College of Business Administration/Graduate Programs

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, College of Business Administration/Graduate Programs History

California State Polytechnic University/Pomona, founded in 1938, is a public, coeducational institution. The 1438-acre campus is located in a suburban area 30 miles east of Los Angeles. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 19,000.

The College of Business Administration/Graduate Programs was founded in 1960 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, College of Business Building. Courses also are offered at Pasadena, Baldwin Park, Long Beach, Canoga Park, Irwindale, Ridgecrest, Palmdale, and Rosemead (MBA). The basic educational approach is primarily the case study method, but courses often mix theory and practical application with case analysis.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, College of Business Administration/Graduate Programs Academics

The College of Business Administration offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Business Administration (MSBA). Other programs include an interdisciplinary program in hospitality management and foreign exchange with 18 countries. The strongest areas of study are finance, management, and telecommunications. The most popular courses are in management, marketing, and information systems. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus, including an Executive-in-Residence and international faculty each quarter.

Forty-eight total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 8 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Accounting
• Business Research Methods
• Organizational Behavior
• Management Science
• Financial Management
• Marketing Management
• Information Systems Seminar
• Management Policies and Strategies
• Management Seminar

Required courses for the MSBA include:

• Organizational Communications
• Organizational Behavior
• Data Communications
• Legal Environment
• Advanced EDP Auditing
• Security and Privacy
• Business Information Systems

Students may substitute or transfer up to 13 units from another AACSB institution.

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 1 year; maximum, 7 years.

There are 60 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 98% hold a doctorate; there are 3 part-time faculty, of whom 66% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated well above average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 12; average business class size is 27.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, College of Business Administration/Graduate Programs Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 570,000 volumes, 18 microform items, and 5300 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 3200 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as many on-line business and professional databases.

Computers

Graduate business students must have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 7 laboratories with 25 computers each and various business software. Word processing equipment also is available. There are wireless classrooms, as well as many areas on campus that are wireless accessible.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are extensive and all are available to alumni for up to 1 year after graduation. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit proof of health consisting of measles immunization and proof of adequate funds to cover 2 years of study.

Calendar

The school operates on a quarter basis. Quarters are 11 weeks long; summer sessions, 11 weeks. Graduate programs are offered mostly during the evening, with some courses offered on weekends.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, College of Business Administration/Graduate Programs Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 3.0 and a GMAT score of 450. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (GPA x 200) + GMAT or minimum 1050. Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, grades in upper-level courses, and work experience. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 300; 90 were accepted; 60 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.4. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by visiting minority associations.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee, 2 letters of recommendation, and a resume. Students are notified of the admissions decision on a rolling basis. Check with the school for current applications deadlines and fees.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, College of Business Administration/Graduate Programs Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include the President’s Scholarship. The FAFSA, the previous year’s tax return, and the SAAC are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is approximately $1000 per year. Nonresidents pay approximately $2000 per year. Books and supplies cost approximately $600; personal expenses, $1700; and other fees, $1100, for an estimated annual total of $4400 for in-state residents and $5400 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing is not available on campus.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, College of Business Administration/Graduate Programs Students

Twelve percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 92% had an average of 9 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students were from California (92%). Twenty-six percent were minorities and 8% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 29; ages ranged from 23 to 65. Eight percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 3% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 55%, business; 12%, engineering; 11%, liberal arts; 7%, math and science; and 5%, economics. About 2% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 98% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 122 graduate business degrees were awarded.