School of Business and Management

La Sierra University, School of Business and Management History

La Sierra University, founded in 1922, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Seventh-Day Adventists. The campus is located in a suburban area 50 miles east of Los Angeles. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 1600. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The School of Business and Management was founded in 1986 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, School of Business and Management. The basic educational approach is to fulfill the mission of the university in business and management education by providing students with the skills to succeed in business. Case method and theoretical approaches are used.

La Sierra University, School of Business and Management Academics

The SBM offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other programs include a 4-unit synthesis course offering an integrative experience.

Fifty-six total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 16 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Accounting for Control Decision Making
• or Advanced Financial Accounting
• Graduate Research Methods
• Christian Ethics and Values
• Business Law and Regulation
• Managerial Economics
• Financial Management
• Human Resource Development and Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Operations Management
• Marketing Management
• Strategic Management and Policy Analysis

The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 15 months; maximum, 5 years. For students attending part time, the maximum is 5 years.

In a recent year, there were 4 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate; there were 7 part-time faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate. Average business class size is 10.

La Sierra University, School of Business and Management Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 325,429 volumes and 21,000 microform items, and subscribes to 2718 periodicals. Other opportunities for research consist of the school’s membership in the Inland Empire Academic Library Cooperative, which grants students borrowing privileges to many schools.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. Available computer facilities include the university’s main computers, which are 2 MicroVAX mainframes, a Sequent S2000/700, and a PDP 11/44. Students have access to the Internet and Bitnet. In the microcomputer laboratory, there are Macs, AT&T UNIX workstations, 286 PCs, and 386 PCs.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time, and are available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL or the University of Michigan Language Test. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health, and proof of adequate funds to cover the entire period of study. There is a deposit of $3500 toward upcoming quarter tuition costs. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a quarter basis. Quarters are 11 weeks long; summer sessions, 6 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

La Sierra University, School of Business and Management Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 3.0 and a GMAT score of 400. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 1000. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and work experience. A strong mathematics background is not required.

Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by a special recruiter for overseas students and regular visitation to schools in the region.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall and winter. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, and GMAT scores. Check with the school for current fees. A personal interview and filing of medical history may be required. Students are notified on a rolling basis of the admissions decision. Once accepted, students may defer admission for 1 quarter. Check with the school for current appliction deadlines.

La Sierra University, School of Business and Management Financial Aid

The FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is $450 per credit, or $21,600 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $1250; books and supplies, $350; and other fees, $161, for an estimated annual total of $23,360. Graduate student housing is available both on and off campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

La Sierra University, School of Business and Management Students

In a recent year, fifty percent of students were women and 40% were minorities. The average age at entrance was 25; ages range from 22 to 54.