Leading Business Programs in the Bay Area
Leading Business Programs in the Bay Area

Explore Flexible Online Master’s Programs in California

Complete a respected online master’s program based in the heart of Silicon Valley. Santa Clara University blends high-tech innovation with a social consciousness grounded in the Jesuit educational tradition. Our dedication to improving the world guides our pursuit of cutting-edge technology, creative excellence, community partnerships, and entrepreneurial mindsets. We remain focused on nurturing the next generation of visionary leaders and global problem-solvers.

Strongly invested in the success of working professionals and Bay Area residents, Santa Clara provides distinct online graduate programs that balance flexibility with educational excellence. Each one is meticulously designed to support career-changers and all ambitious students seeking a convenient learning format.

Why choose Santa Clara University for your online degree?

“I chose Santa Clara’s Online MBA program because it offered the perfect mix of online convenience with on-campus interactions. One of the biggest differentiators for me was that it offers the benefits of an on-campus program to its online candidates—such as the extensive networking opportunities and on-campus intensives.”
—Jeanette S., MBA ‘21

Exterior of Lucas Hall on Santa Clara campus with students in front

Rich Academic Heritage

A private Jesuit institution, Santa Clara University was founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus, making it the oldest operating institution of higher learning in California. The university has built a rich legacy of academic excellence and innovation. Initially established to provide a classical education, it has continually evolved, expanding its programs and offerings to meet the dynamic needs of students and society.

Today, renowned for its robust programs in business, engineering, and the arts and sciences, Santa Clara University furthers an enduring commitment to nurturing intellectual growth and fostering a community of lifelong learners.

#3
in Career Outcomes
Poets&Quants1
#12
Best Online MBA
Poets&Quants2
#22
Best Online MBA in Academic Experience
Poets&Quants3

Accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Founded in 1916, the AACSB is the oldest, most widely recognized accrediting association for business schools. It promotes corporate social responsibility, innovation, and thought leadership. Its accreditation standards also encourage diversity, equity, and inclusivity.4

The AACSB requires online MBA programs to meet quality standards in three categories, including:5

  • Strategic planning and management
  • Learner success
  • Thought leadership, engagement, and social impact

 
Santa Clara University’s Online MBA program is accredited by the AACSB.

Diverse group of students standing with arms crossed outside building at Santa Clara Universitu
“Santa Clara is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, with connections to the top industries and the best minds, serving as a perfect platform for networking opportunities.”
—Akhilesh M., MBA ‘20

Proximity to Industry Leaders

As a student at Santa Clara, you immediately gain connections in Silicon Valley, with more than 24,000 business school alumni finding new roles in this tech-focused region. You have direct access to faculty, alumni, and a close-knit cohort of accomplished professionals, employed by leading Fortune 500 companies and iconic Silicon Valley corporations such as Apple, LinkedIn, Tesla, and Amazon.

Mission and Values

At the heart of Santa Clara University is a mission to provide a values-based education that prepares students for a life of purpose and meaning. Santa Clara is dedicated to educating the whole person—intellectually, spiritually, and morally. This holistic approach is designed to cultivate graduates who are knowledgeable, compassionate, ethical leaders. The university fosters an inclusive, diverse community, deeply committed to social responsibility.

By prioritizing academic excellence, innovation, and creativity, Santa Clara University inspires its students to become proactive changemakers in their respective fields, ready to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.

By prioritizing academic excellence, innovation, and creativity, Santa Clara University inspires its students to become proactive changemakers in their respective fields, ready to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.

Premier Master's Programs in the Bay Area

Online MBA

Lead with innovation. Succeed with cutting-edge expertise.

  • Five concentration options
    • Data Science and Business Analytics
    • Leading Innovative Organizations
    • Marketing
    • Finance
    • Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation
  • Two on-campus residencies
  • Four start dates: fall, winter, spring, and summer
  • Graduate in as little as two years

Online Master of Science in Business Analytics

Unlock the power of data. Transform business with ethical AI.

  • Three-day on-campus residency to start your program
  • Two start dates: fall and spring
  • Expedited admissions pathway available for alumni
  • Complete in just over one year
  • GMAT waiver is available

Online Master of Science in Finance and Analytics

Advance through analytics. Excel in financial leadership.

Online MS in Marketing

Drive Brand Growth with Digital Mastery

  • One on-campus residency
  • Two start dates: fall and spring
  • Part-time and full-time enrollment options
  • Complete in as little as one year

Academic Excellence in Online Programs

Taught by experienced faculty who are leaders in their fields, Santa Clara’s online programs ensure that you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to move up professionally. You can expect a rigorous, enriching learning experience that aligns with the university’s tradition of educational excellence.

Smiling man seated with laptop

Online Course Format

Immerse yourself in engaging, interactive online courses. Most are delivered in an asynchronous format, so you can complete your coursework at your own pace, balancing your studies with your other priorities.

Some courses may include synchronous elements, such as live lectures or real-time discussions, to enhance your experience. This flexible approach ensures that you have access to high-quality education from anywhere.

The Silicon Valley Advantage for Your Online Learning Experience

Networking Opportunities

Accessible whether you're based in or beyond the Bay Area, Santa Clara University's flexible online programs tap you into Silicon Valley's community of innovation.

  • Use our digital platform to connect seamlessly with distinguished faculty, your cohort peers, and our powerful Leavey School of Business alumni network
  • Complement your online experience with in-person skill-building and networking events where you'll build relationships with industry pioneers, corporate leaders, and business consultants

Bronco Exchange

Exclusive to Santa Clara University, Bronco Exchange connects you to a global community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends through a user-friendly platform.

With Broncos from every background ready to support your journey in every industry, you'll find connections whether you're exploring new career paths, seeking expert advice, mentoring students, or simply engaging with the Santa Clara community.

Bronco Exchange’s comprehensive support includes events such as the Networking Bash and Business Analytics Showdown, job search workshops, alumni panels, guest speakers, real-world practicum experiences, and personalized career coaching.

Local Career Pathways

Santa Clara connects you directly to a global center of technology and creativity. With strong relationships to industry leaders and a widespread alumni presence in major tech companies worldwide, the university delivers exceptional opportunities to advance your career. Consider the career ascent of these recent Leavey School of Business graduates:

Mark W., MBA ‘22

Pre-MBA:
Accounting Manager, AxiaMed

Post-MBA:
VP Financial Operations Business Support Manager, Bank of America
Shilen P., MBA ‘23

Pre-MBA:
Director of Corporate Development, California Water Service

Post-MBA:
President & CEO, BVRT Utility Holding Company
Atul B., MBA ‘23

Pre-MBA:
Strategic Account Manager, LitePoint

Post-MBA:
Director of Strategic Sales, LitePoint
Sara G., MBA ‘25

Pre-MBA:
Data Analyst, El Dorado County Office of Education

Post-MBA:
Senior Fleet Analyst, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Since graduating, 89% of our Online MBA alumni have launched new positions or careers during or after their time in the program.6

The Ciocca Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

As Santa Clara’s resource hub, the Ciocca Center promotes and encourages the entrepreneurial mindset through academics, competitions, programs, and events. You may be a business founder launching your first venture or an idea-generator seeking creative peers. Wherever you are in the entrepreneurial process, the Ciocca Center’s comprehensive programs equip you with expert guidance and essential resources to transform your aspirations into action.

Bronco Entrepreneurs’ Applied Collaboration Hub (BEACH)

Santa Clara University law and business students team up to advise startup entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Idea Lab

This interdisciplinary program focuses on the core concepts of design thinking, including ideation and pitching.

Innovation Fellows

Committed to improving the Santa Clara community, Innovation Fellows work in interdisciplinary teams with stakeholders to address a pressing challenge on campus.

Advance Your Startup Through the Bronco Ventures Accelerator

When you join the Bronco Ventures Accelerator (BVA), you become part of an exclusive cohort experiencing interactive classes and workshops delivered by seasoned industry leaders and investors. The BVA gives you, as a Santa Clara University entrepreneur, everything you need to build your for-profit business with competence, conscience, and compassion. You'll receive comprehensive guidance to prepare for investment, regardless of your industry or business stage.

Your BVA journey reaches its peak at Demo Day—a thrilling, “Shark Tank”-inspired event held every October during Grand Reunion—when you'll showcase your vision by pitching to hundreds of potential investors ready to fuel your success.

Find Out More

Woman in denim jacket smiling in campus building
Two students seated together discussing the contents of a red folder

Application and Admission Requirements

You can complete your application to the Leavey School of Business in a few straightforward steps. You’ll find a wealth of information about the application process, admission requirements, and tuition and financial aid at these links:

Admissions Deadlines for the Online Programs

MBA

May
5
Priority Deadline
May 5
Summer 2025 Term
May
25
Application Deadline
May 25
Summer 2025 Term
June
16
Next Start
June 16
Summer 2025 Term

MSBA, MSFA

Aug
10
Priority Deadline
August 10
Fall 2025 Term
Aug
30
Application Deadline
August 30
Fall 2025 Term
Sep
22
Next Start
September 22
Fall 2025 Term

Building Expertise That Strengthens the Bay Area

“I would have never been able to get a job at VMware, Salesforce, or Microsoft if it wasn’t for learning the skills at Santa Clara University.”
—Alexander T., MBA '20

Diverse group of smiling Santa Clara students standing in a building on campus

New Connections in the Cradle of Connectivity

Expand your network to include alumni working in these tech hot spots:

Stripe Wells Fargo Flex Tesla Cisco Apple CVS Amazon HP KPMG Stripe Wells Fargo Flex Tesla Cisco Apple CVS Amazon HP KPMG

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I transfer credits from other online master's programs in California?

Graduate transfer credit may be granted if specific requirements are met. It is granted on a course-by-course basis and is reviewed by the Faculty Director for approval. No credit will be given for coursework done elsewhere while in a SCU master’s program without prior approval. Students should submit their requests and the appropriate documentations to onlinemba@scu.edu.

Can I participate in on-campus events if I’m an online student at Santa Clara?

Yes. Santa Clara University considers personal connection to be of the utmost importance. As a student in an online program, you have unlimited access to on-campus facilities and events.

What networking opportunities are available for local professionals?

Santa Clara’s online graduate business programs provide extensive opportunities for students to network with each other, faculty, Silicon Valley-area professionals, and program alumni. These opportunities include quarterly company tours, case study competitions, student clubs, and other activities. “Leavey News & Notes,” which is a monthly newsletter distributed to all Leavey students, provides an overview of upcoming events, specialty courses, company visits, and student development organizations.

To learn more about networking opportunities associated with our online programs and to download the “Leavey News & Notes” newsletter, please visit the Networking Opportunities page.

Are these online degree programs accredited and recognized in the Bay Area job market?

As one of the first business schools in the United States to be accredited by the Association for Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Leavey School of Business has earned a reputation as an institution of innovation and ethics.

Santa Clara University is a fixture in Silicon Valley, with more than 24,000 of our business school alumni finding new roles in the tech-focused region’s companies.

Is financial aid available for online graduate programs?

Yes. Santa Clara is proud to work with accepted students on identifying opportunities for financial aid. Scholarship, loan, and financing opportunities may be available through private or public third-party organizations, as well as individual employers and military or government organizations. For more information, visit the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

Make the Smartest Choice of Your Career

The Leavey School of Business offers you the best traits of our outstanding on-campus programs with the added benefits of unparalleled flexibility.

✓ Unparallelled Education
Gain cutting-edge business leadership skills fused with technology expertise and position yourself to drive transformation.

✓ World-Class Faculty
Learn from industry veterans and thought leaders who bring real-world experience into the virtual classroom.

✓ Proven Results
93% of our Online MBA alumni report salary increases within six months of graduation.

✓ Strategic Networking
Build lasting connections with peers, faculty, and alumni working at leading companies across Silicon Valley and beyond.

✓ Flexible Learning
Balance education with your personal and professional commitments while maintaining access to Santa Clara's prestigious network and resources.

†Based on self-reported data from alumni of the Online MBA program at six months post-graduation, as of October 4, 2024.

Give Yourself the Best Opportunity

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Need more info? That’s what we’re here for.

There’s so much to know about Leavey’s online programs that you’re bound to have questions. We’re here to help. For information and support, schedule a call with one of our knowledgeable, friendly admissions outreach advisors. They’ll make sure you get all the answers.

Find Us in Santa Clara

Santa Clara University
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053

Sources
  1. Retrieved on April 9, 2025, from poetsandquants.com/2024/12/15/best-online-mba-programs-in-the-u-s-for-2025/6/
  2. Retrieved on April 9, 2025, from poetsandquants.com/2024/12/15/best-online-mba-programs-in-the-u-s-for-2025/4/
  3. Retrieved on April 9, 2025, from poetsandquants.com/2024/12/15/best-online-mba-programs-in-the-u-s-for-2025/7
  4. Retrieved on April 9, 2025, from aacsb.edu/about-us
  5. Retrieved on April 9, 2025, from aacsb.edu/educators/accreditation/business-accreditation/aacsb-business-accreditation-standards
  6. Based on self-reported data from Online MBA alumni in graduating cohorts from July 2023 - June 2024.

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