About UCLA Anderson
At UCLA Anderson, MBA candidates learn within a powerhouse university of more than 40,000 students, located in one of the most diverse and creative cities in the U.S. Home to Snap, Hulu, Disney and every company on Silicon Beach, LA’s reputation as a creative city in media and entertainment are unparalleled, but LA’s strengths extend to sectors such as consulting, finance, healthcare and consumer products.
More than sunshine and beaches, it’s a serious business culture: the third largest GDP in the world, the largest manufacturing economy in the western U.S., and a major location for every consulting and banking firm. This nexus of industry, creativity and business-creation offers noteworthy access to company visits, guest speakers, mentors and internships.
In this dynamic environment, UCLA Anderson defines its community by three core qualities: share success, think fearlessly and drive change. Anderson pioneered the nation’s first field study program , more than 50 years ago—the Applied Management Research Program—and establishing the Easton Technology Management Center. That history of innovation is reflected in Anderson’s motto, “Think in the Next,” which speaks to its affinity for bold thinkers who are unafraid to chart new pathways and effect change.
Anderson has a nine-course core curriculum that includes the option to add a specialization for a deeper dive into a target industry or function. The second year of study is entirely by individual design, allowing students to choose from an array of electives. Students also complete an Applied Management Research project (AMR), a two-quarter capstone experience that synthesizes classroom learning and applies it in a real-world business setting.
Strengths and Specializations
Entrepreneurship, finance, technology, marketing, healthcare management, sustainability, real estate, communications, entertainment
Graduating Class of 2025
Number of Applicants: 2,182
MBA Class Size: 296
Avg. Age: 29
Avg. Work Experience: 5.7 years
Avg. GPA: 3.4
Avg. GMAT: 650
International Students: 47%
Female Students: 40%
Tuition:$78,350/year
Post-MBA Careers (class of 2023)
Career Sectors: Consulting 27%; Tech 25.8%; Financial Services 13.9%; Consumer Products 9%; Entertainment & Media 8.2%; Starting Own Business 4.4%
Top Recruiters: Amazon, McKinsey, Adobe Systems, Bain & Company, Bank of America, Deloitte, EY–Parthenon, L.E.K. Consulting, Mattel, PwC, Amgen, Boston Consulting Group, Cisco Systems, Credit Suisse, Epson America, Genentech, Google Inc., Intuit, Kearney, Microsoft Corp., Morgan Stanley, Nike, Paramount, Sony Interactive Entertainment (Playstation), Warner Bros.
Avg. Base Salary: $151,140; Salary Increase: 121% (source: FT Rankings 2024)
Employment offered within 3 months of graduation: 86.9%
UCLA Anderson Rankings
Admissions
Deadlines for 2023-2024: R1 Oct. 5, 2023; R2 Jan. 4, 2024; R3 April 12, 2024
Essay
Essay 1) UCLA Anderson seeks to develop transformative leaders who think fearlessly, drive change, and share success. We believe the ability to persevere is an essential component of effective leadership. Please share an example from your personal or professional life where you demonstrated perseverance to accomplish a significant goal or milestone. (250 word limit)
Optional Essay) Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? (250 word limit)
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