College of Business and Economics | Los Angeles, CA | Visit website
About the California State University Los Angeles, College of Business and Economics
Just steps from downtown Los Angeles, the beating heart of California’s business mega-economy, the California State University Los Angeles, College of Business and Economics is a beacon of business education in California, widely recognized as one of the world’s premier business schools.
Better known as LA’s Business School, it’s where the three tenants of Collaboration, Engagement, and Innovation are combined with thoughtful, applied learning experiences to produce graduates who stand out as innovative trailblazers, contemporary changemakers, and domestic and global leaders.
Offering an exceptional selection of undergraduate and graduate business programs led by an esteemed faculty of experienced practitioners, the College of Business and Economics is committed to turning out capable business professionals prepared to make meaningful contributions in the world.
MBAs and Other Programs Offered Through the California State University Los Angeles College of Business and Economics
The College of Business and Economics is home to two MBA programs designed for students at different points in their careers:
MBA
The MBA features a leadership and management focus that’s marked by opportunities to participate in industry-focused events and partnerships with local employers. This program consists of an eight-course core complemented with nine units of electives and a culminating business administration experience.
Fully Employed MBA (FEMBA)
The Fully Employed MBA (FEMBA), offered at the Cal State LA Downtown campus, is an accelerated MBA that features a blend of online study and Saturday classes (9AM-4PM) and delivered in a cohort model that fosters collaboration and life-long networks. Welcoming mid-career professionals who want to take their leadership, management, analytic, and communication skills to the next level, the PEMBA can be completed in just 16 months.
Other Graduate Degrees
- MS in Accounting
- MS in Business Administration
- MS in Business Analytics
- MA in Economics
- MS in Healthcare Management
- MS in Information Systems
Graduate certificates are also available in Advanced Information Systems and Healthcare Leadership.
Undergraduate Business Degrees
- BSBA
- Accounting
- Business Economics
- Business Prelegal
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Healthcare Administration
- HR Management
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Real Estate
- Retail
- General Business
- BA in Economics
- Applied Economics
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- BS in Computer Information Systems
- Business Systems
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
The College of Business and Economics also offers a number of certificates:
- Undergraduate Certificate Program in Accounting
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting
- Undergraduate Certificate Program in Finance
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Real Estate
- Undergraduate Certificate Program in Computer Programming
- Undergraduate Certificate Program in Information Systems
- Undergraduate Certificate Program in Information Systems Security Professionals,
- Baccalaureate Certificate in Human Resources Management
- Baccalaureate Certificate in General Management
- Certificate in Entrepreneurship
- Certificate in Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Baccalaureate Certificate in Marketing
- Baccalaureate Certificate in Social Media
- Baccalaureate Certificate in Sustainability Marketing
- Undergraduate Certificate in Fashion Retailing
- Undergraduate Certificate in International Business
- Undergraduate Certificate in International Business Communication
- Undergraduate Certificate in Transportation and Logistics
- Post-Bac Certificate in Real Estate
MBA Program Customization
The College of Business and Economics’ MBA offers opportunities to specialize in the following areas:
- Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Entertainment Business Management
- Finance
- Healthcare Management
- HR Management
- Information Systems
- Management
- Marketing
- International Business
- Real Estate
- Supply Chain Managment
MBA Admissions Requirements
The MBA is open to applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in any major with an overall minimum GPA of 2.5 in the last 60 semester units completed. The GMAT/GRE is NOT required for admission.
The FEMBA is open to applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in any major with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 (3.0 is strongly recommended) and a minumum of three years of significant work experience in a managerial or professional role. Eligible applicants are invited to participate in an online video interview. The GMAT/GRE is NOT required for admission.
MBA and FEMBA applicants must include the following with their application:
- Two letters of recommendation
- Professional resume
- Statement of purpose
- Unofficial transcripts
International Students
International students whose native language is not English (and don’t qualify for an English Language Proficiency Exam Waiver) must submit scores from one of the following English language proficiency exams:
- TOEFL: 80 (Internet-based), 213 (computer-based), 550 (paper-based)
- IELTS
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
- Duolingo English Test
MBA Program Highlights
Course Delivery | MBA: on campus FEMBA: blend of on-campus Saturday courses and online study |
Class Size | MBA: 98 (195 enrollment) FEMBA: 30-35 cohort |
MBA Program and Business School Accolades | Ranked among the Best Business Programs by U.S. News & World Report
Ranked as the Best Affordable Business Management Degree by University HQ
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One of the Most Affordable Tuition Rates Among California Business Schools
Cal State Los Angeles tuition prices remain some of the most affordable among California’s public universities. This extends to the business degrees offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
MBA Degrees
- MBA: $17,368 (resident), $32,488 (non-resident)
- FEMBA: $35,100
Other Graduate Degrees
- MS in Accounting: $17,368 (resident), $31,228 (non-resident)
- MS in Business Administration: $17,368 (resident), $31,228 (non-resident)
- MS in Business Analytics: $17,368 (resident), $32,488 (non-resident)
- MA in Economics: $17,368 (resident), $29,968 (non-resident)
- MS in Healthcare Management: $17,368 (resident), $32,488 (non-resident)
- MS in Information Systems: $17,368 (resident), $29,968 (non-resident)
Undergraduate Business Program
The cost of the BSBA is $7,160 per year ($28,640 total) for residents and $19,760 per year ($79,040 total) for non-residents.
Specialty Business Program Accreditation
The College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the most widely recognized business accreditation in the world. The Cal State Los Angeles College of Business and Economics first achieved AACSB accreditation in 1960 and has remained accredited ever since, placing it among the top 5 percent of all business programs in the world.
Experiential Learning and Travel Opportunities
Cal State Los Angeles offers a wide range of study abroad opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate business students.
Faculty of the College of Business and Economics regularly develop service learning projects that provide students with valuable, real-world experiences. Students often provide consulting services to local businesses through class projects and faculty-led programs.
MBA students regularly compete in the International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition, a competitive event that allows students to run a simulated company and compete with other university teams. This exciting competition provides MBA students with exceptional opportunities to network with business executives and students from around the world. In 2022, the MBA students at Cal State Los Angeles earned second place in the competition.
Unique Business Student Supports, Clubs, and Networking Opportunities
Cal State Los Angeles business students enjoy a host of services and resources aimed at preparing them for success beyond graduation. For example, the School of Business and Economics hosts Meet the Firms events, where major employers like EY, Boeing, Entertainment Partners, and UCLA Health engage with business students about career opportunities.
The Advisement Center is staffed with full-time professionals who help business students with all aspects of degree planning and academic counseling. And the Placement Center offers job placement skills training and internship and career placement opportunities. The Graduate Resource Center is also an excellent source of workshops and webinars aimed at helping graduate students succeed in the professional world.
Hands-on learning and project-centered activities and events are part of the fabric of the College of Business and Economics. The Marshall Geller Golden Eagle Opportunity Fund (GEOF), for example, allows finance majors to gain real-world experience by managing the GEOF. And budding entrepreneurs enjoy access to resources, training, and mentorship for their endeavors through the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Business students here also land valuable internships with big names like JPL, Boeing, and Southern California Edison, and connect with and learn from successful business alumni through the Professor for a Day program.
Cal State Los Angeles is home to more than 15 award-winning student organizations that host exciting events and competitions throughout the year where students can network with business executives and connect with regional companies. Just some of the student clubs and organizations here include:
- Beta Gamma Sigma (business honor society)
- Accounting Society
- Business & Economics Society (BESt)
- Business Informatics and Technology Society
- Cal State LA Real Estate Club
- Entrepreneurship Collegiate Consulting Organization (ECCO)
- Financial Management Association (FMA)
- Marketing Analytics and Research Student Club (MARS)
- Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA)
International Student Supports
The International Students & Scholars Office serves as a hub for international students, offering counseling, resources, and services aimed at their success while studying abroad.
Cal State Los Angeles also offers a myriad of workshops and events to help international students make a smooth transition to the university. For example, they host an International Student Welcome Mixer where students can get to know their peers and faculty.
Why We Recommend the Cal State University Los Angeles College of Business and Economics
You simply can’t beat Cal State Los Angeles’ business clout. Students at the College of Business and Economics enjoy unfettered access to the massive Los Angeles business community and the unlimited opportunities it has to offer.
Local and regional business executives, many of whom are Cal State LA alumni, regularly visit the university to engage, educate, and recruit. University centers, program activities, and student clubs provide business students with exceptional opportunities for immerse experiences in California’s global business environment and a chance to rub elbows with experienced business leaders.
AACSB accreditation and affordable tuition rates draw their share of students to Cal State Los Angeles, but it’s the superb selection of undergraduate and graduate programs and the outstanding opportunities to connect with the region’s enterprises and the executives who lead them that make this school a leader in business education.