Curriculum

The part-time MBA degree requires 72 units. Students typically take 6-8 units per quarter, and most courses are 1 or 3 units.

Most classes meet from 2 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, with a one-hour meal break in the middle. The schedule for our one-unit courses, summer courses and some other courses will continue to vary. 

Two-Year Fast-Track Option

A more intense commitment, Fast-Track students attend two classes alternating weekends (Friday 2 to 9 p.m. | Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and a third class on the opposite weekend.

Three-Year Standard-Track Option

Offering more balance between school and your other commitments, Standard-Track students attend two classes on alternating weekends (Friday 2 to 9 p.m. | Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Most students complete the program in 2-3 years although students have up to four years to complete their studies.

Sample Two-Year Fast-Track Schedule

*If you choose the Standard-Track option, over three years, you will take these courses one year later in the same quarter.

Core Courses*, Self-Guided Concentrations and Sample Electives

You'll be prepared for a range of careers and cultivate your ability to deal effectively with the challenges of a continually changing, increasingly competitive global business environment. Through our core courses you build a foundation of basic knowledge and skills.

You can choose to pursue a self-guided concentration – business analytics, entrepreneurship, finance/accounting, general management, marketing, organizational behavior, strategy or technology management. 

Our specialized elective courses, independent studies and field work can further your knowledge in a particular field and prepare you for the next step of your career.

*For students joining our part-time MBA program starting Fall 2021, please be advised of a potential change to the core curriculum. The GSM faculty have recommended to enhance each core course from three units to four units of curricular credit. This recommendation is now under consideration for approval by the Graduate Council at UC Davis. Should this change be approved by the start of Fall quarter 2021, part-time MBA students entering in the Fall will have to complete eight credit hours per quarter, rather than the current six credit hours, at least during the first several quarters. In addition to helping students graduate a little earlier, this change will also affect your tuition per quarter because of the increased number of credit hours being completed. The overall program cost will not change. Please ask your admissions director if you have questions about this change.