School of Management

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long has California Lutheran University been around?

Founded in 1959, CLU is part of a 500-year-old tradition in Lutheran higher education and academic excellence with experienced faculty who bring real-world theory to the classroom.

2. Is California Lutheran University accredited?

CLU is accredited by The Western Association for Schools and Colleges
985 Atlantic Avenue, Ste. 100 Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: (510) 748-9001, Fax: (510) 748-9797
www.wascsenior.org

3. Is the online MBA a true MBA program?

Yes. All graduates of this program will be awarded a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Students in our online MBA program will receive the same diploma that is awarded to residential on-campus graduates. They will be eligible to participate in California Lutheran University's commencement ceremony in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

4. What is the difference between the online MBA and the on-campus MBA programs?

The only difference lies in the delivery (online versus on-site). The word "online" is appropriately used to describe the flexibility and convenience of the online format for professionals who wish to earn an MBA from CLU without relocating or leaving an already well-established career. No differentiating language will appear on your diploma.

5. How long does it take to complete the online MBA degree program?

The accelerated format of the program allows a student to complete the entire 45-credit program in less than two years if desired.

6. How long is each MBA course?

Online MBA courses are delivered in an eight week term and include five terms per year.  Students can access course materials 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Throughout the term, students access lectures, share course information, work on group projects, submit class work and take exams, all online.

7. How are MBA courses structured?

Online and classroom-based courses are organized and presented in much the same way.  Each class contains weekly instructional lectures comprised of pre-recorded audio lectures, assigned readings from textbook(s), assignments in many forms including quizzes, case studies and homework. Though students may work at their own time and convenience during the week, course are structured to meet assignment deadlines and require participation in one 60-90 minute live chat session each week.

8. What if I miss a deadline or need an extension?

Time extensions depend on the professor's course policies.

9. How do online MBA courses work?

The online courses are hosted in the Moodle learning management system which is provided by Learning House, CLU's online education partner.  All online courses consist of synchronous activities which in some way count towards the final grade.  While the bulk of the workload occurs in the asynchronous mode ( a mode under which students can largely work according to their own convenience) all students are required to attend the weekly 60-90 minute online live chat session.  These take place in a virtual classroom in Adobe Connect.

Occasionally, students may have to deal with circumstances beyond their control that would prevent them from participating in the live chat sessions. In such situations, a student may miss a maximum of two live chat sessions.  In this case, students must review the archived live chat session for that week and complete an assignment at the instructor's discretion.  As with traditional classes, students are expected to read any textbook material or outside reading material prior to a certain due date as specified in the course syllabus.

It is common for a number of discussion questions or problems to be assigned that require students to answer and/or participate in class discussion. For example, your professor may ask students to express your personal views on a topic, analyze a case study, or similar. The instructor expects each student to contribute their ideas on the platform by the due date and, where appropriate, to discuss alternative viewpoints with their classmates.

10. How do I access my online class?

Students will have access to online courses one week prior to the start of the term.  You can access online courses that you are enrolled in by visiting: http://clu.learninghouse.com. Your username and password is the same as your CLU username and password.  Your instructor will send out a welcome email the weekend before classes begin.  A new online student orientation is held a few weeks prior to the start of the term; all new and returning online students are invited to attend.  All correspondence will be sent directly to you CLU email account.

11. Can I combine online MBA classes with on-campus classes?

Absolutely!

12. How many online classes can I take at one time?

Most students, whether they are taking classes on campus, online or a combination of the two, take two courses each term. This allows you to finish the program in a reasonable period of time.

13. Can I complete the entire MBA program online?

Yes. You can complete your entire MBA degree from the comfort of your own keyboard.

14. Do I have to be a computer expert to pursue my MBA degree online?

No. The only computer skills required are a familiarity with Windows and an Internet browser.

15. What are the Technical Requirements?

Students are required to have a computer, headset with microphone, CLU e-mail and internet access to enroll in this course. This course is delivered via online instruction. All materials, with the exclusion of the textbook, are delivered via the Internet. Technical support is available 24/7/365.

16. What kind of computer equipment will I need?

To successfully access your course content, you will need a personal computer with at least:

• A 1.4GHz Intel Pentium 4 or faster (or equivalent) for Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 7; 2GHz or faster (or equivalent) for Windows XP or WIndows 7; 1GHz of RAM (2GB recommended) for Windows Vista or Mac/Apple equivalent
• A 512MB of RAM memory (1GB is recommended) for Windows XP or Windows 7; 1GB of RAM (2GB recommended) for Windows Vista
• Windows XP Operating System, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Mac OS X
• Access to a high-speed or broadband Internet connection (e.g., DSL or Cable Modem). NOTE: Most public libraries in the U.S. provide this type of Internet access for free
• Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser 6.0 or higher; Mozilla Firefox 3,4,5 or 6; Google Chrome
• Software that will allow you to view Microsoft (MS) Word, MS PowerPoint and MS Excel files. NOTE: If you do not have the full MS software, you can download free viewers that will allow you to view (but not create or change) these files
• QuickTime 7.0 or higher (free download at Apple)
• Adobe Flash Player 10.1 for all users
17. What is the tuition for the MBA program?

For current tuition amounts, please visit the Student Accounts-Tuition and Fees website. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for graduate study, so students are encouraged to check with the benefit's department at their place of employment. Tuition can be paid by cash, check or electronic debit.

18. What types of financial aid are available?

Need-based financial assistance is available for matriculated students in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. To apply, simply complete the FAFSA as well as CLU's Financial Aid application. Veteran's benefits may also be available. For specific questions concerning financial aid, you may visit the Financial Aid office or call (805) 493-3115.

19. How do I apply to the online MBA program?

The MBA admissions process is the same whether you intend to pursue your MBA in the classroom, online or a combination of both. For current information on applying to the MBA Program at CLU, please visit the MBA Admission website

20. Who should enroll in the CLU online MBA program?

CLU's Online MBA degree program suits the needs of full-time professionals, offering flexibility and convenience. It is designed for adult students pursuing upper-level positions as managers within larger organizations or owners of small to mid-sized firms. CLU's Online MBA program places significant emphasis on decision-making and leading organizations from a basis of financial data and fiscal analysis. CLU's Online MBA graduates are primarily those from the for-profit sector or product design, development and delivery and/or the service sector for profit-driven companies.

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