As the largest business school in California, Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics is a widely-recognized provider of business graduate programs preparing students to lead and innovate in the business world across Southern California and beyond. A 2023 grad shares his journey.
Gia Luong studied architecture at Cal Poly Pomona in preparation for a U.S. Navy career. But he recognized that no matter one’s vocation, business acumen is at the core of every endeavor.
“Successful companies thrive under leaders who grasp both the technical nuances and strategic business facets essential for holistic success,” says Luong.
The aspiring business leader joined the MBA program at Cal State Fullerton in fall 2021, focusing on operations and supply chain management to better understand the complexities, challenges and opportunities of today’s interconnected global economy.
With a comprehensive curriculum focused on both hard and soft skills and a vast network of alumni and friends in Southern California and beyond, Luong, like thousands of other Cal State Fullerton business graduate students, has discovered the CSUF programs to be a robust launchpad for propelling a career to managerial-caliber in any industry.
“Beyond the exceptional faculty, the accessibility of an incredibly reasonable tuition, coupled with comprehensive financial assistance facilitated an educational journey that was devoid of financial stress,” says the class of 2023 grad. “This aspect stands out as the pinnacle of my appreciation for the program.”
It is this affordability yet high quality that sets Cal State Fullerton apart in making a graduate education in business accessible in today’s inflationary times, particularly for historically underserved demographics or those of low- to moderate-incomes.
On Sept. 25, 2023, The Wall Street Journal ranked Cal State Fullerton in seventh place among 400 colleges nationwide, in recognition of “keeping costs low and putting graduates on pathways to lucrative careers.”
“Our MBA program propels careers by offering a unique blend of academic rigor, real-world expertise and challenging critical thinking experiential learning opportunities,” says Ralph Garcia, an operations and supply chain professor with a focus on MBA students.
“CSUF’s seasoned expert professors cultivate the next generation of business leaders by bringing vast industry experience and practical insights to each course. The program offers a variety of concentrations within the MBA curriculum, allowing students to tailor their education to specific areas of interest with flexible venues.”
“The graduate program equipped me with diverse knowledge and skills to achieve better results in the business world. I’ve enjoyed enhancing my ability to analyze various situations and make strategic decisions. It has enabled me to work and lead effectively with a team. Business graduate degrees provide students with diversified industry elite leaders as their professors, allowing them to apply their learning to their leadership and management, making them more competitive in the job market.”
Monica Mak ’24 (MBA)
And the MBA program – which offers a flexible track allowing students to earn their degree at their own pace as well as a 34-month cohort-based track for working professionals known as the Fully Employed MBA (FEMBA) – isn’t the only business graduate options at Cal State Fullerton.
An M.S. in accountancy, M.S. in taxation, M.S. in information systems, M.A. in economics and M.S. in information technology provide specialized education for those seeking to lead in the business world or set the groundwork for doctoral degrees.
“CSUF stands as the optimum choice for individuals seeking a business graduate degree. It’s a powerhouse of academic excellence offered at a fraction of the cost compared to alternative options in Southern California,” says Luong. “Moreover, its strategic location in the vibrant business hub of Orange County presents unparalleled networking prospects, connecting students with professionals and employers across Los Angeles and Orange counties.”
Learn more about Cal State Fullerton Business Graduate Programs.
