College of Business Graduate Programs

California State University-Chico, College of Business Graduate Programs History

California State University/Chico, founded in 1887, is a public, coeducational institution. The 119-acre campus is located in a small town in downtown Chico. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 16,704. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The College of Business Graduate Programs was founded in 1972 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is case-oriented with an emphasis on group problem-solving, communication skills, and information technology.

California State University-Chico, College of Business Graduate Programs Academics

The CSU, Chico offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA). Other programs include internships. The strongest areas of study are accounting and management information systems. The most popular course is Management Information Systems.

Thirty total credits are required to complete the MBA. Required courses include:

• Management Control Systems
• Seminar in Financial Management
• Management of People and Organizations
• Decision Support Systems
• Seminar in Strategic Marketing
• Seminar in Strategic Management and Administrative Policy
• Operations Planning and Execution

Required courses for the MSA include:

• Management Control Systems
• Auditing
• Strategic Information Systems Management
• Decision Support Systems
• Seminar in Strategic Management
• 15 additional units in accounting/management information systems

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

There are 15 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom 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 9; average business class size is 25.

California State University-Chico, College of Business Graduate Programs Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 1.5 million volumes and 3800 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 6800 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as Compustat, CRSP, Lexis/Nexis, and Internet/Web access. Other opportunities for research consist of 1-to-1 faculty research programs.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 200 PCs and access to all major software and databases, available for use by business students in supervised labs open 80 hours per week.

Career and Job Placement

The major most in demand by companies recruiting in a recent year, was MBA with management information systems emphasis. Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include the use of services for 6 months after graduation. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of results of a TB test and proof of immunization for measles and rubella, and proof of adequate funds to cover 12 months of study. There is a special fee of $500 for health insurance. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate assistantships. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

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

California State University-Chico, College of Business Graduate Programs Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.75 and a GMAT score of 540. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and management potential. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 97; 44 were accepted; 20 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.2. Transfers are accepted.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall and spring. To apply, students must submit an application form, 3 transcripts, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee, 3 letters of recommendation, a purpose statement, and a resume. Students are notified of the admissions decision on a rolling basis. Once accepted, students may defer admission with permission of the graduate school. Check with the school for current application deadlines and fees.

California State University-Chico, College of Business Graduate Programs Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include the Graduate School Equity Fellowship. The standardized form for state or federal aid is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Residents pay no tuition. Nonresidents pay approximately $339 per credit, or $6102 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $6200; books and supplies, $900; personal expenses, $2500; and other fees, $3700, for an estimated annual total of $13,300 for in-state residents and $19,402 for out-of-state residents. Check with the school for current costs. Graduate student housing is not specifically designated on campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

California State University-Chico, College of Business Graduate Programs Students

Forty-eight percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 60% had an average of 4 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 (73%). Thirty-eight percent were women and 25% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 28; ages ranged from 23 to 47. Ten percent entered directly from undergraduate school. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 40%, business; 15%, engineering; 5%, math and science; 5%, social sciences; 3%, economics; and 2%, liberal arts. In a recent year, 35 graduate business degrees were awarded.