Featured California MBA Program: California State Polytechnic University Humboldt, School of Business

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About the School of Business at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt

Interdisciplinary programs, personalized learning, and a focus on creating the next generation of critical thinkers, communicators, and lifelong learners – it’s all at the heart of the California State Polytechnic University Humboldt School of Business.

Programs of the Cal State Poly Humboldt School, including its flagship MBA, emphasize entrepreneurship and sustainability and are designed with an optimal blend of theory and applied learning.

Offering the resources and reach of the massive California State University System, yet delivered in a close-knit atmosphere, the learning experience here is designed to produce business leaders with the contemporary skills and confidence to step into corporate leadership or embark on entrepreneurial pursuits.

MBAs and Other Programs Offered Through the School of Business at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt

The Cal Poly University Humboldt School of Business MBA is a one-year program that commences in August each year and runs through July. Built with a focus on strategic sustainability, this MBA allows students to learn the tools needed to drive strategic change within their organizations. The program’s entrepreneurial culture allows students to strengthen ethical reasoning, team building, critical thinking, and communication skills.

The Cal Poly Humboldt School of Business MBA features evening courses (5PM-8PM) to accommodate professional students. Courses are typically held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings during the fall and spring semesters, and on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings during the summer semester. An optional summer internship rounds out this graduate course of study.

Any prerequisite courses needed to enter the MBA can be completed online.

Undergraduate Business Degrees

BSBA with concentrations in:

A Minor in Business Administration is also available.

MBA Program Customization

The Cal Poly Humboldt MBA is not a customizable program; however, it is designed with a focus on strategic sustainability. Some of the coursework in this program includes:

MBA Admissions Requirements

The Cal Poly Humboldt MBA is open to all students with a bachelor’s degree and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 may qualify for admission on a case-by-case basis if:

They earned a 3.0 during the last 60 units of their bachelor’s degree
They have significant professional work experience in a business setting
They earned high test scores on the GMAT/GRE
They can show excellent performance on their post-graduate coursework

Applicants with a GPA of 2.5 or higher are encouraged to apply.

Students who did not complete the following foundation courses in their bachelor’s degree must take these prerequisite courses (at any accredited college or university) before being admitted into the program:

Other requirements for admission include:

English Proficiency

Students whose native language is not English and whose preparatory education was in a language other than English must show proof of English proficiency by submitting scores from one of the following exams:

MBA Program Highlights

Course Delivery

On-campus, evening

Class Size

9 (18 total students enrolled in academic year 23-24)

MBA Program and Business School Accolades

Humboldt was named among the top master’s universities in the country by Washington Monthly.

One of the Most Affordable Tuition Rates Among California Business Schools

The MBA is an excellent example of the exceptional tuition rates offered at Cal State Poly Humboldt School of Business. The tuition for the MBA is $19,962 for residents and $34,170 for non-residents. The total cost of the Cal Poly Humboldt MBA is nearly $25,000 below the average for public university MBAs in California.

Undergraduate Business Program

The BSBA is priced as follows:

Specialty Business Program Accreditation

The School of Business at Cal Poly Humboldt’s School of Business has achieved accreditation through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) for its business programs.

The IACBE accredits business, accounting, and business-related degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Today, IACBE has accredited thousands of business and business-related programs worldwide.

Experiential Learning and Travel Opportunities

Cal State Poly Humboldt is home to many opportunities to learn and grow in real-world settings. The MBA, for example, includes an optional business internship during the summer semester of the program. Students who choose to complete a business internship engage in paid, hands-on learning experiences within the community.

The university is also home to countless study abroad opportunities, many of which are focused on community engagement in professional settings. Many students participate in service learning projects with nonprofits and other organizations focused on worthy causes.

Study abroad programs at Cal Poly Humboldt include faculty-led, CSU International Programs, third-party, and bi-lateral exchange programs to locations like Spain, France, Ecuador, Senegal, and Mexico.

Unique Business Student Supports, Clubs, and Networking Opportunities

Cal Poly Humboldt’s School of Business is home to many clubs and student organizations where students can network with industry professionals, connect with peers, and engage with the community:

The School of Business also hosts events and activities that allow students to learn from, and engage with, industry experts. The Chung-Watson Lecture Series in Business Ethics allows students, faculty, and the community to talk about business ethics and corporate responsibility. The Accounting & Finance Career Night is a networking event that brings accountants and financial professionals across the region to the university to connect with students through round-table sessions. The Business Concept Contest takes place yearly and is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are in the concept stage of business development. Startup Weekend, hosted by Google and Techstars, is an exciting event for business networking and unmatched experiential learning. And the Alumni Mix & Mingle is a networking event that brings together business students and School of Business alumni.

International Student Supports

The international student community is strong at Cal Poly Humboldt, with the student body representing no less than 25 countries. As a result, international student supports here are strong and varied.

The International Programs Office provides services to the international student community, helping them with everything from admissions and immigration regulations to campus and community resources. The knowledgeable staff provides international students with general academic advising, immigration support, and help with adjusting to life in the U.S. They also host the International Cultural Festival, held every February.

Why We Recommend the School of Business at Cal State Polytechnic University, Humboldt

The Cal State Poly Humboldt School of Business undergraduate and graduate programs produce business leaders and entrepreneurs with the skillset and knowledge to lead today’s globally focused business enterprises.

The MBA, in particular, has become the School of Business’ shining star for its focus on sustainability. Economic, political, and social issues, resource scarcity, global complexities, and other disruptions call for business leaders who can deftly navigate contemporary challenges and promote economic, environmental, and social responsibility in the organizations they lead.

Part traditional MBA, part innovative exploration of entrepreneurship and sustainability, the MBA at Cal State Poly Humboldt’s School of Business produces graduates who are prepared to drive strategic change in the organizations they lead. This MBA also stands out for its convenience and accessibility. Evening classes and a one-year design make this MBA an easy choice for busy, working professionals. Add IACBE accreditation and one of the lowest tuition rates in the state and the Cal State Poly Humboldt MBA becomes a clear frontrunner among top MBA programs in California.