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FAQ

Program Information

Q1: Do you have a full-time and a part-time program?
A1: We have one program, offering classes in the late a fternoon and evening.  Full-time and part-time students attend classes together.

Q2: How many full-time and part-time students are there?
A2: There are approximately 300 students in the LMU MBA Program; with 70% attending on a part-time basis and 30% attending on a full-time basis.

Q3: If I start out as a full-time student can I switch to part-time enrollment in a later semester?
A3: You determine each semester the number of classes you want to take, between 1 and 4.  Because full-time and part-time students are all enrolled in the same program, varying the number of classes you take each semester is not a problem.

Q4: How long will it take me to complete the LMU MBA Program?
A4: This depends on the number of core courses you test out of or waive.  The minimum number of classes to get the MBA degree is 10 classes, and it is possible to complete those classes in 1 year.  For students who do not test out or waive any core courses, it take 2 years to complete the Program on a full-time basis and 3 years for students going part time.

Q5: How do I waive core classes?
A5: During your first advising appointment, your undergraduate transcript will be evaluated.  Waivers will be determined by accreditation of the institution, time since undergraduate graduation, grade in the course and course content.  Challenge exams are available to test out of those core courses not waived.  All challenge exams must be taken during the first semester of enrollment.  There is a $75 fee per challenge exam.

Q6: Is LMU accredited?
A6: The University is accredited by WASC.  The College of Business Administration, including the MBA Program, is fully accredited by the AACSB-International, the only recognized accrediting body for business schools.

Q7: Is the LMU MBA Program ranked?
A7: The MBA Program is ranked #4 by BusinessWeek in its ranking of part-time MBA programs.  In addition, the MBA Program moved up 9 spots to #14 in the U.S. News & World Report ranking of part-time MBA programs.  Only 2 other programs in Southern California earned this distinction.

Q8: What do I need prior to applying to the MBA Program?
A8: You need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution or the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree from a foreign institution. You need to take the GMAT and, if you did not graduate from a US high school, you will also need the TOEFL.

Q9: What is included in the application?
A9: A completed application consists of:

• application form (hard copy mailed in or online form)
• application fee of $50
• official GMAT score from ETS
• official TOEFL score (if attended high school outside the US)
• official transcripts (two  copies) from all colleges and universities attended
• personal statement
• two confidential sealed recommendations completed on the forms supplied
• resume

Q10: Are there any prerequisite courses required before applying?
A10: Although you are not required to have taken any business courses prior to applying, you are required to show evidence of college-level math (either business math or intermediate algebra) before you can enroll in quantitative MBA courses.

Q11: Is there a minimum GPA required for admission?
A11: No. The average GPA of admitted applicants is 3.28 which is not used as a minimum.

Q12: Is work experience required?
A12: Work experience is not required for admission, although most applicants have worked for several years.  The average work experience of admitted applicants is four years.

Q13: When do you accept applications?
A13: We accept applications for the Fall and Spring Semesters as well as either Summer Session. Click here to access the academic calendar.

Q14: What are the deadlines for completed applications?
A14: We use rolling admissions, with applications evaluated once all materials have been received.  We do not have any official deadlines, but encourage those interested to apply early.

Q15: May I send in my personal copy of my transcripts?
A15: No. Official sealed transcripts supplied by all schools you attended are required and should be included in your application packet.

Q16: If I took classes at a community or junior college do I need to submit those transcripts?
A16: We require official transcripts from all post-secondary schools that you have attended. This includes any coursework done at community colleges, junior colleges, extension programs and other institutions.

Q17: What is the average GMAT score?
A17: The average GMAT score for students who enrolled last fall was 600, but we accept a broad range, based on other components of the application.

Q18: May I waive the GMAT?
A18: No; the GMAT is never waived, for any reason.

Q19: May I substitute the GRE or the LSAT for the GMAT?
A19: No; the GMAT is required of all applicants.

Q20: If I take the GMAT more than once, which score do you use?
A20: We use your highest score.

Q21: Where should I have my official GMAT scores sent?
A21: You should have ETS send your scores to LMU, Institution Code MSXXN25.

Q22: If I am accepted into the program, may I defer to another semester?
A22: You may defer your acceptance for a maximum of one year. After one year, you must reapply. Admission is not guaranteed at a later time.

Q23: Who has to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)?
A23: All applicants who did not attend high school in the US or other English-speaking country.

Q24: What is the minimum TOEFL requirement?
A24: You must score 100 or above on the Internet Test, or 250 or above on the Computer Adaptive Test, or 600 or above on the standardized paper test.

Q25: Where should I have my official TOEFL scores sent?
A25: You must request ETS send your scores to LMU, Institution Code 4403.

Q26: What are the minimum qualifications for an international applicant?
A26: Applicants must have a US bachelor’s degree or the international equivalent.

Q27: What if I am not sure whether my foreign degree is equivalent to a US bachelor's degree?
A27: You must have your transcript evaluated by the International Education Research Foundation (IERF) in order to determine equivalency.

Q28: If I need an F-1 visa, what must I do?
Q28: Along with your application, you need to complete the Financial Resource Statement and include official documents verifying funds to cover tuition and expenses for the first year of the two-year MBA program. If you are being sponsored by another person, you need to submit a letter from that individual or institution stating that he or she will sponsor you, as well as financial documents in the sponsor's name to show funding for the first year of the program.

Q29: How long will it take to complete the MBA Program?
A29: It takes between 1 and 3 years, depending on the number of waivers you have and whether you choose to attend as a full-time or part-time student.

Q30: How much will it cost to complete the MBA Program?
A30: The MBA Program can be completed with 10 to 18 classes, depending on your waivers.  The cost per class for the 2008-09 academic year is $3,093.  Click HERE for detailed information on tuition and fees.

Q31: What types of financial aid are available?
A31: Scholarships, Research Assistantships and Graduate Assistantships are available.