School of Business and Public Administration

California State University-Bakersfield, School of Business and Public Administration History

California State University/Bakersfield, founded in 1967, is a public, coeducational institution. The 375-acre campus is located in a suburban area 100 miles from Los Angeles. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximate 6397. Figures given in the above capsule are approximately.

The School of Business and Public Administration was founded in 1978 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at China Lake Naval Weapons Center (MSA) and Antelope Valley College (MBA). The basic educational approach is the case study.

California State University-Bakersfield, School of Business and Public Administration Academics

The school offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), and Master of Science in Administration and Health Care Management (MSAHCM). Other programs include cooperative and work-study programs, foreign exchange, and internships. The strongest area of study is management. The most popular course is Strategic Management.

Forty-eight total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 15 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Accounting for Decision Making
• Seminar in Organizational Theory and Design
• Seminar in Operations and Technology Management
• Seminar in Marketing Management
• Seminar in Financial Management and Policy
• Seminar in Strategic Management
• Seminar in Information Systems Management
• Managerial Skills
• Master’s Culminating Project

Required courses for the MPA include:

• Public Personnel Management and Labor Relations
• State, Local, and Intergovernmental Management
• Graduate Survey of Public Policy and Administration
• Public Management and Organizational Change
• Public Budgeting
• Seminar in Public Policy Analysis

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transfer of up to 13 quarter units of prior MBA coursework from an AACSB accredited 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 is 1 year; maximum, 7 years. For students attending part time, the maximum is 7 years.

There are 11 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 90% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated well above average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average business class size is 18.

California State University-Bakersfield, School of Business and Public Administration Unique Programs

Library

Research facilities consist of the university’s main library and the Center for Business and Economic Research.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. Available computer facilities consist of the university’s Computer Center, which houses a CDC Cyber 170-730 computer. It is accessed by 45 terminals, some of which are open at all hours. PCs are also available.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are extensive and are available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a quarter basis. Quarters are 10 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

California State University-Bakersfield, School of Business and Public Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.75, a GMAT score of 500, and GRE scores of 900. 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 70; 30 were accepted; 20 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.3. Transfers are accepted.

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, and 2 letters of recommendation. Check with the school for application deadlines and fees.

California State University-Bakersfield, School of Business and Public Administration Financial Aid

The school’s own financial statement is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is approximately $1900 per year. Nonresidents pay approximately $6850 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $6700; books and supplies, $910; personal expenses, $2507; and other fees, $208, for an estimated annual total of $12,225 for in-state residents and $17,175 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing consists of on-campus facilities, which are of limited availability. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

California State University-Bakersfield, School of Business and Public Administration Students

Forty-seven percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 73% had full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. Fifty-three percent were women, 21% were minorities, and 8% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 35; ages ranged from 23 to 67. Three percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 5% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 80%, business; 10%, engineering; 5%, math and science; 2%, economics; 1%, liberal arts; and 1%, social sciences.