Master's Degrees
Pacific Lutheran University offers graduate and post-baccalaureate certificate programs in advanced professional education within a context of the liberal arts tradition. Graduate degree programs in accounting, 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.
Business
The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) can be completed full- or part-time in as little as nine months. The M.B.A. is available to students from any academic background and includes a required 10-day faculty-led international experience. Students may also choose to earn an emphasis with their degree in Technology and Innovation Management, Healthcare Management or Entrepreneurship and Closely-Held Business. The M.B.A. is accredited by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The Master of Science in Accounting (M.S.A.) can be completed full- or part-time in as little as nine months. It offers concentrations in taxation and accounting analytics. The M.S.A. is accredited by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Note: The Master of Science in Accounting program is not being offered at this time. Please contact the School of Business at 253.535.7224 for more information.
The Master of Science in Finance (M.S.F.) can be completed full- or part-time in as little as ten months. 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.) can be completed full- or part-time in as little as ten months. 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 ten-day residency each summer, and work from home with a faculty mentor for the rest of the academic year. As part of Pacific Lutheran University, the M.F.A. program is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Education
The Master of Arts in Education with Teacher Certification can be completed in 12 months. Students complete a year-long internship in a local school and take classes in the late afternoons and evenings and a few Saturdays. An Alternative Routes Teacher Certification program can be completed in nine to ten months. It is designed for non-certificated paras and teachers working in schools in subject areas with known shortages. Most classes are on Saturdays and online. A second year of coursework is required to earn a master’s degree in education.
Marriage and Family Therapy
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is a 24- to 28-month program that trains students to practice therapy from a systemically oriented, contextually competent worldview. The MFT 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. MFT 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 or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. PLU offers post-master’s options for master’s-prepared nurses who wish to complete the Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health 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 by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) offers multiple pathways to entry. The Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing is a 27-month program designed for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Classes are typically full-time, during the 15-month pre-licensure portion, and Thursday evenings and all day Fridays during the 12-month post-licensure portion of the program. The R.N./B Master of Science in Nursing is a 12- to 15-month program designed for registered nurses (R.N.) who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Classes are typically Thursday evenings, and all day Fridays. The Master of Science in Nursing Care and Outcomes Manager is a 12-month program for registered nurses (R.N.) holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) who wish to further their education. Classes are typically Thursday evenings and all day Fridays. The M.S.N./M.B.A. is a 36-month dual-degree program for registered nurses (R.N.) holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.). Classes are typically weekday evenings and full 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
- Certificate in Technology and Innovation Management
- Certificate in Health Care Management
- Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Closely-Held Enterprises
- Certificate in Supply Chain Management
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting
- Coursework Leading to Certification in Education
- Post-Master’s Certificate in Principal and Program Administration