Frequently Asked Questions about our MBA Program

Admission Criteria

Foundation Knowledge Competency Requirements
All MBA applicants will be expected to demonstrate competency in the following foundation knowledge areas. Competency can be established by any one of the following:

  1. providing proof of appropriate coursework at the undergraduate level;
  2. taking a foundation knowledge course as recommended by the MBA Coordinator;
  3. passing a competency based exam. Please contact Extended University at (661)654-2441 for information about the modular courses that satisfy MBA prerequisites.
  1. Quantitative Methods for Business Decision Making (equivalent to BA 301)
  2. Principles of Financial Accounting (equivalent to ACCT 220)
  3. Principles of Finance (equivalent to FIN 300)
  4. Macro Economics (equivalent to ECON 202)

APPLICATION AND ADMISSION
Application for admission to the MBA program is a two-step process: 1) apply for admission to the University as a post baccalaureate student for the MBA program; and 2) once admitted to the University the application is forwarded to the MBA Director for review for admission into the MBA program. Currently we are accepting applications for any quarter.

Application Procedure
An MBA applicant must submit the following items to:

Admissions Office
California State University, Bakersfield
9001 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099

  1. A completed application (Forms A and B) and $55 application fee;
  2. Two official transcripts from each college or university attended;
  3. An official GMAT or GRE score;
  4. A resume and;
  5. Two letters of reference.

International Applicants

In addition to the items listed above, international students must also submit the following documents to the Admissions Office;

  1. An official TOEFL or IELTS Score
    An applicant whose preparatory education is principally in a language other than English must have a minimum TOEFL (test of English as a foreign language) score of 550 on paper, 213 on computer based, or 79 on internet based exam, or minimum IELTS score of 7. The test score report must be sent directly from the testing institution, copies are unacceptable.

    Please note that despite an acceptable TOEFL or IELTS score, students whose English competency is deemed insufficient by the faculty may be required to take additional courses to improve communication skills in English before continuing with MBA courses.

  2. Confidential Financial Statement
    International applicants must supply documentation that they have the resources to pay for one year of school and living expenses, approximately $28,000.

    No financial aid or scholarships are available to international students.

  3. Official Translation of Transcripts
    International students must submit foreign transcripts in the original language and a certified English translation. Foreign transcripts must be professionally evaluated by a reputable company. A suggested list of companies that evaluate foreign transcripts is found at:
    http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl635.pdf

    Three year degrees from India are generally not considered the equivalent of a four year degree from the U.S. Exceptions would be degrees in areas such as science and engineering.

    For additional information regarding international student requirements, please contact Ms. Dagmara Karnowski, Director of International Students and Programs, at (661) 654-6113.

    4. Length of Time to Complete Degree and Estimated Cost

    The Master of Business Administration degree requires completion of fifty-two (52) units of approved 600-level graduate courses. Students who register for two MBA courses per quarter will complete the degree in approximately six quarters, approximately 1 ½ years.

    Fees & Tuition (note that fees are subject to increase) Non-resident/Foreign Tuition is $248.00 per unit (plus fees below).

    0-6 units    $1714 plus $169 per unit*
    Over 6 units$2658 plus $169 per unit*

Eight graduate units is considered full time enrollment.

*Graduate Business Professional fee for required coursework in the MBA Program. Students may apply for the MBA Fee Grant Waiver through the Financial Aid Office. Students who meet the waiver criteria may have some or all of the $169 per unit fee waived.

Our MBA program does not have graduate assistantships; however, there are graduate internships available within the School of Business and Public Administration.

Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)
All graduate students must satisfy the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) as soon as possible. Graduate students may meet this requirement by passing the regularly scheduled examination (offered once a quarter) or by earning a “C” or better in one of the approved GWAR courses.

Students are exempt from the GWAR if they meet either of the criteria below:

  1. You graduated from a CSU or UC campus since 1980;
  2. You scored a 4.5 or higher on the writing portion of the GMAT or GRE exam.

Grade Point Average Requirement
A 3.00 GPA is required for graduation from the Master in Business Administration program. All graduate students are required to maintain a cumulative 3.00 grade point average in all graduate course work. No course with a grade lower than a “C” can be used towards the fulfillment of a degree requirement. Graduate courses in the MBA program may not be taken on a credit, no-credit basis.




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