UC Riverside is offering full-time University of California employees an opportunity to earn a Master of Business Administration degree at half the tuition cost through a new scholarship tied to the university's recently launched online MBA program.
The scholarship reduces tuition by 50%—a savings of more than $54,000—making graduate business education significantly more affordable for faculty and staff seeking to advance their education while continuing to work full time. Applications to start in the Winter Quarter are being accepted through November 1 and for the Spring Quarter through Feb. 1.
The scholarship applies to UCR's new fully online MBA program, which allows students to complete coursework remotely while balancing work and family responsibilities.
Yunzeng Wang, dean of UCR's School of Business, said the scholarship reflects the school's commitment to investing in the university system’s own workforce.
"UC employees dedicate themselves every day to advancing the mission of higher education," Wang said. "We wanted to create a meaningful opportunity for them to invest in themselves by earning an MBA without taking on the full financial burden.”
Unlike tuition remission programs, the award is a scholarship provided directly by UCR’s School of Business and does not require approval through human resource departments. The offer is available to eligible employees throughout the University of California’s nine-campus system and the UC Office of the President. Because the program is based at UC Riverside, UCR employees also have the option of taking selected classes on campus.
The curriculum mirrors UCR's traditional MBA program while offering greater flexibility. Taking applicants' professional experience into consideration, qualified applicants complete the program with 64 units instead of normally required 80 units for an MBA.
Students complete core coursework in finance, accounting, economics, marketing, operations management, organizational behavior, information systems and strategy, along with electives in specialized business fields. Courses combine prerecorded instruction with live online class sessions. Students also have access to networking opportunities, professional workshops, and career development resources.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and have at least three years of professional work experience.
Click here to apply. Visit the website for more information, and to schedule a one-on-one, click here.
