If you wish to set up your own business or become a part of the business world as a business consultant or in an executive position, enrolling in a MBA degree program may help. These advanced degree programs are designed to instruct students in various areas including finance, human resources, accounting, and other areas of business. MBA students acquire advanced business skills as well as leadership skills that are essential to take up senior level roles within business organizations. A number of schools in San Francisco offer MBA degree programs on campus as well as online. MBA degree programs basically develop analytical and interpersonal skills that managers need to make crucial decisions in an increasingly complex business world. The program prepares students for a versatile and challenging management career.
MBA Programs in San Francisco
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program helps students build upon their knowledge they previously acquired during their undergraduate degree programs. The program aims to improve students’ knowledge of management, finances, and global economy; and allow them to learn how to apply planning skills and strategies to businesses. These programs include both business courses and electives. Students may choose electives in order to complete concentration options in areas such as marketing, finance, supply chain management, and leadership. MBA students also need to participate in internships, workshops, and group presentations.
Types of MBA Programs
Business schools in San Francisco offer a variety of MBA programs to suit the needs of students from all academic and professional backgrounds. These include full time MBA programs, executive MBA programs, part time MBA programs, online MBA programs, and evening MBA programs. The rigorous curriculum of these programs allows students to understand real world business problems and learn strategies for business development. The wide range of program options allows students to enroll in a program that suits their individual lifestyle.
Students who are unable to attend regular on-campus classes may consider enrolling in online MBA programs or choose part time MBA options. Working professionals seeking to build upon their resume may enroll in executive MBA programs. Online programs may be particularly useful for those who wish to acquire advanced credentials while keeping up with their personal or professional commitments. E-learning tools such as web chats, video conferencing, online libraries, and webinars are used in online MBA programs. Through these tools and technologies, students are able to participate in interactive learning environments and stay connected with their instructors.
Some business schools in the city also offer dual degree programs such as:
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Asia Pacific Studies (MAPS)/MBA
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Environmental Management (MSEM)/MBA
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Financial Analysis (MSFA)/MBA
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Juris Doctor (JD)/MBA
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Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)/MBA
Admissions Requirements
To enroll in most MBA degree programs, students must:
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Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institute
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Provide official transcripts
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Submit GRE or GMAT scores
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Provide recommendation letters and an essay
Some programs may require students to have prior work experience as well. Students from other countries may also be required to demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic score.
What Courses will I Study?
Students in MBA programs take core courses as well as classes in an area of specialty. General course work may include topics such as financial management, accounting, global strategy, and informatics. Students may choose to specialize in areas such as:
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Global Business
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Human Resources
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Finance
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Real Estate
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Global Business
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Entrepreneurship
MBA programs may also require students to participate in internships.
Financial Aid Options
MBA students who cannot pay for their education could apply for financial aid. Funds are available for eligible students in the form of federal, state, as well as institutional awards such as:
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Pell grants
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Federal loans
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Albert & Sophie Yu Scholarship
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Parent PLUS loans
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Cassou-Shan Endowed Scholarship
These funds allow students to finance their educational expenses including fees, tuition, accommodations, and travel.
Career Opportunities
Business professionals such as management analysts, human resources manager, finance managers, and chief executives generally hold MBA degrees. Potential workplace settings include:
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Healthcare
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Social assistance
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Management of companies and enterprises
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Manufacturing
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Professional, scientific, and technical services
According to information from O*NET OnLine, California had 95,200 management analysts in 2012 and the figure is likely to grow to 125,300 by 2022. Demand for human resources and financial managers is also expected to grow between 2012 and 2022. The state had about 74,200 financial managers and will need about 2,400 more a year during the projected timeline (2012-2022).