Graduate School of Business and Public Administration

Old Dominion University, Graduate School of Business and Public Administration History

Old Dominion University, founded in 1930, is a public, coeducational institution. The 157-acre campus is located in an urban area in Norfolk. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 21,000. Figures in the above capsule and this profile are approximate.

The Graduate School of Business and Public Administration was founded in 1962 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, Constant Hall. Courses also are offered at Virginia Beach Higher Education Center and Peninsula Center (MBA and MPA) and Northern Virginia Center (MBA). The basic educational approach is integrated and includes case studies, lectures, and independent research projects.

Old Dominion University, Graduate School of Business and Public Administration Academics

The Graduate School of Business and Public Administration offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Arts in Economics (MA), Master of Urban Studies (MUS), Master of Science in Accounting (MSAcc), Master of Taxation (MTAX), Master of Science in Information Systems/Computer Science (MS), and Master of Science in e-Commerce (MS) as well as a doctoral program in business administration (PhD degree) and in urban services. Other programs include an interdisciplinary program with the Computer Science Department and MIS/DS Department, leading to a Master of Computer Science degree. There are cooperative programs, cross-registration, foreign exchange with France and Denmark, a 5-year program for a combined bachelor’s degree and MBA, a weekend MBA program, and internships. The strongest areas of study are information systems, finance, marketing, and taxation. The most popular courses are Information Systems, Finance, and Marketing. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus, including the Executive-in-Residence program.

Forty-eight total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 18 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Accounting for Managers
• Managerial Economics and International Trade
• Foundations of Statistics
• Financial Management
• Organizational Management
• Marketing Management
• Global Applied Macroeconomics
• Information Technology Management
• Operations Management
• Business Policy and Strategy

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements for core courses only.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The maximum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full or part time is 6 years.

In a recent year, there were 90 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom held a doctorate; there were 52 part-time faculty. Faculty salaries are rated below average for Category I institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 3; average business class size is 24.

Old Dominion University, Graduate School of Business and Public Administration Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 1.7 million volumes, 450,000 microform items, and 35,000 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 7000 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as the Automatic Reference Center-Proquest. Other opportunities for research consist of InfoTrac and interlibrary loan services.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 5 PC labs. In addition, more than 300 terminals located around the campus access the university’s servers.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include career counseling and access to job postings. Placement is available through a separate department in the Career Management Center.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health, and proof of adequate funds. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate assistantships.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 7 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening and weekends.

Old Dominion University, Graduate School of Business and Public Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.8 and a GMAT score of 470. 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 grades in upper-level courses. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 210; 136 were accepted; 117 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.18; average GMAT score was 528. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by targeted mailings, financial aid, and recruiting at minority schools.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, 1 letter of recommendation, an essay, and a current resume. Students are notified within 2-4 weeks of completed application of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is open. Once accepted, students may defer admission but must start within 1 year of acceptance. Check with the school for current application deadlines and fee.

Old Dominion University, Graduate School of Business and Public Administration Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include tuition grants. The FAFSA and the school’s own financial statement and financial aid transcripts from previous universities are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is approximately $250 per credit, or $5910 per year. Nonresidents pay $640 per credit, or $15,150 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $5500; books and supplies, $1000; personal expenses, $2000; and other fees, $160, for an estimated annual total of $14,570 for in-state residents and $23,810 for out-of-state residents.

Old Dominion University, Graduate School of Business and Public Administration Students

Thirty-nine percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 86% have had an average of 6 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from Virginia (56%). Forty-three percent are women, 10% are minorities, and 13% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 28; ages range from 20 to 62. Fifteen percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 8% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 45%, business; 22%, engineering; 16%, liberal arts; 16%, math and science; and 1%, education. About 15% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 85% remain to receive their degree.