Bennett S. LeBow College of Business

Drexel University, Bennett S. LeBow College of Business History

Drexel University, founded in 1891, is a private, coeducational institution. The 50-acre campus is located in an urban area in Philadelphia. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 14,000. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The Bennett S. LeBow College of Business was founded in 1947 and is located on the main campus, in its own building. Courses also are offered at corporate locations in the Delaware Valley (MBA). The basic educational approach is to provide a career-enhancing education that builds on academic accomplishments and professional experience. The curriculum allows for specialization and also for generalization, emphasizing topics such as ethics, responsibility, accountability, foundations and history of business, and the demands of a global business and economic community.

Drexel University, Bennett S. LeBow College of Business Academics

The LeBow College of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Accounting (MSAcc), Master of Science in Finance (MSFinance), Master of Science in Taxation (MSTaxation), and Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Management (MSPharmMan) as well as a doctoral program with primary specialization in accounting, decision sciences, economics, finance, marketing, organizational sciences, or strategic management., and a joint degree in medicine (MD/MBA). Other programs include a BS/MBA, internship programs, and on-line programs. The strongest areas of study are finance, marketing, and international business. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus including an Executive-in-Residence Lecture Series.

Forty-eight total credits are required to complete the MBA and MS, including 12 elective credits. Required courses for the MBA and MS include:

• Decision Sciences I (Regression Analysis)
• Decision Sciences II (Linear Programming)
• Management and Technology
• Business Policy
• Business Communication Skills

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements waiving up to 30 credits of first-year courses only.

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 1 year; maximum, 2 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 years; maximum, 7 years.

In a recent year, there were 80 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 85% hold a doctorate; there were 50 part-time faculty, of whom 14% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated average for Category I institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 8; average business class size is 25.

Drexel University, Bennett S. LeBow College of Business Unique Programs

Library

Publications for the business school contained in the main library consist of more than 60,000 volumes, and subscriptions to 900 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in management, finance, marketing, and economics. Students have access to such databases and networks as Predicasts, Dow Jones, Management Contexts, ABI/INFORM, Business Periodicals Index, and Compact Disclosure. Other opportunities for research consist of interlibrary loans.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of computer laboratories networked to all campus buildings, the library, and the Internet. There are terminals for mainframe applications. The business school building is 100% wireless and Internet accessible.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include workshops, job-hunting and resume-writing assistance, interview skills, a resume referral service, career counseling, and an alumni network, available free for up to 1 year after graduation. A small fee for counseling is charged thereafter. Placement is available through the Office of MBA Career Services and 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 to cover 2 years of study. There is a special fee of $130 for inoculation. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of teaching and research assistantships and dean’s fellowship.

Calendar

The school operates on a quarter basis. Quarters are 11 weeks long; summer sessions, 11 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening, weekends, and on-line.

Drexel University, Bennett S. LeBow College of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 3.0. Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, grades in upper-level courses, and letters of recommendation. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 911; 428 were accepted; 125 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.3. 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 $50, 2 letters of recommendation, and an essay. Students are notified of the admissions decision about 4 to 6 weeks after receipt of the application. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 1 year. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Drexel University, Bennett S. LeBow College of Business Financial Aid

The FAFSA, the school’s own financial statement, the previous year’s tax return, and the Pennsylvania State Grant, and certain other financial statements are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

On-campus room and board costs approximately $15,500. Graduate student housing is limited in university-owned apartments. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Drexel University, Bennett S. LeBow College of Business Students

Twenty-nine percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 80% have had an average of 6 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students were from foreign countries (54%). Forty percent were women, 12% were minorities, and 54% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 27; ages range from 21 to 50. Nineteen percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 1% already have a graduate degree.