School of Business and Public Administration

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

California State University/Dominguez Hills, founded in 1960, is a public, coeducational institution. The 346-acre campus is located in a suburban area 15 miles south of Los Angeles. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 13,500. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The School of Business and Public Administration was founded in 1972 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered on-line. The basic educational approach is to stress both theory and practice, using computer simulations and case studies wherever appropriate for recent college graduates who plan careers in business and for professionals and managers currently employed. The MBA program is intended to improve the capacity for effective decision making and to broaden knowledge and understanding of management.

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

The School of Business and Public Administration offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Public Administration (MPA). The strongest areas of study are management and international business. The most popular courses are Finance, Marketing, Computer Information Systems, and Management.

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

• Advanced Topics in Finance
• Strategic Management
• Strategic Marketing: Cases and Current Issues
• Human Behavior in Organizations
• Advanced Topics in Accounting
• Information Systems
• International Business

Required courses for the MPA include:

• Environment and Practice of Public Administration
• Principles of Public Management
• Organization Theory and Behavior
• Quantitative Methods and Public Administration
• Administration and Public Policy Analysis
• Seminar: Public Personnel and Labor Relations
• Seminar: Public Financial Management

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by waiving previously completed course work with a grade of B or better or by transferring up to 9 semester units from an accredited college or university.

The maximum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full or part time is 5 years.

There are 54 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 98% hold a doctorate; there are 10 part-time faculty, of whom 55% 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 9; average business class size is 25.

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

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 375,400 volumes and 512,900 microform items, and subscribes to 3310 periodicals. Students have access to databases and networks in the fields of business and allied subject areas. Other opportunities for research consist of cooperative agreements with other universities.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs.

Career and Job Placement

In a recent spring, 65 companies recruited on campus. Majors most in demand were International Business and General Management.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health, and proof of adequate funds. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 16 weeks long; summer sessions, 6 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only and weekends.

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

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.75 and a GMAT score of 450. Most important admissions factors are grades in upper-level courses, GMAT results, and quality of undergraduate school. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 325; 220 were accepted. The average GPA was 3.6; average GMAT score was 520. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by an outreach program that targets undergraduate minority business majors.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee, and a statement of career objectives. Students are notified of the admissions decision in 4 to 6 weeks if the application is complete.

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

Stipends and programs available for minority students include federal and state programs. The FAFSA, the school’s own financial statement, and the previous year’s tax return are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Residents pay no tuition. Nonresidents pay approximately $246 per credit, or $7380 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $6000; books and supplies, $700; personal expenses, $1650; and other fees, $1900. Check with the school for current costs. Graduate student housing includes on-campus facilities and off-campus houses and rooms; on-campus apartments house 1 to 4 students, and includes kitchen facilities. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

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

Fifty-seven percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 80% had an average of 3 to 5 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 (71%). Forty-three percent were women, 57% were minorities, and 29% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 31; ages ranged from 21 to 57. Ten percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 4% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 50%, business; 10%, economics; 10%, engineering; 8%, math and science; 8%, technology and education; 4%, social sciences; and 2%, liberal arts. About 5% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 80% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 115 graduate business degrees were awarded.