Management courses aim to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to become effective leaders, innovators, and well-rounded individuals. These programs also aim to improve students’ employability in the constantly changing job market.
The following ten universities have excelled in offering high-quality management education, both in-person and online, and securing valuable internships and job placements for their students. As a result, their graduates have strong job prospects, with many being sought after by California-based companies.
After thorough research, the Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has retained its top ranking from previous years. This further solidifies Anderson’s position as California’s top management school.
Another notable achievement is the the Graduate School of Management at the International American University (IAU), ranking second in the list this year. This shows that the IAU is dedicated to providing excellent management education and is succeeding in doing so. The school has also improved its student-to-faculty ratio and decreased its acceptance rate in recent years.
The Rady School of Management at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) has dropped from its previous ranking to third place this year, but it is still a notable feat for the school to be within the top three. Despite the dip in ranking, the Rady School of Management continues to offer a top-notch education in business and management, with a faculty of distinguished scholars and a diverse student body.
The Claremont Graduate University’s Drucker School of Management has also seen success in this year’s ranking, rising from eighth place to sixth place. The Drucker School of Management is dedicated to providing a quality education at an affordable price, and this commitment has contributed to its growing reputation as one of the top management schools in California. With a focus on experiential learning and real-world business application, the Drucker School of Management prepares its students for leadership roles in a variety of industries. The school’s emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship also sets it apart from other management programs in the state. Overall, the Drucker School of Management’s dedication to excellence in education and its focus on practical skills make it a standout choice for students seeking to advance their careers in business and management.
Highlights of the management schools ranking 2023
- Anderson School of Management from the University of California, Los Angeles once again emerged champion of the year.
- Graduate School of Management from International American University improved across all boards to claim second place for itself, moving Rady School of Management to third place.
- Claremont Graduate University’s Drucker School of Management moved to the 6th place from the 8th in last year.
- California Southern University‘s School of Business and Management made it into the top 10 for this year’s ranking.
2023 Top 10 Management Schools in California
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In order to be considered one of the top three management schools in California, a university must demonstrate exceptional resourcefulness and innovation in both educational and social activities. These institutions also provide current, industry-relevant knowledge and strong job placement opportunities for their students. In addition to these factors, the ranking takes into account alumni support, fees and financing, specialization and exchange programs, rankings in other areas, infrastructure, first-year student retention rates, and expert opinions.
Management schools around the world are increasingly recognizing the importance of a holistic approach to leadership and management education.
Rather than just focusing on technical skills and business strategy, top management schools are now prioritizing the development of soft skills such as self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the ability to effectively lead and develop others. Professor David Sprott, Dean of the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University, have this to say: “One of our guiding principles is a belief that management is a liberal art. The practice of management is very people-centric, and effective leaders seek to maximize human potential for the common good.” This focus on a holistic approach to management education is becoming increasingly prevalent among top management schools, and schools that prioritize the development of soft skills such as emotional intelligence and the ability to effectively lead and develop others are consistently ranked highly.
Furthermore, management schools that incorporate student-centered learning in their approach prioritize the needs and learning styles of individual students. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, these schools tailor their teaching methods and curriculum to meet the specific needs of each student. Overall, the goal of student-centered learning in management schools is to help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are essential for success in the business world. Dr. Gerhard Apfelthaler, School of Management at California Lutheran University states: “There are so many achievements that make me proud of my own school. Some of our professors are among the most highly regarded scholars in the world. However, what makes me proudest is when I hear about how deeply our professors care about their students’ learning, and how successful our alumni are.”
Ultimately, the success of students results in success of the society. The goal of ranking the best management schools in California is to provide guidance to aspiring young managers who are considering studying in the state. Out of the many management schools and universities available to students in California, the ranking has identified the top ten based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative research. These schools not only prepare students to succeed in the competitive job market, but also equip them with the skills to thrive in diverse work environments that may involve evolving technologies. Alumni of these great schools are able to integrate into society and help solve societal problems. As Dr. Antonio Bernardo, Dean and Chairman in Management at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management points out: ” I believe deeply in our research and teaching mission and I am extremely proud to be a part of one of the world’s great public universities, tackling society’s most vexing problems.”
University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a prestigious public research university located in Los Angeles, California. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs and is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the United States. UCLA is home to several highly ranked graduate schools, including the UCLA School of Law and the UCLA Anderson School of Management. The university is known for its distinguished faculty, which includes numerous Nobel laureates, Fulbright Scholars, and MacArthur “geniuses”.
International American University
The International American University (IAU) is a for-profit university located in Los Angeles, California. It offers programs through both distance education and in-person instruction, and has been approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) to grant degrees. IAU is home to several highly ranked graduate programs, including the School of Business and Graduate School of Management. IAU was founded in 2005 as the Management Institute of America, Inc., and currently operates from facilities in Orange County and Los Angeles. IAU is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools , Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and is a member of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
University of California, San Diego
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is a prestigious public research university located in San Diego, California. It is known for its strong programs in management, science, engineering, and medicine, and has several highly ranked graduate programs, including the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Rady School of Management. UC San Diego is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, and is a member of the Association of American Universities and has a distinguished faculty, including many Nobel laureates and MacArthur “geniuses”.
The University of San Francisco (USF) is a private university located in San Francisco, California founded in 1855. It offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of disciplines, with a focus on business management, education, and nursing. USF is home to several highly ranked graduate programs, including the USF School of Law and the USF School of Management. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.
California Lutheran University
California Lutheran University (CLU) is a private liberal arts and sciences university located in Thousand Oaks, California. It was founded in 1959 and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. CLU is home to a number of highly ranked graduate programs, including the CLU School of Management and the CLU School of Education. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, and is committed to sustainability and community engagement, with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. CLU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
Claremont Graduate University (CGU) is a private research university located in Claremont, California. The university offers a range of master’s and doctoral degree programs in a variety of disciplines, and is known for its strong programs in business management, education, and the social sciences. CGU is home to a number of highly ranked graduate programs, including the Drucker School of Management and the CGU School of Educational Studies. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, and is committed to sustainability and community engagement. It was founded in 1925 and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools.
Notre Dame de Namur University
Notre Dame de Namur University is a private, Catholic university located in Belmont, California. It was founded in 1851 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, a religious order of Catholic women, and is the third-oldest university in California. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business and management, education, nursing, psychology, and social work. It is known for its strong liberal arts program and its commitment to social justice and community service. The campus is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, providing students with access to a diverse range of cultural and recreational opportunities.
Alliant International University
Alliant International University is a private, nonprofit university located in San Diego, California. It was founded in 1969 as the California School of Professional Psychology and has since grown to include a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as management, education, psychology, and law. Alliant is known for its diverse student body and its commitment to global citizenship and social justice. Alliant is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.
DeVry University is a private, for-profit institution with multiple campus locations, including the Folsom, Long Beach, Newark, Ontario, San Diego, San Jose Center, and Sherman Oaks Campus in California. It was founded in 1931 and is a subsidiary of Adtalem Global Education. DeVry offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields such as management, healthcare, technology, and media arts. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has a large enrollment and has been recognized by various organizations for its programs in business management, healthcare, and technology.
California Southern University
California Southern University is a private, for-profit institution of higher education located in Irvine, California. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including management, law, psychology, and healthcare. California Southern University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.