College of Business Administration

California State University-Long Beach, College of Business Administration History

California State University/Long Beach, founded in 1949, is a public, coeducational institution. The 322-acre campus is located in a suburban area 30 miles south of Los Angeles. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximate 33,000.

The College of Business Administration was founded in 1966 and is located on the main campus, in its own building. Courses also are offered at the Corporate MBA Boeing Program. The basic educational approach is to prepare students for responsible administrative positions and to provide the background essential for advancement in management careers.

California State University-Long Beach, College of Business Administration Academics

The College offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Fully Employed Master of Business Administration (FEMBA). The strongest areas of study are finance and information systems. The most popular courses are Finance, Marketing, and Information Systems. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus.

Thirty-six total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 12 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Managerial and Financial Accounting
• Applied Statistics and Decision Analysis
• Business Policies, Operations, and Organizations
• Marketing Concepts
• Legal Environment of Business
• Advanced Cost Accounting, Budgeting, and Control
• Seminar in Business Finance
• Seminar in Human Resources Management
• Seminar in Management Planning and Control Systems
• Seminar in Marketing Policies
• Management Information Systems
• Integrated Analysis

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by waiving course work completed at an accredited school.

The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 1<1/2>years; maximum, 7 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 years; maximum, 7 years.

There are 77 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 95% hold a doctorate; there are 60 part-time faculty, of whom 80% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated well above average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 12; average business class size is 25.

California State University-Long Beach, College of Business Administration Unique Programs

Library

Students have access to such databases and networks as Dialog, BRS, SDC, and RLIN. Other opportunities for research consist of InfoTrac, a computerized business and periodical index.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 40 486s and 200 Pentiums; high-resolution laser printing; Windows, Quattro, Paradox, WordPerfect, and SP5S software; plus Internet access, SLO Business Databases, Coast, and Mosaic through the campus network.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are extensive and are available through the Career Development Center.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

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

California State University-Long Beach, College of Business Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.75 and a GMAT score of 500. 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 480; 187 were accepted; 135 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.3; average GMAT score was 520. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by discussions with minority clubs.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall and spring. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee, 2 letters of recommendation, and essays. Check with the school for current application deadlines and fees. Students are notified of the admissions decision after their file is complete. Once accepted, students may defer admission for 2 semesters.

California State University-Long Beach, College of Business Administration Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include the Graduate Equity Fellowship. The FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Residents pay no tuition. Nonresidents pay $329 per credit. On-campus room and board costs approximately $8000; books and supplies, $1500; personal expenses, $1050; and other fees, $3200. Graduate student housing is not available specifically for graduate students. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

California State University-Long Beach, College of Business Administration Students

Fifty-five percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 80% had an average of 10 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students were from California (70%). Thirty-nine percent were women, 5% were minorities, and 21% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 28; ages ranged from 23 to 47. Twelve percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 9% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 42%, business; 27%, engineering; 11%, social sciences; 5%, math and science; 3%, liberal arts; and 2%, economics. About 2% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons. In a recent year, 157 graduate business degrees were awarded.