Business Administration, MBA

The Drucker School offers two MBA programs: the MBA and the Flex MBA.

The MBA provides the classic MBA experience with a rigorous, structured curriculum. Core classes are offered in-person and online and the degree may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

The Flex MBA offers a more flexible program for working professionals with at least six years of full-time work experience. Core classes are offered in exclusive hybrid sections, though students may opt for the core classes of the regular MBA in most cases.

Degree Requirements - MBA Program

The Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) program requires 48 units.

The first year focuses on business fundamentals and professional development work. Full-time students typically obtain an internship during the summer semester(s); part-time students take classes instead. During the second year, students align their individual and professional goals through elective courses and projects.

Admission. Admission requirements are detailed in the Admissions section of the current Policies and General Information Bulletin.

University Policies. Policies detailed in the current Policies and General Information Bulletin apply.

MBA Unit Breakdown

Drucker Signature Platform	8 Units
Analysis and Decision Making	12 Units
People and Strategy	14 Units
Electives	14 Units

Total Degree	48 Units

Drucker Signature Platform

Drucker Philosophy (2 units)
Leadership Practicum (1+1 units)
Create Your Future (1+1 units)
Finding Clarity (2 units)

Analysis and Decision Making

Business Analytics (4 units)
Corporate Finance (4 units)
Operations Management (4 units)

People and Strategy

Economics of Strategy (2 units)
Marketing Management (2 units)
Organizational Behavior (4 units)
Strategy (4 units)

Additionally, all MBA students must complete the Financial Accounting milestone before the beginning of their second semester. This may be completed by:

Submitting the syllabus of a financial accounting course completed in the last 5 years with a grade of B or better from an accredited university
Submitting evidence of successful completion of a pre-approved Coursera course
Demonstrating possession of a CPA license

Degree Requirements - Flex MBA

The Flex Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) program requires 48 units. The first year focuses on business fundamentals. Students typically take courses over the summer semester(s). During the second year, students align their individual and professional goals through elective courses and projects.

Admission. Admission requirements are detailed in the Admissions section of the current Policies and General Information Bulletin.

University Policies. Policies detailed in the current Policies and General Information Bulletin apply.

MBA Unit Breakdown

Drucker Executive Platform	8 Units
Management Core	16 Units
General electives	24 units
Total Degree	48 Units

Drucker Executive Platform

Drucker Philosophy (2 units)
Leadership Practicum (1+1 units)
The Effective Executive (2 units)
DesigningThe Future (2 units)

Management Core

Business Analytics (4 units)
Corporate Finance (4 units)
Creating Effective Organizations or Organizational Behavior (2 units)
Marketing Management (2 units)
Operations Management (2 units)
Strategy (2 units)

Additionally, all Flex MBA students must complete the Financial Accounting milestone before the beginning of their second semester. This may be completed by:

Submitting the syllabus of a financial accounting course completed in the last 5 years with a grade of B or better from an accredited university
Submitting evidence of successful completion of a pre-approved Coursera course
Demonstrating possession of a CPA license

Certificates & Concentration - All MBAs

Students may earn one or more certificates or concentrations; however no elective units may be counted toward more than one concentration.

Available areas of certificates in the 2022-2023 academic year include:

Analysis & Decision-Making (certificate)
Entrepreneurship (certificate)
Finance (certificate)
Leadership* (certificate)
Marketing (certificate)
People & Strategy (certificate)
Strategy* (certificate)
Supply Chain Management (certificate)

*Leadership and Strategy certificates may be earned by Flex MBAs without preapproval and by experienced MBAs with preapproval from the program director

Available concentrations in the 2022-2023 academic year include:

Human Resource Management (concentration)
Information Technology Management (concentration)

For details on certificate and concentration requirements, please refer to the departmental handbook.

Students should consult their academic advisor on their eligibility and course requirements. Concentrations may only be added with departmental approval. Course offerings for each concentration vary year to year and cannot be guaranteed.

Curriculum Opportunities

The integrative approach of the MBA curriculum is designed to allow students to progressively build upon and relate acquired skills and experiences as they progress through the program.

A number of courses bring students into direct contact with outside managers and current management challenges. Internships, field studies, applied projects, and independent study programs allow students to test their skills on real-world problems in established businesses. Visiting faculty and corporate leaders bring contemporary management issues and developments directly into the classroom.

Global Immersion. Short-term travel intensives allow students to go beyond Southern California to visit companies and experience different business environments. The destinations will vary from year to year.

For Drucker MBA students who would like to live abroad for an entire semester, exchange semesters are available at the following institutions.

Universidad de San Andres, Argentina
Hitotsubashi University, Japan
Waseda University, Japan
Rotterdam School of Management, Netherland
Univeristy of St. Gallen, Switzerland
Sasin School of Management, Bangkok, Thailand