The Professional MBA program at the GW School of Business

The GW School of Business Professional MBA (PMBA), a part-time program, is more than passive classroom learning — it’s a dynamic experience in teamwork, critical thinking and judgment. Our program focuses on the fundamentals of business and reflects the growing value of ethical leadership, globalization, sustainability and social responsibility.

The PMBA is rigorous in theory, experiential in practice, and capitalizes on our location in Washington, D.C., where business and politics intersect. It’s also designed to work for your lifestyle, with four paths to completion: Cohort, Self-Paced, Online, and Hybrid. Our main campus is just two blocks from the Foggy Bottom Metro station, convenient to work and home. Your classes, professors' offices, academic advisor, and the F. David Fowler Career Center are all located in the same building.

Our PMBA gives you flexibility to complete your degree in two to five years, on campus or online, with a cohort of fellow students or independently. You can dive deeper with intensive weekend formats or explore experiential courses that leverage our unique location. You may even choose to participate in a short-term study abroad program to earn up to six academic credits in just 1-3 weeks. Balancing school, work and family is a lot of work, so we've designed this program to ensure you get as much out of your MBA experience as possible.

The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) is a school on the move. Over the past several years, we have committed to strengthening our class profile through increased selectivity. As a result, admission to each of our programs has grown more and more competitive. At the same time, we’ve remained committed to maintaining a diverse student community who share our passion for global, ethical business.

At the GWSB, community comes first, and students work toward shared goals. Our class profiles can be a helpful tool in understanding how your profile compares to our current students, but to fully understand our MBA community, we recommend you come see it for yourself.

Number enrolled: 241
Age: 35 (Mid-80% range: 26-46)
Work Experience: 7.78 years (Mid-80% range: 2-15 years)
Female: 46%
International: 8%
U.S. Underrepresented: 27%
U.S. Military/Veteran: 20%

Mission

The mission of the Professional MBA Program Office is to ensure the highest overall academic quality of the GW MBA program in order to provide students with the best possible graduate business education. We believe that the creation and dissemination of knowledge is essential for effective management. Our mission is to serve current and future leaders, managers, and professionals in the global community by offering superior learning opportunities in business and public management. We engage in research and other scholarly activities to advance management theory and practice, and provide management and professional expertise to businesses, government and not-for-profit organizations.

Learning Goals

  1. Global Awareness and Perspective
    Each student will be able to address the implications of global, environmental, political, economic, legal and regulatory considerations when resolving management situations.
  2. Moral Reasoning
    Each student will be able to incorporate ethical principles and concerns about social responsibility into the resolution of management situations.
  3. Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
    Each student will be skilled in critical thinking and able to use quantitative and decision-making tools and technologies to identify, analyze, and solve management problems.
  4. Team Leadership and Effectiveness
    Each student will learn the critical factors for team success and develop skills necessary to participate in and lead teams.
  5. Oral and Written Communications
    Each student will be an effective communicator with the ability to prepare well-written reports and deliver professional presentations.

The Professional MBA program is 46.5 credit hours long. Three-credit courses are a full semester long (14 weeks). Courses that are 1.5 credits are seven weeks in length and are offered either in the first or second half of a semester. One-credit courses meet for 12 hours of total class time and are offered in various formats, such as a four-day weekend or four Saturdays in a row. The program typically takes two to five years to complete.

Program Options

In our self-paced, part-time MBA programs, there are three program formats: On-Campus, Online and Hybrid.

The on-campus option allows you to design your own course schedule to meet your professional and personal needs and interests. Designed with greater flexibility in mind, the self-paced format is completed in two to five years based on the number of courses you complete each semester. PMBA-self-paced core and elective classes are generally held weeknights Monday through Thursday.

The online option allows students to take advantage of our unique MBA curriculum from wherever you are in the world. Offered completely virtually but still taught by our esteemed business school faculty, this program enables you to complete your GW MBA from anywhere, while earning the same AACSB-accredited degree awarded to our on-campus students. Online courses are predominantly synchronous. Students participate in a weekly one hour online session led by sync session leaders. These weekly sessions may consist of live discussions, guest lecturers, and Q&A.

The Hybrid option provides you with ultimate flexibility. You can decide not only which courses to take, but also what delivery format you prefer — online or on-campus. The ability to hybridize our Professional MBA is attractive to students with busy seasons in either their personal or professional lives.

Curriculum

PMBA core requirements make up 31.5 credits, with the remaining 15 credits reserved for analytics/technology-focused selectives and general elective classes. Electives are typically completed after the majority of core course requirements have been fulfilled, and may also be completed with short-term study abroad programs.

Elective Courses

With 12 credit hours of general electives built into the curriculum, students are able to add a certificate to their degrees, choose additional courses from over 200 electives offered at the School of Business, or take graduate-level classes offered through other GW schools or area universities. Students can also apply to add a second master’s degree to their MBA through GW’s many dual and joint degree offerings.

 

 

Degree Requirements

 

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 46.5 credits, including 34.5 credits in required courses and 12 credits in elective courses.

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

Accelerated, healthcare, online, and professional MBA formats: 46.5 credits, including 34.5 credits in required core courses and 12 credits in elective courses.

Global MBA format: 53 credits, including 38 credits in required core courses and 15 credits in elective courses.

Accelerated, healthcare, online, and professional MBA requirements

Required core courses
MBAD 6205Business Essentials for Dynamic Markets
MBAD 6211Financial Accounting
MBAD 6213Accounting for Internal Decision Making
MBAD 6223Operations Management
MBAD 6224Decision Making and Data Analysis
MBAD 6235Finance
MBAD 6240Competition in the Global Economy
MBAD 6242Microeconomics for the World Economy
MBAD 6250Technology for Business in DC
MBAD 6263Organizations and Human Capital
MBAD 6274Marketing
MBAD 6288Strategic Management
MBAD 6289Business Ethics and Public Policy
Analytics/technology focused courses
3 credits selected from the follow courses. ISTM 6500 may be repeated for credit provided the topics differ.
DNSC 6209Forecasting for Analytics
DNSC 6215Social Network Analytics
DNSC 6232Machine Learning for Managers
DNSC 6240Decision Models for Managers
DNSC 6320Pricing and Revenue Management
DNSC 6321Social Network Analytics
DNSC 6323Visualization for Analytics
DNSC 6325Business Process Simulation
DNSC 6327Sports Analytics
ISTM 6500Technology Skills for Managers
Electives
12 credits in graduate-level elective courses numbered 6000 and above. Up to 6 of these credits may be taken in departments outside GWSB. Students focusing their studies in the healthcare field must take all elective credits in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Global MBA requirements

Required core courses
MBAD 6206Professionalism as a Performative Art
MBAD 6207Leadership Lab
MBAD 6211Financial Accounting
MBAD 6213Accounting for Internal Decision Making
MBAD 6223Operations Management
MBAD 6224Decision Making and Data Analysis
MBAD 6235Finance
MBAD 6240Competition in the Global Economy
MBAD 6242Microeconomics for the World Economy
MBAD 6250Technology for Business in DC
MBAD 6263Organizations and Human Capital
MBAD 6274Marketing
MBAD 6281Business Ethics
MBAD 6284Business and Public Policy
MBAD 6286Strategic Management I
MBAD 6287Strategic Management II
MBAD 6289Business Ethics and Public Policy
MBAD 6294Consulting Abroad Project
Students must complete two enrollments in MBAD 6294, one on-campus and the other as the study abroad component of the Consulting Abroad Project.
Analytics/technology focused courses
3 credits selected from the follow courses. ISTM 6500 may be repeated for credit provided the topics differ.
DNSC 6209Forecasting for Analytics
DNSC 6215Social Network Analytics
DNSC 6232Machine Learning for Managers
DNSC 6240Decision Models for Managers
DNSC 6320Pricing and Revenue Management
DNSC 6321Social Network Analytics
DNSC 6323Visualization for Analytics
DNSC 6325Business Process Simulation
DNSC 6327Sports Analytics
ISTM 6500Technology Skills for Managers
Electives
15 credits in graduate-level elective courses numbered 6000 and above. Up to 6 of these credits may be taken in departments outside GWSB.

NOTE: MBAD 6298 may not be applied toward MBA degree requirements.

 

Admissions

Admission to the Professional MBA program is highly competitive and enrollment is limited. Students operate in two cohorts throughout the academic year.

Due to the rolling admissions policy, it is highly recommended that candidates submit applications early. The candidate’s major and trend in grades, personal achievements, and letters of recommendation also affect the admission decision. This program seeks social, ethnic, cultural and geographical diversity in its student body.

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Strong academic performance
  • Demonstrated professional interest in business

Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. We also offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree, from scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements.

To be considered complete, the following must be included in the application:

  • Completed online application form
  • Application fee (non-refundable)
  • Current résumé uploaded through the online application system
  • One letter of recommendation from a professional and/or academic reference
  • Statement of Purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe how this program fits into your professional life and your career objectives.
  • Upload copies of your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, whether or not the program was completed or the credit appears as a transfer credit on another transcript. Note that admitted students will be required to submit official, sealed transcripts with proof of bachelor’s degree. There is no need to submit them at the time when you first apply.
  • GMAT Score or GRE Score (optional): Test date must be within past five years. GMAT code: QK4-4F-40; GRE code: 5246. Not eligible for a test waiver? GW School of Business applicants can benefit from 10% off any Kaplan GMAT or GRE preparation course. Use discount code GWUSB10.

International applicants must submit one of the following: an official TOEFL score of at least 80 (internet-based test) or 550 (paper-based test), an official IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual band score below 5.5, a PTE Academic Score of at least 53, or an official Duolingo English Test (DET) score of at least 105. Test date must be within the past two years. TOEFL code: 5246

Please note that, if you achieve the following scores, you are also exempt from taking EAP courses: an official TOEFL score of at least 100 (internet-based test) or 600 (paper-based test), an official IELTS score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 6.0, a PTE Academic Score of at least 68, or a DET score of at least 120. Test date must be within the past two years.

Exceptions to this requirement:

  • You have earned a bachelor, master, or doctoral degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction and the official language of the country in which the university is located. In addition to the United States, applicants from the following countries are exempt from this requirement.
  • You have earned a bachelor, master, or doctoral degree from an institution that is accredited by a U.S. regional accrediting agency — see the list of approved schools.

View Additional Admissions Information for the Professional MBA Program

 

Application Deadlines

Candidates seeking financial assistance and international students requiring visas are encouraged to apply early. Only completed applications, with all required materials, will be considered for admission.

  • Spring - N/A (Spring 2023 deadline coming soon!)
  • Summer - N/A (Spring 2023 deadline coming soon!)
  • Fall - July 1, 2022

Please note: Admission to the Global MBA and Accelerated MBA programs is only offered for the Fall semester. The MBA in Security Technology Transition is only offered for the Spring semester. The Online MBA, Professional MBA and Healthcare MBA programs are offered for the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees* for the Professional MBA programs are as follows:

  • Cost per Credit: $2,215

  • Required Program Credits: 46.5 or 49.5

Additional Costs

  • Enrollment Fee: $3000

  • Matriculation Fee: $100

  • Student Association Fees: $3.00 per credit hour, up to a maximum of $45.00 per semester

  • Registration Fee: $35 per semester

  • Books: $500.00 (estimate per academic year)

  • Library Fee: $50 (optional)

  • Student Health Insurance: GW offers voluntary comprehensive health insurance through Aetna Student Health. All F-1 and J-1 international students are automatically enrolled. See the Student Health Insurance page for rates and other important information.

  • Housing: View information about on-campus and off-campus housing for full-time GW graduate students.

*Please visit the Student Accounts Office for a complete list of tuition rates and fees.

Financial Resources

From scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements, we offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree.

The GW School of Business offers merit-based fellowships to incoming students at the time of admission. While applying to graduate degree programs at GWSB, prospective students may opt in to be automatically considered for all fellowship award opportunities funded by the School of Business, as well as various University-funded tuition awards administered by the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF). Unless otherwise stated, no separate application is required.

In limited circumstances, current students may also be eligible for merit-based tuition fellowship awards.

For more information, explore the GWSB Fellowships and Financial Support page.

The Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF) maintains a comprehensive database of GW and external fellowships to support graduate-level study and/or research. Incoming and current students are encouraged to browse the OGSAF website for information about additional merit-based funding opportunities.

U.S. Citizens and eligible noncitizens may qualify for:

  • Federally sponsored education loans through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Programs
  • Need-based financial assistance through the Federal Work Study Program, which allows students to earn income while working part-time at pre-approved organizations during their program

To apply for federal financial aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the appropriate deadline using GW’s FAFSA school code: 001444. Please note that students must apply for federal financial aid each academic year.

Visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance for details about eligibility criteria, application steps, and deadlines. Information about alternate private and federal loans is also available.

Employer Discounts

The GW School of Business offers a tuition discount to current employees of the following companies:

  • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Leidos
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Organization of American States (GS/OAS)
  • SAIC

Please note that eligible programs vary by employer. For details about eligibility, conditions, and the application process, visit the Employer Tuition Discounts page.

Nationally recognized as a top military- and veteran-friendly university, GW offers a wealth of services and benefits to student veterans, military personnel, and dependents of the United States Armed Forces. As a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, GW funds tuition expenses exceeding the maximum base pay amount covered through the GI Bill®, and its contributions are matched by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

For more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program and other education benefits, visit GW Veteran & Military Services (VMS).

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

The F. David Fowler Career Center supports GWSB student and alumni professional development by providing career management resources, career fairs and expos, and employer information sessions. GWSB students also have access to employment services and resources provided through GW’s Center for Career Services.

Handshake is the official online recruiting platform and event calendar for the F. David Fowler Career Center and the Center for Career Services. To search for jobs and internships, find and register for events, and connect with career coaches, log in to Handshake.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study Program is a federally-funded and need-based work program that allows GW students to earn income through part-time employment during the academic year at GW and other pre-approved organizations. Graduate students interested in the program must submit the FAFSA and apply through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

The Center for Career Services provides awarded students assistance with finding positions. Visit the Center for Career Services for information about the Federal Work Study Program at GW.

International Students

Students studying at GW on F-1 or J-1 visas may have additional restrictions on their employment due to visa regulations. F-1 Students are required to obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from the International Services Office for all paid, off-campus internships and employment. GW-sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to obtain employment authorization for all employment, whether on-campus or off-campus.

For more information about the CPT application process, see GWSB Global & Experiential Education’s Curricular Practical Training page.

For information about how your visa status may affect your employment options, please visit the International Services Office.

The Student Accounts Office manages all student accounts and processes student bills, refunds, disbursements, payment plan enrollment, employer reimbursements, third party billing, and financial holds. For inquiries regarding your Student eBill, tuition and fees, or payment options and due dates, visit the Student Accounts Office.

 

Connect With Us

Join our LinkedIn group to connect, network, and get acquainted with fellow GWSB grad students in your academic program, and learn about upcoming professional development opportunities, student engagement events, online events and more. Please note: this group is only open to current students and alumni.

Join our LinkedIn Group

 

Next Steps

Apply Now

Applications are submitted through the GW Student Portal. You can sign up for an account if you don't have one.

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