Richard D. Irwin Graduate School

American College, Richard D. Irwin Graduate School History

American College/Bryn Mawr, founded in 1927, is a private, coeducational institution. The 40-acre campus is located in a suburban area 12 miles west of downtown Philadelphia. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 1000. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The basic educational approach is to advance professionalism in financial services.

American College, Richard D. Irwin Graduate School Academics

The Irwin Graduate School offers the Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) and Master of Science in Management (MSM). The college offers a variety of designation, certification, and continuing education programs in the area of financial services.

Thirty-six total credits are required to complete the MSFS, including 9 elective credits. Required courses for the MSFS include:

• Residency courses:
• Communications and Research
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Managing the Financial Services Enterprise
• Ethics and Human Values
• Security Analysis and Portfolio Management
• Distance courses:
• Financial Institutions
• Retirement Savings Plans for Employers
• Advanced Estate Planning I
• Business Succession Planning I
• Personal Tax Planning
• Executive Compensation

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring up to 9 credits of qualifying course work.

The maximum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending part time is 7 years.

In a recent year, there were 9 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 75% hold a doctorate; there are 5 part-time faculty, of whom 60% held a doctorate. Average number of courses faculty teach is 2.

American College, Richard D. Irwin Graduate School Unique Programs

Library

The Lucas Library houses a collection of more than 13,000 volumes, and subscribes to 600 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in life insurance and financial services. 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 Gregg Conference Center guest rooms include laptops/Internet connections. The Center’s auditorium includes these as well.

Calendar

The school operates on a quarter basis. Semesters are 12 weeks long; summer sessions, 12 weeks.

American College, Richard D. Irwin Graduate School Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required. Most important admissions factors are work experience, academic accomplishments and ability, and grades in upper-level courses. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 125; 120 were accepted; 120 enrolled. Transfers are accepted.

To apply, students must submit an application form. The application deadline is open for fall entry.

American College, Richard D. Irwin Graduate School Financial Aid

Tuition for all students is $5000 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $885; books and supplies, $320, for an estimated annual total of $6320. During 2 residencies, students stay in a state-of-the-art conference center.

American College, Richard D. Irwin Graduate School Students

Ninety-nine percent of a current graduate business school class have had full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. In 2006, 92 graduate business degrees were awarded.