College of Business Administration

California State University-Sacramento, College of Business Administration History

California State University/Sacramento, founded in 1947, is a public, coeducational institution. The 288-acre campus is located in a suburban area within Sacramento. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 26,269. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The College of Business Administration was founded in 1964 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, Tahoe Hall. The basic educational approach is to provide an education that is extensive and broadening, rather than intensive or specialized, by improving students’ capacity for decision making and understanding management in a number of areas. The case method approach is stressed.

California State University-Sacramento, College of Business Administration Academics

The CBA offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Accountancy (MSAccy), Master of Science in Business Administration/Management Information systems (MSBA/MIS), and Master of Science in Business Administration/Taxation (MSBA/Tax) as well as a joint degree in law (MBA/JD, MSAccy/JD). Other programs include internship programs, a cooperative program with the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, joint research with area businesses, research projects conducted by faculty, and a Certificate of Advanced Business Studies (CABS). The strongest areas of study are finance and management information systems. The most popular courses are accountancy, management information systems, and finance. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. Experts from many branches of government frequently act as guest lecturers and part-time instructors.

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

• Management Accounting
• Management of International Operations
• Marketing Management
• Financial Management
• Issues in Productivity Management
• Management Information Systems
• Behavioral Science Applications in Management

Required courses for the MSBA/Tax include:

• Individual and Business Income Tax Accounting
• Tax Research and Procedures
• Tax Accounting Periods and Methods
• Taxation of Business Enterprises I: Corporations
• Taxation of Business Enterprises II: Partnerships

Required courses for the MSBA/MIS include:

• Research Methodology
• Fundamentals of Data Communications
• Data Base Design and Administration
• MIS Strategic Planning and Policy
• Advanced Analysis and Design of Computer-Based IS

Required courses for the MS/Accy include:

• Accounting Theory
• Cost Analysis and Control
• Individual and Business Income Tax Accounting
• Auditing Theory and Practice
• Computerized Accounting and Auditing Systems

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring up to 9 units from an accredited institution or by completing relevant course work in undergraduate study at an accredited institution.

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, 7 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 years; maximum, 7 years.

There are 82 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 10; average business class size is 30.

California State University-Sacramento, College of Business Administration Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 655,000 volumes, and subscribes to 6000 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as Lexis/Nexis Academic Universe, EBSCOhost, ABI/INFORM, Dunn & Bradstreet Million Dollar Directory, ASAP, and Business and Corporate Research Center. Other opportunities for research consist of the Management Development and Research Center.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of a 24-hour lab with IBM PCs.

Career and Job Placement

In a recent spring, 35 companies recruited on campus. Majors most in demand were management information systems, marketing, and finance. Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time, and are 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, and proof of adequate funds. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of limited assistantships and scholarships. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 16 weeks long; summer sessions, 6 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only and weekends.

California State University-Sacramento, College of Business Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5 and a GMAT score of 500. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT. Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, academic accomplishments and ability, and work experience. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 375; 190 were accepted; 130 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.2. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited through local means such as Black and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall and spring. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, and a nonrefundable application fee. Candidates may submit a cover letter and resume outlining their employment experience; writing proficiency must be proven. Check with the school for application deadlines and fees. Students are notified of the admissions decision on a rolling basis.

California State University-Sacramento, College of Business Administration Financial Aid

The FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition and fees for in-state residents is approximately $2000 per year. Non residents pay approximately $7100 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $9500; books and supplies, $800; personal expenses, $2000, for an estimated annual total of $14,300 for in-state residents and $19,400 for out-of-state residents. Check with the school for current costs. Graduate student housing consists of dormitories and apartments. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

California State University-Sacramento, College of Business Administration Students

Thirty-two percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 83% 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 (88%). Forty-seven percent were women, 36% were minorities, and 11% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 29; ages ranged from 22 to 55. Seventeen percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 4% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 38%, business; 17%, math and science; 12%, economics; 12%, social sciences; 5%, liberal arts; and 4%, engineering. In a recent year, 109 graduate business degrees were awarded.