Graduate

Discover the Right Graduate Program for You.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Through the School of Business at Sonoma State University, we specialize in helping individuals like you find the perfect graduate program to elevate your professional journey. Our commitment to excellence and innovation shines through our diverse range of graduate programs, all designed to empower you to lead, grow, and make a lasting impact on your chosen field. Here's why you should consider us for your graduate education:

Personalized Learning and Industry Connections:

Whether you're a mid-career manager or a seasoned executive, we offer three distinct programs that cater to your unique needs and aspirations.
Benefit from one-on-one attention and guidance from our experienced faculty, who are leaders in their respective fields.
Tap into a vast network of industry connections that our esteemed alumni rave about.

Sustainable, Inclusive, and Community-Driven Approach:

Our institution stands out for its unwavering commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement.
We believe that responsible leadership is the cornerstone of success in today's world, and our programs reflect this ethos.

Three MBA's each with a Unique Offering:

MBA: Purpose Driven - A two-year program designed for individuals with a business background and at least two-years of work experience, focusing on equipping you with the skills necessary to lead sustainable and ethical businesses. We believe in creating purpose-driven leaders who can make a positive impact on the world. No GMAT required
MBA: Wine Business Concentration - Ideal for individuals with a business background and at least two-years of work experience in the wine industry, this two-year program emphasizes leadership and ethical management within the wine business. Dive into the fascinating world of wine and develop the expertise to succeed in this unique field. No GMAT required
MBA: Executive Wine Business - Tailored for senior wine industry professionals, this 18-month MBA program blends distance learning with immersive in-person experiences in California and an international study tour. Enhance your leadership and innovation skills, with the possibility of prerequisites being waived based on your work experience. No GMAT required.

Choose a graduate program that aligns with your values and goals for a meaningful future. Join Sonoma State University and embark on a transformative journey that will empower you to lead, innovate, and thrive in your chosen field. Discover the right graduate program for you and become a catalyst for positive change.

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Getting Started

If you’re getting started with one of our MBA programs, you should consider the following key aspects:

Faculty: Understand who your instructors will be and their areas of expertise. Their experience, perspectives, and teaching style can greatly influence your learning journey.
Schedule: Review the program’s timing and duration. Be aware of important dates like application deadlines, course start and end dates, and when assignments are due.
Fees: Ensure you understand the total cost of the program, including tuition, books, and any additional fees. Also consider the financial aid options available to you.
Curriculum: Familiarize yourself with the courses you’ll take, their objectives, and how they’ll contribute to your overall learning goals.
Admission Requirements: Check prerequisites such as academic qualifications and work experience.
Career Prospects: Learn about the potential career paths and industries the degree can lead to, and consider how this aligns with your career goals.
Alumni Network: Connect with alumni and current students to gain insights into their experiences and potential networking opportunities.
Campus Facilities: If applicable, consider the on-campus facilities available to students, such as libraries, study rooms, and recreational facilities.
Student Support Services: Investigate the support available to students, such as academic advising, career services, and wellness resources.

How to Apply

Apply to the University via Cal State Apply AND apply to a Specific Graduate Program by the published application deadlines.

Complete the online application on CalState Apply.
Submit Official Transcripts reflecting a 2.5 GPA or higher from your last 60 units of coursework and bachelors degree completion, issued within the last two years. Direct these to SSU's Admissions & Records Office. Foreign transcripts need a Coursework Evaluation through WES or SpanTran. Proof of English Language proficiency may also be required.
Provide Unofficial Transcripts with the same GPA and degree requirements. Upload these for consultation with an Admissions Specialist using the department review form.
Upload your Current Resume, featuring contact details for two professional references, to your application or the department review form.
Submit a one to two-page Statement of Purpose, detailing your academic and professional background, your interest in the MBA program, and your post-completion career plans. This can be uploaded to your application or the department review form.

Graduate Program Admission Requirements

Eligibility:

For the MBA program either in Purpose Driven or Wine Concentration, eligibility includes:

A degree in Business Administration with no specific concentration. If you don't have this, you'll need to complete prerequisite courses providing fundamental business knowledge for graduate-level study.

A minimum 2.50 GPA from the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units.
Two years of full-time professional work experience prior to starting.
No need for GMAT or GRE scores.

Candidates lacking a Business Administration degree may apply before finishing prerequisites and might be granted "conditional" admission, upgrading to full status upon completion of necessary courses.

*For the Executive MBA in Wine Business, requirements are:

Minimum of eight years of professional work experience, including management experience. Military service counts.
No need for GMAT or GRE scores.
Prerequisites are waived for candidates with six or more years of full-time professional work experience.

The department evaluates candidates based on application, academic background, work experience, statement of purpose, and references. An interview might be required.

^{*Note: This Degree is conferred thru Self Support via Continuing Education. This programs do not receive any California subsidization.}

Ranjot Sidhu '15, Sonoma MBA for Professionals

"The Sonoma Professional MBA has a flexible schedule that allowed me to pursue my master's while working full-time. The program provided dynamic projects that emphasized efficient communication and an understanding of creating and sustaining a business.”

Ranjot "Ricky" Sidhu, Sonoma MBA | Accounting Manager, Green Toys Inc.

"The complexity of healthcare requires depth of understanding in business, leadership, and innovation. The Sonoma Executive MBA equipped me with the essentials to succeed as a nurse leader.”

Surani Hayre-Kwan, Sonoma Executive MBA | Director of the Office of Patient Experience, Sutter Health

Sonoma MBA in Wine Business student Palmer Emmitt.

"I was making a career change from entertainment into the wine industry, and never had a formal business education. The skills that I gained and the connections I made in the program and the numerous connections I made through networking have helped me start my own successful wine business.”

Palmer Emmitt, Professional Wine MBA | Co-Owner & Winemaker, Emmitt-Scorsone Wines

"The Sonoma Executive MBA program gave me a well-rounded base to my predominantly technical background. I liked the cohort approach and the inclusion of the international trip. The alternating weekend schedule was also a must to continue my full-time working career. An invaluable takeaway was the people I met within the program and the relationships I built."

~ Rebecca Simonson, Sonoma Executive MBA | Power Services Manager, Sonoma Clean Power

AACSB

Internationally-Accredited MBA Degrees

AACSB accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in business education and has been earned by less than five percent of the world's business schools.

14+

Industries

Students come from the following sectors, among others: accounting, energy, government, transportation, alcoholic beverage, consumer packaging, manufacturing, retail, consulting, financial services, nonprofit, technology, entertainment, and healthcare.

25%

Average Return on Education

Graduates from our Executive MBA and Executive Wine MBA programs reported receiving a salary and bonus increase from start to conclusion of the program. (Based on 2017 and 2018 data.)

45%

Professional MBA Promotions

Students in our Professional MBA and Professional Wine MBA programs reported receiving a promotion while attending these programs. (Based on 2018 data.)

50/50

Male to Female Ratio

Our Executive MBA consists of 42% female, and our Professional MBA boasts 60% female. (Based on 2017 and 2018 data.)