International Business School

Brandeis University, International Business School History

Brandeis University, founded in 1948, is a private, coeducational institution. The 250-acre campus is located in a suburban area 10 miles west of Boston. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 5313. Figures in the above capsule are approximate.

The International Business School was founded in 1994 and is located on the main campus, in its own building. The basic educational approach is to provide a mix of lectures and case discussion, with both theoretical and applied courses offered. Small classes allow a hands-on approach.

Brandeis University, International Business School Academics

The IBS offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance (MAIEF), and Master of Science in Finance (MSF) as well as doctoral programs in international economics and finance, and a joint degree in University of Paris—Dauphine. Other programs include 3-2 degrees with Wellesley College and Brandeis University; cross-registration with Babson, Boston, and Bentley Colleges and Boston and Tufts Universities; foreign exchange with 18 countries; and internship programs. The strongest areas of study are international business, economics, and finance. The most popular course is finance. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. Several speakers come from business, government, and academia each month.

Sixteen total credits are required to complete the MAIEF, including 6 elective credits. Required courses for the MAIEF include:

• Global Economic Environment
• International Macroeconomics or
• International Trade Theory
• Financial Theory
• International Corporate Finance
• Accounting and Financial Analysis
• Information Management or
• Financial Modeling or
• Introduction to Econometrics or
• Econometrics

Required courses for the MBA include:

• Global Economic Environment
• Accounting and Financial Analysis
• Operations Management
• Financial Modeling
• Financial Theory
• International Corporate Finance
• Global Marketing Strategy
• Quantitative Techniques
• Organizations and Management or Managing International Business or an elective
• Managing across cultures
• Competition and Strategy oran elective

Required courses for the MSF include:

• Financial Theory
• International Corporate Finance
• Global Economic Environment
• Accounting Principles I and II
• Quantitative Techniques and Financial Modeling

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring up to 2 courses.

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 2 years; maximum, 4 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 years.

There are 23 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 91% hold a doctorate; there are 35 part-time faculty, of whom 43% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated above average for Category I institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 4; average business class size is 18.

Brandeis University, International Business School Unique Programs

Library

The Farber/Goldfarb Libraries house collection of more than 883,000 microform items and 28,000 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribe to 16,000 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as Lexis/Nexis.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of PCs and laptop dataports that are available 24 hours a day in the graduate school building. Software includes Eviews, Microsoft Office, Netscape Communicator, and Bloomberg. A wireless network is available.

Career and Job Placement

The major most in demand by companies recruiting in a recent year was advanced international finance. Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include individual counseling, networking, referrals, workshops, and regional events. Placement is available through IBS Office of Career Services and the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL and IELTS. International students must score 600 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of physical examination and proof of immunization, and proof of adequate funds to cover the total length of the program of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of scholarships and loans. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 13 weeks long; summer sessions, 6 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

Brandeis University, International Business School Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required. Most important admissions factors are essays, a successful interview, and management potential. A strong mathematics background is required.

Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall only. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $55, and 3 letters of recommendation. The application deadlines are December 15,February 15, and April 15, for fall entry; for the MBA and MAIEF programs and August 15 for the MSF program, April 15, summer. Students are notified of the admissions decision within 3 weeks of the receipt of a complete application. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is April 15. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 1 year.

Brandeis University, International Business School Financial Aid

In a recent year, about 75% of graduate business school students received financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $12,064 annually; maximum $30,160. The FAFSA and the school’s own financial statement are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is $32,951 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $7700. Graduate student housing is available but very limited. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Brandeis University, International Business School Students

Eighty-four percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 70% had an average of 4 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students were from foreign countries (67%). Forty-eight percent were women and 67% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 27; ages ranged from 21 to 31. Twenty percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 22% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 45%, economics; 32%, business; 7%, math and science; 5%, liberal arts; 3%, social sciences; and 2%, engineering. 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.