Master of Arts in Public and Private Management Program

Birmingham Southern College, Master of Arts in Public and Private Management Program History

Birmingham-Southern College, founded in 1856, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Methodist Church. The 188-acre campus is located in an urban area in Birmingham. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 1400.

The Master of Arts in Public and Private Management Program was founded in 1982 and is located on the main campus, in its own building. The basic educational approach is interdisciplinary, placing management education within a liberal arts context. The broad-based program emphasizes the development of skills in decision making, strategic planning, and leadership, through case studies and group projects.

Birmingham Southern College, Master of Arts in Public and Private Management Program Academics

The MPPM offers the Master of Arts in Public and Private Management (MPPM). Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. These include Executives-in-Residence, a week-long seminar experience, roundtable discussions with local executives in the spring and fall, and guest speakers for many classes.

Sixteen total credits are required to complete the MPPM, including 7 elective credits. Required courses for the MPPM include:

• Humanist Perspectives on Management
• Ethics and Managerial Choice
• Perspectives on Management
• Management Internship Consultancy
• Strategic Management
• Financial Management I
• Marketing Management I
• Decision Analysis
• Data Analysis and Statistics

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements with transfer or exemption credit (no more than 3 courses).

The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 2 years; maximum, 5 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 4 years; maximum, 5 years.

There are 6 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated above average for Category IIB institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average business class size is 15.

Birmingham Southern College, Master of Arts in Public and Private Management Program Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 191,000 volumes, 46,000 microform items, and 17,000 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 900 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as DIALOG, General Periodicals Index, and Social Sciences Index. Other opportunities for research consist of reciprocal borrowing agreements with other colleges and universities in the area.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. Available computer facilities include the college’s HP9000/835 mainframe, accessed by 32 terminals, PCs, and word-processing equipment.

Career and Job Placement

Placement is available through the college placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL.

Calendar

The school operates on a modified semester (4-1-4) basis. Semesters are 13 weeks long; summer sessions, 9 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

Birmingham Southern College, Master of Arts in Public and Private Management Program Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 3.0. Most important admissions factors are management potential, a successful interview, and academic accomplishments and ability. A strong mathematics background is not required.

In a recent year, the number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 29; 24 were accepted; 24 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.0; average GMAT score was 400. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT or GRE scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $25, 2 letters of recommendation, an essay, an interview, and a resume. The application deadlines are July 15 for fall entry; December 8, spring; March 15, summer. Students are notified of the admissions decision within 1 week after the interview. Once accepted, students may defer admission.

Birmingham Southern College, Master of Arts in Public and Private Management Program Financial Aid

The FAFSA is required.

Tuition for all students is $1845 per credit, or $16,605 per year. Books and supplies cost approximately $1000 and other fees, $580, for an estimated annual total of $18,185. Graduate student housing is not available.

Birmingham Southern College, Master of Arts in Public and Private Management Program Students

Seventy percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 95% have had an average of about 15 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. All students are from Alabama. Forty-nine percent are women, 33% are minorities, and 2% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 38; ages range from 23 to 65. Ten percent already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 34%, business; 18%, math and science; 16%, social sciences; 9%, liberal arts; 5%, engineering; and 1%, economics. About 10% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 90% remain to receive their degree. In 2006, 26 graduate business degrees were awarded.