Graduate School of Business Administration

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce, Graduate School of Business Administration History

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, founded in 1948, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The 100-acre campus is located in an urban area. The school is also accredited by the Puerto Rico Council on Higher Education and the Board of Regents in New York State.Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 10,163. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The Graduate School of Business Administration was founded in 1968 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Guayama (MBA). The basic educational approach is to promote entrepreneurial behavior and to emphasize research, cases, and theory from a global perspective.

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce, Graduate School of Business Administration Academics

The MBA Program offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Office Administration (MS) as well as a doctoral program business administration, and a joint degree in law (MBA/JD). The strongest areas of study are accounting, human resources, finance, marketing, and international business. The most popular courses are Taxes, Supervision, Human Resources and Finance.

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

• Business Research Methods
• Financial Management
• Management Theory and Processes
• Business Policy
• Marketing Management
• Managerial Accounting
• Managerial Economics
• International Business
• comprehensive exam or entrepreneurial project
• research

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by a challenge course and a course in managerial experience.

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 3 years; maximum, 7 years.

In a recent year, there were 4 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 80% hold a doctorate; there were 7 part-time faculty, of whom 29% hold a doctorate. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 12; average business class size is 25.

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce, Graduate School of Business Administration Unique Programs

Library

The Encarnacion Valdes Library houses a collection of more than 238,033 volumes and 495,667 microform items, and subscribes to 58,185 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in accounting and human resources. Students have access to such databases and networks as Dialog.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 129 PCs and software consisting of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, COBOL, Pascal, RPG, C++, and Visual dBASE for Windows.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement is 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 health consisting of a health certificate. Financial aid is available for these students. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a trimester basis. Trimesters are 11 weeks long; summer sessions, 4 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening and weekends.

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce, Graduate School of Business Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5, a GMAT score of 500, and GRE scores of 500. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 950. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, a successful interview, and GMAT results. A strong mathematics background is required.

Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $25, and 2 letters of recommendation. Students are notified of the admissions decision a month after the school receives the application.

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce, Graduate School of Business Administration Financial Aid

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

Tuition for all students is $3200 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $4000; books and supplies, $900; personal expenses, $900; and other fees, $492, for an estimated annual total of $9492. Graduate student housing is available on campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce, Graduate School of Business Administration Students

Sixteen percent of a recent current graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 80% 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 Puerto Rico. One hundred percent were minorities. The average age at entrance is 29; ages range from 25 to 60. Three percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 1% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 42%, education; 34%, business; 20%, math and science; 2%, economics; 1%, engineering; and 1%, liberal arts. About 33% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 46% remain to receive their degree.