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California is a massive and diverse state with an economy larger than many countries. As a national leader in industry, agriculture, technology, tourism, and entertainment industries, occupational opportunity is as varied as the interests and passions of those inhabiting the state. Leaders in organizational management and business skills are valued in nearly every field, but particularly necessary in many of California’s most prominent industries. This is evidenced by the particularly high earnings of those in managerial roles in the state of California:
CA average salaries for common MBA-holding roles:
- Financial Analyst: $58,419
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO): $330,895
- Marketing Manager: $101,822
- Project Manager, Information Technology (IT): $84,422
- Operations Manager: $97,920
- Finance Manager: $123,331
Online Learning in Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley — the region between San Jose and San Fransisco — is home to the second largest grouping of online degree-offering universities in the state. Institutions in the region range from associates-level degree granting Foothill College to the largest online degree provider in the state: Golden Gate University. Students at one of the six institutions of higher learning in Silicon Valley that offer business degrees online will be well positioned due to their proximity to many of the largest corporations in the United States. For those already working in Silicon Valley, and hoping to advance their career through further schooling, taking courses or pursuing a degree online at a local school can be a great way to take advantage of additional support services when you need them. On top of that, students looking to pursue a degree from the top tier University of California system can gain in-state tuition.
Online Learning in Los Angeles
You better bet that Los Angeles — the second largest consumer market in the nation — is all about business. With Los Angeles County playing home to some 13 Fortune 500 companies, and a metro population of 18 million residents, opportunity for the entrepreneurial and business minded abounds. Fittingly, some 16 universities offer business degrees online in the LA metro. These universities include the top ranked UCLA, two California State University campuses, multiple campuses of the Chicago school of Professional Psychiatry, and a number of religiously-minded institutions. While institutions within LA may be close to LA residents as the crow flies, anyone whose spent any time in the metro knows that even getting to the next neighborhood over can sometimes take an hour. To this point we say there’s no reason to fear as a potential online student. Online business-degree offering universities are placed throughout the LA Metro area. Meaning that — if push comes to shove (and no matter your neighborhood) — you can start classes at a school near you.
The 5 Best Online Business Schools in California
In total, there are 42 online business degree-granting institutions in the state of California. These range from community colleges offering affordable associates-level programming and the ability to transfer to a four year institution, to some of the best graduate business schools in the world. While potential students should first and foremost ensure that a given university has the type of business degree they wish to pursue, there are a few business programs that stand out across the board. We’ve selected our favorite five online business degree offering universities in business below. To select our programs, we’ve used the methodology of equally weighting the range of online business offerings with the academic prestige of a given university. The academic prestige of universities is calculated using a number of metrics such as average amount of financial need received, average class sizes, admissions standards, and the percentage of faculty holding terminal degrees in their field. Check out our top five online business degree-granting universities in California below!
Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a private Christian university located in Azusa, California. There are 9,975 students enrolled, and the majority of classes contain fewer than 20 students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1, and U.S. News ranks APU as the 183rd best school in the nation. Online, APU offers 10 business-centric degree programs: 2 bachelor’s degree and 8 master’s degrees. Undergraduates learn to build managerial skills and synthesize leadership with organizational science and theory through the Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Management. Their online graduate degree programs includes a Master of Business Administration the teaches key concepts like accounting, entrepreneurship and organizational science to becomes successful in business and in society . Other programs include educational leadership, educational technology and learning and a M.A. in management. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits APU to offer degree programs.
Pepperdine University is a private research university located in Malibu, California. There are 7,632 students enrolled who benefit from small classroom sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of just 13:1. U.S. News ranks Pepperdine as the 50th best school in the nation, 29th best college for veterans, and 48th best school for business programs including the top 15 online MBA programs. Pepperdine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges to offer comprehensive programming. The online program available to undergraduates is the B.S. in Management which is a 60-unit program that consists entirely of upper-division course material and all subjects are directly related to your work and field experience including business law, behavioral science, accounting, and marketing among others. Graduate students have MBA options, may focus on general management and marketing, finance or leadership through one of 6 online master’s options.
California Baptist University is a private Christian University located in Riverside, California. There are 8, 541students enrolled in this intimate private setting that provides small classrooms and a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. U.S. News ranks California Baptist University as the 37th best regional university in the West as well as the 21st best college for veterans. There are a number of terrific online offerings for both undergraduate and graduate students: 6 bachelor’s and 8 master’s degrees. The bachelor’s degrees include business administration, organizational leadership, accounting and others. The master’s programs include an MBA in accounting and general management as well as a degree in communication, organizational leadership and others. Students who complete these programs should expect to be able to in many cases present information orally and in writing, demonstrate entrepreneurial management, competency in business, market, make ethics and legal decision in business administration, and apply these skill in a global context.
Founded in 1891, the University of La Verne is a private nonprofit university located in La Verne, California. This small institution enrolls 4,883 students. The average classroom size is 15 and the student-to-faculty ration is just 13:1. Its most popular majors are in business, management, marketing, and education. According to U.S. News , La Verne is ranked as the 152nd best school in the nation. There are five business- centric online degree programs offered. The two bachelor’s degree programs include business administration which is designed to enhance your knowledge of theory and how it intersects with experience in the business sector, as well and organizational management- focused on managerial and interpersonal skills. The master’s programs include an MBA as well as a M.S. in Leadership and Management which curriculum integrates theory and real-world applications on uman aspects of organization, communication teamwork and leadership skills as well as ethical and social responsible behaviors in a diverse work environment. Additionally, there is a B.S. in Public Administration also available online.
Golden Gate University (GGU) is a private nonprofit university located in San Francisco, California. GGU has been listed as a “Military Friendly” school according to G.I. Jobs . Washington Monthly ranks GGU as the top school in the nation for adult education. Online there arena impressive 30 degrees available in the areas of business management, accounting, marketing and public relations. There are 14 bachelor’s and 16 master’s degrees. In addition, there are also a number of certifications available. Students will learn about project management, organizational technology, taxation, HR management and global supply chain management. Many programs include hands-on internship experiences that connect theory with real-world application of processes.
Directory of Online Business Degrees in California
Golden Gate University-San Francisco
San Francisco, California
Widest range of online business degrees in CA- Bachelor of Arts in Management – General
- Bachelor of Arts in Management – Human Resource Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Management – Information Technology
- Bachelor of Arts in Management – Marketing
- Bachelor of Arts in Management – Public Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Business – Accounting
- Bachelor of Science in Business – Finance
- Bachelor of Science in Business – General
- Bachelor of Science in Business – Human Resource Management
- Bachelor of Science in Business – Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Business – International Business
- Bachelor of Science in Business – Marketing
- Bachelor of Science in Business – Operations And Supply Chain Management
- Bachelor of Science in Business – Public Administration
- Master of Accountancy
- Master of Business Administration – Accounting Concentration
- Master of Business Administration – Entrepreneurship Concentration
- Master of Business Administration – Finance Concentration
- Master of Business Administration – General Concentration
- Master of Business Administration – Global Supply Chain Management Concentration
- Master of Business Administration – Human Resource Management Concentration
- Master of Business Administration – Information Technology Management Concentration
- Master of Business Administration – International Business Concentration
- Master of Business Administration – Management Concentration
- Master of Business Administration – Marketing Concentration
- Master of Business Administration – Multiple Concentrations
- Master of Business Administration – Project Management
- Master of Business Administration – Public Administration
- Master of Business Administration – Public Relations
- Master of Science in AccountingM
California Baptist University
Riverside, California
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies – Organizational Leadership
- Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing MASTERS DEGREES
- Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Arts in Public Relations
- Master of Business Administration: Specialization in Accounting
- Master of Business Administration: Specialization in General Management
- Master of Science in Accounting
- Master of Science in Education: Specialization in Educational Leadership
- Master of Arts in Education, Educational Leadership
- Master of Arts in Education, Leadership in Early Childhood Education
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership And Administration, With Preliminary Administrative Services Credential
- Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration, Accounting
- Master of Business Administration, E-Business Strategic Management
- Master of Business Administration, Entrepreneurship
- Master of Business Administration, Finance
- Master of Business Administration, Health Administration
- Master of Business Administration, Human Resources
- Master of Business Administration, International Business
- Master of Business Administration, Marketing
- Master of Business Administration, Organizational Leadership
- Master of Public Administration, Organizational Leadership
- Master of Science in Human Resources
National University
La Jolla, California
- Associate of Arts With Concentration in Business Administration
- Associate of Science in Business
- Associate of Science in Professional Golf Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications
- Bachelor of Arts in Management
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
- Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
- Bachelor of Science in Financial Management
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality And Casino Management
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management
- Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
- Global Master in Business Administration (GMBA) in Spanish
- Master of Accountancy
- Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Healthcare Administration
- Master of Science in Instructional Leadership
- Master of Science in Management Information Systems
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Science in Sustainability Management
Brandman University
Irvine, California
- Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies – Supply Chain Systems
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice – Leadership
- Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership
- Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership – Organization Administration
- Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership – Supply Chain Systems
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance
- Bachelor of Business Administration, General Business
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Human Resources
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Information Systems Management
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Organizational Communication
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Organizational Leadership
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Supply Chain Systems
- Bachelor of Science in Computing Technology, Business Systems Admini
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, California
- Bachelor of Arts in Leadership (Organizational Dynamics)
- Bachelor of Arts in Management
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership – Educational Technology And Learning
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership And Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Or Internship Credential (Pasc), Tier I
- Master of Arts in Management
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Educational Leadership – Educational Technology And Learning And The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, Tier I
- Master of Science in Educational Leadership – Educational Technology And Learning And The Preliminary Administrative Services Internship Credential (Pasc), Tier I
GRADUATE DEGREES
Hope International University
Fullerton, California
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Master of Arts in Ministry – Christian Ministry & Leadership
- Master of Business Administration – General Management
- Master of Business Administration – International Development
- Master of Business Administration – Marketing Management
- Master of Business Administration – Non-Profit Management
- Master of Science in Management – General Management
- Master of Science in Management – International Development
- Master of Science in Management – Marketing Management
- Master of Science in Management – Non-Profit Management
Azusa Pacific Online University
Glendora, California
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership – Educational Technology And Learning
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership – Educational Technology And Learning/Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, Tier I
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership – Educational Technology And Learning/Preliminary Administrative Services Internship Credential (Pasc), Tier I
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership/Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Or Internship Credential (Pasc), Tier I
- Master of Arts in Management
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration
California State University-East Bay
Hayward, California
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Corporate Management Option
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Finance Option
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Operations And Enterprise Resource Management Option
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Supply Chain Management Option
- Master of Science in Educational Leadership
- Master of Science in Health Care Administration
Pepperdine University
Malibu, California
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration in Finance
- Master of Business Administration in General Management
- Master of Business Administration in Leadership And Managing Organizational Change
- Master of Business Administration in Marketing
- Master of Business Administration
West Los Angeles College
Culver City, California
- Bachelor of Accounting
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Computer Network And Security Management Option
- Bachelor of Marketing
- Bachelor of Real Estate
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Irvine
Irvine, California
- M.A. in International Psychology – Management And Leadership
- M.A. in Organizational Leadership
- M.A. in Psychology – Organizational Leadership
- Ph.D. in Business Psychology
- Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
- M.A. in International Psychology – Management And Leadership
- M.A. in Organizational Leadership
- M.A. in Psychology – Organizational Leadership
- Ph.D. in Business Psychology
- Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Westwood
Los Angeles, California
- M.A. in International Psychology – Management And Leadership
- M.A. in Organizational Leadership
- M.A. in Psychology – Organizational Leadership
- Ph.D. in Business Psychology
- Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
Naval Postgraduate School
Monterey, California
- Executive Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Contract Management
- Master of Science in Program Management
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, California
- Master of Science in Accounting – Specialization in Financial Accounting
- Master of Science in Accounting – Specialization in Tax
- Master of Science in Economics
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, California
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Sector Management
- Master of Science in Taxation
- Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality And Recreation Management (Online)
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
San Diego, California
- Master of Science of Law – Financial Services & Wealth Management
- Master of Science of Law – International Taxation
- Master of Science of Law – United States Taxation
University of La Verne
La Verne, California
- Bachelor of Arts Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science Organizational Management
- MBA
Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, California
- Associate of Arts in Accounting
- Associate of Arts in Business Administration
- Associate of Arts in Economics
Touro University Worldwide
Los Alamitos, California
- Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences – Health Care Administration
- Doctor of Psychology in Human And Organizational Psychology – Leadership And Innovation
Concordia University-Irvine
Irvine, California
- Bachelor of Business Administration & Leadership
- Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
San Diego State University
San Diego, California
- Master of Arts in Education Leadership
- Master of Arts in Education Leadership Online
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
- Master of Arts in Education-Educational Leadership, Principal Certification
- Master of Business Administration Online (MBAo)
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, California
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Carson, California
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration
California State University-Channel Islands
Camarillo, California
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Business
Monterey Peninsula College
Monterey, California
- Associate of Arts in Hospitality Management
- Associate of Science in Business Administration
Citrus College
Glendora, California
- Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts – Technology And Business
- Associate of Science in Business
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, California
- Executive Master of Business Administration
California Institute of Integral Studies
San Francisco, California
- Ma in Transformative Leadership
Fuller Theological Seminary in California
Pasadena, California
- Master of Arts in Global Leadership
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, California
- Master of Arts in Strategic Organizational Leadership
California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, California
- Master of Science in Accountancy
University of California-San Francisco
San Francisco, California
- Master of Science in Healthcare Administration And Interprofessional Leadership
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, California
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
Antioch University-Los Angeles
Culver City, California
- Bachelor of Arts in Management
Antioch University-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
- Bachelor of Arts in Management
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, California
- Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration
Palo Alto University
Palo Alto, California
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology of Entrepreneurship
Humboldt State University
Arcata, California
- Bachelor of Leadership Studies Interdisciplinary Completion
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, California
- Associate of Science in Business Administration
Mount St. Mary’s College
Los Angeles, California
- Associate of Arts in Business Administration