Graduate Business Studies Program

University of the Virgin Islands, Graduate Business Studies Program History

University of the Virgin Islands, founded in 1962, is a public, coeducational institution. The 175-acre St. Thomas campus is located in a small town. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 2487.

The Graduate Business Studies Program was founded in 1978 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at St. Croix (MBA, MPA, MAE). The basic educational approach is a mix of the theoretical and the case method.

University of the Virgin Islands, Graduate Business Studies Program Academics

The Graduate Business Program offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Public Administration (MPA). The strongest area of study is international business.

Thirty-six total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 9 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Administrative Theories and Practices
• Quantitative Methods in the Decision Sciences
• Financial Administration
• Accounting for Planning and Control
• Marketing Management
• Information Systems
• Operations Management
• International Business
• Management Policy and Strategy

Required courses for the MPA include:

• Introduction to Public Administration and Public Affairs
• Administrative Theories and Practices
• Public Program Seminar
• Quantitative Methods for Public Administration
• Administrative Law
• Group Processes and Leadership
• Personnel Administration
• Budget Management

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by having up to 3 credits waived.

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 5 years.

There are 7 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 85% hold a doctorate. Average number of courses faculty teach is 4; average business class size is 14.

University of the Virgin Islands, Graduate Business Studies Program Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 105,000 volumes and subscribes to 1100 periodicals. It is also a selective U.S. government depository.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of an IBM 36 and a 5110; terminals and IBM PCs are available.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. International students must score 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of immunizations, and proof of adequate funds to cover for 1 year of study. The application deadline for fall entry is April 30.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

University of the Virgin Islands, Graduate Business Studies Program Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability and GMAT results. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 35; 20 were accepted; 20 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.19; average GMAT score was 356. Transfers are accepted.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall and spring. To apply, students must submit an application form, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $20, and 3 letters of recommendation. The application deadlines are March 30 for fall entry; October 30, spring. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is open.

University of the Virgin Islands, Graduate Business Studies Program Financial Aid

About 12% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $2896 annually; maximum $4190. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $275 per credit, or $4950 per year. Nonresidents pay $500 per credit, or $9900 per year. Books and supplies cost approximately $1000; personal expenses, $3750; and other fees, $260, for an estimated annual total of $9960 for in-state residents and $14,910 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing is not available on campus; all students commute.

University of the Virgin Islands, Graduate Business Studies Program Students

Twenty-four percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time. All students are from Virgin Islands. Seventy-five percent are women, 88% are minorities, and 40% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 30; ages range from 22 to 50. Seventeen percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 3% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 73%, business and 27%, math and science. About 50% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons. In 2006, 21 graduate business degrees were awarded.