The 5 Best Part-Time California MBA Programs
Despite the various challenges of doing business in California, the Golden State remains a powerful driver of business and tech innovation in the U.S. The state even outpaces Great Britain’s GDP in 2018, making it the world’s fifth-largest economy.
For business leaders looking to advance their careers in California without interrupting their current gig, a part-time MBA might be the optimal choice. Let’s take a look at the five best part-time California MBA programs.
5 Best Part-Time California MBA Programs
The UC Berkeley Haas School of Business Evening and Weekend MBA program was named best in the nation by U.S. New & World Report in 2019. This part-time MBA degree is typically completed in two-and-a-half-to-three years, affording students easy access to the Bay Area’s plethora of internship and employment opportunities. The experiential learning focus of the program ensures students have ample opportunities to take on hands-on projects as part of their studies. Tuition for part-time in-state students is $3,363 per credit and $3,363 per credit for out-of-state students.
The UCLA Anderson School of Management’s Fully Employed MBA Program (FEMBA) has been touted as “#1 in SoCal” for over 20 years by U.S. News & World Report. Anderson FEMBA students have three choices when it comes to the scheduling of their part-time MBA: Classes all-day on Saturdays, Tuesday, and Thursday evening classes, or the hybrid schedule, which combines online study with one weekend visit to campus each month. Participants can expect to spend two-and-a-half-to-three years to complete the FEMBA (with both accelerated and extended study options also available). FEMBA has a distinctly international focus, with a diverse student body, access to international study opportunities, and a required international project. Tuition is $42,420 per year.
The USC Marshall School of Business part-time MBA is ranks among the top 15 in the nation, according to U.S. News. The degree is designed specifically for early-career professionals and managers looking for a flexible schedule. The curriculum is divided into core business courses, all taken in the first year, then over 100 electives from which to choose. First-year MBAs can opt for one of two campuses in Los Angeles proper and just outside the city limits. The program duration is three years, and both accelerated and extended are available. With “deep roots” in Southern California and a global alumni network, part-time tuition is $1,912 per credit.
Santa Clara Leavey’s School of Business Evening MBA ranks in the top five part-time programs both among California state schools and national Jesuit schools. With evening classes twice per week, participants can expect to take two years to earn their MBA and must have at least three years of related work experience to begin the program. Located in Silicon Valley, Leavey offers students prime geographic access to tech companies for networking and employment opportunities. Part-time tuition is easily among the most affordable of the high-ranking CA schools, at $1,108 per credit.
The part-time MBA at UC Davis’s Graduate School of Management ranks in the top 9 percent nationally (28th overall). Students take Friday and Saturday classes at campuses in either Sacramento or the Bay Area and can choose between a two-year and four-year pace for their degree. The flexibility in location allows students the option of access to professional benefits of Bay Area or Sacramento. UC Davis also boasts an 83 percent first-year ROI following graduation. Tuition for part-time students is $1,520 per credit for in-state and out-of-state applicants.
UCLA Anderson and the Entertainment Industry: Inseparable
Los Angeles is often called the “Creative Capital of the World,” and it’s no wonder since one in every six residents of the city works in a creative industry. In fact, there are more artists, writers, filmmakers, actors, dancers and musicians living and working in LA than any other city at any time in history. So it makes sense that the UCLA Anderson School of Management offers programs for students interested in working in the entertainment industry. Continue reading…
Working Full-time While Completing Your MBA
Finding the Time for an MBA
Completing your MBA is a challenging and rewarding proposition, but for some people it can seem like an impossibility. It is not easy to drop everything you are doing for a year or two so you can go back to school on a full-time basis, especially if you already have a job you enjoy or are working to support a family. However, those who find themselves in this situation are not without hope. While not as ubiquitous as the classic MBA, a number of schools are offering FEMBA (fully-employed MBA) programs. These programs allow students to complete their MBAs without compromising their current positions. Continue reading…
Merage Priority App Deadline Oct. 1
The Spring 2015 priority application deadline for the Fully Employed Executive MBA program at the Merage School of Business is October 1, 2014. Apply now for the 27-month accelerated Spring FEMBA program. Classes will begin mid-March.
The application fee will be waived for applicants who apply at the priority application deadline on October 1, 2014. Applications can be completed online. Once you start your application in the Merage system, please contact kdalton@Uci.edu to obtain the application fee waiver or with any questions.
