DLSU MBA: De La Salle University MBA Guide
Complete guide to the De La Salle University MBA program — tuition, admission requirements, thesis and non-thesis options, and how DLSU compares to other top Philippine MBA schools.
De La Salle University is one of the Philippines' Big Four private universities, and its Graduate School of Business offers a highly regarded MBA program known for quantitative rigor and strong industry connections in finance, consulting, and technology. This guide covers the DLSU MBA program in depth.
About the DLSU Graduate School of Business
The Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business at De La Salle University has been educating Filipino business leaders for decades. The Graduate School of Business (GSB) operates DLSU's MBA program from its Taft Avenue campus in Manila — one of the most central locations in the metro, accessible from multiple directions.
DLSU's MBA is characterized by a strong quantitative orientation. Courses in financial modeling, operations research, economics, and data-driven decision-making feature prominently. This makes the DLSU MBA particularly valued in finance, consulting, and technology management roles.
DLSU is a Lasallian institution — part of the international De La Salle Brothers educational tradition — and incorporates values of service, integrity, and community responsibility alongside professional business education.
DLSU MBA Program Options
MBA — Non-Thesis Track
The non-thesis MBA is designed for working professionals who want to apply business learning directly to their careers. Instead of a traditional research thesis, students complete a comprehensive capstone project, consulting engagement, or management study.
Duration: 2 years (part-time) Format: Evening classes (weekday evenings, typically 2–3 per week) Thesis requirement: No — replaced by capstone project
MBA — Thesis Track
The thesis track is for those with research interests or academic career ambitions. Students complete a full research thesis meeting DLSU Graduate School standards.
Duration: 2.5–3 years (part-time, to accommodate thesis completion) Format: Evening classes + thesis supervision Thesis requirement: Yes
For most working professionals, the non-thesis track is the practical choice.
Tuition and Fees
DLSU MBA tuition is in the mid-range of private Philippine MBA programs. Total program tuition typically falls in the range of PHP 300,000 to PHP 500,000, charged per credit unit.
Tuition is reviewed annually. Confirm current per-unit rates directly with the DLSU GSB admissions office. Miscellaneous fees, library fees, and activity fees add to the base tuition.
DLSU offers some financial assistance through scholarships and graduate assistantships, primarily for thesis-track students. Check with the Graduate School for current availability.
Admission Requirements
DLSU MBA admission requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from a recognized university (any discipline)
- Management Admission Test (MCAT) or equivalent graduate admission test
- Minimum GPA from undergraduate studies (typically 2.0 or equivalent)
- Work experience: Minimum 2 years; 3–5 years is competitive
- Letters of recommendation: 2 professional or academic references
- Personal statement or essay: Career goals and motivation for MBA
- Interview: Conducted with admissions committee or faculty
- Medical certificate and complete health records
- Official transcript of records (TOR) from all previous schools
- Application form and fee
DLSU's admissions process reviews applications holistically. Strong professional experience, leadership track record, and a coherent career narrative can compensate for moderate undergraduate performance.
Academic Strengths
DLSU MBA is particularly strong in:
- Finance: The program has deep connections to Philippine capital markets, investment banking, and corporate finance. Finance electives and adjunct faculty from major financial institutions make this one of the best finance-oriented MBAs in the country.
- Operations and supply chain: DLSU's engineering-adjacent tradition gives it depth in operations management, logistics, and supply chain — relevant for manufacturing, retail, and FMCG professionals.
- Entrepreneurship: The DLSU entrepreneurship ecosystem — with strong alumni in Philippine startups and family businesses — supports those building ventures.
- Strategy consulting: DLSU graduates are well-represented in consulting firms operating in the Philippines.
Campus and Facilities
DLSU's Taft Avenue campus in Manila puts the MBA program at the heart of the metro. The location is convenient for professionals working in Makati, BGC, Pasay, and Manila proper. Parking can be challenging; public transit access (LRT-1 at Pedro Gil and Vito Cruz stations) is a practical advantage.
The Graduate School building has dedicated spaces for MBA classes, including case discussion rooms designed for small-group learning.
Career Outcomes
DLSU MBA graduates are well-distributed across Philippine corporate life. The program's quantitative reputation makes graduates competitive for:
- Financial services (banking, insurance, investment management)
- Management consulting
- Corporate finance and treasury
- Technology management and product roles
- Family business management
The Lasallian alumni network — the Green Archer community — is active and well-connected in Metro Manila's business community.
DLSU vs. Competitors
For professionals specifically targeting finance or consulting careers in the Philippines, DLSU is often rated alongside Ateneo as the top part-time MBA option. Key differentiators:
| Factor | DLSU MBA | Ateneo AGSB | UP VSB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative strength | High | Medium | High |
| Finance/consulting focus | Strong | Strong | Strong (public sector) |
| Location | Taft, Manila | Rockwell/Loyola | UP Diliman |
| Tuition | PHP 300K–500K | PHP 350K–550K | PHP 60K–150K |
| Thesis option | Yes | No | Yes |
Is the DLSU MBA Right for You?
Consider the DLSU MBA if:
- You are targeting finance, consulting, or operations management careers
- You prefer a quantitative, analytically rigorous curriculum
- You are in Manila and benefit from the central Taft location
- You want the flexibility of a thesis or non-thesis track
The DLSU MBA is one of the most consistent performers in the Philippine MBA market — a reliable choice for professionals who want academic rigor, industry recognition, and an active alumni community at a price point more accessible than AIM.