The College for Professional Studies

University of Mary, The College for Professional Studies History

University of Mary, founded in 1959, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Catholic Church. The 110-acre campus is located in a suburban area 7 miles from downtown Bismarck. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 2800. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The College for Professional Studies was founded in 1984 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Fargo (MBA, MGT, MSN), Bismark (MBA, MGT, MSN), and Billings (MBA, MGT, MSN). The basic educational approach is to use the theoretical and case methods.

University of Mary, The College for Professional Studies Academics

The CPS offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Management (MMGT), and Master of Science in Nursing/Nurse Management (MSN). The strongest area of study is management. The most popular courses are Management Theory, Human Resources Management, and Ethics.

Thirty-three total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 6 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Management Theory and Application
• Organizational Communication
• Advanced Economic Analysis
• Ethics
• Statistics
• Information Systems for Managers
• Law in Business Environment
• Managerial Finance II
• Managerial Accounting
• Marketing
• Seminar: Strategic Decision Making

Required courses for the MMGT include:

• Management Theory and Application
• Human Resource Management: Personnel
• Communication for Professionals
• Economics Principles
• Human Behavior
• Managerial Finance
• Ethics
• Seminar

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring up to 9 credits.

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 15 months.

In a recent year, there were 5 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 20% held a doctorate; there are 60 part-time faculty, of whom 2% held a doctorate. Average number of courses faculty teach is 3; average business class size is 20.

University of Mary, The College for Professional Studies Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 70,000 volumes, 2000 microform items, and 6000 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 600 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in management. Students have access to such databases and networks as Business-Index (InfoTrac) and Wilsonline. Other opportunities for research consist of cooperative and interlibrary loan networks. Through Minitex on OCLC, library users have access to more than 12 million volumes as well as journal collections in other libraries.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 3 20-station labs available with MS 2000 software.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time, and are available through the university placement office. Ninety-five percent of a recent graduating class found jobs within three months of receiving their degree.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds to cover the entire program of study.

Calendar

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

University of Mary, The College for Professional Studies Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5, a GMAT score of 400, and GRE scores of 400. Most important admissions factors are work experience, academic accomplishments and ability, and motivation. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 130; 128 were accepted; 115 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.0. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, winter, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, a nonrefundable application fee of $40, 2 letters of recommendation, resume, and a personal essay. The application deadline is open for fall entry. Students are notified of the admissions decision as soon as a complete application is received. Once accepted, students may defer admission.

University of Mary, The College for Professional Studies Financial Aid

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

Tuition for all students is $350 per credit, or $10,000 per year. Books and supplies cost approximately $900, for an estimated annual total of $10,900. Graduate student housing is not available on campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

University of Mary, The College for Professional Studies Students

Eighty-two percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 63% had an average of 7 to 15 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students were from North Dakota (95%). Fifty-one percent were women, 15% were minorities, and 1% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 35; ages ranged from 24 to 50. Two percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 1% already had a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 50%, business; 20%, liberal arts; 10%, math and science; 10%, social sciences; 5%, economics; and 5%, engineering. In a recent year, 194 graduate business degrees were awarded.