Program Overview
THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS DIFFERENCE
Through applied, experiential, and collaborative-based MBA curriculum at Seattle Pacific’s School of Business,
Government, and Economics, students gain purpose-driven, cross-functional leadership skills in business, government,
and civil society, and discover how business principles and ethical practice unite to lay a foundation for business
as service to others.
An MBA from Seattle Pacific integrates business competence and Christian character, enabling students to think and
act strategically, apply in-depth knowledge, communicate effectively, work in teams, and provide values-based
leadership from a general-management perspective.
Why Seattle Pacific?
From its inception in 1977, SPU's School of Business, Government, and Economics has upheld an unwavering
dedication to excellence ― quality faculty and curricula, values and ethics, and readying students to impact
their professional and personal worlds.
- AACSB Accreditation
Seattle Pacific was the first school of the nearly 100-member Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
to achieve the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) distinction. AACSB
International represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide - 5% of schools
globally. As a member, we are part of a united movement to improve the quality of business education around
the world, helping to develop the next generation of great leaders. Four out of five alumni from
AACSB-accredited schools say their graduate management education contributes to improvements in their
competitiveness, proactiveness, innovativeness, and creativity. Also, SPU is rated a Best On-Campus
MBA Program and listed as a Best Business School in the West by The
Princeton Review.
- Deep Ethics Emphasis
Built on an ethical foundation, the MBA program at SPU offers first-class business education through the lens
of Christian faith and values. Students take two ethics classes, and ethical issues are integrated
throughout the curriculum. The School of Business, Government, and Economics also operates the Center for Integrity in Business.
- Flexible Format
Classes are smaller, and students interact with professors and fellow students in a cooperative and
reciprocal learning environment. Responsive and caring faculty encourage students to reach their goals. Our
evening courses are designed to accommodate students' work schedules, allowing them to pace their studies to
fit their lives.
- Mentor Program Advantage
At SPU, students are encouraged to follow their inspiration and imagination while benefiting from a top-rated
mentor program that connects them with professionals in their chosen fields of study. To enhance the MBA
experience, we offer a mentor
program that gives students access to more than 2,000
business people and professionals from a variety of companies, industries, roles, and levels of
experience. Meet one-on-one with a mentor or multiple mentors for a richer learning experience and
network of contacts.
- Connected Alumni
Students have been obtaining MBAs from SPU since the program began in 1983, moving on to purposeful careers
at local companies and top industries including Boeing, IBM, Safeco, and the U.S. Coast Guard. When you
graduate with an MBA from SPU’s School of Business, Government, and Economics, you join a community of alumni who stay connected. As an MBA graduate you'll find experienced and engaged, top-level
business professionals eager to lend their support.
- Robust Suite of Career Services
Shaping a definitive course of action upon graduation is vital. That's why we offer a robust suite of career
and professional development opportunities including career counseling, job-search coaching,
résumé development, workshops and seminars, networking events, and mentoring through SBGE
Career Services.
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Curriculum
CURRICULUM
These foundations, advanced management and strategy, and emphasis area courses are available. To view the official curriculum requirements and course descriptions for the MBA degree, and each of its emphases, visit the online Graduate Catalog.
The MBA includes foundations, ethical perspectives, leadership and behavioral skills, advanced management and strategy, and elective courses.
FOUNDATIONS COURSES (27 CREDITS)
BUS 6110 Macroeconomics for Managers (3)
BUS 6120 Managerial Finance (3)
BUS 6130 Financial Accounting (3)
BUS 6132 Managerial Accounting (3)
BUS 6140 Legal Environment of Business (3)
BUS 6150 Managerial Marketing (3)
BUS 6164 Operations Management (3)
BUS 6170 Information Systems Management (3)
BUS 6171 Statistics for Business Decisions (3)
ETHICAL PERSPECTIVES COURSES (6 CREDITS)
BUS 6201 Christian Values, Ethics, and the Marketplace (3)
BUS 6202 Business Ethics: Issues and Moral Leadership (3)
LEADERSHIP & BEHAVIORAL SKILLS COURSES (6 CREDITS)
BUS 6260 Managerial Communication (3)
BUS 6266 Leadership in Organizations (3)
ADVANCED MANAGEMENT & STRATEGY COURSES (18 CREDITS)
BUS 6210 Managerial Economics (3)
BUS 6220 Financial Analysis (3)
BUS 6250 Marketing Analysis (3)
BUS 6271 Enterprise Analysis & Integration (3)
BUS 6280 Global Political Economics (3)
BUS 6299 Strategic Policy and Planning (3)
ELECTIVE COURSES (15 CREDITS)
Management Emphasis
BUS 6263 Designing Organizations (3)
BUS 6365 The High Technology Enterprise (3)
BUS 6367 Project Management (3)
BUS 6381 Pacific Rim Enterprise (3)
BUS 6382 European Enterprise (3)
BUS 6390 Entrepreneurial Management (3)
BUS 6916 Managerial Issues Seminar (1-6)
BUS 6969 Practice of Business (1-6)
Finance Emphasis
BUS 6320 Investments and Portfolio Management (3)
BUS 6321 Futures, Options, and Risk Management (3)
BUS 6322 Advanced Problems in Finance (3)
BUS 6323 International Finance (3)
Human Resources Management Emphasis
BUS 6172 HR Information Systems (3)
BUS 6300 Human Resource Management (3)
BUS 6313 Business as Community of Work (3)
BUS 6301 Labor and Employee Relations (3)
BUS 6302 Performance Management (3)
BUS 6303 Total Reward Systems (3)
BUS 6305 Managing Cultural Diversity (3)
BUS 6308 Legal Environment for HR Management (3)
BUS 6360 Innovation & Change Management (3)
Social and Sustainable Enterprise Emphasis
BUS 6312 Business and Stewardship Global Sustainability (3)
BUS 6313 Business as Community of Work (3)
BUS 6314 Business and Global Poverty (3)
BUS 6317 Spirituality in Management (1-6)
Data Management & Analytics Emphasis
ISM 6212 Database Management and Warehousing (3)
ISM 6255 Knowledge Management and Business Intelligence (3)
ISM 6353 Statistical Analysis for Data Analytics I (3)
ISM 6354 Statistical Analysis for Data Analytics II (3)
ISM 6359 Data Mining (3)
ISM 6361 Data Visualization (3)
ISM 6362 Big Data & Cloud-based Tools (3)
ISM 6331 Information Systems Security (3) or
BUS 6350 Marketing Analytics (3)
ISM 6358 Decision-making with Business Intelligence and Analytics or
ISM 6939 IS Consulting Practicum (3)
Information Systems Management Emphasis
ISM 6212 Database Management & Warehousing (3)
ISM 6225 Information and Technology Ethics (3)
ISM 6245 Information Technology Infrastructure (3)
ISM 6255 Knowledge Management and Business Intelligence (3)
ISM 6313 Information Technology as Strategic Advantage (3)
ISM 6348 End-User Computing and Interface Design (3)
Cybersecurity Emphasis
ISM 6332 Information Security Risk Management (3)
ISM 6333 Cyber Security and Disaster Response (3)
ISM 6334 Cyber Crime Investigation and Digital Forensics (3)
ISM 6336 Cybersecurity, Business and Public Policy (3)
If you enter the program with prior business coursework, you may be able to complete your degree in as few as 45 credits (72 credits are required if none of the foundations have been satisfied).
Transfer credit
Transfer credit from other institutions will be given only for graduate-level courses from AACSB-accredited schools covering the same body of knowledge. Students may transfer a maximum of three courses (9 credits). Acceptance of transfer credit is determined by the associate dean for graduate programs. Elective course offerings vary each year based on student interest and relevance of subject matter to the business community. Consult the graduate director to select a customized and appropriate sequence of courses.
DUAL DEGREE: MBA AND MA/THEOLOGY OR MDIV
Through a program offered by the School of Business, Government, and Economics and the Seattle Pacific Seminary, you can earn two advanced degrees in the time it would take you to earn the same two degrees separately.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE AND TIMELINE
You may apply to the MBA program in any quarter. (View a list of application deadlines per quarter.) Evening and select weekend courses are designed to accommodate working professionals. Courses generally meet one evening per week for 10 to 11 weeks.
Time to complete the degree depends on previous business coursework taken (for undergraduate business majors) and number of classes taken per quarter (including summers). Typically you will take one or two classes per quarter. On average, students complete the MBA in two to three years.
Curricular Practical Training
Students attending the MBA program on an F-1 Visa are strongly encouraged to include BUS 6969 Practice of Business as one of their five electives. Completing a project in cooperation with an enterprise under the sponsorship of a faculty member is similar to doing an internship. Students have an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained from a significant amount of their prior coursework to a meaningful project for a business. This constitutes a very valuable opportunity for international students to become more familiar with U.S. business practices and meets the criteria for Curricular Practical Training.
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Career Opportunities
Career Services
Supporting the careers of our graduate business students and alumni is a high priority for the School of Business, Government, and Economics. These career resources are available:
Graduate students may use the Center for Career & Calling Resources for Current Graduate Students which include online vocational resources and résumé tips, workshops, and events.
Job Leads
Job leads are posted in SPU's job posting board, Handshake, as well as in the SBGE LinkedIn group.
Career Counseling, Job Search Coaching, and Résumé Assistance
Where do you plan to work once you graduate? How do you plan to land your next job? If you just started your graduate business program, you might not know what is on the other side of your degree. A list of qualified, vetted career counselors and coaches is available to students who desire one-on-one assistance (i.e. résumé writing, career exploration counseling or job search coaching, career assessments, or other related activities). This is on a fee-for-service basis.
Professional and Career Development Workshops
Managing your career is critical for success in today’s turbulent environment. To accelerate your development, each quarter we host one career related workshop on topics such as job searching, networking, résumé writing, interviewing, etc.
Alumni/Student Networking Events
Connecting alumni and current students together is a win-win for everyone. Networking events are held to connect and help current students and SBGE alumni navigate life in the workplace.
Mentoring
A mentor can be a pivotal influence in your career. Our Center for Applied Learning offers a world-class, individually customized mentoring experience that pairs you with a mentor based on your career goals and aspirations. Find out more about the Mentor Program.
Alumna of the year, Jenette Ramos, keeps Boeing moving as operations director. READ
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Costs
Tuition and Fees for 2018–19
$890
per credit
Total costs estimated between $40,050 and $62,640, based on 2018-19 tuition.
45–72 credits
to complete
Financial Aid
Before applying for aid, you must first be admitted to a graduate program. Make sure you:
- Enroll in at least 3 credits (or half-time) toward a degree or eligible certificate each quarter.
- Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
Just like undergraduates, you may take advantage of scholarships and loans. SPU does not have a deadline for graduate financial aid, though earlier is always better than later! Learn more
Fees
Learn more about administrative, certification, and other program fees.
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Application Info
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Generally, you must have at least a 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate studies, at least a 500 GMAT total score (25V, 30Q, and 4.4AW) and evidence of at least one year of continuous, full-time, substantive work experience after receipt of the bachelor's degree on your résumé.
Applicants must submit the following:
- Online application and $50 application processing fee.
- Current résumé as evidence of a substantive work experience. You will need at least one full year, continuous full time, post-bachelor’s degree experience at the time of application. More is preferred. This is a significant factor in the admission decision process. Applicants with less than one year of post-baccalaureate professional work experience, but who are otherwise strong candidates and are currently employed in a meaningful professional role, may be considered.
- Official transcript from colleges or universities attended. Include the transcript from the institution that granted your bachelor’s degree with the posted degree appearing on the transcript. Also, send official transcripts for all institutions attended following your undergraduate degree, as well as any other schools where you earned credits that may be used to request waivers of foundations courses.
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) scores. GMAT scores above 500 (25 verbal; 30 quantitative; 4.4 analytical writing) are preferred. For the GMAT, the SPU school code is C9FD273.
- The GMAT requirement is waived for applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.7; a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above and five years of post-baccalaureate professional work experience (or three years managerial experience); or, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and at least 10 years of post-baccalaureate professional work experience. The GMAT is also waived for applicants already possessing an advanced degree from an accredited university.
- Two professional letters of recommendation listed in the online application (optional).
- Personal statement (3-4 pages) responding to the essay questions listed in the online application.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
The application for admission, application fee, and personal statement must be received by the dates listed below. Recommendation letters, official transcripts and test scores must arrive before an admission decision can be made.
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Quarter/Starting Month
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Application Deadline
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Autumn/September
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August 1
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Winter/January
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November 1
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Spring/March
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February 1
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Summer/June
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May 1
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International applicants attending on an F-1 visa
(International applicants who do not need an F-1 visa may adhere to the above deadlines.)
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Quarter/Starting Month
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Application Deadline
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Autumn/September
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June 1
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Winter/January
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September 1
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Spring/March
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December 1
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Summer/June
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Admission not available for F-1 visa students
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICANTS
Pre-Qualified Students
You may take up to three foundations courses if you have an undergraduate degree (as evidenced by an official transcript from an accredited institution); a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0; and a minimum of one year full-time, post-baccalaureate work experience (as evidenced by a current résumé).
As a pre-qualified student, you may not take advanced courses. Pre-qualified status does not guarantee future admission.
Conditional Admission
You may request conditional admittance into the School of Business, Government, and Economics under these conditions:
- You are a student who needs an F-1 visa to study in the United States.
- You have graduated from an accredited four-year institution. Your transcript must show completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- You have achieved at least a 3.0 GPA on the US 4.0 scale.
- You have a minimum of at least one year, continuous full-time, post-bachelor’s degree experience at the time of application. You will be required to submit a résumé with job titles, duties, start date, and end date (month and year). Internships and job training are not accepted as full-time employment.
If approved, you will receive a Conditional Letter of Admission from SPU. Conditional admission assures that you will be considered for admission, if you satisfy all admission requirements at the time of your intended enrollment.
Please complete this form to request conditional admission to a graduate program in the SPU School of Business, Government, and Economics.
VISITING GRADUATE STUDENTS
If you have been admitted to a graduate degree program in another accredited institution, you may enroll for up to 9 credits at Seattle Pacific University ― with the approval of the School of Business, Government, and Economics.
To gain admission as a visiting graduate student, you must submit:
- Online application and $50 application processing fee.
- Letter from the dean’s office at your home institution stating that you are good standing at that institution.
- Current résumé.
Questions?
For other questions, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
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International Applicants
International students are an important part of Seattle Pacific University. A vibrant and active international population, SPU’s international graduate students represent 32 different countries.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICANTS
In addition to general admission requirements, international students must also submit:
All official transcripts must be submitted in English. International applicants are responsible for all costs associated with this service.
Questions?
For other questions, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
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