Gonzaga University, Graduate School of Business History

Gonzaga University, founded in 1887, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church (Jesuit). The 88-acre campus is located in an urban area one half mile east of downtown Spokane. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 6469.

The Graduate School of Business was founded in 1961 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, Jepson Center. Courses also are offered at Coeur d `Alene (MBA). The basic educational approach is to develop leaders who possess solid analytical and critical thinking skills, and communication and team building skills, along with a keen sense of social justice. Both the MBA and the MAcc programs are characterized by a personal learning environment and students from diverse backgrounds.

Gonzaga University, Graduate School of Business Academics

The Graduate School of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Accountancy (MAcc) as well as a joint degree in in law (MBA/JD and MAcc/JD) and engineering (MBA/BS). Joint MBA/BA, MBA/Macc, and MBA/MIS degrees are also offered. Other programs include work-study, internship programs, graduate assistantships with concentrations in finance, accounting, and marketing. The strongest areas of study are accounting, management, finance, ethics, and marketing. The most popular courses are Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Ethics, and Entrepreneurship. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. The Dean’s Business Forum has distinguished speakers durning each month of the academic year.

Thirty-three total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 11 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Orientation
• Marketing Theory and Practice
• Quantitative and Statistical Analysis
• Operations Theory and Practice
• Information Systems Theory and Practice
• Management Skills Development
• Corporate Financial Reporting
• Finance Theory and Practice
• Business Ethics
• Strategic Management
• Economic Environment of the Firm
• Managerial Accounting

Required courses for the Macc include:

• Orientation
• Professional Practice Seminar
• Management Skills Development
• Accounting Theory
• Professional Ethics
• Assurance Services

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by arrangement on an individual basis.

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

There are 31 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 96% hold a doctorate; there are 6 part-time faculty. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 9; average business class size is 23.

Gonzaga University, Graduate School of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 400,000 volumes, 525,000 microform items, and 9000 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 1600 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as Wilsondisc, LaserCat, Uncover, and Business Source Premier.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of more than 150 PCs in 2 computer labs, wireless access, classroom computers, and many more technological improvements.

Career and Job Placement

In spring 2006, 32 companies recruited on campus. Fifty percent were national corporations. Majors most in demand were accounting, finance, marketing, and operations. Average starting salary of the graduating class was $57,000; range was $31,000 to $112,000. The percentage of graduates finding jobs were:

• national corporations 40%
• regional corporations 30%
• local large enterprises 15%
• local small enterprises 10%
• self-employment 5%

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include an on-line job board, career services counseling, and fall recruiting season for accounting majors. Placement is available through the university placement office. Ninety percent of the most recent graduating class found jobs within 3 months of receiving their degree.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL and successfully complete Gonzaga’s ESL program. International students must score 570 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT) or 88 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of an immunization record and health insurance, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate assistantships and scholarships. The application deadline for fall entry is June 1.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 6 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening and weekends.

Gonzaga University, Graduate School of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 3.0 and a GMAT score of 500. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 1100. 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 143; 116 were accepted; 101 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.43; average GMAT score was 565. 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, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $45, and 2 letters of recommendation. The application deadlines are open. Students are notified within 2 weeks of the receipt of their completed application of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is August 15. Once accepted, students may defer admission.

Gonzaga University, Graduate School of Business Financial Aid

About 60% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $14,221 annually; maximum $32,825. The FAFSA, Student Certification Form, and financial aid transcripts are required. The application process should be completed at least 1 month in advance of the term of entry.

Tuition for all students is $630 per credit, or $11,340 per year. Books and supplies cost approximately $1000; personal expenses, $1000; and other fees, $150, for an estimated annual total of $13,490. Graduate student housing apartments are readily available close to campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Gonzaga University, Graduate School of Business Students

Twenty-five percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 85% have had an average of 3 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from Washington (82%). Thirty-six percent are women, 9% are minorities, and 15% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 29; ages range from 22 to 50. Seven percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 3% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 51%, business; 18%, liberal arts; 12%, engineering; 9%, economics; 7%, math and science; and 1%, social sciences. About 2% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 98% remain to receive their degree. In 2006, 111 graduate business degrees were awarded.