The major objective of graduate study in the College of Business Administration is to provide those enrolled with the opportunity to develop a basic core of knowledge concerning the theory, techniques, and practices of administering business activities. In addition to studying the basic core of knowledge, candidates for the M.B.A. degree have the opportunity for in-depth study in a particular area of interest. 

The program is designed to accommodate candidates with an undergraduate degree in business administration as well as graduates from other degree programs. Candidates with undergraduate degrees other than business administration must take foundation courses that make up the undergraduate common body of knowledge in business administration. Foundation requirements may be removed by course.  This nonthesis program leading to the M.B.A. is based on a total requirement of 33 credits beyond the foundation courses, which are determined at the time of admission. Twenty-four of these 33 credits are specifically required courses.work at Clarion or other approved institutions.

All students must take a course in organizational structure and behavior, quantitative analysis for business decisions, management accounting, managerial economics, financial management, production management, marketing decision making, and a capstone course in business policy. The remaining 9 credits in the program are elective, permitting the student to design the program to particular objectives with the approval of the MBA Director. 

The normal length of study for students attending full-time is two years. An accelerated three-semester program without summer study is also available. Students can also enroll in the program on a part-time basis.
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Students pursuing the M.B.A. degree may enroll in the professional accountancy course of study. The sequence of 36 semester hours of graduate course work is designed to prepare students for entry into the practice of professional accountancy as prescribed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
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Clarion University of Pennsylvania was established in 1867. It is one of the fourteen institutions in the state system of higher education of Pennsylvania. The University has an enrollment of approximately 5,600 students, 18 percent of whom are students in the College of Business Administration. In a typical year, approximately 50 to 60 students are enrolled in the Master of Business Administration program with approximately 45 attending full time. The University has grown significantly during the past twenty years.

 Most of the physical plant consists of newer buildings. Located high on the Allegheny Plateau overlooking the Clarion River, the University is surrounded by some of Pennsylvania's most scenic resort areas. The rolling, wooded countryside affords some of the best hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking in northwestern Pennsylvania. The Clarion River and its tributaries provide an ideal setting for summer boating, swimming, and aquatic sports.
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The College of Business Administration is located in Still Hall, one of the newest academic buildings on campus. In addition to classrooms and a 225-seat auditorium, this modern facility includes an up-to-date microcomputer lab and reading/study center. All classrooms are wired for voice, data, and internet access.  Smart classrooms include interactive television capabilities to remote sites and systems to capture and deliver live classes over the internet.

The Still Hall computer lab has thirty fully networked state-of-the-art computers for student use.  Laptop computers with wireless network access are provided to students for in-class use.  Students have access to all computer systems from any computer linked to the internet and are allocated disk space that can be accessed from any computer connected to the internet.  Many electronic databases are available including WestLaw Tax Library, Citibase macro data tapes, CRSP, IMF trade data, Panel Study of Income Dynamics, Consumer Expenditure surveys, County Business Patterns, and others.

Typical MBA Class in Still Hall

Courses in the M.B.A. program are taught exclusively by terminally qualified faculty members who are active in scholarship and business consultation. Faculty members represent diverse backgrounds academically, professionally, and culturally. Seventeen percent of the faculty members are women, 17 percent are international and seven percent are from minorities. Faculty members hold degrees in accounting, economics, finance, law, marketing, administrative sciences, and engineering. Students in the program find that faculty members bring a unique blend of professional, academic, and international perspectives that enhance the classroom experience. 

Business Faculty Listing - a listing of the faculty and staff in the College of Business Administration. 
   

Having "real-world" experiences that are woven into the fabric of graduate business education assures that an M.B.A. degree provides the kind of educational experience that is highly desired by employers. Clarion brings this perspective to its graduate program through its Business Advisory Council which is comprised of top-level business executives from corporations across America. M.B.A. course work provides the opportunity for graduate students to work directly with corporations and other organizations in solving real business problems through research, consultation, and participate decision making. Choosing a program like Clarion's, in which business applications are a primary focus, is the first step toward an effective managerial career.