Early Career MBA

New to your career or a recent graduate? If you’ve been working for five years or fewer, this program is for you. Choose from three tracks that best fit your learning pace and schedule. Classes meet on the SJSU campus, typically in the evenings and Saturdays in six-to eight-week sessions. If you don't see what you are looking for here, please check out our MBA FAQ section. Attend an upcoming MBA information session. 

Apply to LGSB

The Early Career MBA program offers admission once per year in fall.
Please use our step-by-step application process for domestic and international applicants. 

Admission Requirements

• What are the admission requirements for the Early Career MBA? 

  • A 4-year bachelor's degree
    A preferred GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
    Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
    Foreign degree - World Education Service (evaluation)
    Personal Statement
    Resume
    GMAT or GRE scores

    Optional - Letter of Recommendation

    English Language Proficiency exam may be required if you have earned your degree outside the United States. You may select one of these exams:

    TOEFL score of 80 or higher (IBT)
    IELTS score of 6.5 or higher 

• How to qualify for a GMAT waiver? 

  • To waive the GMAT applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

    Earned a Master’s degree or Ph.D. from an accredited institution in the United States.

    Graduated with honors from the Lucas College of Business Gary J. Sbona Honors Program within the last five years.

    A GPA of at least 3.2 AND completed at least 5 years of full-time professional work experience with increasing responsibilities and a managerial role over people and/or budgets. An interview with the MBA Director may be required.

• What is the process to apply for a waiver? 

  • For consideration of the waiver, you MUST complete the CSU application and the waiver request which requires you to attach documentation and your student ID (which is provided within 10 days after completing the application). The waiver will not be accepted for a future semester.

• What are the prerequisites for the MBA? 

  • Statistics - with a grade of B or higher 

    Economics - with a grade of B or higher
    (microeconomics or macroeconomics or principles of economics)

    If you need to complete one or both of these courses you can find equivalent courses at California colleges or take them online through Straighterline. The prerequisites must be completed by August 1. Although only one economics course is required as a prerequisite, two semesters are recommended.

• What are the application deadlines?  

  • The Early Career MBA program admits once per year. 

    CSU application
    Fall - open October 1 - May 1

    Document deadline
    Fall - May 20

Program Overview

• What is the profile of a student in the Early Career MBA?

  • A typical student in this program will have less than 5 years of professional experience. 

    The program pace for students is part-time, full-time, or accelerated. Most students will complete the program in 12 - 36 months. 

• What is the pace of the program? 

  • Students will take 1 - 3 courses per session
    Course sessions are 6 - 8 weeks
    Course schedule: evening, weekend, and some online options

    Sample course schedule
    Curriculum
    Students complete 11 core courses and 4 electives

    Students may earn internship credit as part of the MBA. All three tracks allow you to take a three-unit internship. The internship can count as one of the four required elective courses. International student on an F-1 visa can use the internship option as curricular practical training (CPT). Students in the accelerated track may expereince limited access due to the program’s pace and time frame for completion.

• How much does the Early Career MBA cost? 

  • Estimated tuition costs are $25,072-$34,346 (CA), non-resident and  international tution costs are $41,704-$50,978. The range of fees is dependent on the program pace (accelerated, full-time, or part-time).

• Is the Early Career MBA open to international students? 

  • Yes. Prospective students should contact the SJSU International Student and Scholar Services.

• Who can I contact to learn more? 

  • To contact the Lucas Graduate School of Business with general questions, to learn more about our programs, or admission requirements, email: lucas-school@sjsu.edu

    To schedule an advising appointment, please complete this survey. Advising appointments will be confirmed within 24 hours. All appointments will take place via Zoom.