Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) | Catalog 2026-27

253.535.7252	www.plu.edu/mba/	plumba@plu.edu
Woojun Lee, Ph.D., Dean	Juanita Reed, M.Ed., Associate Dean

Admission

The PLU M.B.A. program offers two tracks: a general M.B.A. in Business Administration and an M.B.A. in Management Science & Quantitative Methods. Aspirants may apply for admission to either of the two tracks.

The PLU M.B.A. program is competitive. Selection is based on several criteria including work experience and potential contribution to the classroom experience. The Graduate Admission Committee bases decisions on a holistic assessment of the individual merits of each applicant. For questions regarding admission to the M.B.A. program, contact the M.B.A. director at 253.535.7252.

To apply submit the following:

- The PLU graduate application is available online at www.plu.edu/mba/
- A current résumé detailing work experience and community service
- All official transcripts from higher education institutions
- International transcripts should be translated into English. In some cases, a professional transcript evaluation may be required.
- A Statement of Professional Goals
- Official Graduate Management Assessment Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) (Optional)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Application Fee

International applicants must also submit:

- TOEFL or IELTS score report (determination of English proficiency is at the sole discretion of PLU)
- I-20 Evaluation Documents
- Declaration of Finances

An interview with the M.B.A. Graduate Admission Committee may be requested.

Applicants are evaluated individually, based on multiple factors indicating equivalence to admission standards, a promise of success in graduate school, qualities of good character, and potential contributions to the educational mission of graduate study.

M.B.A. Repeat Policy

Master of Business Administration students may repeat an M.B.A. course one time. The cumulative grade point average is computed using the highest of the grades earned. Credit toward graduation is allowed only once. Under exceptional circumstances, a student may appeal to the dean to repeat a course a second time.

Master of Business Administration Degree (M.B.A.)

M.B.A. (Business Administration) Degree Requirements
36 semester hours; 44 semester hours with concentration

Students are not required to have an area of concentration:

BMBA 509: Global Business Perspectives (4)
BMBA 510: Legal, Ethical and Social Responsibilities of Business (4)
BMBA 511: Accounting for Decision Making (4)
BMBA 513: Marketing Management (4)
BMBA 515: Organizations, Leadership and Change Management (4)
BMBA 517: Understanding & Managing Financial Resources (4)
BMBA 521: Supply Chain and Information Management (4)
BMBA 522: Quantitative and Managerial Decision Analysis (4)
BMBA 523: Business Strategy and Innovation Management (4)

M.B.A. (Management Science & Quantitative Methods) Degree Requirements
44 semester hours; 52 hours with emphasis

Students are not required to have an area of emphasis

BMBA 504: Quantitative Methods for Decision Making (4)
BMBA 509: Global Business Perspectives (4)
BMBA 510: Legal, Ethical and Social Responsibilities of Business (4)
BMBA 511: Accounting for Decision Making (4)
BMBA 513: Marketing Management (4)
BMBA 515: Organizations, Leadership and Change Management (4)
BMBA 517: Understanding & Managing Financial Resources (4)
BMBA 521: Supply Chain and Information Management (4)
BMBA 522: Quantitative and Managerial Decision Analysis (4)
BMBA 523: Business Strategy and Innovation Management (4)
BMBA 526: Big Data and Decision Analytics (4)

R-Designated Concentration Courses

Concentration courses with an “R” designation after the course number are offered online through a consortium of regionally accredited colleges and universities. Instruction is provided by faculty employed by partner institutions within the consortium, with technology and administrative support provided by Rize Education.

Pacific Lutheran University reviews, approves, and oversees courses offered through the consortium. Students register through Pacific Lutheran University and receive academic credit from Pacific Lutheran University.

M.B.A. Concentration Areas

- Artificial Intelligence Concentration
  9 semester hours

- - BMBA 555R: Generative AI for Managers (3)
  - BMBA 556R: Business Use Cases for AI (3)
  - Three semester hours from the following:
    - BMBA 557R: AI Governance and Ethics (3)
    - BMBA 559R: Managing AI Projects (3)

- Business Analytics Concentration
  9 semester hours

- - BMBA 540R: Storytelling with Data (3)
  - BMBA 541R: Spreadsheet Modeling for Decision-Making (3)
  - Three semester hours from the following:
    - BMBA 542R: Python for Business Analytics (3)
    - BMBA 559R: Managing AI Projects (3)

- Cybersecurity Management Concentration
  9 semester hours

- - BMBA 564R: Information Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (3)
  - BMBA 565R: Network Architectures for Cyber Managers (3)
  - Three semester hours from the following:
    - BMBA 566R: Cyber Risk Management and Strategy (3)
    - BMBA 567R: Executive Cyber Defense (3)

- Entrepreneurship and Closely-Held Enterprises Concentration
  8 semester hours

- - BMBA 550: Leading Family and Closely-Held Enterprises (4)
  - Four semester hours from the following:
    - BMBA 577: Project Management (4)
    - Approved BMBA 587/588/589: Special Topics (1 to 4)
    - BMBA 595: Internship (1 to 4)

- Finance Concentration
  9 semester hours

- - BMBA 572R: Managerial Finance (3)
  - BMBA 573R: Capital Markets and Investing (3)
  - Three semester hours from the following:
    - BMBA 574R: Financial Statements Analysis and Valuation (3)
    - BMBA 575R: Frontiers of Finance (3)

- Healthcare Administration Concentration
  9 semester hours

- - BMBA 545R: Structure and Economics of the US Healthcare System (3)
  - BMBA 548R: Management of Healthcare Organizations (3)
  - Three semester hours from the following:
    - BMBA 546R: Data Analysis for Healthcare Management (3)
    - BMBA 547R: Healthcare Finance (3)

- Healthcare Management Concentration
  8 semester hours

- - BMBA 560: Managing Health Care Enterprises (4)
  - Four semester hours from the following:
    - BMBA 577: Project Management (4)
    - Approved BMBA 587/588/589: Special Topics (1 to 4)
    - BMBA 596: Internship (1 to 4)

- Supply Chain Management Concentration
  8 semester hours

- - BMBA 561: Advanced Supply Chain Management (4)
  - Four semester hours from the following:
    - BMBA 577: Project Management (4)
    - Approved BMBA 587/588/589 Special Topics (1 to 4)
    - BMBA 595: Internship (1 to 4)

- Technology and Innovation Management Concentration
  8 semester hours

- - BMBA 570: Management and Marketing of Technology (4)
  - Four semester hours from the following:
    - BMBA 577: Project Management (4)
    - Approved BMBA 587/588/589: Special Topics (1 to 4)
    - BMBA 595: Internship (1 to 4)

Certificates

Certificate in Technology and Innovation Management (TIM)

8 semester hours

Individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in a business or technology related field from an accredited institution may pursue a Certificate in Technology and Innovation Management (TIM). Holders of bachelor’s degrees in other fields with relevant industry experience are also considered.

- BMBA 570: Management and Marketing of Technology (4)
- BMBA 577: Project Management (4)
- Approved BMBA 587/588/589: Special Topics (1 to 4)

Certificate in Healthcare Management

8 semester hours

Individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in a business or healthcare related field from an accredited institution may pursue a Certificate in Healthcare Management. Holders of bachelor’s degrees in other fields with relevant industry experience are also considered.

- BMBA 560: Managing Health Care Enterprises (4)
- And 4 semester hours from the following:
  - BMBA 562: Health Care Regulation, Law & Ethics (4)
  - BMBA 577: Project Management (4)
  - Approved BMBA 587/588/589: Special Topics (1 to 4)

Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Closely-Held Enterprises

8 semester hours

Individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in a business or related field from an accredited institution may pursue a Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Closely-Held Enterprises. Holders of bachelor’s degrees in other fields with relevant industry experience are also considered.

- BMBA 550: Leading Family and Closely-Held Enterprises (4)
- And 4 semester hours from the following:
  - BMBA 577: Project Management (4)
  - Approved BMBA 587/588/589: Special Topics (1 to 4)

Certificate in Supply Chain Management

8 semester hours

Individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in a business or related field from an accredited institution may pursue a Certificate in Supply Chain Management. Holders of bachelor’s degrees in other fields with relevant industry experience are also considered.

- BMBA 561: Advanced Supply Chain Management (4)
- And 4 semester hours from the following:
  - BMBA 577: Project Management (4)
  - Approved BMBA 587/588/589: Special Topics (1 to 4)

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) - Graduate Courses

BMBA 504 : Quantitative Methods for Decision Making

Methods and techniques of quantitative research. Emphasis on research design, data collection, basic data analysis; including, chi-square, correlation, ANOVA and regression, as well as interpretation and presentation of results. Students will work in groups to provide a custom research project for a business or non-profit client. (4)

BMBA 509 : Global Business Perspectives

Evaluate cultural, economic, political and environmental contexts for global business. Develop value-adding strategies, organizational capabilities and personal competencies for business success across borders and cultures. On-campus course with embedded international experience. (4)

BMBA 510 : Legal, Ethical and Social Responsibilities of Business

A survey of legal topics essential to effective managerial decision making. Explore the legal, ethical, and social implications of legal strategies and practices. This course also examines the sources and development of conflict and develops negotiation as a tool for managing conflict situations. (4)

BMBA 511 : Accounting for Decision Making

An examination of financial and managerial accounting topics, including financial reporting, budgeting, and cost behavior. The focus is on using accounting to support business decision making. (4)

BMBA 513 : Marketing Management

A practical approach to understanding and applying customer-directed marketing strategies for achieving organizational goals. Students will examine theoretical concepts and apply contemporary approaches to the marketing of services, products and ideas in business, public, and nonprofit organizations. (4)

BMBA 515 : Organizations, Leadership, and Change Management

The leader's role in creating organizational designs, processes and cultures. Leader competencies and practices for developing and managing people to meet performance requirements and organization cultural fit, and analyzing needs for organizational change. (4)

BMBA 517 : Understanding and Managing Financial Resources

Corporate finance topics including cash flow forecasting, planning, budgeting, valuation models, cost of capital, leverage, and risk and return. Additional topics include ratio analysis, computer simulation, financial feasibility assessment, balance sheet analysis, determinants of interest rates, and the impact of business cycle fluctuations on shareholder value. (4)

BMBA 521 : Supply Chain and Information Management

Develops a managerial perspective on the role of manufacturing and service operations within the enterprise and in supply chains. Examine the strategic role of information technology and systems in enabling decision making for global competitive advantage. (4)

BMBA 522 : Quantitative and Managerial Decision Analysis

Provide an intensive introduction to quantitative methods for business applications. Examination of the context within which individual firm decisions must be made. Demand, cost, pricing decisions, and the economic and regulatory environment of the firm are emphasized. (4)

BMBA 523 : Business Strategy and Innovation Management

Apply a multidisciplinary approach to explore execution of business- and corporate-level strategies, such as differentiation, cost-leadership, diversification, alliances, and M&As, and managing innovation to generate sustainable competitive advantage in a global context. (4)

BMBA 526 : Big Data and Decision Analytics

This course provides a broad overview of analytic strategies for (structured and unstructured) data collected in interactive channels. Topics covered include: big data, key performance indicators, and how to optimize digital experiences by incorporating testing and experimentation. Prerequisites: BMBA 513. (4)

BMBA 540R : Storytelling with Data

Storytelling is one of the oldest and most powerful tools for action and this course empowers MBA students to transform raw data into compelling narratives that drive business decisions. By the end of this course, you'll be able to create data queries and visualizations, integrate data into business planning, and effectively communicate your findings, helping organizations turn data into a strategic tool for competition and innovation. (3)

BMBA 541R : Spreadsheet Modeling for Decision-Making

Spreadsheet tools are the most universal and easily accessible program for most people to use and interpret data - and a vital skill for any analyst to know. In this course, students will learn data cleaning, financial modeling, optimization, and data visualization using PivotTables and PivotCharts, enabling students to analyze complex datasets, create forecasts, and effectively communicate insights to support data-driven decision-making in business contexts. (3)

BMBA 542R : Python for Business Analytics

Managers who hope to stay competitive in business analytics need to be able to scale their analytics - and Python provides that solution. This course covers Python's significance in business analytics, setting up the Python environment, and learning basic syntax. You'll leverage three of Python's essential libraries - NumPy for numerical data, Pandas for data manipulation, and Matplotlib for data visualization - to use data to solve complex business problems. (3)

BMBA 545R : Structure and Economics of the US Healthcare System

Healthcare systems are complicated structures beholden economically and legally to many different stakeholders and policies. When those factors change, they have consequences. Aspiring managers must be able to make informed decisions about what to do in the face of change. By the end of this course, aspiring healthcare system managers will be prepared to analyze the economic impact of policy changes on their institutions and tackle challenges such as hospital mergers, new payment models, regulated drug prices, and Medicaid insurance bids. (3)

BMBA 546R : Data Analysis for Healthcare Management

Healthcare managers that can leverage data analysis make more informed decisions that lead to better outcomes. Data in healthcare context brings solutions, but also unique challenges that managers must navigate to harness its potential. In this course, students will explore effective management and integration of data-driven decisions in healthcare. By the end, students will be able to strategize and communicate data insights to drive ethical impact in healthcare systems. (3)

BMBA 547R : Healthcare Finance

In health services organizations, bad financial management can cost more than money - it can cost lives, making financial acumen crucial for quality patient care. This course covers financial statement analysis, cost accounting, capital budgeting, and financial modeling, equipping future managers to make informed decisions around challenges such as evaluating insurance designs, assessing service line impacts, and analyzing new drug costs. (3)

BMBA 548R : Management of Healthcare Organizations

Should a hospital focus on pediatrics or heart surgery? How can clinics build and retain a strong workforce? What is the best strategy for negotiating with insurance companies? This course focuses on the management principles and practices that create successful healthcare organizations. Students will learn to navigate key management challenges, apply strategic analysis frameworks, and manage healthcare workforce and IT systems - all with an emphasis on ethical leadership, collaboration, and quality assurance. (3)

BMBA 555R : Generative AI for Managers

Generative AI (GenAI) is ushering in a new age of productivity in business. Managers who ineffectively adopt it risk being outpaced by forward-thinking competitors. This course equips students to drive impact in any industry using GenAI tools. You'll learn to engineer effective prompts, integrate AI into workflows, and develop innovative GenAI solutions, as well as explore ethical considerations and future trends. (3)

BMBA 556R : Business Use Cases for AI

Just like you wouldn't use a financial model to drive a marketing campaign, different business use cases require different AI tools. In this course, students will explore the potential and limitations of AI technologies, learning to identify business problems suitable for AI solutions and build effective AI implementation strategies. (3)

BMBA 557R : AI Governance and Ethics

Alongside powerful data-driven solutions, AI opens a Pandora's box of ethical issues: data privacy, bias, transparency, and balancing automation with human oversight. AI governance may be the biggest ethical issue of our time, something essential for any manager to understand before implementing this new technology. Students will develop AI policies for ethics and compliance, mitigate AI-related risks, and communicate governance standards to stakeholders. (3)

BMBA 559R : Managing AI Projects

AI project can help predict trends and optimizes operations, allowing businesses to understand not just what has happened but what will happen - and what should be done about it. By the end of this course, students will be prepared to drive financial and operational impact by managing AI project lifecycles: developing comprehensive project plans, managing data and models, ensuring effective deployment, and communicating progress and outcomes to stakeholders. (3)

BMBA 560 : Managing Health Care Enterprises

Surveys policy and operational issues facing managers in the rapidly changing health care environment. Explores challenges of managing in health care settings, including hospitals, medical practice organizations, long-term care facilities and clinics. Discusses health care related organizations such as health insurance companies, consulting firms, managed care organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other organizations that support the health care industry. Prerequisite: BMBA 515. (4)

BMBA 564R : Information Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance

Companies storing information are responsible for keeping it safe - and face consequences if they don't. Who's at fault after an attack and who must be informed? This course covers corporate governance principles, risk identification methods, business regulations, accountability, and audits. In a data-driven world, business leaders must handle data responsibly and, by the end of this course, you'll learn how to manage the growing legal obligations around cybersecurity. (3)

BMBA 565R : Network Architectures for Cyber Managers

In order to ensure a house is safe, we need to know how it's built. It's the same for cybersecurity: to ensure systems are secure, we need to understand their design and the unique security challenges of different network architectures and data storage solutions. By the end of this course, you'll be able to critique security for various network designs, including IT and OT systems, cloud environments, data storage, and IoT networks, in terms of cyber risk. (3)

BMBA 566R : Cyber Risk Management and Strategy

Cyberattacks today are inevitable - but the extant of the damage may rely on how much you, as the manager, are prepared. By the end of this course, you'll know how to create risk management strategies before, during, and after cyberattacks, developing incident response plans, understanding frameworks like NIST and MITRE ATT&CK, identifying proactive and reactive protection techniques, and debriefing with 'hotwashes'. (3)

BMBA 567R : Executive Cyber Defense

To defend against hackers, you need to think like a hacker. This course covers the fundamentals of ethical hacking, from Linux commands and open-source tools to attack tree construction and vulnerability research. By the end of the course, you'll be able to use what you've learned to analyze, interpret, and communicate penetration tests and security strategies to executives. (3)

BMBA 570 : Management and Marketing of Technology

Examines the critical role that technology plays in achieving organizational effectiveness and competitive advantages. Topics include planning, developing, sourcing, and controls of technology and systems, technology transfer and commercialization, technology road mapping, technology integration, marketing of technology, science and technology policy, and global issues in technology management. Prerequisite: BMBA 521. (4)

BMBA 572R : Managerial Finance

All businesses need to take risks, but managerial finance experts do so without risking it all. This course focuses on present value analysis, capital markets and budgeting, and corporate capital structure. You'll learn to assess company value, understand debt vs. equity financing, and forecast financial performance while gaining skills in budget management and decision-making that allow you to drive value creation in every aspect of the corporate world. (3)

BMBA 573R : Capital Markets and Investing

Investing involves risk - but this course teaches you how to manage that risk and make the right decisions to build and protect your wealth. What portfolio decisions are safer? How can companies thrive by balancing debt and equity? How can options mitigate risk? By the end, you'll have the financial acumen to make informed investment decisions, optimize portfolio performance, and master strategies for risk management, capital allocation, and sustainable financial growth. (3)

BMBA 574R : Financial Statements Analysis and Valuation

Financial statements are a gold mine that, when analyzed correctly, can reveal a company's financial health and potential for future profitability. And valuing a company is a critical skill in finance that both influences investment decisions and drives financial success. Through financial statement analysis, financial ratio analysis, risk assessment, pro forma financial statements, and advanced valuation techniques like DCF and comparable company analysis, students will gain the quantitative expertise to make informed investment decisions. (3)

BMBA 575R : Frontiers of Finance

Finance isn't a static field and understanding disruptors like blockchain and cryptocurrency allows you to capitalize on opportunities that are revolutionizing financial operations. Students will describe and evaluate blockchain, analyze cryptocurrencies, and assess decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. By course end, students will be ready to explore blockchain and crypto career opportunities and lead discussions on these cutting-edge technologies. (3)

BMBA 577 : Project Management

Study of project management principles and techniques including planning, network building, project control, reporting and closing to address the unique conditions and challenges associated with designing and managing major non-repetitive undertakings. May not be counted toward more than one concentration or certificate. Prerequisite: BMBA 515. (4)

BMBA 587 : Special Topics in Business Administration

To provide graduate students with new, one-time and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. Selected advanced topics. (1 to 4)

BMBA 588 : Special Topics in Business Administration

BMBA 589 : Special Topics in Business Administration

BMBA 591 : Independent Study

Individualized reading and studies. Minimum supervision after initial planning of student’s work. Rarely granted and requires prior approval of M.B.A. director and consent of instructor. (1 to 4)

BMBA 595 : Internship

Application of business knowledge in field setting. Credit granted determined by hours spent in working environment and depth of project associated with course of study. Pass/fail. (1 to 4)