School of Graduate Studies and Research

California University of Pennsylvania, School of Graduate Studies and Research History

California University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1852, is a public, coeducational institution. The 188-acre campus is located in a small town 35 miles south of Pittsburgh. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 7184.

The School of Graduate Studies and Research was founded in 1980 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at the Southpointe Center. The basic educational approach is to provide solid training in business fundamentals as a mix of theoretical understanding and through case methodology. The internship opportunities allow students to experience the professional work environment as part of their academic preparation.

California University of Pennsylvania, School of Graduate Studies and Research Academics

The Department of Business and Economics offers the Master of Science in Business Administration (MSBA). Other programs include work-study programs such as graduate assistantships; internships are optional. The strongest areas of study are management, economics, marketing, accounting, and finance. The most popular courses are International Business Marketing, Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior, and Financial Markets and Institutions.

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

• Organizational Behavior
• Production Management/International Business
• Industrial Relations
• Managerial Accounting
• Financial Management
• Marketing Management
• Microeconomic Analysis
• Macroeconomic Analysis
• Quantitative Methods
• Strategic Management

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements for up to 6 credits of foundation courses.

The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 1 year; maximum, 1<1/2> years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 years; maximum, 6 years.

There are 15 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 73% hold a doctorate; there are 9 part-time faculty, of whom 45% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated well above average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 3; average business class size is 15.

California University of Pennsylvania, School of Graduate Studies and Research Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 337,467 volumes, 489,786 microform items, and 27,362 special business collections, and subscribes to 47,346 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in marketing, finance, and economics. Students have access to such databases and networks as Business Source Premier, Lexis/Nexis Academic Universe, Sports Business Research Network, and Buckmaster Annual Stockholder Reports. Other opportunities for research consist of a full-time professional library staff for research assistance and Keystone Library Network.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of a computer lab with 40 IBM PCs. The university’s computer facilities include a DEC VAX system accessed by 60 terminals and 65 PCs. There is broadband access for all students on campus with wireless internet available in many students areas. SPSS as well as business statistics packages are accessible from all university-based computers and terminals.

Career and Job Placement

In spring 2006, 558 companies recruited on campus. Sixty-eight percent were national corporations. Majors most in demand were finance, information rechnology management, marketing, and human resource management. Average starting salary of the graduating class was $54,000; range was $38,000 to $72,000. The percentage of graduates finding jobs were:

• regional corporations 44%
• national corporations 26%
• local large enterprises 17%
• local small enterprises 9%
• self-employment 4%

Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include more than 20 job career fairs each year, on-campus interviews, an on-line job and resume posting service, and resume and career counseling. Placement is available through the university placement office and Career Services. Ninety-seven percent of the most recent graduating class found jobs within three months of receiving their degree.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. International students must score 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT) or 80 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) version. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of completion of a standardized health form, and proof of adequate funds to cover 2 years of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate assistantships. The application deadline for fall entry is July 15.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 and 10 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening and, weekends. There are multiple special sessions.

California University of Pennsylvania, School of Graduate Studies and Research Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 3.0 and a GMAT score of 400. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, work experience, and GMAT results. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 65; 53 were accepted; 19 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.52. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by waiving the McNair Scholars application fee.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, and a nonrefundable application fee of $25. The application deadlines are August 15 for fall entry; December 15, spring; April 15, summer. Students are notified of the admissions decision 2 weeks after receipt of materials. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is rolling.

California University of Pennsylvania, School of Graduate Studies and Research Financial Aid

About 65% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $6421 annually; maximum $23,541. Stipends and programs available for minority students include graduate assistantships. The FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $336 per credit, or $6048 per year. Nonresidents pay $538 per credit, or $9678 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $11,816; books and supplies, $500; personal expenses, $1000; and other fees, $896, for an estimated annual total of $20,260 for in-state residents and $23,890 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing consists of new residence halls and off-campus university-based apartments. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

California University of Pennsylvania, School of Graduate Studies and Research Students

Sixty-three percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 20% have had an average of 3 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school. The greatest percentage of students are from Pennsylvania (89%). Forty-two percent are women, 10% are minorities, and 6% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 27; ages range from 21 to 56. Fifty percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 3% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 50%, business; 15%, social sciences; 10%, liberal arts; 5%, economics; 5%, engineering; and 5%, math and science. About 12% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 90% remain to receive their degree. In 2006, 16 graduate business degrees were awarded.