Paul and Terry Townsend School of Business

Dowling College, Paul and Terry Townsend School of Business History

Dowling College, founded in 1955, is a private, coeducational institution. The 52-acre campus is located in a small town 50 miles east of New York City. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 5877.

The Paul and Terry Townsend School of Business was founded in 1976 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered in Melville and at various New York metropolitan area corporate sites. The basic educational approach is a mix of theory and case study with a simulation requirement as a capstone.

Dowling College, Paul and Terry Townsend School of Business Academics

The Townsend School of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) as well as a joint degree in MBA/JD (with Touro Law School). Other programs include 3-2 degrees with Suffolk County and Nassau County Community Colleges, internships, work-study programs, and interdisciplinary programs in aviation and management. The strongest areas of study and the most popular courses are in total quality management, corporate finance and management, information systems management, public management, and accounting. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus including an MBA Executive Speakers series and visiting scholars.

Thirty-six total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 12 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Government and Business or
• Information Technologies for Managers
• Marketing Strategies
• Managerial Finance
• Managerial Accounting
• Financial Management
• Operations Research or
• Macroeconomics or
• Business Forecasting
• Managerial Economics

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements.

The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full or part time is 16 months; maximum, 7 years.

There are 18 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 60% hold a doctorate; there are 86 part-time faculty, of whom 8% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated well above average for Category llB institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 4; average business class size is 18.

Dowling College, Paul and Terry Townsend School of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 13,800 volumes and 500 microform items, and subscribes to 900 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in total quality management, aviation, and transportation. Students have access to databases and networks in the fields of business and allied subject areas. Other opportunities for research consist of resource sharing with other public academic and special libraries.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. Available computer facilities consist of 100 networked computers with access to relevant business software and the Internet.

Career and Job Placement

In spring 2006, 68 companies recruited on campus. Majors most in demand were corporate finance and management. Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include career counseling and resume referral. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL or the Comprehensive English Language Test. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of immunization records, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. The application deadline for fall entry is rolling.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 14 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening and weekends.

Dowling College, Paul and Terry Townsend School of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.8. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x undergraduate GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 950; or (200 last 60 credits GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 1000. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, letters of recommendation, and quality of undergraduate school. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 530; 344 were accepted; 344 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, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, a nonrefundable application fee of $25, 2 letters of recommendation, and a resume. The application deadline is rolling for fall entry. Students are notified on a rolling basis of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is the first week of class. Once accepted, students may defer admission to the following term.

Dowling College, Paul and Terry Townsend School of Business Financial Aid

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

Tuition for all students is $667 per credit. On-campus room and board costs approximately $8988; books and supplies, $1000; personal expenses, $2511, for an estimated annual total of $29,597. Graduate student housing is available on campus and locally. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Dowling College, Paul and Terry Townsend School of Business Students

Thirty-one percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 90% have 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 are from New York (67%). Forty-seven percent are women, 50% are minorities, and 13% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 34; ages range from 21 to 66. Twenty-nine percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 2% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 53%, math and science; 26%, liberal arts; 20%, business; and 1%, engineering. About 9% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 66% remain to receive their degree. In 2006, 471 graduate business degrees were awarded.