Applying to Albers

Can I make an appointment with an admissions advisor?

We would love to get all your questions answered. If you would like to schedule a time to talk with one of our graduate advisors feel free to give the front desk here at the business school a call to schedule a one on one meeting. The number is +1 (206)-296-5700. For our Online MSBA and/or Online MBA, please call +1-(855)-500-3845.

What are the requirements to apply or get admitted into the program?

Please see the below list of graduate application materials. For the 2020-21 academic year, the official GMAT score is optional (link to News). Applicants are still encouraged to submit a GMAT (link to GMAT section below) when possible. Choosing to include these scores can make applications more competitive and gives the admission team more information about applicants.

Graduate Application Materials

Domestic Applicants:

• Graduate Application
• GMAT or GRE scores (recommended)
• Current Resume
• Official Transcripts
• Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Scholarship Application (due at submission of application)

International Applicants:

• GMAT or GRE scores
• Current Resume
• Official Transcripts
• Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• TOEFL or IELTS Score*
• Agency Evaluation of Transcripts*
• Scholarship Application (due at submission of application)

*Additional information on international applicant materials can be found on the Graduate Admissions site.

Please visit our face to face programs Admissions page as well as our online programs Admissions page for additional information. Albers School of Business and Economics applicants are accepted into the program based on their entire history, considering each factor individually, and in combination, as part of the admissions process. Personal statements and letters of reference are not required, but may be included, especially if there is information an applicant feels is important for the committee to take into consideration in their decision.

You can visit the Graduate Admission’s webpage as well to stay up to date on recent changes.

What are the application deadlines for each quarter?

Application Deadlines

Graduate Program	Winter Quarter	Spring Quarter	Summer Quarter	Fall Quarter
MBA, MSF, and Certificate Programs Domestic Students	Nov 20	Feb 20	May 20	Aug 20
MSAA	Nov 20		May 20	Aug 7
MPAC				Aug 7
MSBA* Domestic Students	N/A	N/A	N/A	Jan 20 and Mar 20
Bridge MBA Domestic Students	N/A	N/A	N/A	Mar 1, May 1, Jul 1
MSBL**	N/A	Feb 15, May 15	N/A	N/A
Online MBA and Online MSBA	Please see our online admissions schedule.
All Programs **International Students residing outside the U.S.	Sep 1	Dec 1	Jan 1	Apr 1

*Early decision: January 20

**MSBL Priority Deadline: February 15 | Hard deadline May 15 | Classes start end of June

***International students currently in the U.S. may be eligible for a later application date. Please consult with our Graduate Program Coordinator.

Where do I mail hard copies of my application?

All hard copy application materials should be sent to the following address:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Seattle University
901 12th Avenue
P.O. Box 222000
Seattle, WA 98122-1090

Do I need an undergraduate degree to be accepted?

Yes.

May I still apply if I don't have a business related major or bachelor's degree?

Yes, you may. We welcome students with all backgrounds into our programs.

What's the minimum GPA required to be accepted?

What's the minimum GPA required to be accepted?
Please visit the following links to our class profiles regarding the average GPA for all programs. While this is not a minimum, it is an indicator of the scores that we are receiving:

• PMBA Class Profile
• Bridge MBA Student Profile
• MSBA Student Profile
• MSF Student Profile
• MPAC Student Profile
• MSBL Student Profile
• Online MBA
• Online MSBA

If you are concerned about your GPA the best place to address these concerns is in the personal statement of your application. If you feel there is something about your work experience or education history that needs explaining, please take a moment to do so in this space.

My GPA is low. Can I still be accepted?

The best place to address GPA concerns is in the personal statement of your application. If you feel there is something about your education history that needs explaining, please take a moment to do so in this space. It is also a good way for the admissions staff to get a better picture of who you are as a person.
Additionally, it may be helpful for you to take some additional classes to show that you will be able to handle the workload. The GMAT will play a strong role in your selection as well. A high score on the test may be another goal that would help balance out a low GPA. For academic year 2020-21, the GMAT is optional.

Is the program a cohort program or a rolling admission?

Most of our programs are on a rolling admission schedule.  Please check Application Deadline chart above for program specific application deadlines.

Do you require letters of recommendation or a personal statement?

Letters of recommendation are not required for admission to any of our graduate programs except Master in Sport Business Leadership (MSBL). Personal statements are optional for all graduate programs except for the face to face MSBA, MSBL, and Bridge MBA programs.  We encourage you to include these documents if there is information you feel is important for the committee to take into consideration in their decision.

Are there any opportunities to learn more about the graduate programs at Albers?

Face-to-face Programs

Yes, there are information sessions online that you can attend. You may also schedule a meeting with a graduate advisor by calling the Albers School of Business and Economics front desk at (206) 296-5700, or scheduling a meeting online. For Master in Sport Business Leadership please call +1-(206)-398-4610 or email msbl@seattleu.edu.

Online Programs

For the Online MBA (OMBA) and Online Master of Science in Business Analytics (OMSBA), we host webinar information sessions throughout the year. Please visit our Online MBA and MSBA page for the schedule. You may also contact our Online Programs Admissions Advisor by calling +1 855-500-3845 or schedule a call. You may also email our Online Admissions Advisor.

May I submit GRE score instead of GMAT? Is the GMAT/GRE Required?

• The GMAT and GRE requirements are optional through Fall 2022. Albers does accept either GRE scores or GMAT scores, and applicants are still encouraged to submit a GMAT or GRE when possible. Choosing to include these scores can make applications more competitive and gives the admission team more information about applicants.

Please visit the following links to our class profiles regarding the average GMAT scores for all programs. While this is not a minimum, it is an indicator of the scores that we are receiving:

• PMBA Student Profile
• Bridge MBA Student Profile
• MSBA Student Profile
• MSF Student Profile
• MPAC Student Profile
• Online MBA
• Online MSBA

What are the GMAT/GRE test codes?

Seattle University's codes for GMAT scores are:

• Professional MBA (Part Time)- OTM-56-13
• Professional MBA (Full Time)- OTM-56-88
• Bridge MBA – OTM -56-99
• MSBA - OTM-56-61
• MSF - OTM-56-66
• MPAC - OTM-56-50
• L-EMBA - OTM-56-85
• OMBA - OTM-56-13
• OMSBA - OTM-56-61

Seattle University code number for GRE scores is GRE 4695.

International Admissions

I’m an international student, where can I find info on international admissions?

The Graduate Admissions International Students page contains the most up-to-date information on most queries.

Am I eligible for CPT or OPT with your graduate programs?

For questions regarding both, please visit the International Student Center CPT and OPT website.

Can international students pursue online degree programs?

Yes, international students can pursue online degree programs.

• Online MSBA: 100% online; F-1 student visa not required for admission to this program
• Online MBA: 95% online, 5% in-person, on-campus; F-1 student visa not required for admission to this program; you may come as a tourist to fulfill the in-person, on-campus requirement

Financial Considerations

How much does the program cost?

For a full list of face-to-face program specific tuition & fees, up to date information can be found on our tuition and fees page.

For the Online MBA and Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA), up to date information can be found on the Albers Online tuition and fees page.

Are there scholarships available and how do I apply?

Albers offers several merit-based scholarships. A list of the scholarships available as well as links to the applications can be found on our scholarships page.

Do you offer tuition reimbursement through my employer?

Yes. Please contact Student Financial Services for further information on the required paperwork. Their contact details are below.

Email: financialservices@seattleu.edu
Phone: +1-(206)-220-8020

Does Seattle University offer financial assistance to Veterans?

Yes we do. For information on financial assistance, please visit the Veterans Community section of the Seattle University website.

Programs & Classes

What does AACSB accredited mean? Why is it important?

AACSB stands for The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB Accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. Less than 5% of the world's 13,000 business programs have earned AACSB Accreditation. AACSB-accredited schools produce graduates who are highly skilled and more desirable to employers than other non-accredited schools.

What programs do you offer?

We offer degree programs, joint degrees, and certificates. Please visit our Degrees page for more details on each program offered.

Which program is right for me?

We can help you assess which program suits your interests and needs best. Please review the programs we offer and their requirements. We encourage you to contact one of our advisors if you’d like to make an appointment. For on-campus programs, please call +1 (206) 398-4312 and for online programs, please call +1 (855) 500-3845.

How does SU’s PMBA Program compare to UW’s PMBA Program?

Unfortunately, we can't address the details of the program that the UW offers. Our best advice is to look at the ratio of core to elective classes, as well as how many elective and certificate options you would have at either program.

What's the difference between the PMBA, BMBA, and EMBA, and OMBA Programs?

We have a great webpage for that, please visit Which MBA Is Right For You.

Do you offer graduate programs in Information Technology or Information Systems?

Please see the Computer Science program offered through our College of Science & Engineering. If you are interested in data analytics, please see the Master of Science in Business Analytics offered here at the business school.(

What certificates are available?

We offer Graduate Certificates that can be taken in conjunction with the graduate degree programs. For more information on those, visit our Certificates page.

What's the difference in a certificate and a master's degree?

Consider the certificate like a "minor" and the full program as the “degree.” If you need to review a topic, a certificate is a great option. Additionally, it is a good option for someone who is established in a career but would like to transition into a new area or enhance a skillset.  They are designed to allow working professionals to develop expertise and acquire a credential beyond their undergraduate degree without having to complete a full graduate degree program.

Can I start with a certificate and transfer those credits to a master's degree?

Absolutely. You may begin a certificate program and subsequently apply for graduate program. You must begin this process before the final quarter of your certificate program. Please also note that once you have completed a certificate program those credits are “locked” and not available for application towards a master's degree.

What is the average class size?

Average class size is 20 to 25.

Is there any preparatory coursework required before the start of a program?

Yes, please check the website for specific prerequisite classes required for individual programs. All new students in the Online MSBA are required to complete a bootcamp in the R and Python programming languages prior to the beginning of their first term. Some Online MBSA students may be required to complete some corequisite courses. Please visit our Online MSBA curriculum page for additional information.

When do classes start each quarter?

Classes start every quarter in the following months: September for Fall, January for Winter, April for Spring, and June for Summer. MSBL starts once per year during Intersession (mid-August).

Registration & Course Load

Can I take prerequisite courses at another school?

Prerequisite courses can be completed outside of Seattle U. These courses may be taken at any accredited institution, including a local community college or university.

Do you offer online prerequisite courses?

Yes, we do! We offer prerequisite courses online for students already admitted to the program.

How long will it take to finish the program?

Estimated length of Albers Graduate programs:

Program	Part-Time	Full-Time	Total Credits
PMBA	9 Quarters; 2.5 years	6 Quarters; 1.5 years	54 credits
MPAC	8 Quarters; 2 years	4 Quarters; 1 year	45 credits
MSBA	8 Quarters; 2 years	4 Quarters; 1 year	45 credits
MSF	8 Quarters; 2 years	4 Quarters; 1 year	45 credits
MSBL	N/A	8 Quarters; 2 years	48 credits
OMBA	9 Quarters; 2.5 years	N/A	54 credits
OMSBA	7.5 Quarters; 2 years	N/A	48 credits
Bridge MBA	N/A	1 year	48 credits
Certificates	1+ year(s)	3 Quarters to 1 year	15 credits

What courses can I waive and how?

Once admitted to your program, a meeting with your academic advisor will determine the number of classes able to be waived.  Waivers are based on previously completed courses and the grade received.

How many courses per quarter do I need to be considered full-time?

Any course load above 6 credits (or two classes) per quarter is considered full time enrollment.

Can I be a full-time student even though the program is called 'Part-time MBA'?

You may enroll in one to four classes each quarter. One or two classes is a part time schedule, and three or four classes is a full time schedule. Depending on your schedule & availability, you will discuss with your advisor how many classes to take each quarter. Most of our students PMBA students are employed and working full time, and choose to attend class on a part time schedule in the evenings.

Are there graduate classes during the day?

No graduate classes are held during the day in the following Albers Graduate programs:

• Professional MBA
• Master of Professional Accounting
• Master of Science in Finance
• Master of Science, Business Analytics
• Master in Sport Business Leadership

In contrast, all classes for the Bridge MBA program are held during the day.

When are the evening classes?

6 p.m. to 8:40 p.m.

I am working full time, how many classes do you recommend I take?

Most students working full-time take two classes per quarter; six credits.

How much study time is required per class on average?

The average student spends one to two times the amount of time preparing for class or studying as they spend in class. For example, one class per week for 2.5 hours = 2.5-5 hours of preparation each week.

How many classes will I have per week?

Each class meets once a week in the evening. If you take two classes, you will have two classes every week, one per evening. For the Online MBA (OMBA) and Master of Science in Business Analytics (OMSBA), please visit our Online Student Experience page.

May I take a quarter off?

Yes, we allow students to up to three quarters off and six years to complete the program. If you take more than three quarters off, you need to reapply to the program.

Career/Student Life

Can you tell me more about your career center?

Albers provides the Albers Placement Center, which assists students and alumni to be successful in their career development and job placement activities. Please visit their page and read more on the services they provide for students.

Does the program help students get internship/full time positions?

We have a strong Placement Center that supports students in identifying and preparing for internship interviews and opportunities. While we don’t place students in internships, we have strong connections with the local business community and often have on campus recruiting sessions from many companies.

What are some of the companies that recruit heavily from SU?

To name a few: Amazon, Boeing, Blue Nile, CBRE, Ernst & Young, Holland America, ING Financial Partners, King County, New York Life, Nordstrom, PACCAR, Revel Consulting, T-Mobile, as well as a host of small- to medium-sized companies.

Do the Big Four accounting firms recruit from Seattle University?

Absolutely. They have a regular presence on our campus not only in a recruiting capacity, but also to host office hours, resume review sessions and mock interview sessions.