College of Business Administration
Specialized MBA Program

The Specialized MBA Program at CSUSM offers an accelerated MBA designed for recent graduates of all majors, located in the heart of North County San Diego. Each specialization is developed in response to employer demand for graduates with specialized knowledge in the following areas:

• Advanced Study in Supply Chain Management
• Advanced Study in International Business
• Advanced Study in Business Analytics

Talk to an Advisor

Highlights

• No GMAT required
• Open to all majors
• No work experience required

Program Schedule

• 12 month program (full-time students)
• 24 month program (part-time working professionals)

Full SMBA Schedule

Tuition

• $33,315 - Resident tuition including graduate tuition, campus fees, and professional fees.
• Fall 2025 entry tuition costs $875 per unit.

Full Tuition & Fees

Program Deadlines

• Applications open October 2025

Frequently Asked Questions:

• How long will it take for me to complete my MBA degree?

  The program can be completed in 12 months. Domestic students have the options of doing this program part-time with a 2 year ration.

• When is the application period?

  Applications open every year on October 1st. We advising completing the application before the first application review. 

  Please review the "How to Apply" webpage for detailed instructions when completing the application or email mba@csusm.edu to set up an advising appointment. 

• Do I need a bachelors degree in business to be admitted into the MBA program?
  No, the program is designed for applicants of all backgrounds and includes core business knowledge in the curriculum. We encourage people from all degree background to apply to the CSUSM MBA program. 
• When does the program start once I am admitted?
  Entry into the SMBA program is only allowed in the Fall term for all majors. This is done to encourage students to continue through the program together, as a cohort, which has demonstrated to significantly enhancing a positive outcome for students in the program.
• What is the cost of the program?
  Total Tuition and fees for current entrants are estimated at: Fall Entry (12 months): $33,315

• Who can I talk to about Financial Aid?
  Financial Aid is available and awarded to qualifying students based on demonstrated financial need. More information on Financial Aid
• I am an international student interested in the MBA program what is my next step?
   Please review the International Admission Requirements. You may also contact the International Admissions Office at intappl@csusm.edu or (760) 750-4844 or the MBA office at 760-750-4267 or mba@csusm.edu  
• Can I take MBA courses without taking the GMAT/GRE?
  Yes. the GMAT is no longer a requirement to complete before applying to the program. Nor is it required to be accepted to the MBA program.
• Do I have to take the set class schedule?
  Students are highly encouraged to take the SMBA classes with their cohort. In the experience of the SMBA program, learning is greatly enhanced when students progress through their classes with the same cohort. However, some students may decide to complete this program part-time.
• Is the work experience requirement mandatory?

   No, work experience is not required to apply to our Specialized MBA program.

• What is AACSB Accreditation?
  The Cal State San Marcos College of Business Administration has achieved accreditation from a prestigious global organization, joining the top 5% of business schools in the world. This is one of the reasons why students should choose to receive an master degree in business at CSUSM.