Pacific Lutheran University offers graduate and post-baccalaureate certificate programs in advanced professional education within a context of the liberal arts tradition. Master’s degree programs in business and finance, creative writing, education, marriage and family therapy, and nursing challenge students to increase their understanding and competence in theory, research and practice. Graduates are prepared to become thoughtful and effective leaders in their professions and communities. Graduate students have the opportunity to study in unusually close and supportive working relationships with full time doctorally-prepared faculty and professionally qualified part-time practitioners.

MASTER’S DEGREES

BUSINESS

The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) is designed for working professionals who want to continue to build the skills needed in today's ever-changing business environment while conducting full-time employment. The MBA is accredited by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

The Master of Science in Finance (M.S.F.) is a 10-month full-time program aligned closely with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam. This program is AACSB accredited.

CREATIVE WRITING

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) is a low-residency program in the fields of poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction intended for those wishing to develop and pursue careers as writers.

EDUCATION

The Master of Arts in Education (M.A.E.) includes a number of different programs: 1) certification, 2) advanced/master teaching, and 3) administration. Many programs can be completed in one year. The programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY

The Master of Arts (M.A.) trains students to do therapy from a systemically-oriented, contextually competent worldview for individuals, couples, and families. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

NURSING

The Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) contains two options: 1) for nurses holding a bachelor of nursing (B.S.N.) who wish to further their education and 2) an entry-level nursing master's degree for those who hold a bachelor's in an area other than nursing. The program is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Certificate Programs Offered in Business

• Post-MBA Certificate in Technology and Innovation Management
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting

Coursework leading to Certification in Education

• Post-Master’s Certificate in Principal and Program Administration