MBA Program

Franciscan University of Steubenville, MBA Program History

Franciscan University of Steubenville, founded in 1946, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The 124-acre campus is located in a suburban area 42 miles west of Pittsburgh. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 2300. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The MBA Program was founded in 1979 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is to provide an educational foundation for personal growth and advancement in an executive career through a mix of the theoretical and case approaches to problem solving and learning.

Franciscan University of Steubenville, MBA Program Academics

The MBA Program offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other programs include a 4+1 program combining undergraduate and graduate course work for an MBA in 5 years. The strongest areas of study are management, accounting, and marketing. The most popular courses are Managerial Leadership and Investment Management.

Forty total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 8 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Managerial Perspectives
• Analytical Methods for Business
• Economics for Managers
• Behavioral Science for Managers
• Managerial Accounting
• Marketing Management
• Financial Management
• Production and Operations Management
• Communications for Managers
• Managerial Leadership Workshop
• Business Policy

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements through credit by exam.

The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 1 1/2 years; maximum, 3 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 years; maximum, 10 years.

In a recent year, there were 8 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 25% hoed a doctorate; there are 5 part-time faculty, of whom 20% held a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated well below average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 12; average business class size is 15.

Franciscan University of Steubenville, MBA Program Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 231,176 volumes, 256,000 microform items, and 1260 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 578 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in management and marketing. Students have access to such databases and networks as ABI/INFORM, Annual Corporate Reports, CCH Tax, Network, Hoover’s Handbooks, Moody’s Manuals, Morningstar, Mutual Funds, OCLC, FirstSearch, and Standard & Poor’s Register Valueline. Other opportunities for research consist of interlibrary loans and access to collections of 74 libraries through the OhioLINK Network.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. Available computer facilities consist of a university computer laboratory adjoining the main classroom building. PCs (IBM and Mac) are available from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time and those available to alumni include computer databases and individual assistance. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of the university medical form completed by a physician, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 academic year of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of annual $2000 grants. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

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

Franciscan University of Steubenville, MBA Program Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5 and a GMAT score of 400. The higher the GPA, the less the focus on the GMAT score. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, grades in upper-level courses, and difficulty of undergraduate major. A strong mathematics background is required.

Transfers are accepted.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $20, and 3 letters of recommendation. Students are notified of the admissions decision within a month.

Franciscan University of Steubenville, MBA Program Financial Aid

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

Tuition for all students is $300 per credit, or $5500 per year. Books and supplies cost approximately $640, for an estimated annual total of $6140. Graduate student housing may be available, but undergraduates have priority. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.