MBA@UCDavis - University of California, Davis

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) Graduate School of Management offers a STEM-designated online master of business administration (MBA). Unique attributes of the program include face-to-face online courses via webcam, in-person immersions taking place in three locations, and valuable corporate connections in Silicon Valley, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Faculty consists of industry experts, some of whom hail from San Francisco and Silicon Valley, as well as research faculty from UC Davis. These expert faculty members conduct current research, develop best practices, and share their knowledge with students from around the globe.

While the classes are live, the coursework is self-paced to offer flexibility in learning. The curriculum allows students to gain a solid foundation of knowledge in business concepts, including accounting, finance, economics, data analysis, marketing, and interpersonal communication and relationships. In addition, electives allow students to dig deeper into their desired area of expertise.

Students move through the MBA program in a cohort and are eligible to begin four times per year. Applicants to MBA@UCDavis must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and two years of professional work experience is recommended. The University of California, Davis is located in Davis, California.

What to Expect from MBA@UCDavis

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online MBA must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students must submit an online application that includes an application fee, two letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, a personal introduction, up to three essays, GMAT/GRE test scores, and official transcripts. A GMAT/GRE waiver is available for qualified applicants. UC Davis recommends two or more years of professional work experience for all applicants. Students will be contacted to set up a personal interview via webcam.

International students must show proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS test scores. Foreign degrees are assessed according to the type of institution, the merits of the national system of education, and the level of schooling completed.

Study Plan: The online MBA is part-time and is designed to be completed in 24 to 36 months. Students move through as a cohort and may begin four times per year in January, April, June, and October. The program includes in-person immersions in which students meet at locations such as Silicon Valley, Davis, and Napa Valley to network and work on MBA skills.

Curriculum: MBA@UCDavis comprises 72 credits, including core courses and electives, and is modeled after the campus programs. Core courses include markets and the firm; management of innovation; digital marketing; new and small business ventures; financial accounting; data analysis for managers; management information systems; negotiation in organizations; the individual and group dynamics; and marketing analytics.

Electives allow students to focus on their area of choice and include courses in marketing, entrepreneurship, organizational behavior, analytics, and technology management.

University of California Online MBA Programs

Online Experience: MBA@UCDavis is delivered through live online webcam classes, which include face-to-face conversations with a student’s cohort and faculty. Assignments are interactive and self-paced, although they do have specific due dates. Students can also participate in message board discussions and record video responses to share concerning lectures and assignments.

UC Davis utilizes the UC Learning Center, powered by SumTotal, as its Learning Management System (LMS). Students have access to technical support, faculty office hours, admissions counseling, advising, library services, financial aid services, and career counseling. The Graduate School of Management provides resources and coaching to students regarding career exploration, interview preparation, professional development, and networking.

On-Site Requirements: The online MBA through UC Davis requires students to attend multi-day, in-person sessions located in Napa Valley, Silicon Valley, and Davis. In addition, students are welcome to visit campus at any time and participate in graduation ceremonies on campus.

Paying for MBA@UCDavis

UC Davis online MBA tuition numbers are listed in the tables below, and are the same for all online students regardless of residency. Tuition includes support services, student fees, and technology licensing. Note that travel and accommodation expenses are not included and students should plan accordingly. Prospective online students should contact the admissions department of the University of California, Davis for cost clarifications and updates.

UC Davis offers financial aid in the form of federal student aid including student loans. Students should apply through the FAFSA. Online MBA students may also seek financial aid from alternative sources such as community organizations. Additionally, prospective students can check with their employers concerning tuition reimbursement programs, as well as private loans and military education benefits.

University of California - Davis (UCDavis) Online MBA (MBA@UCDavis)

  • Live, online classes
  • In-person residentials for networking and skill development
  • Access to the UC Davis Career development team
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates 4 - January, April, July, October
Credits Needed to Graduate 72
Time to Complete? Complete in 24 to 36 months
100% Online? No
Program Accreditation AACSB
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 3.0 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? GMAT waiver available for qualified applicants
Work Experience Required? Yes, at least 2 years professional work experience recommended
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 72
Average Cost Per Credit $1,465.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $105,480

* Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the out- of- state, part-time student rate. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Total cost of tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please see the school website for the most up-to-date tuition costs.

Sara Navratil
Sara Navratil
Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about entrepreneurial and general business topics, and providing detailed information on online MBA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.