MBA, Daytime

MBA, Daytime

Overview

Business is about people, progress, and purpose. It’s about being the catalyst for change in your community, country, and the world at large. Earn the business knowledge and experience you need to start achieving your purpose in life.

The 12-month Daytime MBA is for recent college graduates who want an accelerated opportunity to build the four important drivers of initial career success: business knowledge, real-world experience, personal network, and purpose.

GMAT Requirements

Eligibility for a GMAT waiver can be discussed in more depth with a PLNU admissions counselor. 

Compare Our MBA Programs

With so many MBA programs out there, how can you be sure you choose one that is the best fit for your schedule, learning style, and career goals? Discover the different routes you can take with PLNU towards earning your MBA, and how one of our two distinct styles may be the perfect match you're looking for.
 

 

MBA, Daytime

MBA, Evening

Who it's for

Recent College Graduates with little to no work experience

Working Professionals

Program start

Fall Fall, Spring, Summer

Program Structure

Face-to-face Face-to-face

Length

12 months 24 months

Schedule

4 mornings a week Classes in the evening 2 days a week

ACBSP Accreditation

Yes Yes

Program Highlights

Focus on putting your purpose to work, Leading with Integrity signature course, Ethics and Character Emphasis, small Class Sizes, Collaborative Environment, Field Experience, Mentor Program Focus on putting your purpose to work, Leading with Integrity signature course, Ethics and Character Emphasis, Small Class Sizes, Collaborative Environment, Three Concentrations Available

Typical # of Students
in Class

20-30 20-30

Years of Work
Experience

0-3 4-25+

% Female Students

44% 47%

International Trips
Available

Yes Yes

Scholarships
Available

Yes Yes

International Student 
Eligible?

Yes Yes

 

Mentoring Network

Close interaction with PLNU’s experienced faculty and your matched mentor from the business community provides you with rich, guiding relationships as well as valuable network connections.

Business Knowledge

Our classroom experience prepares you for the most important challenges in business, including strategic management, international business, entrepreneurship, financial management, operations, marketing, and more.

Purpose and Experience

Signature learning experience courses, such as Leading with Integrity, Service and Purpose, and Field Experience, will empower you to connect your business career to your bigger purpose in life.

The Daytime MBA program is designed to better prepare new graduates for the challenges and complexities of the modern business world. This program helps students further develop the ability to think analytically and strategically, as well as improve their quantitative, communicative, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are highly sought after by business, nonprofit, and governmental organizations.  

Program courses offer a balance of qualitative and quantitative skills, while creating an environment that fosters meaningful relationships with peers, faculty, and industry leaders. In the cohort model, students progress through the curriculum together, completing the program in one year.

The 42 units have been selected to effectively prepare recent graduates to successfully launch their professional careers. Students will also complete a Field Experience, giving them the opportunity to work hands-on with local and regional company executives to identify and creatively solve problems. In addition to coursework, students have the opportunity to participate in Executive Networking Events (ENEs) exclusively designed for our MBA students, as well as business alumni networking events.

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Gain Expertise Through Experience Beyond the Classroom

The Daytime MBA Field Experience

An in-depth look at how four MBA students addressed the real-world business challenge of developing a repositioning strategy for Reflection Bay properties in Lake Las Vegas.

Watch Video:
The Daytime MBA Field Experience

The Field Experience

The Field Experience is a Daytime MBA course that offers the opportunity to gain the real-world business experience that attracts employers. Find out how four former Daytime MBA students set about repositioning Reflection Bay, a high-end residential community nestled against Lake Las Vegas.

Learn More

ACBSP logo

Accreditation

The Fermanian School of Business' MBA programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Visit the ACBSP's website for more information.                                           

MBA article image

Should I Earn My MBA Now or Later?

We’ve provided some things to consider when determining if now is the right time to get your MBA regardless of your work experience.

Application Information

Program Start Date:   

  • Fall 2024 —  September 2, 2024

Application Deadline(s):

  • Fall 2024 —  August 21, 2024

All applications submitted after this date will be reviewed based on availability of space.

Start Application

Worried about the GMAT?

Eligibility for a GMAT waiver can be discussed in more depth with a PLNU admissions counselor. 

Connect and Learn More

The Selection Process

The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission-under-exceptions process.

GMAT waivers may also be available. Please contact a PLNU admissions counselor for more details.

*Exceptions Policy: If you have below a 3.0 GPA in your baccalaureate degree, you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

Program Prerequisites

  • A completed application for admission to the program

  • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution as evidenced by official transcripts

  • Two letters of recommendation

  • Resume

  • A brief description of your recent undergraduate college experience and how you contributed to the classroom (through relationships with peers, teamwork, or other contributions)

  • Scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

  • Interview with the Program Director

  • Evidence of basic knowledge of common professional competencies through transcripts (from regionally accredited institutions, with a GPA of at least 3.0) or completion of appropriate course prerequisites

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

  1. Submit online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
  2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.* (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)

    Official transcripts must be sent to:
    Point Loma Nazarene University
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    3900 Lomaland Dr.
    San Diego, CA 92106

    Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
    gradprocessing@pointloma.edu

    *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
  3. Submit personal essay. See the essay prompt for the Daytime MBA program in the essay section of the application.
  4. Submit official GMAT scores electronically to PLNU. The successful completion of a post-baccalaureate professional certificate program (e.g., CPA) or graduate degree program, or scores from another graduate admission test (e.g., GRE) may in certain circumstances replace the GMAT requirement. Please contact PLNU graduate admissions for additional information.
     

    Already taken the GMAT? Use this website to send your scores.

  5. Submit a resume/vita.

  6. Submit two professional recommendations. You will be asked to register your recommenders by providing their name, title, and email.

Start Application

Career Opportunities

The Fermanian School of Business is committed to serving all MBA students with the best value in quality, academic rigor, professional support services, and individual attention to assist them in meeting their academic and professional goals.

Corporate visits give MBA students a behind-the-scenes experience with local, regional, and international organizations such as the San Diego Zoo, Sharp HealthCare, Taylor Guitars, Qualcomm, and many more. They also give students the opportunity to network with executives and explore a variety of corporate cultures.

PLNU MBA alumni are working in a wide range of prominent companies throughout San Diego, including:

  • Booz Allen Hamilton

  • Sempra Energy

  • Thermo Fisher Scientific

  • Pacifica Companies

  • Merrill Lynch

  • Bank of the West

  • Scripps Health

  • Electronic Arts

  • Northrop Grumman

  • Fastenal

  • Cyber

  • Wells Fargo

  • General Atomics

  • San Diego Zoo

  • Sharp Healthcare

  • Quidel Corporation

  • SAIC

  • Biota

  • Pacira Pharmaceuticals

  • Qualcomm

  • BioNano Genomics

  • Clearfield Sports

  • MedImpact

 

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How to Take Career Risks without Losing It All

Say an opportunity arises that piques your interest and passion? But what if this opportunity only has a 50 percent chance of success? Would you still take the risk?

Financial Aid and Student Support

We take seriously the role of providing you with financial, academic, and career support so you have the tools you need to be successful at PLNU and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Financial Aid and Student Support

Dean’s Scholarships are available for those who qualify. Please contact your Enrollment Counselor for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which MBA program will best fit my need?

With so many MBA programs out there, how can you be sure you choose one that is the best fit for your schedule, learning style, and career goals? Discover the different routes you can take with PLNU towards earning your MBA, and how one of our two distinct styles may be the perfect match you're looking for.
 

 

MBA, Daytime

MBA, Evening

Who it's for

Recent College Graduates with little to no work experience

Working Professionals

Program start

Fall Fall, Spring, Summer

Program Structure

Face-to-face Face-to-face

Length

12 months 24 months

Schedule

4 mornings a week Classes in the evening 2 days a week

ACBSP Accreditation

Yes Yes

Program Highlights

Focus on putting your purpose to work, Leading with Integrity signature course, Ethics and Character Emphasis, small Class Sizes, Collaborative Environment, Field Experience, Mentor Program Focus on putting your purpose to work, Leading with Integrity signature course, Ethics and Character Emphasis, Small Class Sizes, Collaborative Environment, Three Concentrations Available

Typical # of Students
in Class

20-30 20-30

Years of Work
Experience

0-3 4-25+

% Female Students

44% 47%

International Trips
Available

Yes Yes

Scholarships
Available

Yes Yes

International Student 
Eligible?

Yes Yes

 

What is required to be admitted into this program?

• A completed application for admission to the program
• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution as evidenced by official transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• A professional resume
• A brief description of your recent undergraduate college experience and how you contributed to the classroom (through relationships with peers, teamwork, or other contributions)
• Scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
• Interview with the Program Director
• Evidence of basic knowledge of common professional competencies through transcripts (from regionally accredited institutions, with a GPA of at least 3.0) or completion of appropriate course prerequisites

Can I work while completing the program?

Yes, but we strongly advise no more than 20 hours a week or less.

What scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to me?

You will have the option to apply for scholarships through Student Financial Services. This program qualifies for state and federal financial aid options. 

Dean’s Scholarships are available for those who qualify. Please contact your Enrollment Counselor for more details.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The expected completion time is 12 months.

How many days a week do classes meet?

Four days a week; Monday through Thursday. Some additional meetings are required each semester. 

How large will the classes be?

Class sizes are estimated to be 20 to 30 people.

Are international students eligible to apply?

Yes! As an international student, you can apply as a senior in university or any time after you obtain your bachelor’s degree. If you earned your baccalaureate degree outside of the United States, all documents must be translated into English and evaluated by members of National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). You must also submit official proof of English proficiency (TOEFL). Please contact Graduate Financial Aid and Student Support Services for more information.

PLNU is a Christian university, but I am not a Christian. Would I feel out of place in this program?

We welcome and encourage people of all backgrounds as students in our programs. Issues that relate to faith may be discussed in some classes, and engaging in discussion with individuals with alternative points of view will be encouraged as learning opportunities. Students will work within a learning community that is supportive academically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Course List

For information about the courses required for the MBA, Daytime program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information