College of Business and Public Administration

Governors State University, College of Business and Public Administration History

Governors State University, founded in 1969, is a public, coeducational institution. The 763-acre campus is located in a suburban area 35 miles south of Chicago. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 6000. Enrollment figures in the above capsule are approximate.

The College of Business and Public Administration was founded in 1969 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at the James R. Thompson Center, Chicago Loop (MPA). The basic educational approach stresses the case method, with theoretical support. It is geared to a practical general managerial approach.

Governors State University, College of Business and Public Administration Academics

The College of Business and Public Administration offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MS), and Master of Science in Accounting (MSA). Other programs include cooperative programs and internships.

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

• Strategic Management Accounting
• Managerial Economics and Forecasting
• Financial Management
• Organizational Behavior in the Global Context
• Operations Management: Strategies and Techniques
• Strategic Marketing
• Information Systems and Technology
• Business Policy and Strategy

Required courses for the MPA include:

• Seminar in Public Budgeting
• Seminar in Urban Government
• Seminar in Public Policy
• Issues in Public and Private Management
• Seminar in Public Planning
• Organizational Behavior in the Global Context
• Seminar in American Institutions and Values
• Seminar in Research Methods
• Internship in Public Administration
• Information Systems for Managers
• Seminar in Public Human Resource Administration

Required courses for the MS in Management Information Systems include:

• Information Systems and Technology
• Systems Analysis and Design
• Database Development and Implementation
• Distributed and Network Systems
• Strategies in Internet Commerce
• Strategic Marketing
• Organizational Behavior in the Global Context
• Problems in Business Ethics
• MIS Graduate Research Thesis or Graduate Project

Required courses for the MSA include:

• Seminar in Financial Accounting Theory and Practice
• Seminar in Auditing Standards and Applications
• Accounting Information Technology and Systems
• Integrative Perspective on Accounting Issues

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by completing relevant course work at an 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 or part time is 1 year; maximum, 6 years.

In a recent year, there were 34 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 85% held a doctorate; there were 15 part-time faculty, of whom 66% held a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated above average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 6; average business class size is 28.

Governors State University, College of Business and Public Administration Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 192,000 volumes, 660,000 microform items, 15,000 special business collections, and 9000 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 2550 periodicals. Other opportunities for research consist of access to the Chicago Academic Library Council, the Chicago Library System, the Illinois Library Network, the Library Computer System, and OCLC. There are also centers for research on the Impact of Strategy and Policy and on the Impact of Information Systems.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 110 PCs that access IBM 4381 VM/SP and Sun mainframes.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include job search workshops, job fairs, resume assistance, credentials files, and arrangement of appointments with companies. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of an immunization record, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study.

Calendar

The school operates on a trimester basis. Trimesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 8 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

Governors State University, College of Business and Public Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 950. Most important admissions factors are grades in upper-level courses and GMAT results. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 77; 54 were accepted; 47 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.27; average GMAT score was 510. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by through GMAT forums in Chicago, information sessions at Chicago State University and James Thompson Center in Chicago, and GMASS/GMAT student searches in the Chicago region.

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, and a nonrefundable application fee of $25. Check with the school for current application deadlines. Students are notified on a rolling basis of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is open. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 1 year.

Governors State University, College of Business and Public Administration Financial Aid

In a recent year, bout 42% of graduate business school students received financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $2100 annually; maximum $7500. Stipends and programs available for minority students include graduate minority tuition waivers. 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.

Tuition for in-state residents is $171 per credit. Nonresidents pay $513 per credit. Books and supplies cost approximately $800; and other fees, $660. Graduate student housing is not available on campus.

Governors State University, College of Business and Public Administration Students

Five percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 90% had an average of 6 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students were from Illinois (93%). Thirty-five percent were minorities and 4% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 33; ages ranged from 22 to 54. Forty-two percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 11% already had a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 57%, business; 17%, liberal arts; 7%, social sciences; 6%, math and science; 5%, engineering; 4%, economics; and 4%, education. About 14% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 77% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 72 graduate business degrees were awarded.