MBA Program

DeSales University, MBA Program History

DeSales University, founded in 1964, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Catholic Church (Oblates of St. Francis de Sales). The 400-acre campus is located in a rural area 50 miles north of Philadelphia. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 2225.

The MBA Program was founded in 1991 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Lehigh Valley Hospital and in Gwynedd Valley, Harrisburg, and Easton. The basic educational approach is to emphasize executive-skills development and a general-management orientation, with an aim to integrate theory and practice with the Christian-humanist tradition of the college.

DeSales University, MBA Program Academics

The MBA Program offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) as well as a joint degree in nursing (MBA/MSN). Other programs include cross-registration between graduate programs within the college. The strongest areas of study are management, health care, marketing, accounting, and e-commerce. The most popular courses are in management and health care. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. These include the Management Development Center, a speaker series, a consulting arm, and the Labor Management Council; the university is also a member of ACHE.

Thirty-six total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 3 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Financial and Managerial Accounting
• Quantitative Methods or Business Computing
• Business and Society
• Marketing Management
• Organizational Management
• Financial Management
• Executive Skills Development
• Policy and Strategy (capstone course)

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by having prerequisite course requirements met by taking challenge exams or transferring credits.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The maximum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending part time is 7 years.

There are 12 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 80% hold a doctorate; there are 55 part-time faculty, of whom 80% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated 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.

DeSales University, MBA Program Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 135,000 volumes, 5500 microform items, and 3000 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 900 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as Business Periodicals Index on CD-ROM.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 2 computing centers available to business students. Software includes Microsoft Office 97 and Netscape. Internet access is also available.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds to cover a minimum of 3 years of study. Check with the school for current application dedalines.

Calendar

There are three 12-week sessions. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only and weekends.

DeSales University, MBA Program Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 3.0 and a GMAT score of 500. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, work experience, and motivation. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 172; 162 were accepted; 100 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.2; average GMAT score was 550. 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, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $50, 3 letters of recommendation, and a personal letter. The application deadline is open for fall entry. Students are notified of the admissions decision within 1 week of the admissions committee decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is June. Once accepted, students may defer admission so they can begin classes when they are ready to do so.

DeSales University, MBA Program Financial Aid

The previous year’s tax return and PHEAA are required. Check with the shool for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is $560 per credit. Books and supplies cost approximately $400Graduate student housing is not available.

DeSales University, MBA Program Students

Ninety-eight percent of the current graduate business school class have had an average of 8 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from Pennsylvania (96%). Fifty-eight percent are women, 2% are minorities, and 1% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 35; ages range from 25 to 45. One percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 8% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 60%, business; 13%, math and science; 10%, liberal arts; 4%, social sciences; 3%, engineering; and 2%, economics. About 5% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 95% remain to receive their degree.