Frequently asked questions
PLU MBA Program
Where is PLU School of Business?
PLU is in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Our campus in Tacoma, WA is 146 acres located just 40 miles south of Seattle, and 20 miles south of SeaTac International Airport and 25 miles north of Olympia, the capital of the state of Washington.
The mailing address is: PLU School of Business, MBA Program, Morken Center for Learning and Technology (MCLT), WA 98447-0003. Morken Center Directions
What graduate business degree programs are offered?
PLU School of Business offers :
MBA-General Management
MBA-TIM Emphasis/Technology & Innovation Management
MBA- Health Care Management Emphasis
MBA- Entrepreneurship & Closely Held Business Emphasis
When can I start the program?
PLU accepts students into the MBA program in any one of the three semesters/terms: Fall, Spring and Summer. Students can choose to begin the program at the time most convenient for them.
What time are classes?
The program is designed for working professionals and the classroom experience is enriched by the multiple perspectives of the students. Classes are held in the evenings from 6pm-9:30pm (summer classes last until 9:45pm). A student enrolled full-time will take classes two nights per week and be able to complete the program in just 20-22 months.
Is there a requirement in the number of classes a student must take per semester?
PLU MBA program is flexible. The program is designed for a 3 course per semester pace, however students can choose how many classes they wish to take based on their intended graduation date, work and personal life. Students going part time should alert the MBA Director to ensure courses are taken in the correct order.
NOTE: For financial aid and for international students there are often requirements of maintaining full-time status, 3 classes, and all students must maintain consecutive terms enrollment (at least one class in each term) to keep their fixed tuition rate.
Does the MBA program have pre-requisites?
Yes, statistics. However, PLU offers ECON 500-statistics to MBA students who have not met this pre-requisite or who want to gain a stronger understanding of statistics and how to use statistics in a managerial and leadership role. If statistics needs to be completed, it must be done within the first year of the program.
How much is tuition?
The PLU MBA program tuition covers the cost of the 15 courses in the program as well as airfare and lodging on the 10 day international experience. A student's tuition rate is guaranteed to remain fixed for six consecutive terms of enrollment at the cost of tuition in the term of acceptance.
MBA students are eligible for scholarships, fellowships and financial aid. For more information visit the Financial Aid page.
Admission
What is required for admission into the program?
PLU School of Business MBA applications are reviewed by the Graduate Admission committee. The admission decisions are based on a holistic assessment of the individual merits of each applicant (GPA, GMAT score, work experience, statement of goals, and TOEFL scores, if required), considering each factor individually, and in combination.
What are the application deadlines?
PLU MBA admission is processed on a rolling basis. There are no set deadlines, applications are generally processed within three weeks of completion. However, in order to give adequate time for course enrollment advising, financial aid and personal planning we do suggest you submit all components of your application no later than the following dates for enrollment in the semester listed. International students should apply earlier in order to allow for visa processing time.
Fall Semester - July 1st
Spring Semester - December 1st
Summer Semester - April 1st
Applications that are not completed in time to enroll for a semester can be moved for entry into the next semester.
How do I apply?
You may apply online or an admission application can be downloaded from the website. Click here to download an application.
You may also call the Admissions Office at (253) 535.7151 to have an application packet mailed to your location, or the Business School at (253) 535.7330.
What do I need to score on the GMAT?
The GMAT exam is a standardized assessment, delivered in English, which helps business schools assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. It is an important component of the application, but not the sole deciding factor. The GMAT exam measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills that you have developed in your education and work. It does NOT measure:
- your knowledge of business,
- your job skills,
- specific content in your undergraduate or first university course work,
- your abilities in any other specific subject area, or
- subjective qualities-such as motivation, creativity, and interpersonal skills.
PLU requires applicants to score a balanced 500 (quantitative & qualitative) or above on the GMAT.
For more information on the GMAT and to sign up for a testing date visit http://www.mba.com/mba/thegmat