Martin V. Smith School of Business and Economics | Camarillo, CA
Visit website
About the California State University Channel Islands Martin V. Smith School of Business and Economics
Small but mighty, California State University Channel Islands is the newest university in the 23-university CSU system, and one of the smallest.
Drawing from the extensive resources and services of the massive CSU system, yet offering a small-school atmosphere that delivers personalized learning experiences, CSU Channel Islands and its esteemed Martin V. Smith (MVS) School of Business and Economics are where business visionaries master the tools and skills needed to lead with confidence.
The MVS School serves about 1,000 students through its rich program offerings at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Comprised of contemporary, skills-based programs, small class sizes, and 16 tenure-track faculty and 30 lecturers with top scholarly credentials and real-world acumen, the MVS School at the Cal State University Channel Islands is well-equipped to create the next generation of business visionaries and changemakers.
MBAs and Other Programs Offered Through the California State University Channel Islands, Martin V. Smith School of Business and Economics
The MBA at Cal State Channel Islands’ MVS School (offered through the CSU Channel Islands Extended University) is where academic rigor and real-world learning intersect. This two-year, 37- to 55-unit program features a focus on international business and entrepreneurial innovation that prepares future business leaders for today’s multicultural, global business environment.
The MBA is designed around integrated modules comprised of industry-relevant content and delivered in a cohort model, through on-campus, evening courses.
Students of the MBA can complete the Foundation of Business courses online and may participate in a short-term study abroad experience. Foundation of Business courses may be waived for students who have completed them as part of their undergraduate degree.
The ten-day study abroad experience, called the Short-Term Study Abroad Tour, is marked by lectures from professors of foreign universities, tours of businesses, and a study of the country’s culture and history. Some of the countries visited in the past include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Germany, Vietnam, and Spain.
An International Business Simulation exercise serves as the MBA’s capstone course.
Other Graduate Degrees
- Postbaccalaureate (Graduate) Certificate in Business Administration
- Dual MBA/MS in Biotechnology
Undergraduate Business Degrees
-
BS in Business
- Accounting
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
- BA in Economics
- Business in Business (online completion program)
Minors are available in Business, Business Management, and Economics.
MBA Program Customization
The MVS School MBA is focused on international business and entrepreneurial innovation and is customized through your choice of two Special Topics courses.
Just some of these course options include Special Topics in:
- Management
- Economics
- Social Business
- International Business
- Entrepreneurial Management
- Real Estate
MBA Admissions Requirements
The MBA through the MVS School is open to students with:
- A bachelor’s degree in any field
- A minimum GPA of 2.75
- At least two years of full-time work experience
Applicants must submit the following with their application:
- A statement of purpose (500-600 words) that summarizes your professional experience, career objectives, and reason for pursuing the MBA
- A current resume
- Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- GMAT/GRE score
GMAT/GRE Waiver
The MBA Program Director may waive the GMAT/GRE requirement for applicants with at least one of the following:
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Five or more years of professional experience that reflects an increasing level of responsibility
- A Certificate of Business through Cal State University Channel Islands with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
- A master’s degree from a regionally accredited university
International Students
International students must submit proof of English proficiency with their application. Acceptable exams/scores include:
- A bachelor’s degree in any field
- A minimum GPA of 2.75
- At least two years of full-time work experience
MBA Program Highlights
Course Delivery | On-campus, evening courses (foundational business courses offered online) |
Class Size | 52 |
Unique Attributes | Stellar opportunities for international travel and experience |
One of the Most Affordable Tuition Rates Among California Business Schools
Consistently named as a Best Bang for the Buck – West university by Washington Monthly, the Cal State University Channel Islands MVS School offers some of the most affordably priced business programs in California.
Graduate Business Programs
The MBA is priced between $22,200 and $31,200, depending on the number of credits taken (37 to 55)— that’s well below the $44,606 state average for MBA programs in public universities. For non-resident students, MBA tuition is $37,740 – $54,300.
Undergraduate Business Program
The BS in Business is priced at $28,576 for residents and $78,976 for non-residents.
Specialty Business Program Accreditation
All undergraduate and graduate business programs through the Cal State University Channel Islands MVS School, with the exception of the BA in Economics, are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Programs that have achieved ACSBP accreditation have met or exceeded rigorous standards for excellence in business education. ACSBP accreditation considers factors such as student involvement and achievement, curriculum development, and research-based teaching methods.
Experiential Learning and Travel Opportunities
CSU Channel Islands’ MBA includes an optional study abroad experience, a ten-day international trip that allows students to learn about foreign business practices, meet with business leaders, and explore different cultures.
CSU Channel Islands also hosts an extensive study abroad program that includes placements in more than 20 countries around the world. Students can work with Study Abroad Advisors to find and plan a program that meets their goals. Study abroad opportunities here include both semester-long and yearlong trips to places like Chile, Mexico, Canada, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, South Korea, Ghana, and South Africa.
Unique Business Student Supports, Clubs, and Networking Opportunities
The Business Advisory Council is responsible for offering an excellent selection of activities and initiatives for students within the MVS School, including:
- On-campus speaker series
- In-class Panel discussions
- Internships
- Student mentoring
A full range of academic advising and career development services, including one-on-one, group, and online advising and help with internships and job opportunities, are available to students.
Students can learn more about student organizations, events, guest speaker presentations, workshops, and more through CI Sync, an online platform.
There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved through student clubs, such as:
- Business Club
- American Marketing Association
- Finance Club
International Student Supports
The Cal State Channel Island’s International Programs Office offers wraparound support services and resources to the international student community. New international students enjoy many opportunities to meet their peers and become accustomed to the university through orientation sessions and various social events throughout the year.
Why We Recommend the Cal State University Channel Islands, Martin V. Smith School of Business and Economics
In today’s hypercompetitive business environment, accessing the global market is more important than ever. From boosting market share to accessing a diverse pool of talent to increasing their overall business valuation, enterprises both large and small recognize the value of going global. For business leaders, it’s no longer just about having a business mindset —it’s about being able to strategize and react globally. The Cal State Channel Island’ MVS School MBA is built around a global business worldview, providing students with not just a contemporary course of business education, but one that’s focused on international business and entrepreneurship.
The MBA has become the MVS School’s shining example of what a globally focused education should be, reflecting the university’s mission to create programs with internationalized curricula. An optional study abroad experience rounds out the MBA here, providing students with a unique opportunity to gain new insights into how to lead a successful international business.