MBA Frequently Asked Questions

General Program Questions
Application
Financial Aid

GENERAL PROGRAM QUESTIONS

What is the business philosophy behind Graduate Business Studies at Marylhurst?

We are in the transformation business! We are in the business of developing the ethical leaders of tomorrow – leaders in business, government, non-profit and community service. Marylhurst University has fostered academic excellence since 1893, maintains this tradition today and will continue to do so in the future.

Is the Marylhurst MBA right for me? What are you looking for in your candidates?

Strong candidates for the Marylhurst MBA program are:

Working professionals with strong leadership potential and intellectual curiosity
Responsible learners fully committed to academic, professional and personal growth
Individuals who value leadership, ethics, stewardship and service
Individuals with a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience
Individuals with an educational background that helps them meet the previous criteria

What programs does Marylhurst offer?

Blended MBA
Saturday MBA
Accelerated Online MBA
Green MBA (coming soon)

If I find that my chosen format is not a good fit, may I then change to another?

Yes, if you take a term or two in one format, it is possible to switch to another format with a little bit of planning. It could cause a break in your schedule. You would need to work with your MBA advisor.

Can I begin the MBA program any term?

Students can join the Blended and Accelerated MBA programs at any time. The Saturday MBA only offers fall admission.

Do you accept transfer credits?

With advisor approval, you may transfer up to 9 credits from other schools.

Do I need to choose my concentration right away?

No, not in the Blended format. We actually encourage you to wait until full completion of core classes before selecting a concentration. However, due to the speed and intensity of the Accelerated Online MBA, students in that program do need to choose their concentration before classes begin.

Do I need to choose a concentration?

No, about half of our students choose not to pick a concentration and default to the General Management concentration.

May I take a term off or one class at a time?

Yes. The Blended MBA program was actually designed to provide students with utmost flexibility in course scheduling. Blended students may take as many (up to 4) or as few classes as they wish in a given term. However, this can be difficult to do in the Saturday or the Accelerated format. Financial assistance guidelines also apply and Blended program students should talk to their MBA advisor to properly plan their course schedule.

Do I get to choose my courses?

Yes, in the Blended format. The Accelerated and Saturday schedules are predetermined for you.

Will my diploma indicate that I took courses online?

No, your diploma will not indicate the format of your courses, simply your degree.

Do you offer career services?

We do have a Director of Career Services and Internships. She can assist you through her existing network or work with you to find a new opportunity.

How many hours a week can I expect to spend on my class?

For each credit hour you can expect to spend 1-3 hours per week outside of class. For example, taking 6 credit hours would require 6-18 hours outside of class per week, depending on your comfort level with the material.

What is the average class size?

We average 13 students per class.

Why should I choose the Marylhurst MBA?

There are multiple reasons for choosing to pursue your MBA at Marylhurst University. Our main emphasis is upon: Quality. Practicality. Relevance. Flexibility. Affordability. Value.

Marylhurst's quality curriculum and faculty, flexible teaching schedules and formats offered at an affordable rate of tuition provide tremendous value.
At Marylhurst, we strive to understand the day-to-day reality of adult learners and working professionals, which allows us to design relevant programs addressing your needs. For example, our Blended MBA program allows students to take as few or as many classes as they wish each term. Blended MBA students may also take classes on campus, online, on weekends or any combination of the above. Our Saturday MBA allows professionals with heavy weekly commitments to earn their MBA by attending classes on Saturdays, while our Accelerated Online MBA provides the convenience of a fully online, cohort program.
The greatest reason to consider a Marylhurst MBA is that you will be investing in yourself through by obtaining a solid graduate business education, one that integrates relevant leadership and business management theory taught by practitioner faculty with heavy emphasis on case studies and the practical aspects of business.

What skills and knowledge can I expect to gain?

In the Marylhurst MBA program, you will:

Demonstrate knowledge of current trends and interrelations in accounting, finance, law, organizational behavior, marketing, statistics and strategy;
Analyze domestic and global business environments in their economic, legal, cultural and ethical contexts;
Understand emerging business concepts, information technology and management trends;
Develop an ethical framework for executive decision making and organizational leadership;
Gain writing, presentation, critical thinking, quantitative analysis and collaboration skills; and
Apply and integrate course knowledge, business skills and work experience in a real-world business plan and investor presentation.

APPLICATION

What is the most critical aspect of the admissions process?

The meaning and quality of your essay and the 45-minute personal interview. Both must demonstrate a fit between the applicant and the Marylhurst value system. This is an opportunity for us to get to know you and understand the journey that brought you to Marylhurst. Together we explore the value that a Marylhurst graduate education could add to your personal journey.

What do you look for in an application essay?

We are looking for:

Integrity, sincerity, talent, leadership potential and a fit with Marylhurst’s values and mission;
A demonstrated ability to think logically, express oneself with clarity and write well;
A command of the English language (international candidates).

We also consider:

Academic, professional and social involvement and experience (e.g.: community service, sports, associations, etc.);
Dreams, ambitions and expectations and demonstrated commitment toward one's goals.

Ultimately, we are looking for honesty, sincerity and a fit with Marylhurst's values of ethical leadership and fostering community.

How much importance do you attach to the GMAT?

We consider applicants' GMAT scores quite important, as well as other required tests, such as the TOEFL for international applicants. However, we believe that other factors such as work experience, community service and serving the country through military or other forms of service are equally reflective of one's true potential and leadership abilities.

What if I don't have 5+ years work experience or a 3.0 GPA?

For applicants with more than 5 years of relevant work experience, the admission decision is based more on the essay, interview, letters of recommendation and work experience of the candidate than the academic history. For applicants with less than 5 years of work experience, the admissions decision is based largely on academic achievement. We consider many factors. The interview gives candidates the opportunity to address any potential weaknesses and emphasize strengths.

How important is my employment status?

While many MBA candidates are currently employed, others are transitioning between careers or exploring self-employment options. All are welcome, as it brings diverse experience and perspectives to the classroom.

Are there prerequisites to the program?

No, we do not require prerequisites. Students with business and non-business undergraduate majors are equally encouraged to apply.

FINANCIAL AID

What is the cost of the full-time MBA program?

$444 per quarter credit, on ground or online
$23,088 for Blended MBA plus books
$29,796 for Saturday MBA – includes books
$21,312 for Accelerated Online MBA plus books

Estimates based on 2008-09 tuition and fees.

Do I have to attend full-time to be eligible for student loans?

No, students need to be enrolled in 5 credits a term to be eligible. Nine credits per term is considered full-time.

What loan programs are available? How do I apply?

The Federal Stafford Loan Program makes available $20,500 per year to each graduate student who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. For more loan program options, please visit the Types of Financial Aid page. For application procedures, please visit the Apply for Financial Aid page.

Do you accept employer tuition reimbursement?

Yes. Check with your employer to find out if they offer a tuition reimbursement program. For more information, please visit the Tuition Reimbursement From Employers page.

Are there tuition discounts for the military?

Yes, please visit the Military Tuition Discount page.

More Information

How can I learn more about the Marylhurst MBA?

Visit the MBA Department Web site
Watch the About Marylhurst University Video
Visit the Marylhurst Campus
Request an Information Packet
Attend an MBA Information Session