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

UC Irvine Flex MBA Program Structure

The University of California, Irvine Flex MBA Program at the Paul Merage School of Business is a part-time MBA program. Above all, the UC Irvine Flex MBA program puts the needs of working professionals first. Therefore, students can complete the course in 24 to 33 months. The program features the same curriculum/faculty and confers the same degree received by graduates of UC Irvine’s full-time MBA program. With a convenient class schedule that meets on campus twice per week, students experience hands-on learning in a close-knit, collaborative environment that strengthens their professional and personal networks.

UC Irvine Flex MBA Courses & Curriculum

The UC Irvine Flex MBA consists of 19 courses. These include nine core courses, seven electives, and three Residentials or off-site learning and executive leadership retreats. The Flex Program combines the expansive curriculum of the Full-Time MBA program with the unique off-site residentials of the Executive MBA program.

Firstly, Part-time MBA students start their studies with an Opening Residential: Management of Innovative Organizations. This four-day experience, held in a local business hotel, lays the groundwork for the collaborative Flex learning environment. During this residential students work intensively with a cohort and small-study team, getting to know new classmates. Students engage in case analysis, class discussion, presentations, group projects, and experiential learning, for instance.

The core curriculum focuses on four key drivers of business growth: strategic innovation, information technology, analytic decision making and collaborative execution. Above all, each of these themes help build a solid foundation on which to effectively compete in today’s global economy. The core is delivered in a lockstep sequence, with each quarter building upon the curriculum of the previous quarter.

MBA Program Options

During the final four quarters in the Flex program, students choose from a variety of electives spread across different business areas. Students can specialize in one or more functional areas such as marketing, finance, real estate or strategy, or they can take a variety of courses across areas. The school offers about 40 to 50 electives each year for Flex students.

Part-time MBA students additionally have the opportunity to participate in an international residential program. This one-week residential is a rare, firsthand opportunity to learn about the socio-economic, cultural, and political issues faced by critical business players outside the US. Recent trips have been to major cities in China, for example, focusing on how the country became a dominant political and economic force throughout Asia.

Finally, the UC Irvine Flex MBA program concludes with a four-day capstone course on Executive Leadership at a mountain retreat conference center. This residential offers a structured setting where students reflect on the knowledge and expertise they have gained during the program, and how they will successfully leverage these as a manager and leader.

Part-Time MBA Rankings

• U.S. News & World Report: 27

Class Profile

Currently, the UC Irvine Flex MBA Class of 2023 features 129 fall entry students and 53 spring entry students. About 54 percent of students identify as female, and 46 percent identify as male. Students have an average GPA of 3.22 and a GMAT of 570. The average class age is between 24-and-39-years old. Additionally, most incoming students have around 6.9 years of professional experience.

UC Irvine Flex MBA Career Statistics

Students in the UC Irvine Flex MBA program see a 35 percent salary boost before graduation.

Tuition

Tuition for the UC Irvine Flex MBA class entering the program for all nine quarters will be $98,567. This cost includes registration, textbooks and other course materials, as well as parking.

All students admitted into the UC Irvine Flex MBA program are automatically considered for merit-based fellowships and are informed of any award upon admission. Criteria for fellowships are based on the strength of the entire application and include academic record professional certifications, work experience, demonstrated or potential management abilities, leadership qualities, articulation of reasons for pursuing an MBA, and clarity of career goals, for example.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

The Dean’s Fellowship is awarded to top candidates in each incoming class. Awards are given to individuals who demonstrate exemplary academic and/or professional work experience, as well as the potential to make significant contributions to their future career.

The Distinguished Marketing Fellowship is awarded each year to outstanding admitted students who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the field of marketing. Fellowship recipients are selected based on academic and/or professional excellence in marketing, as well as potential for future contributions.

The Engineering Excellence Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the engineering profession. The award honors individuals who have moved into – or are planning to move into senior management roles.

The Entrepreneurship Award recognizes the growing role of entrepreneurs in fueling economic growth and innovation. The fellowship is awarded to ambitious admitted students who are either launching a start-up or growing an existing business.

The Innovation in Technology Award honors accomplished professionals in the technology sector who have experience or an interest in innovative approaches to business technology.

The Commitment to Non-Profits Award acknowledges the important role of social responsibility to business and community. Recipients are individuals who have made significant contributions to non-profit organizations in either a volunteer or professional capacity.

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. The program suggests an overall 3.0 GPA, but does not require it for admission. 

To apply to the UC Irvine Flex 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 video essay may also be submitted. 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. In addition, 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.

In conclusion, an admissions interview is a required part of the admissions process and may be conducted on campus or remotely. Applicants must complete an interview and may schedule it either before or after submitting their application.

Upcoming Deadlines:

Spring Application Deadlines (Accelerated 24-month schedule)

• October 15 
• December 1
• February 1 

Fall Application Deadlines: 

• December 1 
• February 1
• April 1
• June 1
• July 15

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