School of Business Administration

Philadelphia University, School of Business Administration History

Philadelphia University, founded in 1884, is a private, coeducational institution. The 100-acre campus is located in a suburban area 5 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 3257.

The School of Business Administration was founded in 1975 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, The Tuttleman Center. Courses also are offered at Online MBA. The basic educational approach is to emphasize real-world business situations and advanced business theory.

Philadelphia University, School of Business Administration Academics

The School of Business Administration offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Taxation (MS) as well as joint degrees in design and instructional technology (MBA/MS), taxation (MBA/MS), architectural studies (BS/MBA), business (BS/MBA), and textile technology (BS/MBA). Other programs include internships. The strongest areas of study are taxation, finance, international business, and marketing. The most popular courses are finance, international business, and marketing. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus.

Thirty-three total credits are required to complete the MBA (30 for MS in Taxation), including 9 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Management Communications and Negotiations
• Strategic Marketing Management
• Accounting for Management Decisions
• Financial Policy and Planning
• Global Managing in the Twenty-First Century
• Quantitative Methods in Decision
• Strategic Plannning in a Global Environment

Required courses for the MS in Taxation include:

• Individual Taxation
• “S” Corporation Taxation
• Corporation Taxation
• Financial Planning
• Tax Research
• Partnership Taxation

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring 6 credits from other institutions.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time or part time is 1 year; maximum, 7 years.

There are 16 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 80% hold a doctorate; there are 17 part-time faculty, of whom 12% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated 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 12.

Philadelphia University, School of Business Administration Unique Programs

Library

The library subscribes to 991 periodicals. 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. Available computer facilities consist of 148 PCs, 18 Macs, 10 laptops available for loan, 70 wired classroom data connections, and wireless connectivity in the library. Software includes Microsoft Office Professional, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Visual Basic and .net, and many others.

Career and Job Placement

Majors most in demand by companies recruiting in 2006 were taxation and management. Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include lifetime placement, computerized resume services, and job matching. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL or the school’s own test. International students must score 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT) or 79 on the Internet-Based (iBT) version. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of the university’s health form, and proof of adequate funds to cover the entire program of study. There is a $35 per semester health center fee. The application deadline for fall entry is July 15.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 14 weeks long; summer sessions, 6 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

Philadelphia University, School of Business Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 3.0. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT. Most important admissions factors are grades in upper-level courses, GMAT results, and academic accomplishments and ability. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 283; 150 were accepted; 80 enrolled. The average GMAT score was 445. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by attending all minority fairs.

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 $35. The application deadlines are August 15 for fall entry; January 15, spring; May 1, summer. Students are notified of the admissions decision 2 weeks after the application is complete. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is August 1. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 2 semesters.

Philadelphia University, School of Business Administration Financial Aid

About 36% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $17,148 annually; maximum $24,500. The FAFSA and PHEAA are required. The application deadlines are April 15 for fall entry; January 1, spring; April 15, summer.

Tuition for all students is $698 per credit. Graduate student housing is not available on campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Philadelphia University, School of Business Administration Students

Thirty-three percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time. The school prefers part-time students to have work experience prior to entering graduate school. The greatest percentage of students are from the Northeast (85%). Fifty-three percent are women, 16% are minorities, and 12% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 26; ages range from 21 to 52. Two percent already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 55%, business; 20%, social sciences; 10%, engineering; 5%, liberal arts; and 5%, math and science. In 2006, 101 graduate business degrees were awarded.