Early Career MBA

Early Career MBA

Overview

Become the influential leader in business you’re called to be. The Early Career MBA is the ideal degree program for rising professionals with fewer than three years of professional experience. This program is designed to help you develop the expertise, experience and confidence to launch a promising career. The program is designed to be completed in as few as 12–18 months*. 

*12-month completion requires a full-time commitment to the program

With an MBA, you’ll learn to take control of your career by acquiring four important drivers of influential leadership:

  • Deep qualitative and quantitative business knowledge
  • Wisdom in the face of important decisions
  • A powerful personal network
  • Inspiration to follow your purpose

Collaborative learning for rising professionals

The Early Career MBA is ideal for recent graduates and those with less work experience. You’ll be able to learn in a supportive, engaging environment as you collaborate and build your network with other emerging professionals.

This program includes 36 core units. The Early Career MBA also contains three (3)  foundational courses that build crucial skills such as team leadership and collaboration, professional communication, and field experience. 

Concentrations to fit your goals

The Master of Business Administration is designed to be flexible and customizable so you can become an effective, well-rounded leader in a wide variety of industries. We also offer four (4) concentrations* so you can pursue your calling:

*Nine (9) additional units are required for those pursuing a concentration in Early Career MBA.

Academia to prepare you for success

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

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Visit the ACBSP's website for more information.  

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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 Quad II — October 28, 2024
  • Spring 2025 Quad I — January 13, 2025
  • Spring 2025 Quad II — March 17, 2025
  • Summer 2025 Quad I — May 12, 2025
  • Summer 2025 Quad II — July 7, 2025
  • Fall 2025 Quad I — September 2, 2025
  • Fall 2025 Quad II — October 27, 2025

Application Deadline(s):

  • Fall 2024 Quad II — October 16, 2024
  • Spring 2025 Quad I — December 11, 2024
  • Spring 2025 Quad II — February 28, 2025
  • Summer 2025 Quad I — April 25, 2025
  • Summer 2025 Quad II — June 20, 2025
  • Fall 2025 Quad I — August 15, 2025
  • Fall 2025 Quad II — October 10, 2025

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

Start Application

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. However, if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package and 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.

To be admitted into PLNU's MBA program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript indicating an undergraduate degree completion.

We encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor if you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general.

*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 (2) references with contact information and relationship to the applicant. 

  • Resume

  • A personal essay describing the applicant's motivation to earn an MBA and the applicant’s future goals.
  • Interview with the Assistant Dean of Graduate Business Education

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 MBA program in the essay section of the application.
  4. Submit a resume/vita.

  5. Submit two (2) professional references (name, contact info, and relationship to applicant)

Start Application

State Authorization

In certain states outside California, PLNU is not authorized to enroll students in online courses and/or offer internships. If a student moves to another state after admission to a program or enrollment in an online course, continuation in the program/course will depend on whether PLNU is authorized within that state. Please refer to the State Authorization map to view which states allow online courses and/or internships.

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.

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

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 (2) references with contact information and relationship to the applicant. 

  • Resume

  • A personal essay describing the applicant's motivation to earn an MBA and the applicant’s future goals.
  • Interview with the Assistant Dean of Graduate Business Education

Can I work while completing the program?

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

Is the GMAT required for admission?

No, PLNU does not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission into the MBA program.

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 12-18 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.

We also will accept a 110 minimum score from DuoLingo as proof of proficiency. 

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 Early Career MBA program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Department Faculty