Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Develop core business knowledge in accounting, economics, statistics, and quantitative analysis.  Learn the language of business through the Foundational Core classes.

• BA 640 Financial Reporting and Analysis (2 units)
• BA 641 Business Ethics and Corporate Responsibility (1 unit)
• BA 642 Statistical Analysis (2 units)
• BA 643 Managerial Economics (2 units)
• BA 644 Operations and Supply Chain Management (2 units)
• BA 645 Marketing (1 unit)

Build advanced capabilities in leadership, strategy, finance, operations, marketing, and organizational management.  Build your Executive Presence.

• BA 670 Managerial Accounting (3 units)
• BA 671 Legal Environment of Business (2 units)
• BA 672 Managerial Marketing (3 units)
• BA 673 Organization Behavior and Leadership (3 units)
• BA 674 Financial Management (3 units)
• BA 649 Business Analytics (3 units)
• BA 676 Strategic Thinking (3 units)
• BA 600 Contemporary Executive Toolkit (3 units)

Professional core courses may not be waived.

Customize the MBA experience based on career goals and professional interests.

All students are required to complete no fewer than 9 elective units.

• Electives can be taken from any ACCTG, FIN, MGT, MIS, and MKTG graduate class.
• Up to six units in BA 780, Field Studies in Business and BA 798, Special Studies.
• Up to six units of 500 level coursework can be included.
• Up to six units can be taken from outside of the Fowler College of Business upon approval by the director of graduate business programs. 

Below are suggestions for elective selection but are not all-encompassing.  Students may choose to specialize in a specific area of study, and it is encouraged during the 2nd and 3rd semester of their program. Specializations require a minimum of 12 units (four classes) in their chosen area of emphasis. Students may specialize in only one area of study. To officially add a specialization, a student must first complete the Request for Specialization form before beginning to work on the electives in their concentrated area.  

For a listing of the specific courses recommended for each of the specializations and career electives, please select a subject below.

Students must achieve a GPA of at least 3.0 by the end of the degree to be eligible to add or change a specialization.

*Course schedules subject to change.  

NOTE: Students are responsible to verify prerequisite requirements for the courses they select.

Apply learning through a final project, strategic experience, or applied business work.

Students have the option of completing a thesis, engaging in a business consulting project, or completing a business strategy simulation. Those who wish to partake in the consulting project work on a real-world business challenge for an established company within a group of approximately 4 – 5 students and a faculty advisor.  In the simulation students will work both individually and as a team to apply the theoretical knowledge learned in their classes to make strategic and tactical business decisions and confirm the development of skills critical to succeed in the business world.

I am ready to take BA 795

Completion timelines vary depending on course load and scheduling preferences. Many students complete the MBA in approximately two years. Students can work with advisors to build a schedule that fits their professional and personal responsibilities.

• Full-Time: about 18 months–2 years (36-48 units)
  classes offered in late afternoons and evenings, students could change from Full-Time to Part-Time or vice versa based on their own schedule
• Part-Time: 2.5 - 3 years
  classes offered in the evenings, designed for working professionals
• Sports MBA: about 16 months
  accelerated/immersive, cohort-based

Most classes are offered in the late afternoon (4-6:40 pm) and in the evening (7-9:40 pm) to support students who continue working while completing the degree. Students can build schedules around professional responsibilities while progressing steadily through the program.

Many working professionals (part-time students) take two courses per term while working, though course loads vary based on professional schedules, pacing preferences, and personal responsibilities. Full-time students usually take three or four classes per semester.

Course availability may vary by term and program planning. Students should review current schedules and work with advisors to understand available summer course options and degree planning opportunities. Classes include electives and international business topics.

Students can work with advisors to adjust course planning and pacing based on changing work schedules, professional responsibilities, or personal commitments.

Each year, Fowler enrolls about 130 MBA students per cohort. Core courses cover marketing, finance, and operations, plus 6–12 elective units. The core class size is 40 students. Delivery is in-person and late afternoon/evening. Some sessions are hybrid (online classes with some in-person meetings). 

Time commitments vary depending on course load, professional responsibilities, and individual study habits. Students should expect to dedicate consistent time each week to coursework, team projects, assignments, and preparation outside of class.  They should expect two hours of preparation and assignment time for each hour of instruction time.

• Full-time students: about 15–20 hrs/week of preparation and assignment time
• Part-time students: about 10–12 hrs/week of preparation and assignment time

Students come from a wide range of professional backgrounds including business, healthcare, technology, engineering, government, military service, nonprofit organizations, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Many students enter the program with several years of professional experience.

Professional experience is not required, but common among MBA students and contributes to classroom discussion, collaboration, and applied learning. Admissions requirements and expectations may vary by applicant background and experience.

Students often balance work and coursework by planning schedules in advance, taking evening classes, and adjusting course loads when needed. The program structure is designed to support professionals managing multiple responsibilities.

Yes. Many students pursue an MBA to transition into leadership positions, move into management, or shift into new business functions or industries. The program develops transferable business and leadership skills that support career mobility and advancement.

Students and graduates work across industries including:

• Technology
• Healthcare
• Consulting
• Finance
• Defense
• Government
• Hospitality
• Consumer products
• Nonprofit organizations
• Entrepreneurship

Students have access to career advising, networking opportunities, employer engagement, professional development resources, and career support services through SDSU and Fowler College of Business.  We recommend you connect with the Partrick-Clayes Center for Career Development for personalized career planning.

Students build professional connections through networking events, employer engagement opportunities, classroom collaboration, alumni relationships, applied projects, and career development programming.

Students often maximize the value of their MBA by combining coursework with professional experience, networking opportunities, employer engagement, internships, and leadership development. Many students pursue the MBA to increase long-term earning potential, qualify for leadership opportunities, and expand professional networks.

• Use the Partrick-Clayes Center for Career Development for job advancement and employer connections
• Leverage consulting projects (BA 795, BA794) and global immersion experiences
• Tap entrepreneurship resources in the ZIP Launchpad if building a business
• Apply to the Executive In Residence program in Fowler and receive mentorship and guidance from San Diego executives
• Join networking events throughout the academic year

Many students pursue an MBA to increase long-term earning potential, strengthen leadership and management skills, expand professional opportunities, and build broader business expertise that supports career advancement across industries.

Students can select electives aligned with their professional interests and career goals. Elective options allow students to explore specialized business topics and tailor the MBA experience to support long-term career development. Students can select electives aligned with their professional interests and career goals. Elective options may include:

• Finance
• Marketing
• International Business
• Supply Chain Management
• Health Services Administration
• Information Systems
• Entrepreneurship

Official specializations include:

• Finance
• Health Services Administration
• Information Systems (STEM-designated)

Students have access to academic advising, faculty mentorship, career services, networking opportunities, collaborative learning environments, and professional development support throughout the program.

MBA tuition and fees vary based on residency status, course load, and university fee structures. Students should review the most current SDSU tuition information and financial resources when planning for graduate study. Tuition costs about $35,000-$55,000 (for the entire program), depending on residency status, total units enrolled, and length of the program. Students must contact the Bursar’s Office for accurate tuition information.

Students may explore financial aid options including:

• Federal loans
• Grad PLUS loans
• Scholarships
• Assistantships
• Employer tuition reimbursement
• Merit- and need-based funding opportunities

Contact Cal Coast Student Financial Center for additional financial aid guidance and support.