Graduate School of Business and Human Resource Management

Saint Francis University, Graduate School of Business and Human Resource Management History

Saint Francis University, founded in 1847, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The 600-acre campus is located in a rural area 80 miles east of Pittsburgh. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 2100. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The Graduate School of Business and Human Resource Management was founded in 1930 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Altoona, Johnstown, and State College (MBA). The basic educational approach is to stress theoretical and pragmatic approaches to business education and place emphasis on courses in communications, business social responsibility and ethics, and organizational theory.

Saint Francis University, Graduate School of Business and Human Resource Management Academics

The Graduate School of Business and Human Resource Management offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Human Resource Management Industrial Relations (MHRMIR) as well as a joint degree in HRMIR with MBA or MA. Other programs include cross-registration with MBA and HMRIR programs, work-study in the form of graduate assistantships, and internship programs. The strongest areas of study are human resource management and finance.

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

• Perspectives on Management
• Financial Management
• Marketing Management
• Managerial Economics
• Managerial Communications: Speaking and Writing for Management
• Quantitative Business Analysis
• Management Accounting
• Strategic Management and Policy Analysis
• Business and Society

Required courses for the MHRMIR include:

• History of American Labor
• Labor Law I
• Employment Law
• Collective Bargaining
• Personnel Administration
• Labor Economics
• Current Industrial Relations Research
• Fair Employment Practices and Discrimination

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by qualifying to waive basic core-level courses.

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, 5 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 years; maximum, 5 years.

In a recent year, there were 8 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 63% hold a doctorate; there were 6 part-time faculty, of whom 67% hold a doctorate. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 3; average business class size is 19.

Saint Francis University, Graduate School of Business and Human Resource Management Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 172,000 volumes, 100 microform items, and 2000 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 575 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in general management, human resource management, and total quality management. Students have access to databases and networks in the fields of business and allied subject areas. Other opportunities for research consist of the Business Computing Laboratory and an electronics classroom.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of an NEC network and many types of software located in Scotus Hall, open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time, and are available through 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 the entire program of study. Check with the school for curretn application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 14 weeks long; summer sessions, 7 weeks. Graduate programs are offered mostly evenings and some weekends.

Saint Francis University, Graduate School of Business and Human Resource Management Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.8. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (GPA x 200) + GMAT, or minimum 1050. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, work experience, and GMAT results. A strong mathematics background is not required.

35 students were accepted for a recent class, 35 enrolled. The average GPA was 2.9. 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 $30, 3 letters of recommendation, and 2 essays. Check with school for current application deadlines.

Saint Francis University, Graduate School of Business and Human Resource Management Financial Aid

The FAFSA and PHEAA are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is $650 per credit. Graduate student housing includes on-campus dormitories. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Saint Francis University, Graduate School of Business and Human Resource Management Students

Five percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 90% have had an average of 3 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. All students were from Pennsylvania. Forty-five percent were women and 1% were minorities. The average age at entrance is 29; ages range from 22 to 48. Five percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 5% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 33%, business; 20%, engineering; 17%, math and science; 15%, liberal arts; 10%, social sciences; and 5%, economics. About 5% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 85% remain to receive their degree.