Division of Graduate and Continuing Education

Fitchburg State College, Division of Graduate and Continuing Education History

Fitchburg State College, founded in 1894, is a public, coeducational institution. The 90-acre campus is located in an urban area in Fitchburg. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 5340.

The Division of Graduate and Continuing Education was founded in 1975 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become leaders in business and in administration.

Fitchburg State College, Division of Graduate and Continuing Education Academics

The GCE offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). The strongest areas of study are accounting, management, and human resource management. The most popular courses are Management Information Systems, Management Theory and Practice, and Management of the Global Environment.

Fifty-four total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 3 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Management Information Systems
• Organizational Behavior and Development
• Marketing Management
• Corporate Finance
• Accounting Practices for Managers
• Strategic Management
• Quantitative Methods for Business
• Accounting for Graduate Students
• Foundations of Financial Economics
• Foundations of Marketing Management

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by waiver of up to 6 courses and/or transferring up to 6 graduate credits.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The maximum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending part time is 6 years.

Average business class size is 21.

Fitchburg State College, Division of Graduate and Continuing Education Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 242,000 volumes, 455,000 microform items, and 1800 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 2200 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in management information systems, marketing, management, and industrial psychology. Students have access to all databases available through Dialog. Other opportunities for research consist of workstations, which offer searching in management (Business Index) and educational management (ERIC Quarterly).

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of a laboratory with 25 freestanding PCs with a variety of software applications available. The room is open during regular business hours and some evenings.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include a mentoring network, job listings, and job search strategies. Placement is available through the college placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. International students must score 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of a health questionnaire, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 academic year of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate assistantships and graduate scholarships. The application deadline for fall entry is July 1.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

Fitchburg State College, Division of Graduate and Continuing Education Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.8 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 letters of recommendation. A strong mathematics background is not required.

Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $25, 3 letters of recommendation, and a professional resume. The application deadline is open for fall entry. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is June 18. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 1 semester.

Fitchburg State College, Division of Graduate and Continuing Education Financial Aid

The FAFSA, the school’s own financial statement, and the previous year’s tax return are required. The FAFSA should be filed by February 15.

Tuition for all students is $150 per credit, or $2700 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $6486; books and supplies, $450; personal expenses, $1500; and other fees, $1620, for an estimated annual total of $12,756. Graduate student housing consists of residence halls and student apartments.

Fitchburg State College, Division of Graduate and Continuing Education Students

Forty-seven percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time. The greatest percentage of students are from Massachusetts (57%). Forty percent are women, 47% are minorities, and 40% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 30; ages range from 21 to 53. In 2006, 47 graduate business degrees were awarded.