School of Business

Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Business History

Virginia Commonwealth University, founded in 1917, is a public, coeducational institution. The 99-acre campus is located in an urban area in Richmond. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 29,852.

The School of Business was founded in 1962 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, the Business Building. Courses also are offered at Innsbrook Office Park. The basic educational approach is a combination of theory and case methods.

Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Business Academics

The School of Business offers the Master of Arts in Economics (MAEcon), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Business (MS), Master of Taxation (MTX), Master of Accountancy (MaAcc), and Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) as well as a doctoral program in business, management, accounting, and information systems, and a joint degree in information systems (MBA/MS) and pharmacy (PharmD). Other programs include work-study programs in cooperative education and internship programs. The strongest areas of study are accounting, economics, finance, and information systems. The most popular courses are Finance and Management. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. Leading scholars and corporate executives are invited to campus to meet with students, faculty, and employers through the Scholar-in-Residence and Executive-in-Residence programs.

Thirty-six total credits are required to complete the Master’s Degree Programs, including 9 elective credits. Required courses for the Master’s Degree Programs include:

• Accounting
• Operations Research
• Managerial Economics
• Organizational Behavior
• Financial Management
• Marketing
• Information Systems
• Economics

Foundation courses may be completed through CLEP examinations and undergraduate course work prior to beginning the Masters program.

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 1 year; maximum, 3 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 years; maximum, 5 years.

There are 90 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 90% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated below average for Category I institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 5; average business class size is 25.

Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Business Unique Programs

Library

Publications for the business school contained in the main library consist of more than 585,000 volumes and 7000 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in economics, accounting, and marketing. Students have access to such databases and networks as CRSP. Other opportunities for research consist of the Laboratory for Experimental Research.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of a PC center with more than 100 terminals and software that includes WordPerfect, BASIC, and GWBASIC. Located in the School of Business, the center may be used by any student with account codes, from 8 a.m. to midnight.

Career and Job Placement

In spring 2006, 60 companies recruited on campus. Majors most in demand were information systems, accounting, finance, and management. Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include University Career Services. Placement is available through the university placement office. Ninety-five percent of the most recent graduating class found jobs within three months of receiving their degree.

International Students

International students must score 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health, and proof of adequate funds to cover the first year of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate teaching assistantships. The application deadline for fall entry is April 1.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 16 weeks long; summer sessions, 8 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Business Admissions

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

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 198; 110 were accepted; 73 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.17; average GMAT score was 567. Transfers are accepted.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, GRE scores (MAEcon), a nonrefundable application fee of $50, 3 letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement. The application deadlines are July 1 for fall entry; November 1, spring; April 1, summer. Students are notified 1 to 2 weeks after the complete application is received of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is open. Once accepted, students may defer admission for no more than 1 year; requests must be in writing.

Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Business Financial Aid

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

Tuition for in-state residents is $435 per credit. Nonresidents pay $947 per credit. On-campus room and board costs approximately $5000; books and supplies, $1000; personal expenses, $5000, for an estimated annual total of $19,341 for in-state residents and $28,582 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing is limited; off-campus apartments, condominiums, and town houses are available nearby. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Business Students

Thirty-two percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 86% have had an average of 3 to 5 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 (90%). Thirty-three percent are women, 30% are minorities, and 10% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 29; ages range from 22 to 50. Ten percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 5% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 45%, business; 30%, liberal arts; 10%, engineering; 10%, social sciences; 2%, economics; and 2%, math and science. 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, 173 graduate business degrees were awarded.