of graduation. Out of the class, about 71 percent were employed within three months.

The median salary of the most recent class is an estimated $100,000 per year, with an average salary of $102,224 per year, ranging from $50,000 to $165,000. The signing bonus average, for those that received one, is $13,348.

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

The UC Irvine full-time MBA tuition is $46,954.15  per year for California State residents and $55,899.15 for out-of-state students. Including estimated cost of living on campus, supplies, transportation, and other personal and miscellaneous costs brings the total cost up to $71,561.66  for California residents living in the Palo Verde on-campus apartments and $80,506.66  for non-California residents. Those living in apartments off campus can expect costs to be around $83,825.66  for California residents and $92,870.66 for out-of-state residents.

All international and U.S. applicants are automatically considered for merit-based fellowships and are informed of any award upon admission. Criteria for fellowships include academic record (GPA), GMAT/GRE, work experience and leadership.

The Office of Student Financial Services attempts to assist qualified applicants who have financial eligibility to meet their educational and living costs. All United States citizens and permanent residents of the United States may be considered for federally funded programs.

Most student loans are based on either financial need or creditworthiness and are available only to US citizens and permanent residents. Howard students commonly use the Federal Stafford Loan Program, Alternative Education Loans, and the ACCESS Loan Program. Private loans may also be available.

Admissions

Applicants to the MBA programs must have completed a Baccalaureate degree or recognized qualifications equivalent to a degree with a 3.0 GPA.

To apply to the UC Irvine full-time MBA program, applicants must submit a completed application form, official copies of transcripts from each institution attended, current résumé, and two letters of recommendation. The school also requires applicants to complete a personal statement. One optional essay may also be submitted to supply information on extenuating circumstances. Official GMAT score or GRE scores must also be sent in by applicants, along with a $150 application fee. There is no minimum GMAT score, however students who apply usually score between 670 and 675. Those that have a Ph.D. in a quantitative subject may be exempt from submitting GMAT/GRE scores. International applicants must submit TOEFL scores that were taken in the past two years. The recommended minimum score on the TOEFL is 600 on the paper-based test or 80 on the online-based test.

Interviews are conducted on an invitation basis only after submitted applications are reviewed, and an interview must be completed to be admitted to the program.

2021-2022 UC Irvine Full-Time MBA Deadlines

November 1st
December 1st
February 1st
April 1st

FAQ for the UC Irvine Full-Time MBA

Are there virtual classes during the pandemic?

Yes, there are multiple instructional formats including synchronous and asynchronous teaching to keep students and faculty safe. Nearly all learning will remain virtual until January when a decision will be made regarding returning to campus.

Is financial aid available for incoming students?

Financial aid is available and over 80% of students receive some form of merit-based aid.  Tuition for the 2020-21 academic year is $46,954.15 for in-state residents and $55,899.15 for non-residents. This does not include the cost of living.

How many units are required to complete the UC Irvine Full-Time MBA?

The program takes two years and 92 units to complete.

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