Graduate Studies

Robert Morris University, Graduate Studies History

Robert Morris University, founded in 1921, is a private, coeducational institution. The 230-acre campus is located in a suburban area 17 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 5065.

The Graduate Studies was founded in 1978 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at the Pittsburgh Center (MBA and MS) and in Cranberry Township (MBA only). The basic educational approach is one that emphasizes the application of business theory to the solution of real-world business problems.

Robert Morris University, Graduate Studies Academics

The Graduate Studies offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science (MS). Other programs include internships and joint research. The strongest area of study is general management. The most popular courses are finance and information systems. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. The Speaking of Business program brings senior business executivies and alumni to campus to address major topics in the business environment.

Thirty-six total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 9 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Strategic Management
• Managerial/Corporate Finance
• Economic Foundations for Decision-Making
• Managerial Accounting
• Organizational Behavior/Theory
• Marketing Management
• International Business
• Legal Issues of Executive Management
• Operations Management for Executive Decision-Making

The maximum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending part time is 7 years.

There are 28 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 86% hold a doctorate; there are 6 part-time faculty. Average number of courses faculty teach is 8; average business class size is 21.

Robert Morris University, Graduate Studies Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 135,989 volumes, 329,181 microform items, and 2573 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 584 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as BNA Tax Portfolios, Business NewsBank, and ProQuest Direct, STAT-USA, and others. Other opportunities for research consist of individual research assistance and interlibrary loans; on-line databases are accessible off campus.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. Available computer facilities consist of 300 PCs in student computer labs equipped with Microsoft Office Professional, Adobe Acrobat, Netscape, Internet Explorer, Borderland, Visual Studio, and Quicktime. All students may use the Moon Campus and Pittsburgh Center computer labs day, evening, and weekend hours.

Career and Job Placement

Average starting salary of the most recent graduating class was $54,280; range was $25,000 to $93,000. Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include resume referrals, on-campus interviewing, and job referral. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. International students must score 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health, and proof of adequate funds to cover the full course of study. There is a $400 deposit. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of work-study. The application deadline for fall entry is open.

Calendar

The school operates on a term basis. Semesters are 8 weeks long; summer sessions, 8 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening and weekends.

Robert Morris University, Graduate Studies Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GMAT score of 450. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (undergraduate GPA x 200) + GMAT, or minimum 1010. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and letters of recommendation. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 168; 150 were accepted; 103 enrolled. The average GPA was 2.99. 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, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $35 and 2 letters of recommendation. Applications may be submitted on-line for free. Application deadlines are at least 1 month prior to the start of the desired term of entry. Students are notified on a rolling basis of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is June.

Robert Morris University, Graduate Studies Financial Aid

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

Tuition for all students is $580 per credit. On-campus room and board costs approximately $8410; books and supplies, $1000; personal expenses, $2500, for an estimated annual total of $22,350. Graduate student housing is available in on-campus facilities.

Robert Morris University, Graduate Studies Students

Ninety-nine percent of the current graduate business school class have had full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school. The greatest percentage of students are from Pennsylvania (96%). Forty-four percent are women, 6% are minorities, and 1% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 31; ages range from 21 to 60. One percent enter directly from undergraduate school. About 27% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 73% remain to receive their degree. In 2006, 173 graduate business degrees were awarded.