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Pacific Lutheran University offers graduate and post-baccalaureate certificate programs in advanced professional education within a context of the liberal arts tradition. Master’s degree programs in business, finance, marketing research, creative writing, education, marriage and family therapy, and nursing challenge students to increase their understanding and competence in theory, research and practice. Graduates are prepared to become thoughtful and effective leaders in their professions and communities. Graduate students have the opportunity to study in unusually close and supportive working relationships with full time doctorally-prepared faculty and professionally qualified part-time practitioners.
MASTER’S DEGREES
BUSINESS
The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) is a 20-22 month program, with evening classes twice a week, and full- or part-time options. The M.B.A. is designed for working professionals who want to continue to build the skills needed in today’s ever-changing business environment while continuing full-time employment. The M.B.A. is accredited by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The Master of Science in Finance (M.S.F.) is a 10-month full-time, cohort-based program. It has been designated as a C.F.A. University Recognized Program by the Society of Chartered Financial Analysts. The M.S.F. is accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The Master of Science in Marketing Research (M.S.M.R.) is a 10-month fulltime, cohort-based program. It has been developed to provide students with in-demand and relevant business skills in marketing research. The M.S.M.R is accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
CREATIVE WRITING
The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) is a 36 month low-residency program in the fields of poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction intended for those wishing to develop and pursue careers as writers. M.F.A. students are on campus for a 10-day residency each summer, and work from home with a faculty mentor for the rest of the academic year. The M.F.A. program as part of Pacific Lutheran University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
EDUCATION
The Master of Arts in Education (M.A.E.) includes a number of different programs: 1) teacher certification, 2) advanced/master teaching, and 3) principal or program administration certification. Typically, programs can be completed in 12 months. Classes vary by program from evening, Saturday, and online classes to full-time, day courses. PLU M.A.E. programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 24-month program that trains students to pursue therapy from a systemically-oriented, contextually competent worldview. The M.F.T. program trains students to address a wide range of clinical concerns impacting individuals, couples, and families. Classes in the first year are typically twice a week, 3:00 to 6:30 p.m., with increasing time commitments in the second year. The M.A. M.F.T. program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
NURSING
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) is a 36-month program designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree at the highest level of nursing practice. The sequence of study recognizes the academic and professional success of the baccalaureate degree as the groundwork for graduate study. The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree prepares graduates in the advanced practice specialty area of Family Nurse Practitioner. PLU offers post-master’s options for master’s-prepared nurses who wish to complete the Family Nurse Practitioner specialty and for advanced practice nurses who wish to complete the D.N.P. The D.N.P. program has received initial approval by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission and will be undergoing its initial D.N.P. accreditation visit by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in the 2015-2016 academic year.
The Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) includes a number of different programs: 1) For registered nurses (R.N.) holding a bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N.) who wish to further their education, there is a 12-month Care and Outcomes Management (COM) program or a 24-month Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program. Classes are typically Thursday evenings and all day Fridays. 2) For registered nurses (R.N.) holding a bachelor of science (B.S.N.), there is a 36-month M.S.N./M.B.A. dual-degree program. Classes are typically weekday evenings, and full day Fridays. 3) For those who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, there is a 27-month entry-level master of science in nursing degree program. Classes are typically full-time, day courses during the pre-licensure portion, and Thursday evenings and all day Fridays during the post-licensure portion. 4) For registered nurses (R.N.) who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, there is a 15-month R.N. to master of science in nursing degree program. Classes are typically Thursday evenings, and all day Fridays. The PLU M.S.N. program is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Certificate Programs Offered in Business
- Post-MBA Certificate in Technology and Innovation Management
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting
Coursework Leading to Certification in Education
- Post-Master’s Certificate in Principal and Program Administration