General Questions

Is the PMBA a part-time or full-time program?
The program is a part-time evening program.

Is the PMBA program accredited?
Yes. All programs offered by the Villanova School of Business are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the professional accrediting body for business schools.

How long will it take to complete the PMBA program?
The typical length for completion is 3 to 5 years.  The length of time to complete the program varies depending on the number of basic core courses required, the number of courses taken each semester, and whether you take summer classes. A student who is employed full-time can take a maximum of two courses per semester and during the summer session. It is possible for a student who is employed fewer than 20 hours per week to attend full-time by taking 3 or 4 courses per semester and 2 courses during the summer session.

What is the profile of the class most recently admitted?

• Average age: 28 years
• Average GPA: 3.3
• Average GMAT: 580
• Average years work experience: 5 years

Are online classes available?
Each semester, a number of prerequisite core, basic core, and managerial decision area courses are offered in a partial distance learning format: 50% traditional classroom; 50% online. This combined format still allows for valuable classroom interaction, yet adds the scheduling flexibility desired by our students. In addition, a few elective courses also are offered online. Traditional face-to-face courses are always available.

Curriculum / Course Requirements

What is the structure of the PMBA curriculum?
All incoming students begin the program with our Leadership Challenge (MBA 8100). This 2-credit, weekend course focuses on the skill areas needed to begin an MBA program. There are 4 levels of courses in the curriculum: The prerequisites (5 credits); The basic core (6 courses, 15 credits); The advanced core (8 courses, 24 credits); and electives (4 courses, 12 credits).

How many credits do I need to complete to receive my MBA?
To fulfill MBA degree requirements, candidates must complete between 40 credits and 56 credits. The number of credits required depends on your prior academic experience.

What skills and courses are required to apply for the PMBA program?
Knowledge of basic computer skills (spreadsheets, databases, and Internet navigation skills) and one semester of college-level calculus are required of all students. You must fulfill the calculus requirement by the second semester of study in the PMBA program.

Is it possible to transfer credits from another MBA program?
You may transfer up to nine credits from another AACSB accredited MBA program to satisfy advanced core and elective requirements. Prior approval is necessary.

Can any courses be waived?
Courses in the basic core may be waived based on undergraduate or previous graduate coursework. If a waiver is not granted, you may opt to take challenge exams. If you have an undergraduate major in business, you may substitute an elective course for the required advanced core course waived based on your undergraduate major.

How many elective courses are required?
Twelve elective credits (4 courses) are required.

Are there specializations in the PMBA program?
Yes. You may specialize in Finance, Health Care Administration, International Business, MIS, or Marketing.

How many courses are required for a specialization?
Three.  Four international electives are needed for the International Business specialization.

Are all students required to select a specialization?
No, students may select the Corporate Management track and select electives from any business discipline.

Are there any requirements regarding the selection of electives?
One elective must be an international course (except for students on the Health Care Administration track). This international course may also be a specialization course, i.e., International Marketing for a marketing specialization.

Is it possible to take Villanova School of Business MBA classes prior to being admitted to the program?
No, you must be accepted to the program in order to take any classes in the program.

Class Schedule

When do classes meet?
Classes meet once a week, Monday to Thursday, usually from 6 to 8:45 p.m. (fall and spring). Summer classes meet from 6 to 9 p.m. There are occasional Saturday classes that meet from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (over 11 weeks).

How long is each semester/session?
Fall and spring semesters meet for 15 weeks each and the summer session meets for 9 weeks.

Application Process

When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for fall admission is July 31; the deadline for spring admission is November 15. All application documents must be received by the deadline. Applicants interested in enrolling in the summer session must submit credentials by March 31.

Can I apply online?
Yes. You can access the application here.

What must be provided to the Office of Graduate Business Programs for an application to be reviewed?
The following must be received by the application deadline: application form and essays; application fee ($50); official transcripts from each institution attended; GMAT score report; TOEFL (for international students); and recommendations.

What are the main criteria for admission?
The main criteria for admission include: undergraduate GPA; GMAT score; work experience; TOEFL (for international students); essays; and recommendations.

Fees and Financial Aid

What is the cost of tuition?
For the 2008-09 academic year tuition is $750 per credit or $2,250 per course; all PMBA courses are (3) credits, except MBA 8100 (the Leadership Challenges — 2 credits), MBA 8505 (Business Ethics — 1.5 credits), and MBA 8506 (Employment Law — 1.5 credits).

Are scholarships available?
The MBA Fellows Program is an assistantship that allows students to pursue their MBA on a full time basis, free of tuition charges, while obtaining paid research experience and exposure to faculty members.