Graduate Business Program

Providence College, Graduate Business Program History

Providence College, founded in 1917, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The 105-acre campus is located in an urban area in Providence. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 7600.

The Graduate Business Program was founded in 1975 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is to offer practical courses that can be used on the job. Courses are planned to be meaningful experiences that will benefit the individuals in their career, giving due consideration to the social purpose and responsibilities as well as to the technical aspects of business.

Providence College, Graduate Business Program Academics

The MBA Program offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). The strongest areas of study are accounting, finance, and marketing. The most popular course is Marketing. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. Guest speakers participate in a required Management Seminar.

Fifty-seven total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 15 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Managerial Accounting
• Operations Research
• Computer Systems
• Marketing Management and Analysis
• Business Finance
• Human Resources Management
• Management Seminar

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring prerequisite credits.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The maximum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending part time is 5 years.

There were 19 total full-time graduate business faculty in a recent year, of whom 84% held a doctorate; there were 13 part-time faculty. Faculty salaries are rated well above average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 1; average business class size is 18.

Providence College, Graduate Business Program Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 270,000 volumes. Students have access to such databases and networks as Dialog. Other opportunities for research consist of interlibrary loan services, which grant readership privileges at all Rhode Island colleges and universities.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. Available computer facilities consist of 250 PCs available in 8 areas of the college. The Academic Computer Center offers full network access, including Internet, from any of the 250 PCs. A wide range of state-of-the-art software is available to all students at these locations.

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 1 year of study. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 14 weeks long; summer sessions, 6 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening and weekends.

Providence College, Graduate Business Program Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.8. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 1050. 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 18; 13 were accepted; 10 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.1; average GMAT score was 500. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

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 $55, and 2 letters of recommendation. The application deadline is rolling for fall entry. Students are notified after review by the admissions committee of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is approximately 3 weeks before semester begins. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 1 year.

Providence College, Graduate Business Program Financial Aid

The FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is $368 per credit. Cost for books and supplies is estimated to be $125 per course. Graduate student housing is not available on campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Providence College, Graduate Business Program Students

Twenty-six 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 (74%). Forty-two percent are women, 2% are minorities, and 2% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 26; ages range from 22 to 50. Twenty percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 3% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 40%, business; 20%, math and science; 15%, social sciences; 10%, engineering; 10%, liberal arts; and 5%, economics. About 2% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 75% remain to receive their degree.