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Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree Program

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program provides a broad view of organizational performance from the general management perspective. It offers an innovative curriculum designed to develop skills needed for effective leadership and management. CalSouthern’s intensive curriculum is designed to provide essential management skills to help students prepare for success in any potential career path. The program focuses on leadership, communication, the fundamentals of business, and analytical skills.

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Credits required 36
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Max transfer credits* 6

*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

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Program Outcomes

Enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness through the application of ACBSP key business domains of accounting, finance, statistics, economics, management, and marketing.

Foster team and organizational performance through collaborative leadership practices.

Strategically address business needs through the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.

Promote global interdependence through multicultural opportunities across business teams and functional units.

Analyze ethical and legal dilemmas in business environments while respecting the responsibilities of the organization and needs of the stakeholders.

Negotiate business initiatives through effective, persuasive, and professional written or oral communications.

Potential career paths may be found in the following industries:

Banking and Finance
Consulting
Healthcare Administration
Information Technology
Operations Management

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement.

Master of Business Administration Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements Credits
Required Core Courses 21
Elective Courses 15
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR THE MBA 36

Courses + Credits

Below you’ll find the required courses offered by the CalSouthern School of Business and Management for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program. The required number of credits to complete the MBA degree program is 36 semester credits with the option to transfer-in up to 6 credits. Students who take the program full-time may complete the program in as little as two years.

  • ECO 6501Economics for Organizational Management — 3-credits
  • MGT 6500Business Organization and Management — 3-credits
  • MGT 6512Managerial Accounting for Decision Making — 3-credits
  • MGT 6519Ethics in Business — 3-credits
  • MIS 6510Applied Data Analysis — 3-credits
  • MKT 6502Marketing Management — 3-credits
  • CAP 8900MBA Capstone — 3-credits

View the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.

View Catalog

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Frequently Asked Questions

Our MBA Program

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program is designed to equip candidates with skills in leadership, organizational effectiveness, and business management. Candidates pursuing this degree are often interested in pursuing a career path in leadership in an organization. The flexibility of online classes and elective options provide students a way to potentially complete the MBA quickly and conveniently.

An MBA is a type of master’s degree, specifically focused on business administration. While other master's degrees delve into specific subject areas, CalSouthern’s MBA degree program covers business principles, leadership skills, and strategic decision-making, designed to help you prepare to pursue leadership roles in business.

Earning an MBA, particularly from CalSouthern, can offer numerous benefits, including the development of business skills and the potential to pursue increased career opportunities that require an MBA . An MBA can also be beneficial in building a strong professional network.

An MBA can provide access to a wide range of career paths in various industries and organizations. CalSouthern's MBA degree program is designed to help you prepare to pursue career paths in industries such as banking and finance, consulting, healthcare administration, information technology, or operations management. The specific career path you pursue will depend on your individual interests, skills, and experience.

*CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement

Yes, CalSouthern's MBA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Accreditation indicates that the program has met certain quality standards and strives to provide students with a quality education.

An MBA degree program typically covers a broad range of business principles and practices. CalSouthern's curriculum offers opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills, which may be beneficial for pursuing leadership roles in various industries and organizations.

Learning Experience

CalSouthern’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) requires a total of 36 hours. You may be eligible for transfer credit with provided official transcripts. CalSouthern accepts up to 6 hours of the qualifying credits you need toward your degree.*

*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

Yes, you can complete CalSouthern's MBA degree program entirely online. Our comprehensive online MBA program offers the same rigorous curriculum and experienced faculty as a traditional degree program, allowing you to study from anywhere, on your own schedule. Learn how to apply to CalSouthern.

CalSouthern's MBA degree program offers a curriculum that covers a range of essential business topics, including accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, and strategy. The degree program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of business operations and to help equip you with the skills needed to pursue leadership roles.

The time it takes to earn an MBA varies depending on the program and your individual pace. Full-time MBA programs typically take two years to complete, while part-time and online programs may take longer, allowing students to balance their studies with work and other commitments. CalSouthern's flexible online MBA program is designed to allow students to balance their studies with work and other commitments.

Earning your MBA typically involves completing the required coursework and meeting the program's academic standards, including maintaining a satisfactory GPA. Please consult the University Catalog for specific requirements.

Admissions

You can begin your online education at CalSouthern now. Classes begin monthly. Completion of the admissions process will depend on how quickly you complete the steps in the CalSouthern application process. You may speak to an Admissions Advisor over the phone (1-800-477- 2254, ext. 47822) or request information online. Once you’ve completed the online request, you may hear from an advisor within 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.

Prospective students with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution typically qualify to enroll in CalSouthern’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program.

Some online MBA degree programs may require the GMAT or GRE as part of the application process. CalSouthern may offer a GMAT waiver for applicants who meet specific criteria, such as significant work experience or a strong academic record. Please refer to the program's admissions requirements in the University Catalog for the most current information.

The prerequisites you need for an MBA program typically include an undergraduate degree in business from an accredited institution. CalSouthern may also consider work experience, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining your career goals and motivations for pursuing an MBA. Please refer to our admissions criteria in the University Catalog for specific details.

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I chose CalSouthern for several reasons, including its flexible online programs, personalized learning experience, experienced faculty, accreditation, and commitment to providing adult learners with the tools and support they need to achieve their educational goals.

Thaollys L., Doctor of Business Administration, 2025

Accreditation

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California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

CalSouthern’s Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, and Doctor of Business Administration degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.

Your Education Starts Here
Please complete the form below to learn more about our programs.

*All fields are required

Are you Affiliated with the Military? *
By clicking the “I AGREE & SUBMIT” button below, I consent to California Southern University using automated technology and/or pre-recorded means to email, call, and text me at the phone number above regarding educational services. I understand that my consent is not required as a condition to purchase a good or services. I am providing an e-signature confirming my consent and my agreement to California Southern University's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. This consent is not required as a condition to purchase a good or service. Msg & data rates may apply.

Military affiliation includes active duty, veteran, spouse of military or veteran, or anyone eligible to receive military benefits.

Military affiliation includes active duty, veteran, spouse of military or veteran, or anyone eligible to receive military benefits.

Military affiliation includes active duty, veteran, spouse of military or veteran, or anyone eligible to receive military benefits.