Albers School of Business and Economics

Joseph M. Phillips, PhD, Dean
 

Objectives

The mission and educational goals of the Albers School produce a set of programs and activities designed to prepare students for an increasingly complex and challenging global business environment, to help them appreciate and develop a commitment to personal integrity and corporate responsibility, to develop an enthusiasm for lifelong learning, and to instill a service orientation.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to graduate programs should contact the Albers School of Business and Economics at (206) 296-5700 or Seattle University Graduate Admissions at (206) 220-8010 for admission materials. Documents required for admission to the master of business administration (MBA), the master of international business (MIB), the master of professional accounting (MPAC), or the master of science in finance (MSF) programs include the following:

• Completed Application for Graduate Admission and non-refundable $55 application fee (waived for Seattle University alumni)
• Official transcripts of all post-secondary education institutions attended in the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of the bachelor’s degree, including any transfer credits earned during this time, and any post-baccalaureate course work
• Official scores from the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
• Current résumé. Note: MBA, MSF, and MIB programs require evidence of continuous full-time work experience. Work experience is not required for the MPAC program.
• If English is not the applicant’s native language, official English proficiency scores meeting the University entrance requirements are necessary. See policy 2008-01  in Admissions Policies for details.

A maximum of 12 credits taken in non-matriculated status may be applied towards any master’s degree in the Albers School.

Albers students may take one elective course from another Seattle University graduate program with prior approval of the program director with the exception of cross registration with the School of Law.

Math, Computer and Business Communications Proficiency

All graduate students in the degree programs of the Albers School of Business and Economics must establish their business communications, math proficiency and computer use (word processing, intermediate-level skills in spreadsheet analysis, communication via e-mail, and conduct research via the Internet). All students must have access to a computer with a modem, wireless connectivity, or the flexibility to use campus computer labs.

Math proficiency can be established by previous credit course work in calculus with a grade of B (3.00) or higher, or the non-credit course offered by the Albers School.

Communications proficiency can be established by previous credit course work in business communications with a grade of B (3.00) or higher, or successful completion of the non-credit business communications course offered by the Albers School, or by adequate performance in both the Verbal section and the Essay Writing section of the GMAT exam.

Students are encouraged to complete these proficiency requirements prior to starting their graduate degree program. The math proficiency requirement must be completed by the end of the first year in each program. The communications proficiency must be completed by the end of the first quarter in each program.

Joint Degree Programs

Business and Law

The Seattle University business and law joint degree program allows students to obtain the JD and a graduate degree in business. Specified courses taken at the Law School may contribute to the business degree and specified courses completed in the Albers School of Business and Economics may contribute to the JD Degree. The joint degree is available to both full- and part-time students but it should be noted that both degrees must be completed within six years.

Seattle University and the Albers School of Business and Economics offers four graduate degrees which may be earned in combination with the JD degree: master of business administration, master of science in finance, master of international business, and master of professional accounting.

Master of Professional Accounting (MPAC)/Master of Science in Finance (MSF) Joint Degree Program

The Seattle University Master of Professional Accounting (MPAC)/Master of Science in Finance (MSF) joint degree program is designed to allow students to complete both degrees in less time than if the two degrees were obtained independently outside the program. Certain courses taken in the MSF count toward the MPAC degree and certain courses taken in the MPAC count toward the MSF degree. This joint degree program is available to both full- and part-time students.

Students must be accepted into the program at least one quarter prior to completing the requirements for the first degree and are expected to fulfill the admission requirements of both programs.  Students must complete a minimum of 73 quarter credit hours toward the joint degrees not including the Fundamental Business Courses. 

Transfer Credit

Students are allowed to transfer up to nine quarter credits from AACSB International-accredited institutions with prior approval of the dean or director of the program. Any transfer credits from international universities are subject to prior approval of the dean. The six-year limit policy applies to courses approved for transfer from other universities.

As an exception the Albers School is a party to the Memorandum of Understanding for AACSB International-accredited AJCU Business Schools. The agreement allows students in participating Jesuit AACSB accredited business schools to transfer up to one-half of their degree requirements from their original university to the receiving university.