Business Administration

The Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration at the University of California offers students a comprehensive education designed to prepare them for successful careers in the dynamic world of business. This versatile program combines foundational business principles with critical thinking, leadership, and strategic problem-solving skills, enabling graduates to excel in various industries and organizational roles. With a focus on practical application and experiential learning, students engage in a variety of projects, case studies, and internships that enhance their understanding of real-world business challenges. The curriculum covers essential topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, and organizational behavior, providing a solid groundwork for understanding how businesses operate and thrive in competitive markets. Alongside core coursework, students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as entrepreneurship, international business, or sustainable business practices, tailoring their education to align with their career goals. The program emphasizes the development of strong communication, teamwork, and ethical decision-making abilities, which are critical for leadership roles. Students benefit from the university’s distinguished faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and extensive industry connections that facilitate internships and networking opportunities. Graduates of the Business Administration program are well-equipped to pursue careers in corporate management, consulting, finance, marketing, or to continue their education in graduate programs. The program also encourages a global perspective, preparing students to navigate and lead in an interconnected world economy. Whether aiming to start a new business, climb the corporate ladder, or impact the community positively, students emerge from this program with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in today's complex business environment.

The MBA program is ideal for students with work experience who wish to get their MBA in about two academic years. The full-time program provides a comprehensive framework for the strategic management of business organizations. Students are allowed the flexibility of choosing electives from a variety of functional areas to tailor their MBA experience.

Students in the AGSM MBA program are responsible for taking a total of 20 courses that make up 80 quarter units. There are six major components to the curriculum. 

Program Prerequisite

• Management 403 — Review of Quantitative Methods for Management

The MGT 403 prerequisite may be met in one of three ways:

1. Equivalent college-level coursework completed within three years prior to enrollment as verified by transcripts.
2. Students who have taken prerequisite coursework more than three years prior to enrollment may take a prerequisite waiver exam prior to the first day of instruction. MGT 403 will be waived for students who achieve a passing grade on this exam.
3. Successful completion of MGT 403 taken during the first two quarters in residence.

Unit credit is not awarded toward the degree for successful completion of the program prerequisite.

Professional Workshops

Students are required to complete two workshops (4 quarter units).

• Management 404 — Communication, Leadership, Teams, and Ethics 
• Management 402 — Business Career Professional Development Workshop

Core Courses

Students are required to complete nine core courses (36 quarter units).

• Management 200 — Organizational Behavior and Theory
• Management 201 — Statistics for Management
• Management 202 — Financial Management
• Management 203 — Managerial Economics
• Management 205 — Information Systems
• Management 207 — Operations Management for Competitive Advantage
• Management 209 — Marketing Management
• Management 211 — Financial Accounting
• Management 235 — Strategic Management

Electives

Students are required to complete 28 units of electives if doing the thesis option and 36 units of electives if doing the comprehensive exam option, which are offered in nine areas:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurial Management
• Finance
• General Management
• Human Resources Management/Organizational Behavior
• International Management
• Management Information Systems
• Management Science/Operations Management
• Marketing

Fieldwork in Management (Internship) — one course (four quarter units).

The internship is a mandatory part of the MBA program.

• Provides management experience complementary to formal classroom studies.
• Designed to provide meaningful work experience in a variety of industries, allowing application of academic knowledge and skills to a business.
• Normally taken after completion of core courses.
• Currently employed students may be allowed to develop projects related to their current employment (four quarter units).

Capstone Course — one course (four quarter units).

• Team-taught, integrative case course on managing the complex tasks of the total organization.
• Examines the interdependence of the functional areas of management.
• Student teams analyze cases involving several functional areas and recommend actions for improvement.

Project or Thesis — (zero units for project, up to eight units for thesis).

Students have a choice of completing either:

• A group case analysis as part of the capstone Management Synthesis course,
  
  OR
• An individual Thesis (Management 299). This project serves in lieu of a comprehensive examination for students who choose not to write a thesis.

Scholarships

The MBA program is open for admission to all eligible students from all undergraduate majors. We consider each applicant's professional, academic, and life experiences in addition to character and personality. Admission to the program is based upon several criteria, including the quality of previous academic work, personal essays and letters of recommendation, and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) performance. The GMAT or GRE is required for all applicants.

Professional experience is considered advantageous but is not required for admission. We encourage recent graduates, entry-level and mid-career applicants to apply.

Quantitative methods (business calculus, linear algebra, statistics) is a prerequisite to the program. Qualified students who have not taken this prerequisite course may be admitted, but must meet this requirement by completing MGT 403 during their first two quarters in residence.

Required Documents

• Statement of Purpose & Personal History essay
• Resume/CV
• 1 letter of recommendation
• Official transcripts
• Official GMAT or GRE scores

For International Applicants Only

• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores
• International Applicant Sponsorship Information Form

Scholarships

• Bank of America Business Leaders Scholarship
• Colette and Gary Lee Award
• George DuBois Memorial Award
• Jaime Fang Scholarship
• Justin Lai Endowed Scholarship

The University of California offers a comprehensive program in Business Administration designed to equip students with a broad understanding of the fundamental principles of management, finance, marketing, economics, and organizational behavior. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing graduates to excel in various business environments. Students have the opportunity to take core courses such as Principles of Management, Accounting, Business Law, and Introductory Finance, which serve as a foundation for more specialized electives. The program often encourages experiential learning through internships, case studies, and group projects, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Faculty members are distinguished experts in their fields, many of whom are actively involved in research that influences contemporary business practices. The program aims to develop critical thinking, analytical, leadership, and communication skills, which are essential for effective management and decision-making. Students can also participate in student organizations, competitions, and networking events to enhance their professional development.

The duration of the program typically spans four years for undergraduate studies, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. The campus facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, business simulation labs, and a comprehensive career services center that assists students with job placement and internships. The University of California's Business Administration program fosters a diverse, inclusive environment, welcoming students from various backgrounds and cultures. Graduates of the program often pursue careers in corporate management, consulting, finance, marketing, or start their own ventures. Additionally, students have opportunities for joint degree programs or graduate studies to further specialize in areas such as Business Administration, Management, or an MBA. Overall, the program emphasizes preparing students to become innovative, ethical, and socially responsible business leaders capable of addressing complex global challenges.