Academics
California State University, Chico offers a practical and personable MBA program, well suited to Northern California professionals. With a 鈥済reat regional reputation,鈥 Chico students feel confident they can leverage their education in the workplace. Above all else, professors have 鈥渁 lot of relevant industry experience鈥 and offer 鈥済ood insight into the business world.鈥 Across disciplines, Chico professors 鈥渒eep up with current events,鈥 and class content is constantly 鈥渃hanging according to the news today.鈥 Chico distinguishes itself academically through a focus on project management, information technology and business information systems. Chico State鈥檚 innovative Center for Information Systems Research involves students in a variety of hands-on projects in the business technology sector, and the school has been 鈥渁 member of the SAP alliance鈥 since 1996.
While academics are strong, the environment is remarkably supportive, too. When a student needs extra assistance, professors are 鈥渆asily accessible鈥 and 鈥渁lways available outside of class.鈥 A current student shares, 鈥淚 have met many professors through independent projects, and they have been very helpful and guided me to the right resources.鈥 Throughout the curriculum, there is an 鈥渆mphasis on teamwork, interpersonal skills, and both qualitative and quantitative learning.鈥 Students are encouraged to engage with the work, and 鈥渕ost professors try to create an environment that promotes active discussions.鈥 The focus on group work, as well as real world applications, make for a 鈥渧ery practical learning experience,鈥 which is immediately applicable to the real world. A small business owner tells us, 鈥淐lasses are at night, and my real-life laboratory is my business during the day.鈥
Working students appreciate the balance at Chico, saying, 鈥淭he atmosphere is focused, but there is not too much pressure on the students.鈥 鈥淥verall, the program is consistent and organized,鈥 and the 鈥渟taff is flexible and understanding鈥 with students who work full-time. On the other hand, some feel the Chico experience 鈥渕ight be better if we had a more competitive environment,鈥 noting that there is a noticeable 鈥渓ack of rigor in some classes.鈥 In addition to the value offered to professionals, Chico also offers a 鈥3+2鈥 program for business undergraduates from partner schools, which offers the 鈥渙pportunity to get a masters degree one year after your bachelor degree.鈥 Several international universities also participate in the school鈥檚 3+2 program, which brings 鈥渁 large number of international students鈥 to campus. For many, the international community is an unexpected plus of a Chico education, helping them to develop 鈥渃ultural skills in a business environment that is less cutthroat than the real business world.鈥