Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MBA?
A Master of Business Administration, or MBA, is a post-graduate degree in business designed for students who have already completed their undergraduate, or baccalaureate, studies. The international MBA is a full-time MBA program created especially for international students.
Who should consider an MBA from CLU?
As stated above, students who have earned an undergraduate, or baccalaureate degree (in any subject or program of study-not just business) who wish to learn more about business to advance in their careers in business or government, start their own companies, or otherwise have a competitive edge in their professional opportunities.
What is the CLU Graduate School of Business?
The CLU Graduate School of Business offers a program of study leading to the International MBA, as well as other programs in business. It is part of California Lutheran University, a highly ranked and internationally respected institution of higher education. CLU is a private, not-for-profit university located in Southern California.
Is the program accredited?
The CLU Graduate School of Business, as a component of California Lutheran University, is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the designated accrediting agency for schools in the region. Other schools accredited by WASC include all University of California campuses (such as UCLA and Berkeley) and other government-supported schools, as well as private universities, such as Cal Tech, Stanford, and many others. CLU is recognized and listed in leading national and international guides of higher education.
How long is the program?
The International MBA is designed to be completed in one year (twelve months). Students may elect to stay longer in the US and take advantage of an optional professional internship, which can last up to twelve months. Applicants who are required to complete MBA foundations courses can expect to be enrolled for an additional three months (requiring a total of 15 months to complete their MBA).
When does the program begin?
There are four (4) entry points per year: Fall (late August); Winter (mid November); Spring (mid February); and Summer (mid May). Regardless of when a student begins the MBA, it can be completed in as few as 12 months.
What classes are offered in the international MBA?
The program of study contains core classes, including: Behavioral Science, Concepts for Information Technology, Financial Principles and Policies, Law and Ethics for Business Executives, Managerial Accounting, Managerial Economics, Marketing Theory, Organization Theory & Development, Statistical Analysis for Managers, and Strategic Management. In addition, optional areas of emphasis include: Finance, Marketing, Financial Planning, Management and Organization Behavior, International Business, Small Business/Entrepreneurship and Information Technology.
What about the faculty in the CLU graduate program?
Courses in the IMBA program are taught by full-time faculty who are recognized scholars, as well as others who have achieved significant and noteworthy industry, professional, and government experience. All CLU faculty possess impressive academic credentials, and most have earned doctoral or equivalent degrees. CLU is known for its teaching excellence, and the graduate business faculty are among "the best of the best."
Where is CLU?
CLU is located on a 200+ acre campus in Thousand Oaks, California, which is halfway between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles (about an hour from each). CLU is about 15 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, which can be reached in less than half an hour. Thousand Oaks is an upscale community consistently ranked as one of the safest in the US. Shopping, restaurants, and entertainment are located within and around Thousand Oaks. The weather in Southern California is recognized as being one of the best climates in the world.
What is the campus like?
A traditional suburban university campus, CLU facilities include classrooms, library, offices, computer labs, athletic facilities, a student store, as well as lawns, a creek, and thousands of flowering plants and trees.
How about Information Technology at CLU?
The CLU campus has been recognized as a technological leader, winning awards for campus computing excellence. Miles of buried fiber optics connect all facilities, and new construction is being completed with the objective of creating a campus-wide wireless environment.
Where do international MBA students live?
International students in the MBA program are offered a private bedroom in shared graduate housing that is modern, safe, and pleasant. Accommodations are proximate to campus (a short walk), as well as shopping and recreational activities. They are fully furnished and include all utilities, wireless DSL, cable television, local telephone, and more.
Are there recreational, cultural, and social activities?
As part of a full university campus, there are many diverse opportunities, including an athletic facility with modern conditioning equipment, intramural and spectator sports, distinguished lecturers, theatrical and musical events, and many others. The area hosts miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a highly diverse geography. In the winter it is possible to be on the beach in the morning and at one of the mountain ski resorts (about two hours away) in the afternoon.
What are the internships like?
Students who are interested in an internship after graduation work with the CLU Career Center during the academic program to develop their interviewing and related skills. The Career Center and CLU faculty help students locate and prepare for internships. Current immigration law allows students to work in the U.S. for up to one year following their graduation. Long-term employment in the U.S. is strickly controlled by immigration authorities and should never be automatically expected.
What are my career opportunities with an MBA from CLU?
After earning their MBA, some MBA graduates return to previous employers and resume their careers at advanced positions and higher salaries. Other graduates seek new employment with the knowledge and skills they have gained while earning their MBA degree. Still other graduates find that launching their own firm is a viable option. It is possible that contacts stemming from the internship experience may lead to full-time employment (in the US or in some other country) with the US-based firm or one of its affiliates, though this is closely regulated by immigration law.
Is there a Pre-MBA Program, if I am not quite prepared to begin my MBA?
To enhance the probability of their success in the MBA program, some studens are required to first complete a one-term (12 week) MBA Foundations Program. This foundations program includes basic MBA classes that help prepare students for more advanced MBA courses. Students who are required to complete the 12 week MBA Foundations Program can complete their entire MBA in as few as 15 months.
What is the cost of the MBA?
The cost of the Full-Time MBA at the CLU Graduate Scool of Business is approximately $48,560 (US) for the 2009-2010 academic year. This includes tuition, housing, books, and fees. This is less than the price of tuition alone for many similar programs in the U.S. CLU has been recognized as "An Exceptional Value in U.S. Graduate Business Education." The ability to complete the program in as few as 12 months (15 months, if foundations courses are required) provides a substantial cost savings. To obtain a student visa for the 2009 academic year, applicants must certify $54,560 in available funds. Students who are required to complete MBA Foundations courses are required to certify approximately $12,500 in additional funds.
How can I pay for the program?
There is no financial assistance for MBA students at CLU. Students use personal or family funds, and many governments provide grants and loans for the education of their citizens. While an MBA in the USA may seem quite expensive, research confirm that the time and money dedicated toward obtaining an MBA is a good investment in one's future. Those with MBA degrees achieve much higher lifetime earnings, and the jobs that are available to MBA graduates are usually considered to be far superior to those without an MBA.
Who is eligible to apply?
Students who have completed undergraduate or baccalaureate study at an accredited institution are eligible to apply. All applications are carefully and individually reviewed. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to complete the program, including academic preparedness, intellectual ability, English language skills, and availability of resources.
Do I need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)?
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. They can do this through tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, or CLU can help them to arrange to complete the highest level of English at one of the language programs in the U.S. that is recognized by CLU and then enter CLU on a special TOEFL waiver.
Is work experience necessary?
Work experience is preferred, but it is not automatically required. Students who have noe had significant work experience will be considered for the MBA Foundations Program, which includes an additional 12 weeks of courses and preparation prior to enrolling in subsequent MBA courses.
I have specific questions.Whom should I contact?
Please send all general inquiries and specific questions to MBA@clunet.edu. Be sure to include your full name (clearly indicating your surname or family name), specific questions, and all relevant information. Your inquiry will quickly be forwarded to the appropriate person, who will directly respond to your inquiry. We may wish to reach you and ask for additional information to better understand your question or situation, so be sure to provide as much contact information as possible, including your e-mail address, telephone numbers, and postal address, etc.
How and when do I apply?
Applications are considered year-round, and CLU practices rolling admissions. The preferred application date is 150 days prior to the start of the term of intended enrollment. Once CLU receives your application, you will be notified, and our admissions specialists will request all additional necessary documents and information. Students may also seek additional information by contacting:
MBA for International Students
CLU Graduate School in Business
60 West Olsen Road #2200
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 USA
+1 805 493-3511 voice
+1 805 493-3861 fax
Email: MBA@clunet.edu