Warren P. Williamson, Jr. College of Business Administration

Youngstown State University, Warren P. Williamson, Jr. College of Business Administration History

Youngstown State University, founded in 1908, is a public, coeducational institution. The 100-acre campus is located in an urban area 60 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 13,200.

The Warren P. Williamson, Jr. College of Business Administration was founded in 1971 and is located on the main campus, in its own building. Courses also are offered at the First Energy Plant (MBA). The basic educational approach is to provide a practical approach to learning by utilizing a mix of theory, case methods, and simulations.

Youngstown State University, Warren P. Williamson, Jr. College of Business Administration Academics

The College of Business Administration offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other programs include interdisciplinary programs in engineering or health and human services, and internships where students can earn 1 to 3 credits. The strongest area of study is management. The most popular courses are in securities/finance, human resource management, MIS/computer, and entrepreneurship. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. The Williamson Symposium invites academicians and executives to conduct 3-day seminars on campus.

Forty-eight total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 8 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Management Accounting Systems or Advanced Cost
• Financial Management
• Strategic Marketing Management
• Operations Management I
• Organizational Behavior
• Global Business Environment
• Management Information Systems
• Strategic Management and Leadership

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring 9 semester hours of graduate course work.

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, 6 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 years; maximum, 6 years.

In a recent year, there were 24 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom held a doctorate; there are 6 part-time faculty. Faculty salaries are rated above average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 7; average business class size is 22.

Youngstown State University, Warren P. Williamson, Jr. College of Business Administration Unique Programs

Library

Publications for the business school contained in the main library consist of more than 55,200 volumes, and subscriptions to 425 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as Ohiolink, OCLI/FirstSearch, ABI/INFORM, Disclosure, PAIS, Lexis/Nexis, Social Sciences Citation Index, and CCH Tax Network.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 3 labs with 77 PCs. Software includes Microsoft Office, Powerpoint, SPSS, and Peachtree. Hours are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Career and Job Placement

Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL or the college’s own test. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds to cover 2 years of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate 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.

Youngstown State University, Warren P. Williamson, Jr. College of Business Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.7 and a GMAT score of 460. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and grades in upper-level courses. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 56; 50 were accepted; 36 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.3. Transfers are accepted.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $30, a resume, and a letter of intent. Students are notified of the admissions decision 1 to 2 weeks after receipt of records. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 6 years. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Youngstown State University, Warren P. Williamson, Jr. College of Business Administration Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include the Regents’ Fellowships. The FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $5000 per year. Nonresidents pay $9000 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $5000; books and supplies, $1400; personal expenses, $2700; and other fees, $936, for an estimated annual total of $15,036 for in-state residents and $19,036 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing consists of dormitories and near-campus rooms and apartments. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Youngstown State University, Warren P. Williamson, Jr. College of Business Administration Students

Twenty-four percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 80% 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 Ohio (75%). Forty percent were women, 12% were minorities, and 5% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 28; ages ranged from 22 to 53. Thirty-five percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 4% already had a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 49%, business; 23%, engineering; 16%, math and science; 4%, liberal arts; 4%, education and other majors; 2%, economics; and 2%, social sciences. About 28% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 68% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 46 graduate business degrees were awarded.