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About the California State University Long Beach College of Business
The California State University Long Beach, College of Business is a highly esteemed epicenter of academic excellence and a major economic driver for the broader Orange County and southeastern Los Angeles region. With humble roots dating back to 1949 with just 24 business students and a converted apartment building as its campus, CSU Long Beach still embraces an ethos of limitless potential.
Now home to about 4,500 undergraduate students and more than 300 graduate students, the Cal State University Long Beach, College of Business is committed to providing its diverse student body with exceptional business programs designed to produce ethical leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers.
MBAs and Other Programs Offered Through the California State University Long Beach College of Business
The Cal State Long Beach College of Business offers one of the best selections of MBA programs, not just in the CSU system, but among all California public and private universities:
Daytime Accelerated MBA
The Daytime Accelerated MBA is a cohort-based program with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. Students of this program learn the skills needed to become entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs. This program’s rich curriculum is aimed at developing new ideas for a business, identifying new venture opportunities, writing a business plan, financing a startup, launching ideas for new products and services, and managing both small and large business ventures.
This program begins with an intensive orientation featuring a host of residential experiences aimed at getting to know faculty, staff, and alumni and developing new skills. Among them are team-building exercises, the Harvard case discussion method, exercises focused on soft skills, time management skills, and more.
- 48 units (16 courses)
- On-campus courses
- Cohort-based – class sizes of 25-35
- 21-month completion time
- Required internship
- Required study abroad trip
Evening MBA
The Evening MBA features a highly customizable and flexible course of study that includes your choice of nine specializations and a self-paced format, with most students completing it in three years. Students choose how many courses they want to take each semester and if they want to enroll in the optional summer term. Designed for working professionals, the Evening MBA features a curriculum that allows students to work on business problems across different disciplines and learn the fundamentals of starting a business.
The Evening MBA begins with an orientation where students get to know the faculty, students, and alumni of the program and develop skills in team-based learning and the Harvard case discussion method.
- 48 units (16 courses)
- On-campus evening courses
- Flexible format – earn your degree in 2-4 years
- Class sizes of 25-35
- Optional study abroad opportunities available
- Social networking events available
Online MBA
The Online MBA is a fully online program designed for business professionals who value the flexibility and convenience of online study. Students of this program enjoy working on real-life business problems across different disciplines as they gain the skills needed to start their own business and achieve success in diverse business environments.
The Online MBA begins with an orientation where students get to know their peers, faculty, and program alumni and develop skills in team-based learning and the Harvard case discussion method.
- 48 units (16 courses)
- Part-time (3.5 years) or full-time (2 years) formats available
- Fully online format – online class sizes of 25-35
- Blend of synchronous and asynchronous online learning:
- 50% synchronous learning takes place Monday-Thursday evenings
- 50% asynchronous learning features pre-recorded lectures, digital curriculum material, and online discussion boards
Saturday MBA
The Saturday MBA is a flexible program designed for working professionals looking to move into strategic, decision-making roles within their organizations. This program includes a focus on disruptive technology and sustainability and features opportunities to work on client projects focused on solving problems related to disruptive technology and sustainability. The hybrid design of this program features a blend of Saturday courses and online classes.
This program begins with an intensive orientation featuring residential experiences aimed at building soft skills, the Harvard case discussion method, and getting to know your cohort.
- 48 units (16 courses)
- Eight 10-week quarters for 23 months
- Cohort-based program - class sizes of 25-35
- Required study abroad trip
- Hybrid course format features a blend of in-person and online learning:
- Five in-person Saturday classes each quarter (8AM-5:30PM)
- Five asynchronous online classes each quarter
Other Graduate Degrees
- MS in Accountancy
- MS in Financial Analytics
- MS in Information Systems
- MS in Marketing Analytics
- MBA/MFA
Undergraduate Business Degrees
BSBA with options in:
- Accountancy
- Finance
- HR Management
- Management
- Information Systems
- International Business
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
Optional minors are available in:
- Finance
- Management Information Systems
- International Business
- HR Management
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
An undergraduate Business Analytics Certificate is also offered.
MBA Program Customization
The Daytime Accelerated MBA features a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation that’s achieved through coursework, an internship, and a study abroad experience.
The Saturday MBA features a focus on disruptive technology and sustainability that’s achieved through coursework and a study abroad experience.
The Evening MBA is highly customizable, allowing students to personalize their MBA by choosing one of nine specializations:
- Finance
- Human Resources Management
- Information Systems
- Management
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
- Health Care Administration
- Health Sciences
- Recreation and Leisure Studies
MBA Admissions Requirements
MBA admission requirements vary slightly based on the specific MBA program:
Education
All three MBA programs at the Cal State Long Beach, College of Business accept students with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, regardless of major, with a minimum 2.75 GPA.
GMAT/GRE
The GMAT/GRE is currently NOT required for admission. The Graduate Business Programs Office continues to waive the GMAT/GRE test score requirements.
Work Experience
- Daytime Accelerated MBA: No work experience required
- Evening MBA: Three or more years of work experience preferred
- Online MBA: Three or more years of work experience preferred
- Saturday MBA: Three or more years of work experience required
International Students
Students who earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a college or university outside the U.S. and in a country that doesn’t qualify for an English waiver must submit one of the following English proficiency exams:
- TOEFL: Paper-based 550, Internet-based 80
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo: 115
- Pearson Test of English: 58
- Eiken: 1
- Cambridge (B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency): 169
- American Language Institute at CSU Long Beach: Completion of Level 6
Note: International students are not eligible for the Online MBA.
Application
MBA applicants must submit the following as part of their application:
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- A short-answer essay (one page max) that addresses the following questions:
- “Describe a time when you experienced a challenge or obstacle. How did you overcome the challenge or obstacle?
- What would you do differently if you could experience the challenge or obstacle over again?”
- A three- to five-minute Video Statement of Purpose (responding to the following prompts):
- Briefly introduce yourself and explain your educational and/or career background.
- What are your career goals over the next 3-5 years?
- What is your long-term dream job?
- What are you doing to prepare yourself for graduate school?
MBA Program Highlights
Course Delivery | · Daytime Accelerated MBA: On-campus · Evening MBA: On-campus · Online MBA: Fully online (50% synchronous, 50% asynchronous) · Saturday MBA: Hybrid (50% in-person, 50% asynchronous online) |
Class Size | · Daytime Accelerated MBA: Cohort-based – class sizes of 25-35 · Evening MBA: Class sizes of 25-35 · Online MBA: Fully online format – online class sizes of 25-35 · Saturday MBA: Cohort-based program – class sizes of 25-35 |
MBA Program and Business School Accolades | Ranked among CEO Magazine’s Tier One Global Executive MBA Rankings 2020 |
Alumni Network | 53,000 College of Business alumni Over 34,000 alumni live and/or work in Los Angeles and Orange County |
One of the Most Affordable Tuition Rates Among California Business Schools
Ranked in the Top 10% of schools nationwide for return on investment by the Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce (2022), Cal State Long Beach continues to offer an affordable education for its College of Business students.
MBA Programs
- Daytime Accelerated MBA: $45,600
- Evening MBA: $30,000 - $35,000 (resident), $50,000-$55,000 (non-resident)
- Saturday MBA: $48,000
- Online MBA:
- $30,400 (full-time resident)
- $37,700 (part-time resident)
- $49,400 (full-time non-resident)
- $56,700 (part-time non-resident)
Other Graduate Programs
- MS in Accountancy: $20,000 (resident), $32,500 (non-resident)
- MS in Financial Analytics: $18,800 (resident), $30,700 (non-resident)
- MS in Information Systems: $31,500
- MS in Marketing Analytics:
- $20,500 (full-time resident)
- $32,400 (full-time non-resident)
- $23,800 (part-time resident)
- $35,500 (part-time non-resident)
Undergraduate Business Program
The tuition for the College of Business’ BSBA is $3,042 per year ($12,168 total) for residents and $15,642 per year ($62,568 total) for non-residents.
Specialty Business Program Accreditation
The California State University Long Beach College of Business holds accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the largest business education network and global standard-setting body for business education. Accredited business schools are recognized as trailblazers in teaching, research, and societal impact. The Cal State Long Beach College of Business, which first earned accreditation in 1972, has displayed a long-term commitment to maintaining the highest standards for business education.
Experiential Learning and Travel Opportunities
Students of the Daytime Accelerated MBA complete an internship, along with an international trip as part of their curriculum. The international study abroad experience, a requirement for the Daytime Accelerated MBA, provides students with the opportunity to expand their knowledge of entrepreneurship and innovation on a global scale. At the end of this MBA program, students work with local startups and accelerators and incubators in an international city. The most recent international study trips took students to Bogota, Colombia; Lima and Cusco, Peru; Santiago, Chile; Madrid, Spain; Lisbon Portugal; and Rome and Milan, Italy.
Students of the Evening MBA enjoy access to a number of social networking events like Toastmasters and alumni mixers, and also have the option of completing an international study trip, which is offered each semester. Just some of the countries visited in recent years include China, Germany, Vietnam, and Singapore.
Students of the Saturday MBA are required to complete an international study trip where they learn to hone their business skills in sustainability and disruptive technology. Students of this one-week international study trip travel with their cohort to better understand the business practices of international companies, meet with companies and business owners, tour companies across diverse industries, and more. Some of the recent locations for this study abroad trip include Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Lisbon, Madrid, Milan, Rotterdam, Stockholm, and Tallinn.
Unique Business Student Supports, Clubs, and Networking Opportunities
Cal State Long Beach offers a comprehensive network of services and resources for its graduate students through Graduate Business Career Services (GBCS), a specialized student support office that assists students of the university’s MBA and specialty master’s programs. Students receive one-on-one career coaching and access to education, employer, and networking events and employment opportunities. A mentorship program matches graduate students with alumni from the business community, and company visits connect students with regional employers.
Cal State Long Beach is also home to a variety of student clubs that provide students with exciting opportunities to gain valuable, real-world experience and network with the business community:
- Beach Investment Group (BIG): College of Business students interested in finance, portfolio management, asset allocation, accounting, economics, business strategy, and statistics come together to participate in activities aimed at making investment decisions, researching economic sectors, studying corporate cultures, and more. BIG is currently responsible for managing the portfolios of three area non-profit clients.
- Ukleja Center for Ethical Leadership: The Ukleja Center for Ethical Leadership brings students, faculty, and community leaders together to engage in activities and programs focused on integrity, servant leadership, excellence, and empowerment.
- International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition: This challenging event allows business students to run a simulated company and compete with other college teams.
Student organizations provide outstanding opportunities to gain leadership experience and engage with their peers and the greater business community. Just some of the COB student organizations at Cal State Long Beach include:
- Associated Business Students Organizations Council
- American Marketing Association
- Association of Latino Professionals of America
- Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Society
- Black Business Students Association
- Financial Management Association
- Hispanic Students Business Association
- International Business Association
- Society for Advancement of Management
International Student Supports
Cal State Long Beach, which is home to some 3,000 international students and visitors from more than 100 countries every year, supports its international student population through a variety of resources and services.
The Center for International Education is a hub for international student support and includes three areas: International Enrollment Management (IEM), International Students and Scholars (ISS), and Study Abroad.
The International Students and Scholars Services (ISS) provides comprehensive advising and support for international students.
The International Studies Student Association (ISSA) is comprised of students from the International Studies program who have an interest in international affairs and in careers related to the international community. Students of this group enjoy activities and social events throughout the year and welcome guest speakers and lecturers.
Phi Beta Delta, the Honor for International Scholars, is the first honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education. International students of Phi Beta Delta network with their peers at other campuses and with community members who are active in international scholarship.
Why We Recommend the Cal State University Long Beach College of Business
The Cal State Long Beach College of Business means business, offering no less than eight graduate programs that include four MBA format options and an MBA/MFA. Prestigious AACSB accreditation and tuition rates that rank it among the most affordable schools in California make the College of Business an exceptional value and a great choice for academic excellence.
But the MBA programs are the real show stoppers here. The College of Business’ MBA is designed in four formats —a Daytime Accelerated MBA, focused on entrepreneurship and innovation and designed in an accelerated format that allows you to earn your MBA in just 21 months; an Evening MBA designed for busy, working professionals who want the freedom to customize their MBA according to specific career goals; the Online MBA, which offers business professionals a fully online format for unmatched flexibility and convenience; and the Saturday MBA, a flexible hybrid program focused on disruptive technology and sustainability and aimed at working professionals looking to take the next step in their career.
Online, hybrid, on-campus evening and Saturday classes… international study abroad trips… opportunities to specialize in high-demand areas like international business, supply chain management, and marketing… and internships and other hands-on learning experiences are just some of the highlights of the MBA programs at the Cal State Long Beach College of Business.
Chances are good that if you’re looking for a specific MBA that’ll meet your personal needs and professional goals, whether it’s starting a new business venture, landing that coveted C-suite title, or earning your first leadership position, Cal State Long Beach has what you’re looking for, and much more.