Frequently Asked Questions

You can complete the ten-course MSM in as little as one year.

Yes, you can complete the MSM degree as a part-time or full-time student. We recommend that part-time students take no more than two courses per term if they are balancing a full-time job or other responsibilities.

The MSM is offered in three formats: online, on campus or hybrid. The on-campus classes are held at our Thousand Oaks or Oxnard locations.

Most students devote, on average, 10 hours per week to each course. Students usually take one or two courses per term.

Our Master of Science in Management program is designed for professionals who do not hold a business degree. This includes STEM majors, humanities majors and other graduates working in a wide range of fields. The degree is a great fit for anyone who wants a solid foundation in management in order to advance in non-traditional business careers.

In comparison, our Master of Business Administration program is for individuals seeking a grounding in core business skills while also developing a specific area of expertise, such as finance or marketing.

Students are not required to hold a business degree. We welcome students who have completed any undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, graduating with at least a 3.0 GPA. You can find out more about our application requirements on our admissions page.

The School of Management offers a variety of networking events and career services to students. Here are some of those opportunities:

• Networking Events: The School of Management hosts several events throughout the year where students can interact with business and community leaders. These include the Entrepreneur Speaker Series, PRiME Competition, New Venture Competition, ACG Cup and more​​​​.
• Career Services: The Cal Lutheran Career Services center supports students in planning for their careers and pursuing their purposes. The center posts more than 200 job and internship postings each week and has more than 20,000 employers contacts. They also offer events and on-demand tools for career mapping, interview preparation and more.
• HUB 101: This is a coworking and incubation space for the regional startup community. It offers classes, seminars, speakers and office space all within an environment that fosters networking and creative enterprise​​​​.

The School of Management also has collaborative relationships with many local associations. These include the Association for Corporate Growth (a hub for the city’s business community); the Los Angeles Venture Association (Southern California’s premier forum for entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, angel investors and professional advisors); and the Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County.

You can find out about some of our career-building activities in our “Careers With a Master’s in Management” section.

Yes, Cal Lutheran offers a variety of funding options from internal and external sources. These include:

• Scholarships​
• Grants​
• Credit reductions​
• Veterans benefits​
• Employer discounts​

Visit our financial aid page for detailed information. You can also call a graduate admission counselor at 805-778-8948 or 866-944-8289 (toll-free) to find out more about funding your education.

Cal Lutheran being designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) signifies that we meet specific criteria set by the U.S. Department of Education, primarily that at least 25% of our full-time undergraduate student population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.

Being an HSI also reflects Cal Lutheran’s broader commitment to diversity and community engagement. We offer a wide range of resources and opportunities, including scholarships, mentorship programs and courses that celebrate Hispanic cultures and heritage. We believe in creating a supportive space where students from all backgrounds can thrive and make lasting connections.

Cal Lutheran warmly welcomes individuals of all faiths and belief systems. Our inclusive community does not require affiliation with any church, religion or religious organization. We embrace diversity in all walks of life, so that every member of our community feels valued and respected.

We’re happy to help. You can talk to a graduate admission counselor via phone at 805-778-8948 or 866-944-8289 (toll-free). You can also email your questions to somgradprograms@callutheran.edu.