California State University, San Marcos’ College of Business Administration focuses on professional development through its signature programs to ensure students are prepared to be successful in their future professions. Executives in Residence lead the newly implemented mandatory Business Professional Development Program for sophomores and transfer students. The success of their programs is evident, with graduates employed at Wells Fargo, Qualcomm, and Illumina. The C.o.B.A. is comprised of the Department of Accounting and Finance, Information Systems and Operations Management, and Management and Marketing.
Education
Undergraduate students enter CoBA as Pre-Business students and are able to declare a major upon successful completion of business core courses. The majors available include Accounting, Finance, Global Business, Global Supply Chain Management, Management, Management Information Systems, and Marketing. The rigorous Accounting curriculum prepares students for the CPA exam. Finance students can pursue the Corporate Finance or Investment Analysis path. Global Business students are required to complete either a foreign study or work experience to gain exposure to international business practices. The focus areas for this degree are Marketing, Entrepreneurship, or Information Systems. An undergraduate certificate is available in Water Resources Management and Leadership. All seniors gain 750 hours of hands-on experience through working on consulting teams with regional companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies.
Two MBA options are available for graduate students; the Fully-employed MBA or a Specialized MBA. The fully-employed MBA is for students who bring at least three years of professional experience to the program. Classes are held on weekends and in the evening to accommodate a full-time work schedule, and completion time is 18 months. The Specialized MBA allows students to select a specialization in Business Intelligence, International Business, or Hospitality or Tourism Management. Classes are offered in the morning, and full-time students can graduate in one year, and part-time students generally take two to three years. Graduate certificates include the Certificate of Business Foundations, Certificate of Core Business Knowledge, or Advanced Study in Business Intelligence, International Business, or Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Student Life
Even timid freshmen students will transfer into courageous leaders throughout their college career through the multitude of leadership development programs offered. The Center for Leadership Innovation and Mentorship Building offers speaker seminars, leadership workshops, and awards students who exhibit superb leadership skills. The Professional Mentor program allows students to grow their professional network. Some of the events students can attend through the Student Success Grants include Social Media Marketing World, International Conference on Economics, Finance and Accounting, and Adobe Max Creativity Conference.
Students are also able to apply their skills to help small businesses flourish through the Office of Business Research and Analysis. Annual business fairs and the Senior Experience Trade Show also help students land their first internship and explore post-graduation employment opportunities. Business organizations, such as the Business Organization Student Success, Entrepreneurship Society, Investment Society, and the Latino Business Student Association, help students put into practice all of the leadership skills they acquire from the Business Professional Development Program.