The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with Work Integrated Learning (WIL) equips students with comprehensive business fundamentals while emphasizing leadership through the transpersonal lens. The curriculum fosters a global perspective and focuses on value-driven, data-informed decision-making, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking in a competitive strategic environment. Graduates will be prepared to cultivate a forward-thinking organizations rooted in ethical, evidence-based choices, and effective interpersonal communication.
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Summer Start Date: | July 7, 2025 |
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Fall Start Date: | September 29, 2025 |
Winter Start Date: | January 12, 2026 |
Spring Start Date: | April 6, 2026 |
Program Length: | 1.5 Years (6 quarters) |
Total Number of Units: | 36 |
Estimated Total Cost: | $24,000 |
Estimated Fees: | $1,100 |
Format: | Hybrid synchronous online courses with periodic weekend instruction |
Campus: | Palo Alto, CA Costa Mesa, CA |
GRE/GMAT: | Not Required |
Key Program Highlights:
We blend scholarship in transpersonal psychology with meaningful, transformative learning that inspires reflection, self-actualization and authentic leadership development.
Recognized Affordability and Excellence.
We continue to be one of the most affordable options in the Silicon Valley and LA regions, with our MBA priced under $26k. In 2025, our MBA was ranked #4 in Southern California MBA Programs by the Los Angeles Times. Additionally, in 2018, we were recognized as a Top 5 Online MBA Program in Silicon Valley by the Online MBA Report.”
Accredited
Sofia is nationally accredited by the nation’s premier accreditation body for higher education, the Senior College (WASC), and University Commission (WSCUC).
Qualified Educators
Our MBA faculty is compromised of industry leaders and innovators with experience in business and beyond.
Career Outcomes
Chief Executive Officer
Median wages (2023)
$99.37 hourly, $206,680 annual
Human Resources Manager
Median wages (2023)
$48.69 hourly, $101,280 annual
Software Engineer
Median wages (2023)
$64.21 hourly, $133,560 annual
Finance Manager
Median wages (2023)
$99.37 hourly, $206,680 annual
Marketing Manager
Median wages (2023)
$48.69 hourly, $101,280 annual
Operations Manager
Median wages (2023)
$64.21 hourly, $133,560 annual
Corporate Lawyer
Median wages (2023)
$99.37 hourly, $206,680 annual
Business Owner
Median wages (2023)
$48.69 hourly, $101,280 annual
Investment Banker
Median wages (2023)
$64.21 hourly, $133,560 annual
*Career information provided through this website is based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data provided through O*net online.
MBA Information Session
Discover what Sofia University’s MBA program has to offer in this informative video featuring Program Chair, Dr. Simone DiMatteo, who answers key questions about the program, providing prospective students with a comprehensive overview of what to expect.
Get Real-World Experience
The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component of this program provides students with hands-on experience in a career-based environment, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge while receiving mentorship from faculty and feedback from workplace supervisors. This program encourages the development of rational thinking, emotional intelligence, and intuition in organizational decision-making, preparing students to become transformative leaders in a dynamic business landscape. Ultimately, the MBA with WIL equips students to adapt to technological and business changes, ensuring long-term success and stability.
Curriculum:
To receive a Master of Business Administration degree, a total of 36 units are required for graduation. The following are specific degree requirements:
- 12 units in Foundational Courses
- 12 units in Business Fundamentals Courses
- 9 units in Leadership and Management Courses
- 3 units in Capstone Course
- Work Integrated Learning Program
Foundational Courses (12 units)
The Core consists of courses that aim to provide students with an introduction to transpersonal psychology, business communications, scholarship, organizational behavior, and quality decision-making skills in the context of business law and ethics to lead in business.
- MBA2100 Introduction to Transpersonal Psychology & Self Leadership (3)
- MBA2101 Business Communications & Scholarship (3)
- MBA2200 Decision Making within Business Law & Ethics (3)
- MBA2202 Organizational Behavior – A Systems Thinking Approach (3)
Sub-Total Credits 12
Business Fundamentals Courses (12 units)
Business Fundamentals courses provide exposure to the major functional areas of business, including managerial accounting, operational excellence, behavioral marketing, and technology and innovation.
- MBA2300 Managerial Accounting (3)
- MBA2303 Operational Excellence (3)
- MBA2400 Behavioral Marketing, Insights and Strategies (3)
- MBA2404 Technology, Structure and Security (3)
Sub-Total Credits 12
Leadership and Management Courses (9 units)
Three (3) mandatory leadership and management courses to bring together leadership and management in workforce development, employee well-being, and sustainable ESG practices with transpersonal leadership.
- MBA2500 Sustainable ESG Practices (3)
- MBA2505 Workforce Development and Well-Being (3)
- MBA2600 Mindful Transpersonal Leadership (3)
Sub-Total Credits 9
Capstone Course (3 units)
Students will complete a Capstone course to complete the MBA program. The goal of the course is to convey the ideas from all the previous courses into a cohesive whole through an applied project.
- MBA2606 MBA Capstone: Applied Learning Project (3)
Sub-Total Credits 3
Students pursuing the MBA with Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Degree Program are required to pass a Sofia University zero (0) credit class. WIL is a graduation requirement and an integral part of a student’s MBA with WIL program journey. Additionally, after completing the WIL class, students have the option to enroll in other WIL courses, which will support their continued academic and professional development throughout the program.
MBA Concentrations
Students focus their studies by completing the Concentration of their choice which is directly related to the career path or career goals. There are four (4) mandatory concentration classes in multiple concentrations. Each course is three (3) credit units for 12 mandatory concentration credits for a program total of 48 credit units.Â
In addition to the MBA core 36 credits, students can choose concentrations to add to their program. Students are allowed to add two concentrations in total taking their program credits to 48 with one concentration or 60 credits with two concentrations.
Business Data Analytics (STEM certified)
Through a blend of theoretical and practical learning, students will develop expertise in data management, business intelligence, and predictive analytics, applying their knowledge to solve complex business problems.
The Intersection of AI and Business
Students will develop a deep understanding of how AI can be harnessed to optimize operations, drive innovation, and gain a competitive edge.
Executive Entrepreneurial Leadership
This concentration cultivates the strategic mindset and leadership skills necessary to drive innovation, growth, and success in today’s fast-paced, competitive business landscape.
Transformative Strategic Leadership
Students will explore organizational development frameworks, gaining the tools to identify opportunities, implement innovative solutions, and lead teams through periods of transformation.
Global Business Leadership
This concentration prepares students to navigate the complexities of leading multinational organizations in a globalized world.
Global Team Leadership
Through a blend of cultural intelligence training, leadership development, and team dynamics study, students will learn to foster collaboration, communication, and cohesion within multinational teams.
Alumni Stories
"I am incredibly grateful for this transformative opportunity. My experience at Sofia not only helped me grow both personally and professionally but also provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. professional landscape. Following my internship, I transitioned into a full-time role at Sofia University. I am deeply grateful to Sofia University for believing in me and providing this life-changing opportunity."
Camila Alvarez Ospina
MBA Student
Class of 2024
As the workforce evolves, a graduate degree shows me the dedication to enhancing my industry expertise and credibility. By earning a graduate degree from Sofia University, I continue to expand upon my wealth of knowledge, preparing myself for a life of constant learning, and I now have the confidence to compete in today’s advanced technological world.
Anjali Patel
MBA Student
Class of 2021
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
This section aims to address the most common inquiries we receive about the Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Work Integrated Learning (WIL) degree program, providing prospective students with detailed insights.
Full-time students who take six (6) units per quarter may complete the program in 1.5 years. Part-time students (those taking fewer than six credit units per quarter) typically complete the program in two to two and a half years (2 to 2.5 years). Students have up to four (4) years to complete the degree.
Sofia University supports our international students in various ways. Our International Student Office (ISO) supports our F-1 international students with immigration advising, record-keeping, and other services. The academic program provides students with program advising and guidance. Our Global College Office supports our international students through a myriad of services. Our Student Services Office supports our students with accessibility, career planning, and campus resources to help our students thrive. Sofia University takes a student-centered approach, and all of our staff and administrators are focused on student success.
Please visit Student Resource for more information.
The MBA with Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is a 36-credit program that requires one zero-credit WIL course in addition to the 12 core 3-credit courses. For more information about the program, its requirements, and courses, please visit Course Catalog for more information
Work Integrated Learning-Based Internship Program
The Sofia University MBA with Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Program is designed to integrate the knowledge students acquire in their courses with the practical experience they gain in the workplace. The program is designed for students who seek to synthesize academic and professional concepts and theory into practical application. The program requires a Work Integrated Learning course as part of the core MBA program.
Internship Eligibility for F-1 students:
You are a student enrolled in a graduate degree program – For all master’s and doctoral level degrees at Sofia University (including those granted to domestic students), internships are an integral part of the training.
Prospective F-1 students who have been in F-1 status and previously enrolled full-time at a college or university in the U.S. for at least one academic year (one academic year at Sofia is defined as three full-time quarters per the academic calendar) in the following, master’s degree programs DO NOT need to fulfill the one-year academic requirement to apply for CPT: Master’s in Business Administration – MBA – Cip Code 52.0201.
In order to obtain approval to participate in an internship, you must be able to show that your curricular practical training directly relates to your major area of study. When a student files a CPT Authorization Request, this application will be reviewed by a qualified Internship Faculty Advisor. The Internship Faculty Advisor will review the proposed internship experience and sign-off if it adequately correlates with and supports the training objectives of the student’s degree program.
All internship participants must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout their participation in internships, with certain limited exceptions. For those students unable to find a placement in the first quarter, the university can assist in locating a placement; will help a student to find an appropriate substitute internship, or suggest the filing of a temporary waiver.
To learn more about Sofia’s internship policies for check out our Domestic Internship Handbook and International Internship Handbook. Our Internship Handbook will help you learn about our Work Integrated Learning Internship Program, overall qualifications, and internal processes on how to apply.
To see the MBA and MSCS Badges, please click here
