UC Riverside launches online MBA program

UC Riverside is launching a fully online Master of Business Administration program this fall, opening the door for students across California, the nation, and around the world to earn a University of California MBA degree remotely while continuing their careers and personal responsibilities.

The program marks a major expansion of graduate business education at UCR and will become the only fully online MBA program in the UC system that is based in Southern California.

"This online MBA program opens the door to a high-quality graduate business education for talented people whose work, family, military service, or geographic circumstances make attending classes on campus difficult," said Yunzeng Wang, dean of UCR's School of Business. "It marks an important new chapter in the growth of our business school and extends UCR's reach and reputation to a broader community of future business leaders."

Unlike traditional MBA programs requiring students to attend classes on campus several days a week, UCR's Online MBA will allow students to complete coursework remotely from their homes or workplaces. School officials said the program is aimed at professionals balancing demanding jobs, family obligations, or geographic barriers that make attending an on-campus MBA difficult.

Southern California's notorious commuting times make online education especially attractive for professionals in the region.

The Online MBA curriculum will mirror the educational goals of UCR's existing MBA programs while emphasizing flexibility and accessibility.

The core curriculum includes courses in organizational behavior, finance, accounting, economics, information systems, marketing, operations management, and strategy. Students will also complete electives in specialized business areas.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and have at least three years of professional work experience. GMAT and GRE scores will be optional for applicants with undergraduate GPAs of 3.0 or higher.

Courses will combine prerecorded instructional content with live online class sessions led by faculty members and instructors. The program will also provide students with access to UCR networking opportunities, professional workshops, and career development resources.

More information and applications for the Online MBA program are open and available here.

Header image: Photo illustration from Gettty Images stock phone and photo by Stan Lim/UCR