Online MBA Programs in California

With an estimated population of 39,250,017 as of 2016, California is by far the most populous state in the United States. When it comes to higher education, California’s system is also the largest in the nation and enrolls over 2 million students. This public system is made up of three segments: the University of California schools, the California State University schools, and the California Community Colleges. In addition, students in the state benefit from over 150 private nonprofit institutions and about 200 for-profit schools. This vast network of higher learning institutions provides students with nearly any type of degree, including an array of options for those who want to get their online MBA in California.

Why Consider an Online MBA in California?

As a leader in higher education, California is home to many schools with online MBA programs. There are several factors you should consider when determining the best online MBA programs in California. Cost is one important consideration for nearly every student who wants to further their education. California online MBA programs are generally less expensive than their on-campus counterparts, not necessarily because tuition is lower, but because students are spared many of the additional fees associated with on-campus education. You will also want to be certain you are getting a quality education, regardless of cost. Be sure the schools you are considering are properly accredited and include the courses, concentrations, and curriculum you need to advance your career goals after graduation.

One of the most valuable benefits of distance education is that students can complete their studies anytime, anywhere

California online MBA programs are located all over the state. One of the most valuable benefits of distance education is that students can complete their studies anytime, anywhere. However, some programs may have on-campus requirements that prohibit enrollment for students who do not live in close proximity to school. Many business schools require applicants to submit their scores on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). Other schools are moving away from this requirement in favor of alternative criteria, including work experience or demonstrable skills that can help a student be successful in an MBA program. Students who would rather not take the GMAT may be inclined to choose a school that waives this requirement.

Percentage of Students Enrolled by Distance Education

Percentage of students enrolled at Title IV institutions in California, by distance education enrollment status, Fall 2012

MBA Concentrations for California Students

Students in online MBA programs in California can choose from many degree concentrations. If you intend to remain in California, you can take advantage of specializations that prepare you for employment in one of the state’s major industries. As a hub for world-class healthcare and technology firms, California provides employment to vast numbers of professionals in these fields. Students enrolled in online MBA programs in California can select a degree concentration in healthcare management or information technology in order to prepare them for employment in these prominent industries.

Concentrations for California MBA Students

Healthcare Management: MBA in healthcare management programs teach students about the principles of marketing, finance, business, and management as applied to healthcare system and organizations. Graduates are prepared for careers as directors or administrators of hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient care centers.
Information Technology: An MBA in information technology provides students with knowledge in subject matters related to business such as economics, international business, and corporate financial strategy. Students also learn about information security, systems analysis, and IT management. Graduates of these programs can become entrepreneurs, IT directors, and chief technology officers.

Accreditation in California

Accreditation means that a school’s program has met certain criteria for academic quality set by an approved agency. National accreditation agencies typically cover trade and vocational schools and may not apply standards as rigorous as those held by regional accreditation bodies. In order to avoid any obstacles when it comes to transferring credits or applying for jobs, students may favor regional accreditation status when choosing a college or university.

According to U.S. News & World Report, accreditation standards are generally as demanding for online schools as they are for traditional institutions. Students who wish to attend an accredited online MBA program in California should look for evidence that the school has been approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

An advanced degree from an accredited program opens doors for further study or lucrative employment. The following sections will provide information that graduates from MBA programs need to begin making decisions about their future careers.

California Economy, Career, and Job Outlook for MBA Graduates

The largest industries by employment in the state of California are trade, transportation, and utilities along with education and health services. These industries encompass tech companies, retailers, as well as hospitals and other healthcare providers. Many occupations within these industries are projected to experience major growth in the coming years, such as operations research analysts, home health aides, and nurse practitioners. California is projected to add 2,585,500 total jobs in the period from 2014 to 2024.

California is projected to add 2,585,500 total jobs in the period from 2014 to 2024.

Growth in these industries should be encouraging for students who are interested in earning their online MBA in California. This degree, specifically with a concentration in either information technology or healthcare management, provides the education and training necessary for graduates to enter these fields as competitive employees.

Company	Industry	Headquarters City	Number of Employees
HP, Inc.	Information Technology	Palo Alto, CA	287,000
Wells Fargo & Company	Banking	San Francisco, CA	264,700

In most fields, a higher-level degree translates to an increased salary. For graduates from California online MBA programs, their career paths are no exception. The following sections detail some potential careers these graduates qualify for and the types of salaries they might command.

Earning Potential with an MBA in the State of California

According to PayScale, degree holders with an MBA in California earn an average salary of $20,891 more than those with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and $32,208 more than those with an associate degree in business administration. In addition to an increased average salary, MBA holders can move quickly into management positions compared to their counterparts with associate or bachelor’s degrees. Therefore, in order to maximize their salary potential and increase their attractiveness for management positions to employers, it is wise for many students to pursue an online MBA in California.

Average Salary by Degree

Careers for MBAs in California

Medical and Health Services Manager: A medical and health services manager coordinates medical and health services for a specific clinical department, entire facility, or group of physicians. Median pay is $96,540 per year and these positions are projected to grow by 20% in the period between 2016 and 2026.
Computer and Information Systems Manager: A computer and information systems manager is responsible for directing the computer-related activities of an organization, including implementing systems to help the company reach its information technology goals. Computer and information systems managers earn a median annual salary of $135,800 and positions are projected to grow by 12% in the period from 2016 to 2026.
Computer Systems Analyst: A computer systems analyst specializes in the fusion of business and information technology knowledge in pursuit of maximizing efficiency in a company or organization’s computer systems and procedures. They command a median annual salary of $87,220, and the number of available positions is projected to grow by 9% in the period from 2016 to 2026.
Human Resources Manager: A human resources manager serves as a link between an organization’s management structure and its employees by overseeing administrative functions such as recruitment, hiring, and strategic planning. Human resources managers earn an annual median salary of $106,910 and a growth rate of 9% is projected for jobs in the period from 2016 to 2026.
Top Executive: A top executive is responsible for directing and coordinating the activities related to operations at a particular company or organization. They are usually in charge of making high-level decisions with regard to corporate strategy. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $103,950 and job growth is projected to be at 8% for the period between 2016 and 2026.