Choose Your Path: Three One-Year, STEM-Designated Programs

Sometimes all it takes is one focused year to open new doors and redefine where you’re headed. That’s why the UC Davis Graduate School of Management offers three one-year, STEM-designated graduate business programs designed as career launchpads for young professionals and recent graduates.

Each pathway offers something different—broad business foundations, a direct route into accounting, or hands-on data analytics experience in the heart of San Francisco's tech and AI ecosystem. 

Yet they all share the same strengths: small cohorts, world-class faculty, supportive staff, and career development teams all focused on your success. 

Whether you're coming straight from undergrad or pivoting after a few years in the workforce, these programs are designed to accelerate your next move:

• Master of Management (MM)
• Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc)
• Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)

In a recent webinar, our team of admissions directors Alex Svensson, Zoë Dybdahl and Eric Duarte-McDermott walked prospective students through what makes each program unique, where graduates go after completing their degrees, and how to choose the right path. Here's what they shared.

Master of Management (MM): Broad Business Skills for Any Industry

“If you're looking for a degree that builds strong foundational business skills you can apply in any industry, the Master of Management is the right fit.”
— Alex Svensson, Director of MBA/MM Recruitment and Admissions

The MM is designed for early-career students who want versatile business training and the flexibility to explore different industries. It mirrors the first year of an MBA, offering a strong foundation without requiring years of work experience.

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Highlights

• Flexible formats:
  • Full-Time in Davis (nine months)
  • Part-Time in Sacramento or San Ramon (15 months)
  • Fully online from anywhere (15 months)
• 36-unit, STEM-designated curriculum taught by same MBA faculty
• Small cohorts of 30–40 students
• Growing recognition among U.S. employers; about 70% of corporate recruiters plan to hire MM graduates (GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey 2025)
• First MM program in the University of California system (launched in 2024)

Career Pathways

• Financial analyst
• Business analyst
• Insurance agent
• Entry-level roles across marketing, finance and operations

Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc): Direct Path to the CPA

“This is a program that’s really focused on supporting students in jumping into the professional accounting space.”
— Zoë Dybdahl, MPAc Associate Director of Admissions

MPAc is built for students who want a clear route into accounting and the CPA credential. With a lockstep cohort format, students move through the program together, building deep relationships and strong professional networks.

The program has a proven track record of career placement success with 100% of U.S. eligible graduates receiving job offers with a starting average salary of $79,000.

Highlights

• Nine-month, in-person program in Davis
• 48-unit, STEM-designated curriculum completed with one cohort
• Exclusive MPAc core classes with a collaborative focus
• Training in tools used by firms, including Alteryx and Power BI
• Early career preparation:
  • Pre-program resume and cover letter support
  • Employer connections before classes start
  • Meet the Firms and Career Builder Bootcamp during orientation

Career Pathways

• Audit
• Tax
• Advisory
• Financial reporting and compliance roles across industries 

Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA): Data, AI and Innovation in San Francisco

“We want you to be at the heart of innovation in data.” 
— Eric Duarte McDermott, MSBA executive director of the MSBA.

Students tackle real business challenges, collaborate with a close-knit cohort and build your network in San Francisco—the global hub for analytics and AI innovation.

Through the unique, year-long MSBA practicum project, student teams partner with companies ranging from multinational tech leaders to emerging startups. Many students see their work implemented, and some receive job offers directly from their practicum partners.

Ranked No. 1 in the world for return on investment for five consecutive years, the MSBA program prepares you with the tools, connections and confidence to succeed in a competitive global marketplace.

Highlights

• San Francisco location at the heart of the world’s AI and data analytics ecosystem
• Practicum project with 30+ companies annually
• STEM-designated curriculum with two paths:
  • 44 units with comprehensive exam
  • 50 units with thesis
• Top rankings:
  • No. 1 in the world for ROI (QS Masters Rankings, five years running)
  • Top 10 globally for value for degree
  • Top 20 overall in U.S., top 40 overall globally
• Classes Thursday–Saturday to support internships and networking

Career Pathways

• Data analyst and data scientist
• Business analyst
• Analytics and strategy roles in tech, finance, supply chain, social media and consulting
• Average starting salaries above $100,000; strong advancement into senior roles

Program Comparisons