Masters Programs — Chico State Skip to Main Content
California State University, Chico

Masters Programs

Advance your career with a graduate business degree from our AACSB-accredited College of Business.

Both our Master of Business Administration (MBA)—a trusted program since 1968—and our new Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)—launching Fall 2025—are affordable, nationally recognized, and designed to deliver exceptional value.

Whether you’re ready to lead organizations or turn data into impact, the College of Business offers the education to help you get there.

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Close up of student, Zion Brigham, accepts their degree in Agricultural Business during the 2023 commencement ceremony.

On the Fast Track

Our programs are typically completed in 18-24 months. Faculty engage students with case studies, lectures, and project work to elevate your competitive edge for career advancement.

MBA or MSBA: Which Path Fits You Best?

Both the MBA and MSBA are powerful degrees that can launch your high-level business career, but they offer distinct paths:

  • MBA

    • Build a broad foundation in business leadership with a focus on marketing, strategy, and operations.
    • We offer a General MBA (online or in-person) or specializations in Project Management (online or in-person), Business Analytics (STEM-designated; in-person only), or Health Services Administration (online only). 

  • MSBA

    • Dive deep into data analytics, emphasizing technical skills and data-driven decision-making.
    • Ideal for those passionate about uncovering insights and applying data to solve complex business challenges.

  • Key Similarities

    • Both programs offer an AACSB-accredited degree, recognized for excellence, top 6% in the world.
    • GRE/GMAT optional. GRE/GMAT is not required for the MBA program and is optional for the MSBA program.
    • STEM-designated Business Analytics MSBA and MBA: Business Analytics degrees allows qualifying F-1 students will be eligible for up to 36 months of OPT employment authorization in the U.S.
    • Individualized course planning. Since we are not a cohort-based program, you can complete the program in the timeframe that works best for you.
    • Prerequisites streamlined. Students without an undergraduate degree in business can take prerequisite coursework and modules to prepare for the MSBA or MBA program. These can be completed prior to applying to the program, prior to starting the program, or as you begin taking courses.
    • Outstanding faculty and small class sizes. Our high-quality learning environment provides practical hands-on knowledge and skills.
    • Dedicated Director and Advisor. Our staff are here to answer any questions related to the program!

  • Key Differences

    • Prerequisite Courses:
      The MSBA requires specific technical prerequisites (or equivalents) to ensure you’re prepared for the program’s data-focused curriculum. The prerequisite courses can often be substituted with equivalent courses from other universities. For more information about substitutions, students should contact the Graduate Coordinator. 
    • Students have a choice to take the prerequisites as campus-based courses, or can fulfill the ECON 103,  MATH 108, and MINS 301 requirements by enrolling in an approved, online, self-paced set of modules.  
    • MINS 301: Information Management Systems
    • MATH 108: Statistics of Business Economics 
    • ECON 103: Principles of Microeconomic Analysis
    • MKTG 305: Survey of Marketing
    • FINA 307: Survey of Finance

Masters Program Highlights

  • STEM-designated Business Analytics MBA degree. Our Business Analytics MBA option is a STEM degree, which allows international student MBA graduates to take advantage of a full three-year OPT.
  • Designed with working professionals in mind. Most classes start at 5 p.m. or later Monday-Thursday, making it possible to be a working professional and a graduate student.
  • Individualized course planning. Since we are not a cohort-based program, you can complete the program in the timeframe that works best for you.
  • Prerequisites streamlined. Students without an undergraduate degree in business can take prerequisite coursework and modules to prepare for the MBA program. These can be completed prior to applying to the program, prior to starting the program, or as you begin taking MBA courses.
  • Outstanding faculty and small class sizes. Our high-quality learning environment provides practical hands-on knowledge and skills.
  • Dedicated MBA Director and Advisor. Our staff are here to answer any questions related to the program!