Earn your UC Davis Online MBA in as few as 24 months—STEM-designated, top-ranked, cohort-driven, with in-person immersions. Discover admissions, curriculum, and ROI.
Why UC Davis for Your Online MBA?
Choosing an MBA is not just about the name on your diploma—it’s about how the program fits into your life, your career goals, and your learning style. The University of California Davis Online MBA (often called MBA@UCDavis) has been designed with working professionals in mind.
You get the academic quality of UC Davis’s Graduate School of Management, but without putting your career or personal life on hold. Weekly live classes keep you connected to faculty and classmates, while the flexibility of online learning means you can join from your home, your office, or even during a business trip.
Program Highlights That Make It Stand Out
1. Flexible Learning Without Isolation
The program offers four start dates a year—January, April, June, and September—so you don’t have to wait an entire semester to begin. You’ll study alongside a fixed group of peers in a cohort model, which means you build relationships, share experiences, and network as you go.
2. Live and Interactive
Unlike self-paced courses that can feel lonely, UC Davis delivers real-time classes where you can ask questions, join discussions, and work in breakout groups. The sessions are recorded, so you can revisit complex topics whenever you need.
3. STEM-Designated Curriculum
This isn’t just about learning finance or marketing. UC Davis integrates data analytics, technology management, and quantitative decision-making into the MBA core. That STEM designation is a big plus—especially for international students looking for Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefits in the U.S.
4. In-Person Immersions
Twice during the program, you’ll meet your classmates and professors in person. These short residential sessions have been held in Davis, Silicon Valley, and Napa Valley—perfect settings for leadership workshops, networking, and company visits.
What You’ll Study
The UC Davis Online MBA is built on a 72-unit curriculum that blends core business foundations with customizable electives.
Core courses cover essentials like:
- Financial Accounting
- Organizational Strategy
- Data Analysis for Managers
- Marketing Analytics
- Leadership & Negotiation
Electives let you specialize in areas like Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Technology Management. The program finishes with a Capstone Project, where you work with your cohort to solve a real business challenge.
Admissions Overview
Applying is straightforward, but competitive. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Professional résumé
- Essays or personal statements
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- An interview (by invitation)
The GMAT or GRE is optional, but a strong score can help strengthen your application if your academic record is modest.
Program Cost and Financial Support
Tuition is charged per unit, and the total program cost is around $105,000. That’s a significant investment, but UC Davis offers:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Federal financial aid (for eligible U.S. students)
- Corporate sponsorship opportunities
- A deferred tuition plan allowing you to pay part of the cost after graduation
Career Outcomes
Graduates from the UC Davis Online MBA step into roles such as:
- Management Consultant
- Senior Financial Analyst
- Product Manager
- Marketing Director
- Operations Leader
With its strong network in Northern California’s business community and Silicon Valley, many students find opportunities in tech, finance, and consulting right after graduation.
Is the UC Davis Online MBA Worth It?
If you’re looking for:
✅ A respected MBA from a UC school
✅ A program that blends live interaction with online convenience
✅ A curriculum designed for today’s data-driven economy
✅ Networking opportunities in California’s business hubs
…then yes, it’s worth a serious look.
However, the tuition is on the higher end, so it’s important to weigh the cost against your career goals, expected salary increase, and the value of the UC Davis brand in your industry.
Final Takeaway
The University of California Davis Online MBA isn’t just a virtual classroom—it’s a connected, collaborative learning experience with a STEM edge. For professionals who want a balance of flexibility, prestige, and in-person engagement, it’s one of the strongest online MBA options in 2025.
