College of Business and Public Policy

University of Alaska Anchorage, College of Business and Public Policy History

University of Alaska Anchorage, founded in 1954, is a public, coeducational institution. The 350-acre campus is located in an urban area in Anchorage. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 16,484.

The College of Business and Public Policy was founded in 1971 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, Business Education Building. The basic educational approach uses case studies, team teaching, guest speakers, formal reports, presentations, and integration of subject matter.

University of Alaska Anchorage, College of Business and Public Policy Academics

The College of Business and Public Policy offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), and Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management (MS/GSCM). Other programs include work-study, internship programs, joint research, and foreign exchange. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. The program for the MS in Global Supply Chain Management brings professionals in the field to the university for instructional modules or as guest lecturers.

Thirty-six total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 9 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Business Environment Analysis
• Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
• Problem Formulation and Decision Making Analysis
• Creating the Successful Organization
• Current Marketing Issues Seminar
• Financial Decision Making
• Seminar in Executive Uses of Accounting
• Strategic Management Seminar
• Management Project

Required courses for the MPA include:

• Economics and Public Policy
• Introduction to Public Administration
• Seminar in Public Management
• Research Methods in Administration
• The Policymaking Process
• Administration of Financial Resources

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements through previous courses in business foundations.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time or part time is 3 semesters; maximum, 7 years.

There are 19 total full-time graduate business faculty. Faculty salaries are rated above average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 9; average business class size is 20.

University of Alaska Anchorage, College of Business and Public Policy Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 380,000 volumes, 38,000 microform items, and 7000 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 3500 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as ABI/INFORM. Other opportunities for research consist of the Center for International Business, the American-Russian Center, and the Small Business Development Center.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 175 PCs, as well as a VAX 8800 mainframe.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include networking through the MBA Association. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts. There is a special fee for medical insurance. Financial aid is available for these students and is the same as for U.S. students. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening and weekends.

University of Alaska Anchorage, College of Business and Public Policy Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 1050. Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, academic accomplishments and ability, and grades in upper-level courses. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 40; 30 were accepted; 30 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.1.Transfers are accepted.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, and a nonrefundable application fee. Students are notified of the admission decision on a rolling basis. Once accepted, students may defer admission. Check with the school for current application deadlines and fees.

University of Alaska Anchorage, College of Business and Public Policy Financial Aid

The FAFSA, the school’s own financial statement, and Singlefile Form are required. Check with the school for current appliction deadlines. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is approximately $3,200 per year. Nonresidents pay approximately $7000 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $6500; books and supplies, $1000; personal expenses, $2000; and other fees, $200, for an estimated annual total of $12,900 for in-state residents and $16,700 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing is limited.

University of Alaska Anchorage, College of Business and Public Policy Students

Thirty-seven percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 90% had an average of 6 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. Forty-seven percent were women, 31% were minorities, and 15% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 35; ages ranged from 23 to 52. Five percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 5% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 30%, business and 20%, engineering. About 5% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 95% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 15 graduate business degrees were awarded.