Quality education.
Affordable price.
Get Program Brochure
Quality education.
Affordable price.
Get Program Brochure

The CSUMB Online MBA: Opportunity Without Barriers

What if earning your MBA meant opening doors, not facing them?

The CSUMB Online MBA is built for you—a professional ready to advance your career without compromising your values, your budget, or your life. With one of the most affordable tuition rates among online MBA programs in California, a flexible 100% online format, and no GMAT requirement, this program removes the traditional barriers that keep working professionals from earning their graduate degree.

Here, you'll take one course at a time over five-week terms, so you can focus deeply on each subject without feeling overwhelmed. With cohorts capped at 30 students, you'll never feel lost in the crowd. Faculty know your name, respond quickly, and are genuinely committed to helping you succeed.

You'll find a supportive community of peers who are invested in your success. You'll engage in real-world learning through international consulting projects that connect you to entrepreneurs and business leaders worldwide. And you'll graduate in as few as 16 months with the skills, network, and confidence to lead with purpose and impact.

This is graduate education designed around you—not the other way around.

Program Highlights

  • 100% online and asynchronous | Learn on your schedule
  • 16-month completion | Earn your MBA faster
  • 30 credits | A streamlined, focused curriculum
  • No GMAT required | Your experience and ambition matter more
  • Cohort-based learning | Build lasting relationships with peers and faculty
  • One course at a time | Stay focused and avoid burnout

All-In Pricing. All-Out Opportunity.

What if cost didn't stand between you and your future?

At $36,000 total tuition, the CSUMB Online MBA is one of the most affordable online MBA programs in California. And that price includes everything: your coursework, e-books, and even your international consulting project. No surprise fees. No hidden costs.

California State University, Monterey Bay is ranked #2 in the nation for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report1—a recognition that reflects the university's deep commitment to making graduate education accessible to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. Whether you're a first-generation college graduate, a working parent, or someone returning to school after years in the workforce, CSUMB is here to make your MBA possible.

Cost Breakdown:2

  • $1,200 per unit (30 units)
  • $36,000 total tuition
  • Books and the international project are included in tuition

Review Admissions Requirements

Lead with purpose. Advance with confidence.

CSUMB's Online MBA program prepares you to become the kind of leader today's world needs. With no GMAT requirement, 100% online flexibility, and one of the lowest tuition rates among online MBAs in California, we've removed the barriers that keep talented professionals from advancing their careers.

Accessibility is just the beginning. Through our Responsible Business framework, you'll gain the strategic skills to drive results while learning to lead with integrity, balance profit with impact, and create success that extends beyond dollar signs. Study one course at a time with faculty who are committed to your growth, in a community where goals and values go hand in hand.

Download our guide to learn more about:

  • The Online MBA program
  • Faculty in the CSUMB College of Business
  • The online student experience
  • Career outcomes
  • Admission requirements
Download Program Brochure

This will only take a moment.
By clicking "Get Program Brochure" and submitting this form, I agree to receive text messages, emails and other communication regarding educational programs and opportunities, and to be contacted by California State University, Monterey Bay and Everspring, its authorized representative. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. View our privacy policy and disclosures.

A Different Kind of MBA: Where Business Meets Responsibility

What if your MBA prepared you to lead with integrity, not just ambition?

While other California online MBA programs focus solely on the bottom line, CSUMB teaches you to think bigger. Our curriculum is grounded in the Responsible Business framework—a forward-thinking approach that balances profit with people, planet, ethics, and equity. It's woven into every course, from finance and marketing to leadership and strategy, so you graduate ready to make decisions that drive both business results and positive impact.

This isn't an elective. It's not a single course on corporate social responsibility. It's the foundation of how we teach business at CSUMB—and it's what sets our graduates apart in a world where stakeholders, customers, and employees increasingly expect leaders to care about more than shareholder returns.

CSUMB_Homepage_ResponsibleBusiness-Logo-rev.png

How Responsible Business Shapes Your Learning:

A group of male and female CSUMB students sitting at a table discussing classwork.
BUS 601: Responsible Business Communication
You'll explore ethical communication and critical thinking from day one, establishing a foundation for responsible decision-making throughout the program.
A female CSUMB student smiles while having conversation with fellow students at table.
International Consulting Project
Work with real entrepreneurs in developing countries to solve pressing business challenges. Past students have helped small business owners in Honduras and Panama grow their enterprises, navigating resource constraints and building sustainable solutions that uplift entire families and communities.
Two male and female CSUMB student smile while viewing laptop screen.
BUS 625: Organization and Responsible Leadership
Reflect on your own leadership style and develop management practices rooted in accountability, ethics, and inclusion.
A female CSUMB student presenting her capstone presentation to classroom.
Entrepreneurship and Strategy Capstone
Apply everything you've learned to build a start-up proposal or strategic business plan that demonstrates financial viability and social responsibility.

CSUMB was the first MBA program in the nation built on this model—and as businesses worldwide prioritize sustainability, equity, and ethical leadership, our graduates enter the workforce prepared to meet the moment.

Explore the Curriculum

Career Impact That Starts Now, Not Later

What if your MBA started paying off while you were still in school?

At CSUMB, learning isn't theoretical—it's immediately applicable. Through hands-on projects, business simulations, and your international consulting experience, you'll build skills you can use right now in your current role. Many students report promotions, salary increases, or new leadership opportunities before they even complete the program.

20%
Average salary increase during or upon program completion3
1 in 2
Graduates earn a promotion or higher-level position within three years3
Employers
Alumni work at leading organizations including NASA, Tesla, Apple, and Amazon3

Recognition That Reflects Our Mission

California State University, Monterey Bay isn't just talking about access and excellence—we're nationally recognized for delivering both.

U.S. News & World Report
#2
in Social Mobility – Regional Universities (West)1
A testament to our commitment to creating equitable pathways to success for all students
U.S. News & World Report
#7
Top Public Schools – Regional Universities (West)4
Recognized for academic quality and value among public institutions
U.S. News & World Report
#11
Regional Universities (West)5
Ranked among the best comprehensive universities in the western United States

A Community That Sees You and Supports You

What if you were treated as more than just another student?

At CSUMB, you're not a number. You're part of a close-knit cohort of professionals who will become your colleagues, collaborators, and friends. With classes capped at 30 students, faculty know who you are, what you're working on, and where you want to go. You'll receive personalized attention, thoughtful feedback, and genuine mentorship from experienced instructors who care about your success.

Beyond your cohort, you'll have access to:

  • Dedicated student success coordinators who guide you through the program
  • Online tutoring support when you need extra help
  • Responsive, highly credentialed faculty with real-world business experience
  • A diverse, multicultural community that brings varied perspectives to every discussion
Carolina R.
“The program at CSUMB was more modern than the other programs I looked at, and the Responsible Business focus showed the progressive thinking I was looking for.”
—Carolina R., MBA '23

What If You Started Today?

The CSUMB Online MBA removes every barrier between you and the career you've been working toward. Affordable. Flexible. Supportive. Purposeful. This is graduate business education built for the next generation of leaders—leaders who want to succeed and make a difference.

Start Your Application

Headshots of CSUMB Admissions Outreach Advisors, Brad and Fred.

Learn more. Connect with us.

There’s so much to know about California State University, Monterey Bay’s Online MBA program that you’re bound to have questions. We’re here to help. For information and support, schedule a call with Brad or Fred. They’re knowledgeable, friendly admissions outreach advisors who’ll make sure you get all the answers.

Schedule a Call
Start Your Application

Keep Moving Forward

Apr
10
Application Deadline
April 10
Summer 2026 Term
May
25
Class Start Date
May 25
Summer 2026 Term
Sources
  1. Retrieved on December 2, 2025, from usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities-west/social-mobility 
  2. Tuition includes the price of e-books. Degree completion award is available to all new Online MBA students.
  3. Based on self-reported data collected from CSUMB Online MBA students in graduating cohorts from 2021–2024 
  4. Retrieved on December 2, 2025, from usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities-west/top-public 
  5. Retrieved on December 2, 2025, from usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities-west