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Career Outcomes & Professional Support

Exploring MBA Careers and Salary Potential

Career impact that starts before graduation.¹

CSUMB Online MBA graduates are CEOs, vice presidents, business owners, directors, analysts, consultants, and marketing managers.¹ They have accelerated their career growth, expanded their opportunities, and increased their earning potential—often before completing the program.

Through experiential learning grounded in Responsible Business, you'll gain the strategic thinking and leadership skills that set you apart. Whether you're aiming for the C-suite, launching your own venture, or leading change within your organization, the CSUMB Online MBA prepares you to get there.

MBA Salary Trends

An MBA is a significant commitment—to your future, your earning potential, and your career trajectory. The numbers reflect that investment:

$125,000: Median starting salary for new MBA graduates nationally²

According to the 2025 Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) Corporate Recruiters Survey, MBA graduates earn:²

1.6 times more than bachelor's degree holders ($75,000)
25% more than candidates hired directly from industry ($100,000)

Beyond base salary, MBA graduates often earn substantial signing and performance bonuses.³ Forbes ranked the MBA at the top of its list of highest-paying master's degrees, noting that "an MBA is one of the best master's degrees you can obtain—not only because it is lucrative, but it also covers a wide range of disciplines and industries."⁴

A female CSUMB professor leaning over table to assist two female students.

Hiring Trends for MBA Graduates

MBA graduates are in high demand. According to the 2024 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey, these percentages of companies planned to hire recent MBA graduates:²

90%

overall global average

93%

technology companies

86%

consulting firms

85%

finance and accounting firms

Group of female CSUMB students smile while standing on stairs.

Meet Your Network

You'll study alongside professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds—from business and aviation to therapy and molecular biology. What you'll share is ambition: the drive to advance your career, launch your own venture, or lead with greater impact.

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

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About Our Students

Companies Where Our Students Work

Network with a tight-knit cohort of classmates employed by leading Fortune 500 companies and iconic corporations that have included:

Reported Employment Industry*

Technology14%
Manufacturing14%
Finance12%
Medical12%
Education10%
Other38%

*Percentages drawn from California student body, not total student body.

1 in 2

One in two CSUMB alumni who are employed reported receiving a promotion, or higher-level position at a new employer, within three years of graduation¹

94%

94% of prospective students pursue the Online MBA for career advancement¹

20% increase

CSUMB alumni earn, on average, a 20% salary increase either during or upon completion of the program.¹

“I wanted to be able to command a higher salary, which is what an MBA would help with. I chose the Online MBA program at CSUMB because of the Responsible Business component and how it aligned with the work I wanted to go into.”

—Desiree F., MBA ‘21

Career Resources for CSUMB Online MBA Students

Whether you're transitioning into business, advancing at your current company, or pursuing your dream role, the CSUMB Online MBA prepares you to get there. As an online student, you have full access to the same career resources available to on-campus students—because your success is our priority.

Why Use Career Resources?

CSUMB's career resources help you focus your search, save time, and find opportunities you might not have considered. You'll be able to:

Get advice from career professionals
Access tools that make your search more efficient
Discover options you didn't know were available
Optimize your resume, cover letters, and application materials

Resumes and Cover Letters

CSUMB's career resources team helps students and alumni craft, polish, and strengthen resumes and cover letters. Access instructional videos that cover the basics, then connect with a career services advisor to learn current best practices and what today's employers are looking for.

Career Counseling

The Career Development Office provides personalized guidance tailored to your professional goals. Work with a career counselor to:

Research and narrow down career options
Identify potential employers
Navigate the application and interview process
Advance in your current career
Access industry-specific resources

As a CSUMB student or graduate, you have lifetime access to career counseling—services that often cost hundreds of dollars elsewhere—at no additional cost.

Schedule an Appointment

LinkedIn Resources

Whether you're new to LinkedIn or ready to optimize your profile, a career advisor can help you:

Build a complete, recruiter-friendly profile
Highlight relevant skills and experience
Connect with professionals and companies in your field
Grow your professional network strategically

Explore CSUMB’s LinkedIn Resources

FOCUS Career Services

Understanding your strengths and interests helps you focus your career goals and get more from your MBA. The FOCUS Career Finder is a free online assessment that helps you:

Discover careers where you'll thrive
Align your search with your values, skills, and personality
Identify what challenges and motivates you professionally
Build on your natural leadership strengths
Available at no cost to all CSUMB students and alumni.

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

Application Deadline

April 10

Summer 2026 Term

May

Class Start Date

May 25