Graduate Business Programs

San Francisco State University, Graduate Business Programs History

San Francisco State University, founded in 1899, is a public, coeducational institution. The 96-acre campus is located in an urban area. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 28,378.

The Graduate Business Programs was founded in 1962 and is located in its own building. The basic educational approach is a mix of both theoretical and case methods, with the aim of training both general managers and area specialists.

San Francisco State University, Graduate Business Programs Academics

The Program offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Business Administration (MSBA), and Executive MBA (EMBA). Other programs include foreign exchange with 4 countries and numerous internships with businesses and government agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area. The strongest areas of study are information systems, international business, and accounting. The most popular course is International Business and Accounting. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. There are International Business Exchanges and a Dean’s Speaker Program.

Thirty total credits are required to complete the MBA and MSBA, including 12 elective credits. Required courses for the MBA and MSBA include:

• Financial and Managerial Accounting
• Computer Concepts and Programming
• Economics for Managers
• Political, Social, and Legal Environment of Business
• Financial Management
• Operations Analysis
• Marketing Management and Multinational Operations
• Management Principles and Organizational Behavior

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements through previous coursework with a grade of B or better from an accredited institution within the past 5 years.

The maximum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 7 years.

There are 128 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 93% hold a doctorate; there are 25 part-time faculty, of whom 40% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated well above average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 4; average business class size is 25.

San Francisco State University, Graduate Business Programs Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 645,000 volumes and 625,000 microform items, and subscribes to 4300 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as Compustat. Other opportunities for research consist of the Center for Small Business; the U.S.-Japan, U.S.-C.I.S., U.S.-China, U.S.-European, and U.S.-Canada institutes; and the Pension Research and Retail Management institutes.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of a CDC CYBER 170/730, a Prime 9955-11 supermini, and IBM and Mac PCs with word processing and spreadsheet software.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include networking programs. Placement is available through Business Relations Center.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. International students must score 570 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT).They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds. The application deadline for fall entry is April 1.

Calendar

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

San Francisco State University, Graduate Business Programs Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.7 and a GMAT score of 500. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x upper-level GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 1100. Most important admissions factors are grades in upper-level courses, quality of undergraduate school, and GMAT results. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 567; 243 were accepted; 116 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.13; average GMAT score was 574. Transfers are accepted.

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 of $55, 2 letters of recommendation, and a letter of intent. The application deadlines are April 15 for fall entry; October 15, spring. Students are notified when materials are complete of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is April 30.

San Francisco State University, Graduate Business Programs Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include the Graduate Equity Fellowship. The FAFSA, the school’s own financial statement, and the SAAC (Student Application for Aid in California) are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Graduate student housing consists of on-campus dormitories and apartments, as well as extensive off-campus accommodations. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

San Francisco State University, Graduate Business Programs Students

Twenty-nine percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 88% have had an average of 5 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school. The greatest percentage of students are from California (70%). Fifty-two percent are women, 55% are minorities, and 30% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 30; ages range from 24 to 50. Twelve percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 2% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 32%, business; 18%, social sciences; 15%, math and science; 11%, engineering; 10%, liberal arts; and 9%, economics. In 2006, 220 graduate business degrees were awarded.