Admission to the MBA Program
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The PLU MBA program is competitive and selection is based on several criteria. The Graduate Admission committee bases decisions on a holistic assessment of the individual merits of each applicant. For questions regarding admission into the MBA program contact:
MBA Graduate Advisor
(253) 535-7330
plumba@plu.edu
To apply for the MBA program, submit:
- The PLU graduate application
Apply on-line
Apply by mail (pdf.)
- Current resume detailing work experience and community service
- All transcripts from higher-education institutions-no exceptions. Transcripts must be official and sent directly from the institution to PLU. (For international transcripts please see below.)
- A 300-word Statement of Professional Goals
- Official Graduate Management Assessment Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Scores
- Two letters of recommendation (recommender forms are included in the printable Graduate Application)
- $40 Application fee
TOEFL (minimum iBT 88, 230 Computer) or IELTS (minimum 6.5) score report.
IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.
I-20 Evaluation Documents
Applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis. You may start the program at any term (Fall, January, Spring or Summer). Once a completed application has been submitted, processing takes about two weeks.
International Transcripts
Students applying with a bachelor degree from an institution outside the U.S. must submit their official transcripts to Educational Perspectives for equivalency evaluation. Request that Educational Perspectives send the General Report directly to PLU. For more information or to make your submission click here. http://www.educational-perspectives.org/
Provisional Admit
Students applying to PLU who are from a country other than the United States may apply for Provisional Admission into the MBA program if 1) the student does not meet the minimum requirement for the TOEFL or IELTS and/or 2) the student does not meet the minimum requirement for the GMAT. If a student is admitted provisionally, the student will take English preparatory coursework through Embassy CES at PLU and submit successful scores with recommendation from Embassy CES before entering into MBA coursework.
To apply for provisional admission status a student must:
- Be an international student coming to PLU to study in the MBA program
- Have submitted all of the applications materials required for admission to the MBA program with only the TOEFL (or IELTS) outstanding (see application requirements for a list)
- Work with Embassy CES to enroll in the proper coursework
The MBA program requires that all students either have or take coursework in statistics. You may complete this requirement by one of the following ways:
- Demonstrate previous statistics coursework at the university level with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Successfully complete Econ 500: Applied Statistical Analysis at PLU before or during the first year of enrollment
- Take an approved statistics course prior to entry
The Graduate Management Admission Test
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a test of aptitude rather than a test of business knowledge. The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test that is available year-round at test centers throughout the world. Candidates are examined in three major areas: verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills. A score is earned in each area, and candidates receive a total score, which ranges between 200 and 800. The writing score is a separate number between zero and six.
Information about the GMAT may be obtained by calling GMAT directly at (703) 749-0131, or visiting the web site at www.mba.com.
Financial Aid
Financial aid for MBA students is available in the form of the Federal Family Education Loan Program (Subsidized/Unsubsidized Stafford Loans), Federal College Work-Study Program, and on a limited basis Federal Perkins Loans. To be considered for financial aid, students must be officially admitted to the MBA program and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form may be obtained via FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Deadline for priority consideration is March 1.
If you have questions regarding your financial aid you can reach a financial aid counselor at 253-535-7134 or by emailing finaid@plu.edu.
Graduate Fellowships & Endowed Scholarships
A limited number of graduate fellowships are awarded each year. A separate application is required and can be obtained through the School of Business. The priority deadline for fellowship and scholarship applications is May 1.
A number of endowed scholarships are available to MBA students annually. Each scholarship has different criteria, some requiring financial need. Information can be obtained through the School of Business.
Employer Tuition Benefit
Many employers offer a tution benefit for their employees. If you have a tution benefit program, PLU will work with you and your employer. For information on how to use your tuition benefit at PLU contact Terri Mitchell at 253-535-7115 or by email.
Military Tuition Benefit
PLU works closely with the military bases to make the PLU MBA possible and convenient for you. If you are considering PLU and have questions about using your military benefits contact Neshell Chabot at 253-535-8317 or by email.
