CSU, Chico Expands Transformative MBA Program to Online

California State University, Chico’s College of Business has launched its new Online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, set to begin offering classes for the fall 2020 semester.

This new online offering builds upon the College of Business’s longstanding commitment to professional development and emphasis on high-value professional skills. It also enables CSU, Chico—ranked No. 9 on US News & World Report’s Top Public Schools in the West list—to extend its mission of producing savvy, successful graduates beyond the geographic footprint of Chico and Butte County.

The Online MBA program will offer two specialization options, in Enterprise Information Systems (EIS) and Project Management (PRMG). Coursework for each of these paths will help prepare students to take the defining professional certification exams in their chosen field—the SAP TS410 exam for EIS students and either the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam or the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam for PRMG students. Both specializations are currently available to on-campus MBA students and are designed to train skilled professionals for in-demand roles in contemporary organizations.

In keeping with the program’s professional focus, students who select the general MBA path can take advantage of an innovative course design featuring accelerated elective offerings covering advanced communication and technical skills allowing mastery of key business applications such as Excel, Salesforce and other customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and SAP Enterprise Resource Planning.

“We understand students want to see an immediate return on their educational investment and to know that what they’re learning is of high value in the workplace,” said Ken Chapman, associate dean of the College of Business and Online MBA program director. “Because these unique courses enable students to build skills they can use immediately in their current roles, the Online MBA will make a positive impact in students’ careers well before their graduation.”

At the same time, the Online MBA program has been built to emphasize the hands-on, personal approach to education CSU, Chico’s College of Business is known for.

“We’ve long taken pride in developing our students as both people and professionals, providing an avenue to advancement to anyone motivated to seek it, and connecting our students to both an engaged business faculty and transformative career opportunities,” Chapman said. “With online education more important today than ever before, we are delighted to begin offering this accessible and engaging education digitally at this vital moment.”

All faculty who teach in the online program commit to offering weekly availability for one-on-one virtual office hours, as well as optional weekly live classes to promote bonding, collaboration, and networking in real time. Students are also supported individually in their job search, both during and after graduation, with lifetime access to a full suite of networking and career development resources.

Applications are now being accepted for the Online MBA program’s fall 2020 semester, which begins August 24. Due to testing center closures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CSU, Chico will waive the GRE/GMAT requirement for all Online MBA applicants for the fall 2020 and spring 2021 terms. Visit onlinemba.csuchico.edu for more information about the program.

Founded in 1972, the  College of Business is part of just 15 percent of all business schools worldwide that meet the high accreditation standards set by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). It is also home to CSU, Chico’s largest major, business administration.

The College is recognized as a leader in teaching excellence, practical research, and student job readiness. Its Programs of Distinction stand out from the competition and are widely recognized as some of the best. They offer students the chance to develop their skillsets personally and professionally while being challenged through local, regional, and national competitions, work on community projects, internships, research projects with professors, and more.