Graduate Programs Overview
Discover Your Future with a Sonoma State MBA
Whether you’re preparing to step into your next leadership role or looking to pivot into a new career, an MBA from Sonoma State University’s School of Business equips you with the skills employers value most, the flexibility working professionals need, and the opportunity to tailor your experience to achieve career goals.
Sonoma State’s MBA programs are designed for motivated professionals seeking relevant, applied business education grounded in ethical leadership, sustainability, and community impact.
Program Highlights
100% taught by Sonoma State University faculty
AACSB-accredited curriculum
Designed for students with 60+ transferable semester units
Evening and flexible course formats for working professionals
Complete in as little as 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Choose Your MBA Track
This purpose-driven MBA program prepares future leaders with the business skills and knowledge to create a sustainable positive impact in the world. Whether you seek to advance your career, or start and manage your own business, the MBA program provides you with the fundamental management skills and broader environmental and societal perspectives to excel as a competitive and responsible business leader.
The MBA program offers a concentration in wine business and is intended to prepare graduates for positions of management and leadership in wine industry organizations. Located in the heart of California’s wine country, we offer extraordinary experiences in learning through local internships and student-run projects, with leading wine-industry faculty and connections to industry professionals.
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 two 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.
Two MBAs each with a Unique Offering
- MBA - Designed for individuals with a business background and two years of recommended work experience, this program focuses 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 preferably two years of work experience in the wine industry, this 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
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.
Steps
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.
Apply to the University via Cal State Apply AND include requested Graduate Programs supplemental documents 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 Bachelor's 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 The Evaluation Company. Proof of English Language proficiency may also be required.
- Upload your Current Resume, featuring contact details for two professional references, to your application.
- 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 with your application.
Eligibility:
For the MBA and MBA: Wine Concentration programs, eligibility includes:
A degree in Business Administration. 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 preferred 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 questions about prerequisite requirements, please email [email protected].