UC Davis Online Master of Management

The AACSB-accredited University of California, Davis Master of Management online program is designed for ambitious recent graduates and early-career professionals aiming for advanced organizational leadership and management responsibilities.

  • Complete in as few as 15 months—With 100% online coursework and part time pacing, you can earn your degree without relocating or leaving your job.
  • Explore your MBA options—Students who remain in good academic standing and meet all MBA admissions requirements may be eligible to apply to the UC Davis Online MBA program and earn an MBA.
  • Develop key skills with a STEM-designated curriculum—Learn how to apply data analysis to innovate and inform important business decisions and develop in-demand, transferable skills.

AACSB-Accredited Online Master of Management Program Overview

The online Master of Management from the Graduate School of Management at the University of California, Davis is more than a graduate program—it’s a transformational experience that challenges you to think about business and innovation in new ways.

Our program (MM@UCDavis) offers an interactive virtual campus that brings our culture of collaboration to you, wherever you are. As part of the prestigious UC Davis online masters offerings, you’ll discover an energetic network of enterprising professionals and globally recognized faculty eager to work with you to change the world.

The Graduate School of Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, which means the school meets internationally recognized standards for excellence in business education.

Top 10 Online MBA in North America—Ranked by QS Top MBA1

Top 10 Public Schools—Ranked by U.S. News & World Report2

Explore the Online MBA Pathway

Designed with flexibility in mind, the Online Master of Management to UC Davis Online MBA pathway allows students to evolve as their professional goals do.

If you are in good academic standing and meet the 2+ years professional work experience requirement, you may apply to UC Davis Online MBA in your final term of the Online Master of Management program. Complete the remaining coursework and requirements in the UC Davis MBA program to earn your MBA.

You must apply to UC Davis Online MBA in your final term to be eligible for the pathway. Students who complete the degree and return later cannot use the streamlined process.

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STEM-Designated Online Master of Management Curriculum

The merging of business with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields is powering innovation in the 21st century. Our STEM-designated online Master of Management reflects UC Davis’ nationally recognized leadership in the STEM fields. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes quantitative analysis and data-driven decision making, which will prepare you for leadership roles in STEM fields.

The 36-unit curriculum is composed of nine courses, taken in a particular order. You can earn your Master of Management in just 15 months, 100% online.

Core 36-Unit Business Curriculum

Modeled after UC Davis’ highly regarded, nationally ranked MBA program, the online Master of Management curriculum equips you with a strong foundation in the functional areas of business, such as accounting, economics, finance, marketing and strategy.

Providing a strategic mix of business and tech fundamentals, the online Master of Management program includes the following courses:

Core CurriculumUnits
Financial Accounting
4
Individual and Group Dynamics
4
Organizational Strategy and Structure
4
Markets and the Firm
4
Data Analysis for Managers
4
Marketing Management
4
Financial Theory and Policy
4
Managing for Operational Excellence
4
Tech, Competition and Strategy
4

Program Structure and Flexible Workload

In the spirit of innovation, UC Davis is the first school in the University of California ecosystem to launch an online Master of Management program.

Here’s what you can expect in the online Master of Management program:

  • Guidance from research faculty and instructors who are diverse thought leaders
  • Lively interactions with peers in face-to-face online classes
  • A focus on innovation, hands-on experience and trailblazing research

In the final quarter of the program, you’ll need to pass a comprehensive examination that tests your mastery of the course material as well as your ability to synthesize learning across key subject areas.

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Flexible 100% Online Learning Experience

Interactive Asynchronous Coursework

Receive valuable career guidance and create a custom-tailored career roadmap that will help set you up for post-graduation success. Designed as a flexible master of management online program, our interactive asynchronous coursework allows you to balance your coursework with personal and professional commitments while mastering core business fundamentals.

Live Virtual Classes Led by UC Davis Faculty

Through a close-knit community online and in person, we empower you to collaborate with a group of diverse, caring professionals who will challenge you to be your best.

The centerpiece of the UC Davis Master of Management online experience is the live online classes, where you’ll participate in spirited, face-to-face conversations on our technology platform.

Accelerated Credit Transfer Pathway to the UC Davis Online MBA

As you progress through the program and your long-term career goals come into focus, you may decide to pursue an MBA.

The good news: that process may be easier than you think, and you may be eligible to apply to the UC Davis Online MBA program. Here’s how it works:

  • Stay on track academically—Students who remain in good academic standing throughout the Online Master of Management program may be eligible to apply to transition into the Online MBA program.
  • A streamlined application process—Complete a condensed version of the Online MBA application for simplicity and ease.
  • Finish what’s left—If you are accepted, all credits from your Masters in Business Management online coursework transfer over. You will complete only the remaining Online MBA coursework and requirements, and you will graduate with an MBA.

This pathway is only available before completing the UC Davis Online Master of Management program. Students who complete and graduate from the Online Master of Management program are not eligible for this transition pathway to the UC Davis Online MBA program.

Students will need to meet all admissions requirements for the MBA program, including the 2+ years professional work experience requirement at the time of transition.

Master of Management vs. MBA: Which Degree Is Right for You?

While both degrees offer powerful pathways for building business acumen and leadership skills, understanding key differences between the STEM-designated Master of Management (MM) and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) helps you select the degree best aligned with your career stage:

Master of Management (MM)Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Developed for
Recent graduates and early-career professionals

Accelerating entry into early-to-mid-level management roles
Mid-career professionals and experienced managers

Skill enhancement for senior executive roles, specialization or career pivots
Work Experience
0–2 years (No work experience required)
2+ years of full-time professional experience
Program Duration
Duration: 15 months (Part-time)

Credits: 36 units (9 core courses)

Modality: 100% online with live face-to-face sessions and self-paced coursework  
Duration: 24 to 36 months (Part-time, as fast as 24 months)

Credits: 72 units (10 core courses, electives and capstone)

Modality: Online (live and self-paced) + 2 required in-person residential sessions  
Curriculum Focus
STEM-Designated Core Foundation:

Foundational business skills in key areas (e.g., finance, management, data analysis and strategy). Covers the same 9 core STEM-designated courses as the MBA in a fixed, sequential format without optional electives.
STEM-Designated Core + Advanced Specialization:

Foundational business skills in key areas (e.g., finance, management, data analysis and strategy), plus specialized concentrations and advanced electives in evolving disciplines like tech and programming, along with an Integrated Management Simulation capstone.

Learn From Distinguished UC Davis GSM Faculty

Our trailblazing research faculty and industry experts from Silicon Valley, San Francisco and beyond will know you by name and help you to expand your perspective on business, both inside and outside of the online classroom.

Our faculty are international leaders in their fields who stay on the cutting edge of the business world through pioneering research, knowledge sharing and developing best practices.

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Management Career Outlook, Salary Potential and Corporate Network

Learn how the UC Davis Master of Management online program can help you create a career plan—and put that plan into action.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment in management occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034, generating approximately 1.1 million job openings each year on average.3

Management careers offer some of the highest compensation potential across the labor market, with a median annual wage of $122,090—more than double the median annual wage for all U.S. workers ($49,500).4

For professionals completing an online Master of Management, specialized leadership roles across high-growth sectors offer impressive earning power:

Management RoleMedian Annual Wage (U.S. BLS)5Strategic Focus Area
Computer and Information Systems Managers
$171,200
Tech Leadership and IT Strategy
Marketing Managers
$159,660
Market Strategy and Brand Growth
Financial Managers
$140,030
Financial Modeling and Resource Policy
Sales Managers
$138,060
Revenue Growth and Business Development
Training and Development Managers
$127,090
Organizational Development and Talent

Location also drives exceptional opportunity: California leads the nation in total employment for management occupations, boasting an annual mean wage of $160,360 for managers statewide.6

Corporate Networks and UC Davis Alumni Connections

Career goals are always evolving, and the UC Davis Graduate School of Management’s career development team is here to help you explore opportunities that align with your goals. That may look like a leadership role in your field, pivoting into a new industry, or even applying to transition into the UC Davis Online MBA program.

Whatever your direction, our team is here to help you prepare for interviews, advance your professional development, and build diverse networks both during and after your time at UC Davis.

Comprehensive Career Coaching and Placement Support

Receive valuable career guidance and create a custom-tailored career roadmap that will help set you up for post-graduation success. Our prime location and corporate connections help students take advantage of opportunities across Northern California, from Sacramento to the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley—the global hub of innovation.

Scholarships, Financial Aid and Funding Options

Program Investment at a Glance (2026-2027)

Tuition per Unit:

$1,500

Total Units:

36 units

Estimated Total Tuition:

$54,000

Deposit:

$1,000 (applied to first-quarter tuition)

UC Davis Federal School Code:

001313

Applicants admitted to the upcoming cohort will be considered for merit-based scholarship awards. To learn more about scholarships and additional financing options please visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page or reach out to your Enrollment Specialist for more information.

A variety of financial resources, subject to change, are available to help prospective students finance their online Master of Management degree:

  • Tuition and fees: Tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year is estimated at $1,500 per unit across 36 units, resulting in a total estimated tuition of $54,000. Course fees are locked at enrollment and remain fixed throughout your studies. A $1,000 deposit is required upon enrollment and is applied toward your first-quarter tuition.
  • Merit-based scholarships: Qualified applicants are automatically evaluated for merit scholarships by the Admissions Committee during the application review process.
  • Federal financial aid: U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply for federal student aid programs, including Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using federal school code 001313. California residents may also submit the California Dream Act Application.
  • UC Native American Opportunity Plan (NAOP) equivalent: While the online Master of Management is not a state-supported program, the UC Davis Graduate School of Management provides an equivalent level of financial aid for eligible California students enrolled in federally recognized Native American, American Indian or Alaska Native tribes.
  • Special program awards: Summer Institute for Emerging Managers and Leaders (SIEML) alumni who completed the program within the past seven years and gain admission receive full coverage of tuition and fees.
  • Additional funding channels: Students may also explore private education loans, military/veteran benefits and employer tuition assistance.
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Online Master of Management Admission Requirements

The UC Davis Graduate School of Management Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically, evaluating your academic potential, professional promise and personal qualities.

The online Master of Management offers two start dates per year, in the spring and fall. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The program takes approximately 15 months to complete. To apply, you’ll need to submit:

  • An online application
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • 1–2 essays
  • A résumé or CV
  • Official transcripts

GMAT/GRE test scores are optional.

To be considered for admission, you should have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. To determine if your degree program meets our requirements, review the expected level of study for international students.

Work experience is not required for this program, but we encourage you to highlight internships, volunteer efforts and any other work experience you may have.

If English is not your first language, you’ll also need to submit official English language examination scores.

Learn more about the admissions requirements and process.

Start Your Application for the UC Davis Master of Management

Ready to take your next step? Reach out today to find out more information about the program.

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FAQs about UC Davis Online Master of Management

  • A Master of Management (MM, MiM or MSM) is a graduate business degree designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals who want to gain essential management skills without needing extensive work experience. The online Master of Management program at the University of California, Davis features a 9-course core curriculum structured to help you build foundational skills in finance, strategy and data analytics to accelerate your transition into business leadership roles.

  • While both degrees offer rigorous business training, a Master of Management is tailored for recent graduates or individuals with non-business undergraduate backgrounds who want to gain immediate leadership skills. In contrast, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) typically requires several years of full-time professional experience and focuses on advanced strategic decision-making for mid- to senior-level roles.

  • Students in good academic standing may be eligible to transition from the Online Master of Management to the UC Davis Online MBA as their professional goals evolve. If you meet the MBA’s 2+ years of professional work experience requirement, you can apply through a streamlined process during your final term. If admitted, you’ll complete only the remaining MBA coursework and requirements. Students who complete and graduate from the UC Davis Online Master of Management program are not eligible for this transition pathway.

  • You do not need to be an advanced math expert to succeed in the STEM-designated UC Davis Master of Management program. The quantitative coursework emphasizes practical data analytics and applied statistics rather than theoretical mathematics. To help all students build confidence before classes begin, the UC Davis Graduate School of Management provides dedicated math boot camps and preparatory learning materials.

  • GMAT and GRE scores are optional for applicants seeking admission into the online Master of Management program. While submitting test scores can strengthen your application, they are not mandatory for review. If you are admitted without test scores or lack a quantitative background, you may be asked to complete a brief online prerequisite course before officially starting your degree coursework.

  • Total tuition for the online Master of Management program is $54,000 for the 2026–2027 school year. UC Davis offers scholarships to qualifying applicants, and you can connect directly with an Enrollment Specialist to discuss financial aid options. Upon acceptance, students submit a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit to reserve their seat, which is applied directly toward their first term’s tuition.

  • Yes, earning a master’s degree in management is a valuable investment if you are looking to launch your business career quickly or bridge the gap between a non-business undergraduate degree and corporate leadership. The program provides the strategic insight, practical problem-solving skills and professional credentialing needed to stand out in a competitive job market.

  • Graduates with a Master of Management can pursue diverse roles across corporate, startup and nonprofit organizations. Common career paths include management consultant, project manager, business analyst, marketing manager and human resources specialist.

University of California, Davis partners with 2U to support the delivery of these online programs. University of California, Davis has full control over the programs, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.

  1. QS Online MBA Rankings 2026: North America. (2025). QS Top MBA. Retrieved September 2026. ↩︎
  2. Top Public Schools. (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved September 2026. ↩︎
  3. Management Occupations. (2026). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved September 2026. ↩︎
  4. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Management Occupations. (2024). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved September 2026. ↩︎
  5. Management Occupations. (2026). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved September 2026. ↩︎
  6. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Management Occupations. (2024). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved September 2026. ↩︎