Success in their own words
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Student Stories

Hear from the people who've been where you are—and see where the CSUMB Online MBA took them.

Three alumni talk about the flexibility that made earning an MBA possible, the community that supported them every step of the way, the leadership skills they built and put into practice, and the confidence that continues to transform their careers.

Flexibility That Fits Your Life

Headshot of Danny C., MBA '22
“I really love the structure. The fact that it's online means that I can still do my full-time work and fulfill all my responsibilities with school. It's so flexible that I can work in the early part of the morning before I head out, or in the evening once I've finished my workday. The way every class is structured, not everything is top-loaded or back-loaded. It's all spread out in bite-sized pieces.”
—Danny C., MBA '22

Leadership You Learn—and Practice

Carolina R.
“Leadership is tested during group projects. You have to collaborate and work to get your idea across. You have to negotiate, you have to give in and be flexible. And if you have very strong leadership qualities, you can only strengthen them in these group projects.”
—Carol R., MBA '23
“Before starting the program, I didn't mind being a leader, but I would never jump at the opportunity. And it's that confidence that you build. As you go through the program, you learn about corporations, executives, different leadership strategies, and you find which leadership style works for you. You get to develop that leadership style and see it in action. The leadership qualities that I've learned throughout the program—taking initiative, being flexible not only with my own work, but the work of the people I'm working with or people who report to me—have been astronomical.”
—Danny C., MBA '22
“Being an online program, it's a different leadership situation. Everything is with your tone, your commitment, setting an example through different virtual activities. I am a senior director at a local consumer goods company in San Diego. I've been able to apply a lot of what I do in terms of getting people together and bringing the best out of them through this position.”
—Carol R., MBA ’23
Kellie B.

Spotlight: From Classroom to Real-World Impact

Kelli B., MBA ’24

In the BUS 694 course, Business Strategy and Entrepreneurship, students create a start-up social-venture proposal designed to meet a real need. For Kelli, that project became the foundation for something bigger.

"Natural disasters have profound adverse effects, including significant losses to life, economic stability, and critical infrastructure. We are now seeing fewer insurance options available, particularly in high-risk areas, making homeowners increasingly vulnerable to policies that offer low coverage at high costs. In California, we are witnessing entire communities facing these ramifications firsthand.

Establishing a peer-to-peer insurance company can foster community cohesion, as the company's focus on preventative measures offers mutual benefits. By providing funding toward safety and prevention solutions, we can prioritize protection over profit. This approach aims to keep people safer and better protected against these inevitable events, thereby lessening the impacts made on the broader community.

I would not have been able to get this project up and running without the comprehensive skillset I gained during my CSUMB MBA. The addition of formal technical skills, such as strategic thinking, leadership, financial acumen, and analytics, has provided me with a deeper understanding of the global business world, which has been invaluable in this endeavor and my career.

The program has significantly broadened my perspective, allowing me to see businesses in their entirety. Previously, I was primarily focused on my own department's functionality and lacked a comprehensive view of the bigger picture. The strategic thinking skills I developed have enabled me to analyze business situations and devise effective strategies on a much broader scale, considering the entire company and its global capacities and impacts.

I transitioned from having a general understanding to a deep expertise in business decisions and their implications for the rest of the company. With this enhanced professional knowledge, I have gained confidence in communicating and negotiating business strategies, which has facilitated the development of my professional relationships.”

Responsible Business in Action

“Responsible Business threads through all of our courses. Every case study has a twist of Responsible Business. Every subject matter does, whether you're doing statistics or a leadership course. Every one has something that is very modern and relevant, especially with the next generations coming up. They're very Responsible Business-focused, and it's a great focus.”
—Carol R., MBA ’23

A Community That Grows With You

“It's an entire cohort through the year and a half. You get to grow with the same peers all the way through. You get the comfort zone of the people that you've worked with before, and then you get to introduce yourself to other people in the cohort, and learn about their careers and strengths and weaknesses.

“The first Friday of every class, we do a social hour. You meet up with all the other MBA students—every cohort, new students, veteran students—and you all get to collaborate, chat, network, and talk about people's professions. It's a lot of fun. ”
—Danny C., MBA '22

Career Growth That Happens Now

“Throughout this course, I've seen a lot of my peers switch jobs. They've gotten promotions. I attribute that to our new way of thinking, our openness, our confidence that we're gaining through various activities.

The weight of an MBA means so much. I applied to this program for many reasons, and was given great advice before applying: 'You have a great career, you have a great title, but you need an MBA to progress further in what you do.' There are so many possibilities now.”
—Carol R., MBA ’23
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.

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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
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Apr
10
Application Deadline
April 10
Summer 2026 Term
May
25
Class Start Date
May 25
Summer 2026 Term