School of Business

Point Park University, School of Business History

Point Park University, founded in 1960, is a private, coeducational institution. The campus is located in an urban area in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 3500. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The School of Business was founded in 1984 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Cranberry Township (MBA) and New Stanton (MBA). The basic educational approach is a combination of the theoretical and the case method, along with practical applications.

Point Park University, School of Business Academics

The MBA Program offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other programs include 3-credit internships and a 1-year accelerated MBA. The strongest areas of study are management, international business, and management information systems. The most popular courses are Management of Information Systems and Strategic Planning Concepts. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. The MBA Luncheon Speakers Program brings distinguished business leaders to campus to lecture during the lunch break in the Saturday MBA program approximately 4 times a year.

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

• Accounting for Managers
• Global Environment of Business
• Legal Environment of Business
• Statistical Technology and Marketing Research
• Corporate Finance
• Organizational Behavior
• Quantitative Methods
• Managerial Economics

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements. Students can transfer up to 9 credits of previous graduate course work.

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, 6 years.

In a recent year, there were 10 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 60% held a doctorate; there are 17 part-time faculty, of whom 13% held a doctorate. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 12; average business class size is 14.

Point Park University, School of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 125,000 volumes, 20,000 microform items, and 500 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 15,640 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in international business, investments, small business management. Students have access to such databases and networks as EBSCOhost, RDS, STAT-USA, and USA Trades On-line. Other opportunities for research consist of agreements with local colleges and universities for use of library facilities by graduate students.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of PCs. Software includes WordPerfect, Excel, Access, PageMaker, Powerpoint, and Minitab.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include database referrals to employers and development of employability skills. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL or the University of Michigan Language Test and TWE. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds to cover the entire program of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of international graduate scholarships. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 6 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only and weekends.

Point Park University, School of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.75. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, letters of recommendation, and work experience. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 197; 161 were accepted; 122 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.1. Transfers are accepted.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, a nonrefundable application fee of $30, and 2 letters of recommendation. The application deadlines are open for fall entry; open, spring; open, summer. Students are notified of the admissions decision as soon as the admission application file is complete. Once accepted, students may defer admission for 1 year.

Point Park University, School of Business Financial Aid

In a recent year, about 55% of graduate business school students received financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $16,475 annually; maximum $30,725. The FAFSA, the previous year’s tax return, and the PHEAA are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is $515 per credit, or $9000 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $7500; books and supplies, $1000; personal expenses, $2000; and other fees, $270, for an estimated annual total of $19,770. Graduate student housing consists of residence halls.

Point Park University, School of Business Students

Forty-eight percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time. The greatest percentage of students were from Pennsylvania (93%). Forty-nine percent were women and 25% were minorities. The average age at entrance was 32; ages ranged from 21 to 58. About 11% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 71% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 127 graduate business degrees were awarded.