College of Business Administration

Alliant International University, College of Business Administration History

Alliant International University, founded in 1952, is a private, coeducational institution. The 200-acre campus is located in a suburban area 15 miles northeast of San Diego. Figures in the above capsule are approximate.

Courses also are offered at downtown San Diego as well as in Mexico City and Nairobi for various graduate business degrees. The basic educational approach is to offer a combination of theoretical knowledge and realistic practical applications presented with an international perspective.

Alliant International University, College of Business Administration Academics

The COBA offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of International Business Administration (MIBA) as well as a doctoral program in international business (with concentrations in marketing and finance) and strategic management. Other programs include interdisciplinary programs offered through the Departments of Psychology and Family Studies, Liberal and Interdisciplinary Studies, and Education; work-study programs; foreign exchange programs at USIU campuses in Mexico City and Nairobi; internship programs; and joint research between departments. The strongest areas of study are international business and strategic management. The most popular courses are Cross-cultural Management, International Marketing, International Finance, International Trade and Economics, and Transnational Strategic Management. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. Speakers cover topics related to international business.

Sixty total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 12 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Introduction to Competitive Management
• Introduction to Strategic Management
• Leadership and Management of Change
• Business Values, Ethics, and Societal Strategy
• Total Quality Management
• Cross-Cultural Management
• Corporate Strategy
• Managerial Economics
• Human Resource Management

Required courses for the MIBA include:

• Introduction to Competitive Management
• Introduction to Strategic Management
• Leadership and Management of Change
• Business Values, Ethics, and Societal Strategy
• Total Quality Management
• Cross-Cultural Management
• Legal Environment of International Business
• Transnational Strategic Management
• International Economics and Trade

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by waiving up to 3 of the 6 required core courses with a grade of B or better.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 1 year; maximum, 7 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 years; maximum, 7 years.

In a recent year, there were 18 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 95% hold a doctorate; there were 5 part-time faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate. Average number of courses faculty teach is 7; average business class size is 23.

Alliant International University, College of Business Administration Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 205,000 volumes and 209,700 microform items, and subscribes to 1900 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as ABI/INFORM, Dissertation Abstracts, and Cerfnet. Other opportunities for research consist of library facilities at the University of California/San Diego.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. Available computer facilities consist of the university computer library, which provides access to 100 terminals from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Both IBM PCs and Macs are available.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are extensive and are available through a separate placement office for graduate business students, the university placement office, and faculty assistance.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL or the college’s own test. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of campus work-study. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a quarter basis. Quarters are 11 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening and weekends.

Alliant International University, College of Business Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GMAT score of 350. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or greater than or equal to 950. Most important admissions factors are grades in upper-level courses, GMAT results, and letters of recommendation. A strong mathematics background is required.

The average GPA was 2.9. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, 2 letters of recommendation, and an autobiographical statement. Students are notified of the admissions decision within 2 weeks after an application is received. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 1 year. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Alliant International University, College of Business Administration Financial Aid

In a recent year, about 48% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $9413 annually; maximum $26,337. The FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is $400 per credit, or $14,000 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $6000; books and supplies, $810; personal expenses, $2502; and other fees, $411, for an estimated annual total of $23,723. Graduate student housing consists of 2-room suites that accommodate 4 people. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.