Featured California MBA Program: San Diego State University, Fowler College of Business -

Fowler College of Business | San Diego, CA | Visit website

About the San Diego State University Fowler College of Business

Leadership, teamwork, analytical, and communication skills —they’re essential for success in business leadership and serve as the foundation to the undergraduate and graduate programs at San Diego State University’s Fowler College of Business. As one of the first business schools within the California State University system, SDSU has been producing the next generation of innovative and ethical business leaders and entrepreneurs for nearly 70 years.

Today, the Fowler College of Business is among the largest and most prestigious business schools in both Southern California and throughout the state. Its selection of graduate programs include the MBA, which is grounded in business fundamentals, complemented with real-world experience, and designed to be specialized.

MBAs and Other Programs Offered Through the Fowler College of Business

The Fowler College of Business MBA is marked by hands-on learning experiences and other opportunities to connect with the Southern California business community.

The MBA offers a flexible, on-campus format that can be completed on a part- or full-time basis. This program culminates in your choice of a thesis, business consulting project, or business strategy simulation. Students choosing the consulting project work on a real-world business problem as part of a team of four to five students, while those choosing the simulation project explore a business issue that requires making sound business decisions.

The SDSU Global Campus is also home to the Sports MBA, an intensive, accelerated MBA program that can be completed in just 16 months – 12 months of class time, followed by four months of working with a sports organization. During this time, students complete a comprehensive consulting report.

Graduate Degrees

MS in Global Business Development
MS in Accountancy
MS in Global Business Development
MS in Information Systems
MS in Finance
MBA+MA in Latin American Studies
MSBA in Financial and Tax Planning
MS in Supply Chain Innovation
Advanced Certificate Programs in Data Science/Data Analytics, Financial Analysis, Investment, Taxation, and Cybersecurity

Undergraduate Degrees

Fowler’s undergraduate programs include optional minors in Accounting, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, or Real Estate.

MBA Program Customization

The Fowler MBA can be specialized through your choice of concentration in Finance, Health Services Administration, or Information Systems. Students take a minumum of 12 credits (four classes) in their area of specialization.

The Fowler School of Business also offers the Sports MBA, a cohort-style program that includes an international trip to the Dominican Republic to study the business of international sports.

MBA Admissions Requirements

Applying to San Diego State’s MBA program requires submitting a Cal State application through Cal State Apply. Once you’ve completed your application, you’ll complete an Interfolio application that includes submitting the following:

Statement of Purpose

Your Statement of Purpose includes uploading a written response to the application prompts using Interfolio. The MBA prompts include:

Resume

Your resume should detail your education, professional experience, volunteer work, and any other relevant experience.

Letters of Recommendation

You must provide the contact information for two individuals who will prepare your recommendation letters.

GRE/GMAT Scores

GRE or GMAT scores are not required; however, students may submit their official scores on Interfolio to supplement their application.

Undergraduate Transcripts

Undergraduate transcripts must be sent directly to San Diego State from the institution.

Proof of English Proficiency (international students only)

If you are applying from an international institution where instruction was not in English, you must submit proof of English proficiency by providing test scores from one fo the following:

Optional Essay

Students may choose to submit an optional essay (maximum of 300 words) that will help the admissions team better understand accomplishments and achievements. Students may use the essay to convey any relevant information not covered elsewhere in their application materials. This may include supplemental coursework, academic or professional achievements, and any hardships or unusual life circumstances they want to share.

MBA Program Highlights

Course Delivery	On-campus
Class Size	67 (133 total enrollment)
MBA Program and Business School Accolades	Part-time MBA ranked 33rd in the nation among public universities by U.S. News & World Report (2025) Full-Time MBA ranked 44th in the nation among public universities by U.S. News & World Report (2025) Ranked among the nation’s Best On-Campus MBA Programs by the Princeton Review (2024)
Alumni Network	60,000+ (Fowler College of Business)
MBA Graduates Outcomes	92% employment within six months

One of the Most Affordable Tuition Rates Among California Business Schools

San Diego State University’s Fowler College of Business boasts some of the most affordably priced business programs in the state, consistently coming in below the state average.

MBA and Other Graduate Business Programs

The tuition price for both the MBA and the other graduate programs within the Fowler College of Business is $30,780, which is nearly $14,000 below the state average of $44,606 for public MBAs.

Undergraduate Business Program

The Fowler College of Business’ BSBA is priced at $9,180 per year ($36,720 total program cost) for resident students. For non-resident students, the price of the program is $22,500 per year ($90,000 total program cost).

Specialty Business Program Accreditation

SDSU’s Fowler College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world’s largest accrediting body for business education. Largely recognized as setting the highest standard of quality for business programs, just 6 percent of all business schools worldwide receive AACSB accreditation. Schools with AACSB accreditation have demonstrated their commitment to excellence in teaching, research, curriculum development, and student outcomes.

Experiential Learning and Travel Opportunities

Fowler’s graduate business students enjoy a number of opportunities to get involved and connect with the regional —and even international— business community in new and exciting ways.

The MBA in Sports Business includes an embedded, 10-day trip to the Dominican Republic that allows students to study sports business in a developing country.
Second-year MBA students have the opportunity to take part in the Fowler College of Business’ MBA Consulting Program, a semester-long program where they address a company’s real-world business challenge. Companies approach Fowler to participate in this program, which allows MBA students (under faculty and industry advisor guidance) to engage in a variety of projects aimed at their specific business objectives.
MBA and MSGBD students have the opportunity to participate in International Business Consulting Programs where they work with companies and startups from around the world looking to take advantage of business opportunities in the United States. During this program, students are responsible for conducting market research and making recommendations regarding the viability of entering the U.S. market.
MBA, MSA, and MSIS students have the opportunity to participate in the Cross Border Consulting Program, an internationally focused team of students from CETYS University (Mexico), San Diego State University, the University of California San Diego, and the University of San Diego that consults with companies engaged in cross-border trade with Mexico. Students of this program often travel to Mexico to conduct research, consult with their clients, and participate in related activities.

Unique Business Student Supports, Clubs, and Networking Opportunities

Fowler graduates are frequently recruited by Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, startups, and small businesses through events and programs offered through the Career Management Center. The Center works closely with corporate partners and recruiters to offer events like the graduate alumni mixer and the Fowler College of Business Career Fair.

The Career Management Center also offers a variety of graduate events throughout the year aimed at optimizing your resume, job search, and career fair preparation.

SDSU’s Lavin Entrepreneurship Center, which has been recognized among the best entrepreneurial programs in the nation by the Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine, is home to a number of activities for both undergraduate and graduate business students interested in exploring entrepreneurship. For example, the Lavin Entrepreneurship Program offers weekly hands-on learning experiences and career mentoring, and the Social Venture Challenge is a Southern California program hosted by SDSU that’s focused on employing innovation solutions to solve some of today’s biggest challenges.

International Student Supports

SDSU’s international community is strong, and program and resources aimed at helping international students better navigate life at SDSU are plentiful.

The International Student Center (ISC) serves as a hub for international students, providing them with a host of activities and events where they can make new connections and forge new friendships. The ISC also hosts pre-arrival webinars and information sessions for F-1 visa students.

The International Student Advisory Board ensures a strong network of support and advocacy for international students while at SDSU.

And the SDC Ambassador Program fosters both academic and personal excellence among international students by helping connect with campus resources and familiarizing them with U.S. culture and customs.

Why We Recommend San Diego State University Fowler College of Business

There’s a good reason why companies ranging from emerging startups to massive multinationals consistently turn to SDSU’s Fowler College of Business when recruiting competent, confident business leaders. The business programs here are dynamic and innovative, offering not just classroom theory but outstanding, experiential learning experiences that allow students to become fully immersed in the business world.

International Business Consulting Programs, the Cross Border Consulting Program, and a Sports MBA that comes complete with a study trip to the Dominican Republic are just some of opportunities available to graduate students here interested in honing their global business skills. And because the Fowler College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, you can be sure the program you choose has met the highest standards for quality.

SDSU’s Fowler School of Business comes in as one of our favorites for the punch it packs. MBA graduates here walk away with a business education that’s second to none in terms of quality in curriculum and experiential learning.