MBA Degrees in California

Looking to earn your MBA while continuing your career? This list highlights the best evening MBA programs in California — ideal for professionals who want flexibility without compromising on academic rigor or career growth.

What Makes a Strong Evening MBA Program

When evaluating evening MBA programs, working professionals should consider class schedules that accommodate full-time employment, program duration and pacing flexibility, access to networking opportunities with industry leaders, and reputation among regional employers. The best programs offer hybrid options combining in-person and online learning, specialized concentrations aligned with career goals, and proximity to major business hubs that facilitate internships and job placement.

Top 6 Best Schools with Evening MBA Degrees in California

1. Santa Clara University (Leavey School of Business) – Best for Silicon Valley Access

Santa Clara’s Evening MBA Degree in San Francisco is specifically designed for professionals who want to earn their degree while working full-time in the tech industry. Students attend classes twice a week on weekday evenings and can complete the program in approximately two years. The program sits at the heart of Silicon Valley, giving students direct access to over 7,000 companies and startups in the region, including giants like Apple, Google, and Tesla. Faculty includes both full-time professors and industry practitioners who bring real-world case studies directly into the classroom. The curriculum offers concentrations in analytics, tech strategy, finance, and marketing, with flexible elective options that let students customize their education to match their career trajectory. Ranked number one in Silicon Valley and in the top 20 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, the program boasts alumni at leading Bay Area firms with an average mid-career salary of $167,800.

2. UC Berkeley (Haas School of Business) – Strong Brand Recognition

Berkeley’s Evening & Weekend MBA offers three flexible schedule options including evening classes on Monday-Wednesday or Tuesday-Thursday, weekend sessions, and a fully online flex format. This top-tier program is ranked number two nationally among part-time MBAs and maintains the same rigorous curriculum, world-class faculty, and admission standards as the full-time program. Students complete 13 core courses over the first three semesters, then choose from a wide selection of electives to tailor their studies to specific career goals. The program typically takes two to three years to complete and provides the prestige of a Berkeley MBA with the flexibility to continue working. Evening classes run from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Pacific Time, and the university provides shuttle services from throughout the South Bay and Peninsula for easy campus access.

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3. UCLA Anderson (FEMBA) – Best for Southern California Professionals

UCLA’s Fully Employed MBA program offers exceptional format flexibility with four different schedule options including Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Wednesday evening and Saturday morning, all-day Saturdays, or a monthly hybrid format that minimizes campus visits. The typical 33-month program allows students to explore more elective courses and specializations, with options to accelerate completion to 27 months or extend up to seven years based on personal and career circumstances. Located in West LA, the program provides powerful connections to the region’s media, entertainment, tech, and finance industries. Students complete 82 total units including 38 core course units, 36 elective units, and an 8-unit capstone project. The program is ranked number five nationally among part-time MBA programs and costs approximately $150,000, making it a competitive investment for ambitious LA-based professionals seeking immediate career impact.

4. California State University, East Bay – Most Affordable Path

CSUEB’s MBA with Concentrations program delivers quality business education at one of the most affordable tuition rates in California. Classes meet on weekday evenings from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM with occasional Saturday sessions at the Hayward campus, making it accessible for Bay Area professionals who work traditional business hours. Students can choose from seven concentration areas including finance, marketing, operations and supply chain management, human resources, and entrepreneurship. The program is AACSB-accredited, which represents the gold standard in business education, ensuring graduates earn a credential recognized by employers nationwide. With tuition well below the state average and flexible pacing that allows students to progress at their own speed, CSUEB offers an outstanding return on investment for budget-conscious professionals.

5. Pepperdine University (Graziadio Business School) – Strong Values-Based Curriculum

Pepperdine’s Part-Time MBA combines ethical leadership with flexible pacing across three Southern California locations in West LA, Calabasas, and Irvine. The 52-unit program includes evening classes, weekend options, and hybrid formats that blend in-person and online instruction. Each foundation course includes nine in-person weeknight sessions with online Zoom sessions interspersed, plus Saturday workshops designed for hands-on learning experiences. Students can complete the program in as little as 15 months or take up to seven years, making it ideal for professionals who prioritize purpose alongside profit. The curriculum emphasizes values-driven leadership development and includes a mandatory global business component through either international intensive courses or exchange programs in more than 20 countries. With concentrations available in entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and other specializations, Pepperdine offers a personalized MBA experience rooted in faith-based principles.

6. San Diego State University (Fowler College of Business) – Ideal for Military & Regional Professionals

SDSU’s flexible MBA program accommodates both full-time and part-time students with classes scheduled during evening hours once per week at 4:00-6:40 PM and 7:00-9:40 PM. The 45-unit program includes 30 units of foundational and professional core courses plus 9-15 units of electives, with the option to devote 12 units to a specialization in areas like finance, marketing, project management, or supply chain management. Ranked in the top 40 for public part-time MBA programs by U.S. News & World Report, Fowler College of Business maintains strong connections with the San Diego business community and offers robust support for veterans through dedicated services. The program can be completed in three to four years and provides hands-on learning experiences through real-world projects and industry partnerships. With over 82,000 Fowler alumni including 33,000 in San Diego County alone, students gain immediate access to a powerful regional network.

Choose the Evening MBA That Fits Your Career Goals

California’s evening MBA programs offer working professionals exceptional opportunities to advance their careers without putting their current employment on hold. From Silicon Valley’s innovation hub to Southern California’s diverse business landscape, these six programs provide the flexibility, academic rigor, and industry connections that drive real career transformation. Consider your location, budget, career goals, and schedule preferences when selecting the right program. Most schools offer information sessions and campus visits that let you experience the community firsthand before applying. Take the next step by researching application deadlines, connecting with admissions teams, and preparing your materials to join the next cohort of ambitious professionals earning their MBA on their own terms.