California Lutheran University MBA & Rankings

Founded in 1959, California Lutheran University (CLU), also known as Cal Lutheran, has established itself as one of the leading universities in the Western United States. Consistently ranked among the top-tier institutions in the region, CLU has earned recognition for its academic excellence, diverse programs, and commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education. Its reputation for academic rigor and quality is reflected in its consistent placement in the annual rankings of U.S. News & World Report, which ranks it among the best universities in the West.

CLU offers a broad range of educational programs through its College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, and School of Education. The university’s academic offerings include undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in a variety of fields, with notable emphasis on areas like education, business, computer science, public policy, and psychology. This wide selection ensures that students have access to diverse opportunities for academic growth, whether they are pursuing their undergraduate studies or seeking advanced graduate and professional education.

The School of Business at Cal Lutheran is particularly well-known for its business programs, which are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a prestigious credential that recognizes the highest quality of business education. Additionally, the business school is a member of the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), further solidifying its commitment to excellence in business education. One of the cornerstones of Cal Lutheran's offerings is its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, which is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in core business principles, along with the specialized skills needed to thrive in today's competitive business environment.

Cal Lutheran offers a range of MBA specializations to cater to the diverse interests and career goals of its students. These specializations include Marketing, Management and Organizational Behavior, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Information Technology, International Business, and Financial Planning. Each of these specializations is crafted to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their chosen field, equipping them with both theoretical insights and practical experience that will benefit them throughout their careers.

A particularly distinctive feature of CLU’s MBA offerings is the Online MBA in Financial Planning, a program designed to meet the needs of working professionals who are looking to advance their careers while managing their personal schedules. This program is registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board), which is a key accreditation for students who aim to become Certified Financial Planners (CFP®). The Financial Planning MBA is a unique program that combines the core MBA curriculum with specialized courses in financial planning, including areas such as personal finance, estate planning, investment management, and retirement planning. The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both business and financial planning, preparing them for leadership roles in the financial services industry.

The Online MBA in Financial Planning is designed for flexibility, allowing students to complete the program in an accelerated format in as little as one and a half years. This flexible structure makes it ideal for professionals who want to continue working while earning their degree, making it possible to achieve a high level of expertise in financial planning without disrupting their careers. The program is composed of 16 courses, with 8 foundational MBA courses followed by 8 specialized courses in financial planning, culminating in a capstone project. This program reflects Cal Lutheran’s commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education that allows students to balance their academic goals with their professional lives.

Accreditation is a significant point of pride for California Lutheran University, and it plays an essential role in ensuring the quality of its academic programs. As mentioned, the university is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), which is one of the most respected regional accrediting agencies in the United States. This accreditation ensures that Cal Lutheran meets high standards in terms of its faculty, curriculum, resources, and overall academic quality. Additionally, the School of Education at Cal Lutheran holds accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), reflecting the high standards upheld in its education programs, which are designed to prepare students for careers in teaching and educational leadership.

Cal Lutheran’s commitment to excellence is reflected not only in its academic offerings but also in its rankings. The university has been consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report, ranking as one of the top regional universities in the Western United States. In 2009, Cal Lutheran was ranked 16th in the list of the best Western Regional Universities offering quality bachelor’s and master’s degrees, marking it as one of the top institutions in the region. For 14 consecutive years, Cal Lutheran was ranked among the top 20 universities in the Western region, with its position improving from 20th in 2008 to 16th in 2009.

The university is also highly regarded for its freshman retention rates and the percentage of its classes with fewer than 20 students, with 81% of freshmen returning for their sophomore year and 64% of classes having fewer than 20 students. This highlights Cal Lutheran’s commitment to providing an intimate, engaging learning environment that allows students to receive personalized attention and develop strong relationships with their professors. These aspects of student satisfaction and success are significant factors that contribute to the university’s high ranking and reputation for academic excellence.

In terms of its MBA programs, Cal Lutheran also stands out for the quality and diversity of its graduate offerings. In addition to its MBA program, the university’s School of Business offers a range of specialized degrees, such as the Master of Science in Information Technology, which provides students with the technical expertise needed to manage information systems and technology in the business world. The university also offers a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree, designed for students interested in pursuing leadership roles in government and non-profit organizations.

Beyond rankings and academic quality, Cal Lutheran’s campus culture is another significant aspect of the university’s identity. The university fosters a collaborative environment where students can engage with one another and participate in extracurricular activities that complement their academic experiences. Cal Lutheran is known for its commitment to values-based education, incorporating a focus on ethical leadership, community service, and social responsibility into its curricula. This approach ensures that students not only gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their careers but also develop the values and perspectives necessary to be responsible leaders in the global community.

In conclusion, California Lutheran University stands as a top choice for students seeking a high-quality education in the Western United States. With its robust academic programs, outstanding faculty, and strong commitment to both academic excellence and student satisfaction, Cal Lutheran continues to provide a transformative educational experience for students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university’s AACSB-accredited business school and its diverse offerings in fields such as business, education, and psychology make it an attractive option for students looking to pursue advanced degrees in a dynamic and supportive learning environment. Whether in the classroom or online, Cal Lutheran’s academic programs provide students with the tools, skills, and experiences needed to succeed in their chosen careers.