Office of Graduate Studies and Extended Education

West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Office of Graduate Studies and Extended Education History

West Chester University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1871, is a public, coeducational institution. The 388-acre campus is located in a suburban area 25 miles west of Philadelphia. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 12,000. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The Office of Graduate Studies and Extended Education was founded in 1959 and is located in its own building, Graduate Business Center. The basic educational approach is a mix of the theoretical, practical, and case methods.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Office of Graduate Studies and Extended Education Academics

The Graduate Business Center offers the Master of Business Administration in economics/finance, technology and electronic commerce, management, executive management, and general business (MBA). The strongest areas of study are management and finance.

Thirty-six total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 6 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Managerial Accounting
• Business and the Economic Environment
• Financial Accounting
• Management and Organizational Theory
• Business Communications
• Marketing Management
• Evolution of Business
• Strategic Management
• Managerial Problem Analysis
• Business Information Systems

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 2 years; maximum, 6 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 1/2 years; maximum, 6 years.

There are 20 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 90% hold a doctorate; there are 2 part-time faculty. Average business class size is 18.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Office of Graduate Studies and Extended Education Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 500,000 volumes and 350,000 microform items, and subscribes to 2800 periodicals. Other opportunities for research consist of computerized on-line literature searching, interlibrary loans, and photo duplication. The Small Business Institute and the County Commissioner’s Office provide additional research opportunities.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of an IBM 4381 mainframe, which may be accessed by students from more than 200 terminals at the Academic Computing Center 15 hours a day. IBM, Mac, and Commodore microcomputers are available, as is word processing equipment.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services for alumni include services provided through the Alumni Association. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL and an interview with a representative of the ESL program is available. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of a medical history form and immunization record, and proof of adequate funds to cover 2 years of study. There are special fees for health insurance. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate assistantships and tuition waivers. The application deadline for fall entry is open.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 10 weeks long; summer sessions, 10 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only and weekends.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Office of Graduate Studies and Extended Education Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.65. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and work experience. A strong mathematics background is not required.

Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by subscribing to the ETS Minority Locator Service.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $35, 3 letters of recommendation, a career essay, and a resume. The application deadline is open for fall entry. Students are notified of the admissions decision 6 weeks after receipt of the completed application. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 2 years.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Office of Graduate Studies and Extended Education Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include Black American Graduate Assistantships. The FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $6000 per year. Nonresidents pay $10,000 per year. Books and supplies cost approximately $300; and other fees, $934. Graduate student housing is available on campus.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Office of Graduate Studies and Extended Education Students

Eight percent of a recent year, graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 80% had an average of 8 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students were from Pennsylvania (90%). Thirty-four percent were women, 2% were minorities, and 2% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 33; ages ranged from 23 to 60. Twenty percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 2% already had a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 40%, business; 20%, liberal arts; 5%, economics; 5%, engineering; 5%, math and science; and 5%, social sciences. About 10% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 90% remain to receive their degree.