College of Business and Economics

California State University-Fullerton, College of Business and Economics History

California State University/Fullerton, founded in 1957, is a public, coeducational institution. The 228-acre campus is located in a suburban area 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 35,921.

The College of Business and Economics was founded in 1959 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Irvine (MBA and MST at the Spectrum). The basic educational approach is a mix of both theory and cases, with a capstone course that includes a real-world small business consulting project.

California State University-Fullerton, College of Business and Economics Academics

The College of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Economics (MAEc), Master of Science in Accounting (MSAcc), Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS), Master of Science in Taxation (MST), and Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT). Other programs include individualized interdisciplinary programs, as approved by the Graduate Studies Office. The strongest areas of study are accounting, economics, finance, and information sciences/technology. The most popular course is Finance.

Required courses include:

• Seminar in Managerial Accounting
• Macroeconomic Theory and Policy
• Seminar in Corporate Financial Management
• Seminar in Organizational Behavior and Administration
• Seminar in Marketing Problems
• Decision Analysis, Forecasting, and Experimental Design
• Comprehensive Business Management

Required courses for the MSAcc include:

• Seminar in Accounting Theory
• Seminar in Auditingor
• Seminar in Administrative Accounting
• Accounting Project

Required courses for the MST include:

• Tax Research Practice and Procedures
• Accounting Project

Required courses for the MSIT include:

• Information Resource Management
• Systems Analysis, Design, and Development
• Electronic Commerce: Analysis and Evaluation
• Information Resource Management
• Business Databases: Design and Processing
• Business Data Communications

Required courses for the MSIS include:

• Special Topics on Information Systems Design and Data Communication
• Information Systems Analysis, Design, and Development
• Advanced Models (Deterministic or Probabilistic)
• Business Modeling and Simulation
• Data Structures and Database Management
• Seminar in Information Systems
• Forecasting, Decision Analysis, and Experimental Designor
• Advanced Deterministic Modelsor
• Advanced Probabilistic Models

Required courses for the MAEc include:

• Introduction to Econometrics
• Introduction to Mathematical Economics
• Advanced Microeconomic Analysis
• Advanced Macroeconomic Analysis

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements.

The maximum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time or part time is 5 years.

There are 126 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 88% hold a doctorate; there are 133 part-time faculty, of whom 33% 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 22.

California State University-Fullerton, College of Business and Economics Unique Programs

Library

The business school library and the university’s main library houses a collection of more than 1,218,727 volumes, 1,147,843 microform items, and 28,307 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 7002 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in economics and finance. Students have access to nearly all business databases, via university mainframe and systemwide sources. Other opportunities for research consist of Internet connections.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 300 PCs as well as various word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics, statistics, programming languages, and specialty packages. The 5 student labs are open for scheduled classes 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Thursday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday. The 95-PC study lab is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. International students must score 500 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of routine immunizations, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of assistantships. The application deadline for fall entry varies.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 16 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

California State University-Fullerton, College of Business and Economics Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5, a GMAT score of 450, and GRE scores of 1500. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT. Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, grades in upper-level courses, and academic accomplishments and ability. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 732; 353 were accepted; 180 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.28; average GMAT score was 522. Transfers are accepted.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall and spring. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $55, 2 letters of recommendation, and GRE (MAEc only). The application deadlines are open for fall entry; open, spring. Students are notified of the admissions decision 6 to 8 weeks after filing.The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is May.

California State University-Fullerton, College of Business and Economics Financial Aid

Stipends and programs are available for minority students through the California State University system. The FAFSA and the previous year’s tax return are required. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office. The application deadlines are March 2 for fall entry; March 2, spring.

Residents pay no tuition. Nonresidents pay $339 per credit, or $8136 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $5547; books and supplies, $1400; personal expenses, $2250; and other fees, $3592, for an estimated annual total of $12,789 for in-state residents and $20,925 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing is available locally. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

California State University-Fullerton, College of Business and Economics Students

The greatest percentage of students are from California (89%). Forty-six percent are women, 39% are minorities, and 23% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 29; ages range from 21 to 57. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 70%, business; 15%, liberal arts; 8%, engineering; and 7%, math and science. About 30% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 45% remain to receive their degree. In 2006, 155 graduate business degrees were awarded.