Master of Business Administration degrees are meant to enhance business knowledge so students can become high-quality business leaders. Many of these programs are offered online and designed for working professionals.
Students in California can choose from numerous online MBA degree programs. Keep reading to discover the best online MBA degree programs in California for 2025.
Top-Ranked Online MBA Degree Programs in California
California is home to some of the best universities in the Western U.S., if not the nation, so it’s no surprise that it has many top-ranked affordable MBA degree programs. We’ve highlighted some of the best programs below; note that all schools listed are regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
1. Biola University
Biola University is a private Christian school in La Mirada, CA. It offers an online MBA that includes courses like:
- biblical management and ethics
- business intelligence
- financial management
- marketing strategies
This business program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). It’s designed for working professionals and full-time students can finish in as few as 16 months, although part-time options are available.
2. California State University, San Bernardino
Students at California State University, San Bernardino, can earn an online MBA through the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration. CSUSB is a public research university in San Bernardino, CA.
Its business degrees are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This online degree includes core courses and electives covering topics like information systems, marketing management, and organizational behavior.
3. Golden Gate University
Through the Ageno School of Business at Golden Gate University, graduate students can earn an online MBA. This program offers several concentrations, including business analytics, human resource management, information technology management, and public administration.
Golden Gate University is a private school in San Francisco. Admissions requirements for this program include a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, although students with a lower GPA may submit a statement of purpose and a resume for consideration. No GRE or GMAT scores are required.
4. National University
National University is a private, nonprofit institution in San Diego. It offers an online MBA with multiple specializations, including:
- entrepreneurship
- financial management
- human resources
- supply chain management
The highly flexible program is accredited by the ACBSP. It offers start dates year-round with various financial aid options to help online students pay for their business education.
5. Pepperdine University
At Pepperdine University, students can earn an AACSB-accredited online MBA at the Graziadio Business School. Pepperdine University is a private Christian research institution in Malibu, CA.
Its online MBA includes concentrations in business analytics, entrepreneurship, digital information and information systems, marketing, and more. MBA students must have a bachelor’s degree and submit a resume and a letter of recommendation; GRE/GMAT scores are accepted but not required.
6. Santa Clara University
Through the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University, students can earn an online MBA that will prepare them to become business professionals in Silicon Valley. Concentrations available in this program include data science and business analytics, entrepreneurship and new venture creation, finance, and marketing.
SCU is a private Catholic university in Santa Clara, CA. Its program is AACSB-accredited and offers four start dates each year.
7. UMass Global
UMass Global is a private online university that does not offer any programs in person. Although it’s affiliated with the public University of Massachusetts System, it’s a nonprofit school based in Aliso Viejo, CA.
It offers an online MBA that requires core courses in business as well as several areas of emphasis, including:
- accounting
- healthcare administration
- human resources
- marketing
MBA students in this program will need 36 total credits, including a capstone project. The admissions requirements include a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 2.75 GPA, but the GRE and GMAT are not required.
8. University of California, Davis
Students at the University of California, Davis can earn an online MBA through the Graduate School of Management. UC Davis is a public research university in Davis, CA.
Its MBA offers many specializations, including business analytics, entrepreneurship, strategic management, and produce management. This AACSB-accredited program does not require test scores but does require a bachelor’s degree and recommends students have at least two years of professional work experience.
9. University of LaVerne
Through the College of Business at the University of LaVerne, grad students can earn a flexible online MBA. It includes specializations such as accounting, information technology, international business, and supply chain management.
The University of LaVerne is a private, nonprofit school in LaVerne, CA. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as 18 months, and multiple start dates are available.
10. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, nonprofit research institution in Los Angeles. Its Marshall School of Business offers an AACSB-accredited online MBA, which U.S. News and World Report listed at number three on its rankings of best online MBA programs in the nation.
This rigorous program includes coursework on:
- business fundamentals
- business leadership and environment
- management
- opportunity recognition
This program takes about two years to complete. Admissions requirements at USC include a bachelor’s degree, two years of real-world work experience, an essay, and a letter of recommendation.
FAQs About Online Master of Business Administration Degrees
Below, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions about online Master of Business Administration degrees.
Are Online MBA Programs Worth It?
For many students, an online MBA program is worth it, but it depends on your overall career goals. An MBA can lead to jobs like:
- business analyst
- financial analyst
- healthcare manager
- human resources manager
- marketing manager
- project manager
MBAs also help you hone key skills, like decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Earning this degree online gives you the flexibility to continue working while advancing your career.
Is an Online MBA Taken Seriously?
Yes, an online MBA is taken seriously. While online degrees had a negative reputation for a long time, the overall view of them has shifted. Today, many colleges and universities offer online MBAs, even if they don’t offer other online programs.
How Much Is an MBA in California?
The average cost of an MBA, according to the Education Data Initiative, is $56,850, and online degrees are usually about the same as on-campus degrees. However, several things may affect your tuition costs, including:
- whether your school is a public university or a private one
- if you’re an in-state student
- whether you study full-time or part-time
- how many credit hours you need
- the financial aid programs you qualify for
You can usually find information about tuition prices and financial aid opportunities on the college or university’s website.
Explore Online MBA Programs Today
If you’re ready to become a business leader, check out the online MBA programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about their online classes, application deadlines, and enrollment processes.