Webinar Recap | UCI Merage School of Business PMBC Partnership Announcement & Graduate Program Information Session

In June 2026, HYP Global partnered with the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) to host an online graduate admissions information session. The event introduced UCI Merage’s master’s programs, curriculum structure, career development resources, and the PMBC (Pre-Master Boot Camp) partnership program.

The session featured Lisa Shulman, Strategic Program Manager, as the keynote speaker. She provided students with a comprehensive overview of the Merage School’s educational strengths, graduate program options, and application planning strategies.

University of California, Irvine (UCI): An Innovative Public Research University on the Tech Coast

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) is one of the major campuses within the University of California System (UC System). Founded in 1965, the university is located in Irvine, Orange County, California.

With approximately 30,000 students, UCI is a highly internationalized research university known for its strong academic environment, innovation ecosystem, and connections to regional industries.

UCI Campus Highlights

International Learning Environment

UCI attracts students from countries and regions around the world, creating a diverse and inclusive campus community.

Diverse Student Community at the Business School

During the session, it was introduced that graduate programs at the Paul Merage School of Business maintain a diverse student population. Several master’s programs have a high percentage of female students, with some programs reaching approximately 40%–50%, reflecting the school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Technology and Business Resources in a Silicon Valley-Inspired Environment

Located in Southern California, Orange County is recognized as an important technology and business hub in the United States.

Leveraging the regional industry ecosystem, UCI students have opportunities to engage with technology companies, innovative enterprises, and business resources, creating broader possibilities for career exploration.

Paul Merage School of Business: Developing Business Leaders for the Digital Era

The Paul Merage School of Business is dedicated to preparing the next generation of business professionals with digital capabilities, innovative thinking, and leadership skills.

During the webinar, the school introduced its boutique-style graduate education model and highlighted the resources available to graduate students, including:

• Academic support;

• Career development services;

• Alumni networking resources;

• Industry engagement opportunities.

Comprehensive Career Development Support

The Merage School provides extensive career support services for master’s students, including:

• Resume reviews;

• Mock interviews;

• Career planning guidance;

• Job search skill training.

In addition, through international student support programs and alumni networks, the school helps students better understand the U.S. professional environment and prepare for career development.

Introduction to PMBC Partner Graduate Programs

A key focus of the session was the introduction of the graduate programs included in the partnership between the Paul Merage School of Business and HYP Global’s PMBC (Pre-Master Boot Camp).

The participating programs include:

• Full-Time MBA (Master of Business Administration);

• Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc);

• Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA);

• Master of Finance (MFin);

• Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE);

• Master of Management (MM).

Students can select the most suitable program based on their undergraduate background, career goals, and long-term development plans.

Overview of Six Graduate Business Programs

1. Full-Time MBA (Master of Business Administration)

Program Highlights

The Full-Time MBA program is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their management capabilities, business strategy skills, and leadership abilities.

The program focuses on developing:

• Business management skills;

• Leadership capabilities;

• Industry analysis skills.

Course areas include:

• Healthcare;

• Digital business;

• Finance and real estate;

• Marketing.

The MBA program is generally suitable for applicants with professional work experience.

2. Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc)

Program Highlights

The MPAc program welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds and does not require applicants to have an undergraduate degree in accounting.

The curriculum covers:

• Accounting fundamentals;

• Taxation;

• Data analytics.

The program is designed to meet the educational requirements related to the U.S. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination.

3. Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)

Program Highlights

The MSBA program combines business knowledge with data analytics, preparing students to use data-driven insights to support business decisions.

Students learn:

• Data analytics;

• Marketing analytics;

• Operations analytics.

The program is suitable for students interested in careers in:

• Data analytics;

• Business strategy;

• Technology-driven business fields.

4. Master of Finance (MFin)

Program Highlights

The MFin program is designed for students seeking careers in the financial industry.

The curriculum focuses on:

• Financial analysis;

• Investment management;

• Corporate finance;

• Financial technology.

The program includes practical learning opportunities to help students understand real-world applications in the finance industry.

5. Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE)

Program Highlights

The MIE program focuses on innovation management, entrepreneurship practice, and business model development.

It is suitable for:

• Students interested in technology entrepreneurship;

• Business professionals seeking to strengthen innovation capabilities;

• Future family business leaders.

Students can explore and develop business ideas through entrepreneurial projects and experiential learning.

6. Master of Management (MM)

Program Highlights

The MM program is designed for:

• Recent undergraduate graduates;

• Students with limited professional experience;

• Students seeking to quickly build foundational business knowledge.

The curriculum covers:

• Management fundamentals;

• Marketing;

• Project management.

Through experiential courses, students apply business theories to real-world challenges.

How to Apply for the PMBC Program?

During the session, HYP Global introduced the PMBC (Pre-Master Boot Camp) program, which is designed to help students adapt to the U.S. business school learning environment in advance and strengthen their graduate application competitiveness.

The application process includes:

Step 1: Background Evaluation

Students submit academic transcripts and relevant background information for an initial assessment.

Step 2: Interview Selection

Applicants participate in interviews to evaluate their academic preparation, learning goals, and potential for business studies.

Step 3: Participate in PMBC Courses

Students complete foundational business courses in advance to prepare for future master’s-level study.

Step 4: Program Evaluation

Students’ performance and learning progress during PMBC are considered as part of the evaluation process.

Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can students without a business background apply to Merage School graduate programs?

The session explained that, except for programs with specific academic prerequisites, many Merage School graduate programs accept applicants from diverse undergraduate backgrounds.

Students from non-business majors can strengthen their business knowledge by completing relevant foundational coursework.

Q2: What does STEM designation mean for international students?

Some business programs are STEM-designated.

STEM-designated programs may allow eligible international students to apply for an extended period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation, providing additional time for career development planning.

Students should refer to official university information for specific program STEM designation details.

Q3: If my GPA or language scores are not highly competitive, can I still apply for PMBC?

The session explained that PMBC provides students with opportunities to demonstrate academic readiness and adaptability through coursework and overall performance.

Applicants must still meet the basic program requirements, and final admission decisions are determined through the university’s review process.

Q4: How can students adapt to accelerated business master’s programs?

The school introduced that strong industry connections and experiential learning opportunities, such as Capstone projects, allow students to quickly apply and internalize business theories through real-world practice.

For example, the MSBA program offers flexible study options, including a five-quarter pathway, allowing international students additional time to gain local internship experience and expand professional networks.

Meanwhile, university-supported initiatives such as the Merage Global Initiative provide additional resources to help international students integrate into the local professional community and build career connections.