Online MBA Program

Help enterprises of all kinds run smoothly. An online MBA degree helps prepare you for management and executive roles where you can provide strategic business guidance.

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Master of Business Administration Master of Business Administration

100% Online

Complete all your classes online with our flexible curriculum

12 Months

Earn your MBA degree in as little as 12 months at the Accelerated program pace

3 Specializations

Choose from one of these specialized tracks: Health Administration & Leadership, Project Management or Public Health

Online MBA Program Highlights

Complete in-depth lessons in a variety of core business disciplines, such as leadership, ethics, and analytics

Checklist

Choose from three MBA specialty tracks to align your education with your goals

Get no-cost access to LinkedIn Learning so you can pursue topics of interest and earn certificates

Flexible Schedule

Study 100% online with no mandatory log-in times for optimal flexibility

Why Choose an Online MBA Program at WCU?

Our curriculum incorporates courses designed to help you become a better leader and decision maker. These include strategic management, business ethics, and organizational behavior. You will also get in-depth knowledge in the different core areas of business, including finance, marketing, and communications.

Additionally, when you earn your degree at West Coast University, you’re joining a vibrant community of 58,000+ alumni around the globe. Start your journey at WCU.

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Start Your Journey

  • Flexible online and campus programs
  • 58,000 alumni across the globe
  • Experienced faculty and staff

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Explore the MBA program at WCU!

Overview: Master of Business Administration Program

Program Details

Accelerated Pace

Distance Education/Online

36 Credits

12 Months

3 Trimesters

Working Professional Pace

Distance Education/Online

36 Credits

24 Months

6 Trimesters

Curriculum

To achieve the graduation requirement of 36 credits, all students must complete 36 credits of core and track courses. Core courses provide students with the specific discipline experience required for the degree. All students will complete at least 27 core course credits as detailed below. The remaining 9 credits are based on the program track the student is enrolled in. The currently available programs are:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

  • MBA – Health Administration & Leadership Track
  • MBA – Public Health Track
  • MBA – Project Management Track
Core courses to be completed if no track chosen (9 credits)
Core courses to be completed if no track chosen (9 credits)
BUS 520 Principles of Economics 3
BUS 530 Business Statistics and Analytics 3
BUS 540 Business Information Support Systems 3
Total Credit Hours: 9

Track Courses:

Health Administration & Leadership Track

Track courses to be completed in the Health Administration & Leadership Track (9 credits)
Track courses to be completed in the Health Administration & Leadership Track (9 credits)
HA 540 Strategic Planning in Health Care Organizations 3
HA 545 Hospital Administration and Management 3
HA 550 Leadership Models for Health Care Managers 3
Total Credit Hours: 9

Public Health Track

Track courses to be completed in the Public Health Track (9 credits)
Track courses to be completed in the Public Health Track (9 credits)
PH 500 Foundations of Public Health 3
PH 536 Environmental and Occupational Health 3
PH 546 Leadership Principles and Policies in Public Health 3
Total Credit Hours: 9

Project Management Track

Track courses to be completed in the Health Administration & Leadership Track (9 credits)
Track courses to be completed in the Health Administration & Leadership Track (9 credits)
BUS 540 Business Information Support Systems 3
HA 555 Project Management 3
HA 557 Project Management II 3
Total Credit Hours: 9

Core Courses:

Core Courses to be completed by all students (27 credits)
Core Courses to be completed by all students (27 credits)
BUS 500 Business and Administrative Communications 3
BUS 505 Managerial Accounting 3
BUS 510 Business Law and Ethics 3
BUS 515 Finance Application and Theory 3
BUS 525 Principles of Management 3
BUS 535 Organizational Behavior and Leadership 3
BUS 545 Fundamentals of Operations Management 3
BUS 550 Marketing Analysis and Trends 3
BUS 555 Strategic Management 3
Total Credit Hours: 27

Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does the Online MBA Program Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of online MBA tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the online MBA program costs at West Coast University.

We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

Master of Business Administration

Tuition and Fees 

Accelerated*

Degree Type Master of Science (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) Master of Science (Enrolling after April 1, 2024) 
Total Program Credits 36 36 
Program Length (full time) 3 trimesters 3 trimesters 
Core Courses (per credit x 36 credits) $775 $775 
Total Tuition Cost $27,900 $27,900 
STRF1 $72.50 $0 
Technology Fee2 $1,500 $1,500 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $50 $50 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $29,450 $29,450
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $29,522.50 $29,450 

Working Professional*

Degree Type Master of Science (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) Master of Science (Enrolling after April 1, 2024) 
Total Program Credits 36 36
Program Length (full time) 6 trimesters 6 trimesters
Core Courses (per credit x 36 credits) $775 $775 
Total Tuition Cost $27,900 $27,900 
STRF1 $77.50 $0 
Technology Fee2 $3,000 $3,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $50 $50 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $30,950 $30,950 
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $31,027.50 $30,950 
Indirect Costs
8 Month Academic Year4    
  Prior to Fall I 2024  Starting Fall I 2024 
with parents off campus with parents off campus
Federal Student Loan Fees  $220  $220  $220 $220 
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) $2,384 $7,936 $2,496  $8,328 
Transportation $1,648 $1,648 $1,728  $1,728 
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $5,392 $5,392 $5,656  $5,656 
Total $9,644 $15,196 $10,100  $15,932 
* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will

attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.

1 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

2 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

3 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.  

4 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the Master of Business Administration Program must meet the following admissions requirements:

    1. Complete an online application for admissions.
    2. Participate in an interview with a University Admissions Advisor.
    3. Complete an enrollment agreement, consisting of program policies, costs, completion requirements, and other student obligations.
    4. Have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher.
      1. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.00-2.69 may be considered for probationary admission after meeting the following admissions requirements:
        1. The applicant must provide a letter of intent.
        2. The applicant must be approved for admission following an interview with the Program Director/Dean.
        3. The applicant must satisfy program prerequisites.
        4. A student admitted under the probationary admissions pathway must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all coursework attempted over the first trimester (two terms). Students who meet this standard will be converted to a full admit status and will be subject to the standard Satisfactory Academic Progress requirement for the duration of their program.  Students failing to meet this requirement by the end of the first trimester (two terms) will be withdrawn from the university.
        5. Students accepted under the probationary admissions pathway will be considered regular students and eligible for Title IV, if the student otherwise qualifies for funding, for the first trimester of their program of study while completing the requirements for full admission to their program.
    5. Provide official undergraduate transcripts of a baccalaureate degree prior to the end of the add/drop period of the first term.
      1. Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts will be required to have their coursework evaluated by a transcript evaluation service to determine the equivalency to a U.S. degree/course. If the transcript evaluation is unclear as to the equivalency to a U.S. degree/course, the Program Dean will evaluate transcripts to determine if a minimum of 3 academic years of undergraduate coursework has been completed for admission.
      2. Applicants submitting advanced degrees will be reviewed by the Program Dean to determine if a minimum of 3 academic years of undergraduate coursework has been completed for admission.
      3. Master of Business Administration Transfer Credit Evaluation:  Only graduate level courses in which a grade of B- or better was received, taken in a program similar to the Master of Business Administration will be evaluated for transfer credit.  A maximum of nine (9) credit hours will be considered for transfer, and must reflect the same content and course credit as the course for which transfer credit is requested.

For more information on admission requirements, including information about transferring from another institution, please visit our catalog.

Academic Calendar

New academic terms usually start every eight weeks. Review our Academic Calendar for term start and completion dates.

Career Services

Career Service MBA

Ongoing Support and Career Development

At WCU, we provide our students with end-to-end support, and that means supporting them beyond graduation day. Whether you’re a current MBA student or a graduate who is exploring the job market, you can benefit from a wealth of resources provided by our Career Services team, including:

  • Personalized career guidance
  • Professional development workshops
  • Access to career fairs and meetings with industry recruiters
  • Assistance with your job search1

WCU’s online MBA program is designed to help students succeed in the ever-changing business landscape. The MBA curriculum gives you a foundation in multiple areas of business—from management to finance to analytics and more—helping prepare you for a variety of new opportunities. The WCU Career Services team can help you find and pursue the job opportunities that are right for you.

LinkedIn Learning

Complimentary Access to LinkedIn Learning

Alongside your MBA coursework at WCU, you will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills through LinkedIn Learning, which is available to our MBA students at no cost. You will dedicate a week of each core course to completing a LinkedIn Learning module, which will help supplement your main curriculum and provide you with valuable insights for your career.

Once you are done with your module, you will earn a certificate of completion that can be posted on your LinkedIn profile for prospective employers to see. LinkedIn Learning is an excellent way to diversify your skill set and differentiate yourself from other job candidates in the future.

Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, MBA students will:

  • Analyze and evaluate issues within a business organization and use data analytics and knowledge of business and management to formulate solutions
  • Critique and evaluate emerging global and domestic marketing, economics, and financial trends using academic research and practical business literature
  • Apply and integrate procedures, processes, and information systems tools to effectively manage business finances and operations
  • Synthesize critical thinking and analytical skills to produce clear and concise business reports
  • Apply knowledge of business law and ethics to employ effective decision-making
  • Analyze competitor positions and market opportunities both domestically and globally

Featured Faculty

Dr. Justin Ako

Meet the Dean

Justin Ako, DC, BSBA, CHEP

Dean, Health Administration (MHA/BSHA, MBA/BSBA Programs)

Dr. Justin Ako is the Dean of Health Administration at West Coast University. He was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i and received his bachelor’s degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska with a double major in marketing and strategic management. Dr. Ako then went on to receive his doctorate from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and most recently completed the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education program at Harvard University.

Dr. Ako has been in private practice for more than 25 years and has been a dean of multiple programs at higher education institutions. He has served as Dean of the Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Bachelor of Health Services Administration (BHSA) programs at West Coast University for the past 10 years. He also serves as the interim dean for WCU’s MBA and BSBA programs.

Dr. Ako has sat on community boards such as the board for Northridge Hospital/Dignity Health, and he works collaboratively with NGOs such as the International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent while serving his local community.

WCU-Online Business Programs Feature LinkedIn Learning

FAQs

Can I get an MBA degree online?

With WCU, you can earn your Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree 100% online through our flexible online MBA program.

Why should I get an MBA degree?

An MBA degree can open the door to new professional opportunities. The purpose of our MBA program at WCU is to provide you with a diverse and comprehensive business education that will help prepare you for progressive leadership and managerial employment opportunities spanning across various types of business enterprises, including healthcare organizations, financial institutions, and other types of business entities. The program provides you with the tools needed to effectively manage people and resources.

Can you get an MBA without a business degree?

A bachelor’s degree is required, but it does not need to be in business. View the Admissions section on this page for additional requirements for entering WCU’s online MBA program.

Will my previous coursework transfer into the MBA program?

WCU considers credit transfers for the MBA program. You can work directly with your advisor to see which credits may be applied to your new degree and to get more information on the transfer credit process.

Can I get credits for previous business experience or professional certifications?

WCU will review your previous professional experience and certifications to determine if you are eligible for prior learning assessment (PLA) credits or for experiential credits. PLA credits can be granted for professional certificates, licenses, or trainings, and experiential credits can be granted for skills acquired through past work experience. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information is available in our catalog.

Will I be able to complete my degree or certificate if I am working?

Yes, we specifically had working professionals in mind when we created our online MBA program. With your coursework being completed fully online and on a flexible schedule, you can do your assignments when you choose during the week (prior to your weekly deadlines). As an online student, you have access to everything you need straight from your computer, including your coursework, our online library, and resources such as no-cost tutoring and 24/7 tech support.

How long does it take to complete an MBA degree?

We have two pace options for our online MBA program. Our Accelerated pace allows you to earn your degree in as little as 12 months. The Working Professional pace lets you take fewer classes per term, providing flexibility when you need it, and can be completed in as little as 24 months.

Is financial aid available for the MBA program?

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who are eligible. Some of the scholarships that are available to online students at WCU include the Alumni Pathway Grant (covers up to 20% of tuition), the WCU Health Services Grant (covers up to 10% of tuition), and the WCU Performance Scholarship (covers up to 15% of tuition).

For additional information and eligibility requirements, visit the online division scholarships and grants page on our online catalog.

West Coast University is accredited by WASC Senior College of University Commission (WSCUC), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 1001 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 402 Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748- 9001/ https://www.wscuc.org/

1 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.