Bryant University Graduate School

Bryant University, Bryant University Graduate School History

Bryant University, founded in 1863, is a private, coeducational institution. The 392-acre campus is located in a suburban area 12 miles northwest of Providence. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 3459.

The Bryant University Graduate School was founded in 1969 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is the case method as well as lectures, team projects, decision-simulation, and role playing.

Bryant University, Bryant University Graduate School Academics

The Bryant University Graduate School offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Taxation (MST), and Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS). The strongest areas of study are finance, management, and marketing. The most popular courses are Mastering Management Skills, Negotiation and Teamwork, and Financial Planning and Strategy.

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

• Managing Corporate Enterprise
• Leading Effective Organizations
• Reporting and Controlling Resources
• Managing Information Systems
• Managing Financial Resources
• Marketing for Competitive Advantage
• Value Formation through Operations
• Mastering Strategic Analysis & Decision-making

Required courses for the MST include:

• Individual Income and Taxation
• Corporations and Shareholders
• Estate and Gift Taxation
• Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates
• 2 of the following courses:
• Sales, Exchanges, and Other Disposition
• Tax Practice and Procedure
• State Taxation
• Advanced Income Tax Problems

Required courses for the MSIS include:

• Information Systems Theory and Practice
• Information Systems Administration
• Analysis and Design of Information Systems
• Telecommunications Management
• Database Management and Administration
• Information Systems Project and Change Management

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements.

The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending part time is 1 year; maximum, 6 years.

There are 55 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 98% hold a doctorate; there are 9 part-time faculty, of whom 17% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated well above average for Category IIB institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 3; average business class size is 30.

Bryant University, Bryant University Graduate School Unique Programs

Library

The Douglas and Judith Krupp Library houses a collection of more than 151,400 volumes, 14,433 microform items, and 1208 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 25,701 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in accounting, management, marketing, finance, and taxation. Students have access to such databases and networks as Dialog, Lexis/Nexis, ISI Emerging Markets, ProQuest 5000, FIS Online, and EconLit. Other opportunities for research consist of membership in such consortiums as CRIARL, HELIN, NELINET, and OCLC.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The Koffler Technology Center contains more than 160 Pentium-based PCs on a high-speed network. There is e-mail access and Internet connection to the World Wide Web. About 200 additional computers are available in classrooms and labs for instructional purposes. Hours vary by day and season.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include individual counseling, workshops, a career resource library, a weekly job listing publication, mock interviews, an alumni career network, and networking opportunities. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. International students must score 580 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of the Bryant health form and proof of TB screening, and proof of adequate funds to cover the first year of study. The application deadline for fall entry is April 1.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 12 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

Bryant University, Bryant University Graduate School Admissions

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

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 147; 107 were accepted; 76 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.2; average GMAT score was 550. 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 $80, 1 letter of recommendation, a statement of objectives, and a resume. The application deadlines are July 1 for fall entry; November 1, spring; April 1, summer. Students are notified of the admissions decision on a rolling basis. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is the week prior to the start of classes. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 1 year.

Bryant University, Bryant University Graduate School Financial Aid

About 16% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $11,195 annually; maximum $18,500. The FAFSA, the school’s own financial statement, the previous year’s tax return, and financial aid transcripts for spring entrance are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is $666 per credit, or $12000 per year. Books and supplies cost approximately $1500, for an estimated annual total of $13,500. Graduate student housing is not available. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Bryant University, Bryant University Graduate School Students

Ten percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 90% have had an average of 7 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from Rhode Island (72%). Thirty-six percent are women, 8% are minorities, and 4% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 28; ages range from 22 to 60. Twenty percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 4% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 60%, business; 12%, engineering; 12%, math and science; 10%, social sciences; 5%, technology; and 1%, economics. About 5% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 80% remain to receive their degree. In 2006, 154 graduate business degrees were awarded.