Graduate Division of Business

Niagara University, Graduate Division of Business History

Niagara University, founded in 1856, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The 160-acre campus is located in a suburban area 4 miles north of Niagara Falls. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 3500.

The Graduate Division of Business was founded in 1981 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Daemen College. The basic educational approach is to promote interactive learning and the development of interpersonal skills through small class size. Case studies are actively used to promote the application of business theory to experience. A part-time evening program is available, as is an accelerated track.

Niagara University, Graduate Division of Business Academics

The MBA Program offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) as well as a joint degree in BA/MBA. Other programs include cooperative programs with Schiller International University, internship programs, foreign exchange with Germany and Hungary, and joint research. The strongest areas of study are accounting, human resource management, and international business. The most popular courses are in international management and study abroad. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus.

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

• Strategic Accounting Analysis
• Advanced Quantitative Methods
• Strategic Marketing
• Corporate Financial Policy
• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
• Team Building
• Supply Chain Management
• Business Research Strategy and Planning (captstone course)
• Strategic Management Information Systems

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by utilizing a standard waiver policy for prerequisites.

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 12 months.

There are 16 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 94% hold a doctorate; there are 13 part-time faculty, of whom 31% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 6; average business class size is 20.

Niagara University, Graduate Division of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 350,000 volumes. Students have access to databases and networks in the fields of business and allied subject areas.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of computer labs, which are open Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday noon to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. A 24-hour lab can be accessed with a valid student ID after the main lab area is closed. Software includes Microsoft Office and SPSS.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time, and are available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds. The application deadline for fall entry is rolling.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening and weekends.

Niagara University, Graduate Division of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5 and a GMAT score of 400. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 950. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and letters of recommendation. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 90; 65 were accepted; 55 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.3; average GMAT score was 490. 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 $30, and 2 letters of recommendation. The application deadline is rolling for fall entry. Students are notified immediately after their applications and requirements are complete of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is August. Once accepted, students may defer admission.

Niagara University, Graduate Division of Business Financial Aid

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

Tuition for all students is $635 per credit, or $17,145 per year. Graduate student housing is not available on campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Niagara University, Graduate Division of Business Students

Fifty-six percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 90% have had an average of 7 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school. The greatest percentage of students are from New York (75%). Forty-two percent are women, 7% are minorities, and 7% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 27; ages range from 22 to 48. In 2006, 35 graduate business degrees were awarded.