Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master’s Degree in Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is designed to equip students with the management skills and advanced decision-making tools needed to succeed in today’s global business and hospitality industries. The program offers valuable insights into global business, strategic management, digital marketing, hospitality management, and business development. Students will benefit from extensive networking opportunities and practical training experiences within Southern California’s diverse economy and dynamic learning environment.

The MBA program is an on-ground program and is offered at the San Diego and Los Angeles campuses.

Students can choose one of the four MBA concentrations to build deep expertise in an area of interest during their program of study: 1) Hospitality Management concentration, 2) Marketing and Digital Trends concentration, 3) Management, Leadership and Decision Sciences concentration or 4) Information and Technology Management concentration.

Practical Training Throughout the Program: Students in the MBA program engage in practical training throughout the program, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for business operations across industries. Practical training helps students develop verifiable skills in business strategy, project management, financial analysis, budgeting, operations management, and organizational decision-making. The goal of the practical training is for students to apply skills and competencies which align with the general MBA program learning outcomes as well as the specific learning objectives of their concentration.

• Management, Leadership and Decision Sciences concentration students will apply management, and decision-making skills in real-world settings. Through practical training, students will learn to solve business problems, make data-informed decisions, and manage change within organizations. They will also build skills in communication, teamwork, and ethical decision-making to support effective organizational performance.
• In the Marketing and Digital Trends concentration, students apply digital marketing skills in real-world settings, including social media strategy, content development, brand management, market research, and customer analytics.
• Hospitality management concentration students will gain experience in hotel and restaurant operations both in front and back of the house, through guest experience management, revenue management, event planning, culinary operations and customer service. Hospitality is a specific industry that is inherently operational, and effective managerial positions within this field requires a comprehensive understanding of front-line service delivery. As a result, it is common that students start at operational and entry-level roles since these are essential stepping-stones for individuals pursuing managerial, leadership and executive careers in hospitality management. These positions provide critical exposure to the core functions that underpin successful hospitality enterprises.
• In Information and technology management, students strengthen skills in data analytics, business intelligence tools, CRM systems, process improvement, and technology-driven problem solving to address complex business challenges.

As students progress through the program, they can document these practical training experiences to strengthen their resumes and expand career opportunities with employers in their chosen industries.

With experienced faculty and hands-on learning opportunities, you’ll graduate from the MBA program with the education and experience you need to pursue a successful career in the field of business and hospitality.

Two Instructional Schedules, Same on-site MBA Program

Students interested in the Alliant University MBA program can choose one of two instructional schedules within the on-ground MBA program. Both weekday and executive MBA instructional schedules contain the same courses and curriculum, requiring completion of 36 credit units for degree completion. The courses are offered in an academic calendar of eight-week terms with a program completion time of 12–16 months:

• MBA- Weekly Instructional Schedule
• MBA- Executive Instructional Schedule

Which Business Program Is Right For Me?
 

Program Highlights

Tailored Education with Concentrations

Choose your specialization in Management, Leadership and Decision Sciences, Marketing and Digital Trends, or Information Systems and Technology. You can also build your own concentration that is more specific and relevant to your career path. You can learn more about the MBA program and its concentrations in our catalog.

Practical Training Throughout

The MBA program in San Diego and Los Angeles includes practical training throughout the program. You will participate in gaining hands-on experience from the beginning through the end of the program. Engaging in curricular practical training projects distinguishes students in the job market, helping to make them more attractive to potential employers.

Exceptional Faculty

CSML faculty members have advanced degrees and professional achievements in a variety of industries and cultures. We maintain small class sizes, which allow faculty to offer you mentorship and engagement.

Diverse Perspectives

The MBA program is innovative and diverse, encouraging the development of cross-cultural communication skills and a deep understanding of global business

Experiential Learning Pathways

Career Architect: Personal brand and leadership identity coaching. This program trains you to carve out a unique niche for yourself in the professional world, enhancing your network and prospects to help shape you into a sought-after leader.
 

A Message from the Program Director

Saba Ozyurt, Professor & Program Director, California School of Management and Leadership

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Admissions

Learn About Admissions Requirements

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Faculty

Get to Know Our Diverse Faculty 

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Degree Concentrations

The concentration offerings for the master’s in business administration program with business and technology focus are designed to give you a higher level of mastery in a specific area of your choosing.

Information and Technology Management

This concentration gives students specialized knowledge in enterprise business process integration, enterprise system analysis, enterprise data management and utilization of business intelligence, as well as information systems for small and medium enterprises. Students will achieve the mastery of the concepts, methods, and tools utilized by Systems Professionals to build, implement, maintain, and administer an IST infrastructure designed to more effectively manage the processes required to support the organization’s business goals and objectives.

_{Please note that there may be other requirements for completion or options for elective and specialized courses. Please see the academic catalog for the full curriculum. Course offerings and sequence are subject to change.}

Marketing and Digital Trends

In this concentration you’ll learn the principles and applications of branding and brand management. Focuses will include: developing and presenting marketing plans, sales strategy, market research, and data analysis. Another key component will include global consumer behaviors and the impacts of national and geographic cultures.

This concentration provides the technical skill sets necessary to function in the rapidly advancing digital marketing age. As marketing continues to develop alongside a range of new technological advancements, the need for professionals who understand the changing digital environment is greater than ever.

Digital marketing skills are in high demand as companies are putting more effort into digital marketing than ever before, which means the job market will continue to grow.

_{Please note that there may be other requirements for completion or options for elective and specialized courses. Please see the academic catalog for the full curriculum. Course offerings and sequence are subject to change.}

Management, Leadership, and Decision Sciences

This concentration integrates principles from management, leadership, and decision science to equip students with a multifaceted skill set essential for navigating the complexities of today’s business landscape and for effectively managing and leading any project and organization. Students may choose their career paths from a variety of areas, including Retail, General Management, Sustainable Management and Development, Human Resources, Marketing and Public Relations, Organizational management, International Business Relations, or Entrepreneurship.

_{Please note that there may be other requirements for completion or options for elective and specialized courses. Please see the academic catalog for the full curriculum. Course offerings and sequence are subject to change.}

Hospitality Management

This concentration is designed to provide an opportunity for students to meet the needs of the growing and fast-paced hospitality industry. It will prepare students for careers in the large hospitality segment focusing on the hotels industry but also including the travel and tourism segments. The courses provide an understanding of emerging aspects in these segments, which include a number of highly profitable markets which are also poised to grow with innovation and technology. Employers and market trends confirm that careers in these fields are coveted, well-paid with a well-defined progress path. Students should also note that demand for professionals in the hospitality industry is internationally growing. 

Vatel Institute of Hospitality Management

Alliant University and Vatel have partnered to provide students studying hospitality management opportunities to become effective hospitality industry managers and leaders. Vatel was voted Best Hospitality School by the Worldwide Hospitality Awards and is the leading group in hospitality management education with over 50 schools worldwide on five continents, enlisting world-class faculty with deep knowledge and experience in the industry. With Vatel, MBA students are given the opportunity to receive placement and sometimes paid internships at their four- and five-star partner hotels.

MBA Concentration Information

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Degree Information

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Students in the MBA ground program are required to participate in curricular practical training as part of their experiential learning throughout the program. Practical training is intended to develop professional and applied practice related skills and expertise in the student’s program through a variety of work and learning experiences which could involve supervised practical training and/or applied client projects. This is required throughout the academic program from the beginning of the program to program completion. Domestic students can contact the CSML Professional Development (CPD) Coordinator directly for guidance. International students must apply for authorization for Curricular Practical Training to the Designated School Official (DSO).

CSML CPT Application Process for International Students

1. Obtain a job offer letter from your employer.
   1. TObtain a job offer letter from your employer.
      Complete the Application for CPT and the Advisor Verification Form for CPT. These forms are available on the Student portal and the International Student Services SharePoint page 
   2. After you have submitted the form and it has been approved by your advisor, it will take ISSO 5-7 business days to approve the CPT and create the new I-20. Please make sure you give yourself plenty of time before employment begins to submit the application.

Links and Downloads

School Performance Fact Sheet

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Accreditation

The California School of Management and Leadership (CSML) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for its PhD in organizational leadership, doctorate in business administration (DBA), master’s in business administration (MBA), MS in data analytics degree, and MS in Information Systems Technology programs.

ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes offered within CSML programs meet the rigorous educational standards established by said accrediting body, which is a leading specialized accreditation body for business education across the country. ACBSP’s mission is to promote continuous improvement and recognize teaching excellence through its recognition of business education programs throughout the world.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What scholarship and financial aid options are available?

Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education, and Alliant offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.

What concentrations are available in the MBA degree program?

There are several concentration options within the MBA degree program in California and online for aspiring professionals, including: corporate finance, hospitality management in partnership with the Vatel Institute of Hospitality and Management, information and technology management, marketing and digital trends, and management and leadership. Each of these concentrations consists of four, three-credit courses that are completed as part of the regular business administration degree program. 

When does the degree program start?

The program is an eight-week term program and is open for enrollment during those enrollment periods. You can find a copy of our eight-week term academic calendar here.

How long does it take to complete the MBA degree program?

The master’s degree is a 36-credit program and takes approximately 16 months to complete, across eight terms.

What is the modality of this program?

You can earn your MBA degree online or on-campus, offering you an educational experience that is both customizable and tailored to your schedule. For working professionals, an online master program offers the flexibility to balance work and study. San Diego has the perfect environment for students to meet their career goals. For working professionals, an online master program offers the flexibility to balance work and study.

How Do I Get to Alliant’s Grad School in San Diego?

Alliant University of San Diego is just off exit 14, Pomerado Road. We’re close to Scripps Ranch and the Elliot Chaparral Reserve. Our San Diego Campus address is: 10455 Pomerado Rd. San Diego, CA 92131, and contact number is: (858) 780-5771

Business School Campuses in San Diego and Los Angeles

San Diego is referred to as “America’s finest city” and for good reason. It boasts picturesque coastlines, ideal weather, and exceptional dining options. These attributes, along with its naval base and reputation as a biotechnological, medical, and military hub, make San Diego a highly sought-after destination for the nearly 1,200 MBA graduates who call it home after graduation. San Diego offers Alliant students an abundance of internship and career opportunities. The programs provide access to national and international business connections, expert faculty, and career development services to help students succeed in competitive markets. Alliant’s business school in San Diego is located in the scenic Scripps Ranch neighborhood which is close proximity to downtown, nestled between the mountains and the beach.