1. What is the best way for me to learn
about the Graduate Programs offered by the Orfalea College of
Business?
Besides looking carefully over the web site, we recommend visiting
the Cal Poly University campus and our program. We invite you
to email mba@calpoly.edu
to schedule an on campus meeting with our Graduate Programs staff.
In addition, for those applicants unfamiliar with Cal Poly, volunteer
led campus tours are available. Although these on-campus tours
are primarily used by and geared toward undergraduate applicants,
these tours are nevertheless an informative way of getting to
know and developing a feel for the Cal Poly campus. Visitors will
need to obtain a daily parking permit to park on campus. The permits
can be obtained at parking vending machines available at most
parking lots, as well as the Visitor Information Center located
on Grand Avenue.
It's simple. Today's marketplace is competitive and regardless
of your chosen profession, business
is the glue that holds it all together and makes it work. In this
environment learning essential graduate level business skills
and competencies in areas such as finance, accounting, marketing,
law, economics, management, etc. will allow you to work more effectively
with your colleagues, clients and external constituents. In fact,
the ability to advance in your career will depend on your mastery
of these business skills. Do not think for a minute that those
in the industry trenches and those in management stay in their
own little worlds and the magic of the firm or business then happens
for the customer: It's the exact opposite. The key is integration
between business and your chosen field that adds value to your
professional portfolio (a sum greater than the parts). Obtaining
a Cal Poly MBA degree will move you forward in this regard.
3. What are the guiding principles,
goals and philosophy of the Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business
MBA program?
The MBA program at Cal Poly's Orfalea College of Business prepares
students for positions of high responsibility in all phases of
business. The program is broad in nature, requiring advanced study
and research during the program in the foundational business disciplines.
To ensure a productive and competitive future for our students
in a rapidly changing world, we teach the concepts and principles
of management which make rapid adjustment to new conditions possible.
The primary goals of the program are to provide potential managers
with:
An integrated understanding of the principles of various business
disciplines. The successful manager must have an ability to
integrate and apply information from a variety of disciplines
in an ethical and socially responsible manner. Our approach
to MBA education is aimed at fostering this integrated and applied
understanding.
An expertise in assembling and analyzing relevant facts as
a basis for significant business decisions. Students learn analytical,
planning and forecasting skills to provide a basis for making
effective decisions in a changing managerial environment.
The ability to work with other people and various stakeholders
of the firm through an understanding of human values, motivations,
behavior and organizational structures.
We believe in the case method, lectures and seminars, field study,
simulations, group work and individual hard work and initiative.
Faculty members choose among teaching methodologies to present
courses in the manner most appropriate to the material and the
professor's individual style.
4. What is the basic structure of the
Cal Poly MBA program and how long does it take to complete?
The Cal Poly MBA program is a 60-unit program made up of 9 required
courses and 6 elective courses (4 units each) that provides students
who are willing to commit to a rigorous schedule of prescribed
courses the option to complete the program in less than 12 months
(Track One). For those not
pursuing the accelerated option and/or simultaneously pursuing
dual graduate degrees a second more traditional option is also
offered (Track Two).
The cohort based program offers courses during the traditional
academic year along with several innovative and specifically developed
short summer session elective courses that can facilitate the
completion of the MBA program on an accelerated basis. These short
summer session elective courses include a project-based "Commercial
Development of Innovative Technologies" course, "Effective
Communication Skills for Managers" course, and a transformational
two-and-a-half week "Doing Business in Asia" study tour
to the People's Republic of China. These short summer session
courses are required for Track
One students, and optional (but nevertheless strongly encouraged)
for those students pursuing Track
Two.
The program also primarily consists of full-time students, and
generally offers classes Monday through Thursday with the vast
majority of classes offered during the daytime hours. Completion
of the program on a part-time basis is possible, but is qualified
by the fact that courses are offered only once per year and generally
during daytime hours on Monday through Thursday.
Our faculty's highest priority is also excellent teaching, and
their professional qualifications are among the best you will
find in any university.
No undergraduate business degree is required. Further, there
are no prerequisite business course requirements to enter the
program.
It is possible for a full-time student devoting 100% attention
to his/her studies, and who follows a prescribed course of study
to complete their MBA in less than a year (Track
One - Accelerated Track).
Relevant, current, challenging, and intellectually stimulating
courses from top to bottom. These include two short intensive
summer sessions to facilitate the completion of the MBA program
or to follow the accelerated option requirements.
GSB 528 Effective Communication Skills for Managers.
GSB 529 Commercial Development of Innovative Technologies.
GSB 563 a 2 1/2 week International Business Tour to the
People's Republic of China, an experiential study tour designed
to integrate and apply what students studied during the
program.
The opportunity to work with outstanding faculty in a friendly
and professional academic atmosphere.
The opportunity to live and study on California's Central
Coast - one of the most beautiful locales in the world and located
midway between the urban areas of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Affordability - our MBA program is extremely affordable, especially
compared to programs offered by other schools.
In summary, this is an exciting, innovative, current and affordably
priced MBA program offered in an unparalleled location.
Because our methods of instruction require extensive interaction
between students and faculty, we limit the number of students
in order to foster a sense of community. Thus, roughly 40 to 50
students each year are admitted and enroll in the MBA program.
Among those, approximately 40% will be pursing some type of a
dual degree simultaneously. We also admit approximately 20-30
students into the Master's in Industrial and Technical Studies
program and approximately 30-40 students into the Master's in Accounting-Taxation program.
8. What type of applicant is likely
to be successful in gaining admission into the Cal Poly MBA program?
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. No specific undergraduate
majors are preferred for admission to the program and previous
study in business-related topic is not required. However, an applicant
for admission to the MBA program must have a baccalaureate degree
from an accredited institution.
An applicant's academic potential and promise for a productive
career in management are central concerns when making our admission
decisions. Therefore, the applicant's involvement in activities
that demonstrate development of strong leadership skills and the
information an applicant provides regarding the way an MBA will
contribute to his/her professional growth are carefully considered.
Persons whose intellectual abilities and personal characteristics
are suited for careers in management are selected.
The student population of Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of
Business Graduate Programs varies from year to year. Overall,
you can expect that a large percentage of the MBA class will be
comprised of students with an undergraduate education in one of
the engineering or science disciplines. Another significant group
is usually students from an architectural discipline with a smattering
of other undergraduate degrees usually represented. The Cal Poly
MBA program attracts students from all disciplines because of
its unique design and philosophy of enhancing, not replacing career
paths. The student population of the MS in I&TS program will
be comprised of students with an undergraduate education in Industrial
Technology or Engineering or international students with a similar
academic background. Thus you will have a wonderfully broad group
of classmates. In fact, Orfalea College of Business graduate students
are alike in only one way: they all want an outstanding education.
For further details on the current student population, review
our web site's Demographics
section.
1. What is the Cal Poly Orfalea College
of Business MBA - Agribusiness Specialization and how does it
differ from the General Management Specialization?
The MBA - Agribusiness Specialization, offered by the Cal Poly
Orfalea College of Business (OCOB) in conjunction with the Agribusiness
Department in the Cal Poly College of Agriculture, is designed
for those interested in agribusiness management careers. Graduates
will be prepared for careers in large farm and ranch management
as well as for positions in supporting agribusiness industries
such as commodity marketing, banking and appraisal, food processing,
agricultural chemicals, and international trade. An integral part
of this specialization is an internship. The type and scope of
the internship experience is influenced by the student's employment
background and objectives. In most cases the student spends one
quarter, usually the summer quarter, working closely with a selected
agribusiness firm. This experience provides a foundation for growth
in management responsibilities and is an excellent credential
for job placement. Agribusiness specialization courses emphasize
the development of a wide range of managerial skills directly
applicable to agribusiness enterprises.
The MBA - General Management Specialization is designed for those
with a more general interest in business. For example, for those
who are uncertain which business/industry they wish to work in,
or, who might wish to one day work outside their chosen technical
or agricultural field, this more generalized MBA can provide greater
flexibility and broader opportunities.
Designed as a joint program, it combines the strengths of the
Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business with those of the Cal Poly
College of Agriculture to provide a unique interdisciplinary experience
which addresses those managerial issues and applications unique
to the agribusiness firm and industry.
3. Do I need prerequisite business
and/or agribusiness courses, undergraduate degree or work experience
to apply in order to be successful in the program?
Not necessarily. The Cal Poly MBA - Agribusiness Specialization
is specifically designed to provide the necessary business skills
and develop the ability to make data-supported, ethical decisions.
A full array of core courses and elective courses, along with
a focus on our philosophy of "learn-by-doing", provide
the essential business knowledge including a mix of valuable and
challenging courses and experiences. Some students may be required
to take, as a part of their program, additional agribusiness prerequisite
courses to support success. These decisions are on a case-by-case
basis and will require a review of each student's academic and
professional accomplishments.
4. This specialization requires a summer
internship; will I still be able to participate in the optional/elective
summer short special session courses offered by the Orfalea College
of Business?
Yes! The two elective/optional summer short special sessions
will run the first few weeks before the beginning of the regular
Fall quarter, and, roughly 2 ½ weeks after the June graduation.
Thus, there will still be more than ample time for you to pursue
an internship during the summer. Moreover, each of the elective
four unit courses offered during these sessions (Commercial Development
of Innovative Technologies; Effective Communication Skills for
Managers; and the International Business Tour to China are intended
to offer tremendous value to those that participate
. For example, the tech commercialization course provides students
with the conceptual frameworks and experiences necessary to understand
the capabilities of a technological innovation and determine if
a sustainable market opportunity exists for that innovation. The
communication course builds upon the writing and speaking skills
common to most undergraduate curricula, by providing additional
concept and skill development specifically tailored to a managerial
business environment. The China business study tour is designed
to be a transformational personal and business experience for
students integrating and applying what they studied and learned
earlier in the program.
1. What is the Cal Poly Orfalea College
of Business MBA -- Graphic Communication Document Systems Management
Specialization?
The MBA - Graphic Communication (GrC) Document Systems Management
Specialization is designed for those interested in graphic communication
related management careers. The program, focused on document systems
management, contains a strong research component. This specialization
is offered by the Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business (OCOB)
in conjunction with the Graphic Communications Department in the
Cal Poly College of Liberal Arts. The OCOB is accredited by the
AACSB and the Cal Poly Graphic Communication Department is accredited
by the ACCGC.
2. Do I need prerequisite business
and/or graphic communication courses, undergraduate degree or
work experience to apply to this program or in order to be successful
in the program?
Not necessarily. The Cal Poly MBA - Graphic Communication Specialization
is specifically designed to provide the necessary business skills
and develop the ability to make data-supported, ethical decisions.
A full array of core courses and elective courses, along with
a focus on our philosophy of "learn-by-doing", provide
the essential business knowledge including a mix of valuable and
challenging courses and experiences. Some students may be required
to take, as a part of their program, additional Graphic Communication
related prerequisite courses to support success. These decisions
are on a case-be-case basis and will require a review of each
student's academic and professional accomplishments.
Designed as a joint program, it combines the strengths of the
Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business with those of the Cal Poly
Graphic Communications Department to provide a unique interdisciplinary
experience which focuses on skills for managing within the document
systems field.
4. This specialization requires a summer
internship; will I still be able to participate in the optional/elective
summer short special session courses offered by the Orfalea College
of Business?
Yes! The two elective/optional summer short special sessions
will run the first few weeks before the beginning of the regular
Fall quarter, and, roughly 2 ½ weeks after the June graduation.
Thus, there will still be more than ample time for you to pursue
an internship during the summer. Moreover, each of the elective
four unit courses offered during these sessions (Commercial Development
of Innovative Technologies; Effective Communication Skills for
Managers; and the International Business tour to China are intended
to offer tremendous value to those that participate
. For example, the tech commercialization course provides students
with the conceptual frameworks and experiences necessary to understand
the capabilities of a technological innovation and determine if
a sustainable market opportunity exists for that innovation. The
communication course builds upon the writing and speaking skills
common to most undergraduate curricula, by providing additional
concept and skill development specifically tailored to a managerial
business environment. The China business study tour is designed
to be a transformational personal and business experience for
students integrating and applying what they studied and learned
earlier in the program.
1. What is the Cal Poly Orfalea College
of Business MBA - Architectural Management Track and Landscape
Architecture Management Track?
This program is available only to those students who are enrolled
in Cal Poly's Bachelor of Architecture program or Landscape Architecture
program. During their fifth/final year
of their architecture or landscape architecture programs,
students having only their design work left to complete
often have time slots in their schedules which would allow them
to take significant coursework outside their program, and they
can seek permission to informally enroll and start taking MBA
courses in the OCOB. Their request to do so, along with all supporting
application documents, must be submitted to the OCOB Graduate
Programs Office well in advance
of taking any such MBA courses (i.e., by June 1 before the beginning
of their fifth/final year of undergraduate study). Permission
to participate in these MBA courses is competitive and based upon
the student's previous academic performance and GMAT results.
Upon the completion of their BArch or BLA degree, students become
formally eligible to apply and officially be admitted into the
MBA program.
2. Why should I start to pursue an
MBA during my fifth/final year in architecture?
Aside from the efficient use of time factor during the fifth/final
year of studies noted above, it's simple -- today's marketplace
is competitive and regardless of what type of architectural services
you provide to clients, business is
the glue that holds it all together and makes it work. Successfully
providing architectural services, and career advancement within
the architecture profession, requires business skills and knowledge
in such areas as finance, accounting, marketing, law, economics,
management, etc. This fusion between business and architecture
is critical.
4. Do I need to be a current
Cal Poly Architecture or Landscape Architecture student to apply
to this program?
Yes. Applicants who have already completed their Architecture
or Landscape Architecture degree, either from Cal Poly or from
another university, are not eligible for this
program; however, applicants who have already completed their
Architecture or Landscape Architecture degree would be eligible
to apply to the Cal Poly MBA - General Management Specialization,
which may provide the flexibility to include graduate courses
offered by both the Orfalea College of Business and the College
of Architecture.
5. Are there unique application and
admission requirements associated with this early permission program?
Yes. During the fifth/final year
in their Architecture or Landscape Architecture programs, students
informally apply to the Cal Poly OCOB MBA program. They do this
by completing the paper application form available
on the CSUMENTOR system and submitting it, along with an acceptable
GMAT score, transcripts which reflect an acceptable GPA, two letters
of recommendation, a supplemental application, and a comprehensive
list of all remaining undergraduate courses directly to the Orfalea
College of Business Graduate Programs office. This complete file
of materials must be submitted by June 1 of the beginning of the
fifth/final year of their undergraduate program. Provided all
the necessary informal application materials are complete and
the student has satisfied the requisite standards, the OCOB Graduate
Programs Office can elect to issue a letter "promising to
admit" the student into the MBA program once they finish
their undergraduate degree.
At least two quarters before they are scheduled to complete their
MBA program, students must formally apply to the MBA program using
the CSUMENTOR system's online application form. Although students
will have already submitted all other necessary materials, they
will be required to complete the online application and pay the
application fee.
6. What is the difference between the
Cal Poly Architectural Management or Landscape Architectural Management
tracks and the MBA - General Management Specialization?
These specially approved track options provide a mechanism for
certain Cal Poly students to begin their MBA program before the
completion of their undergraduate degree. In all other aspects,
the program content is the same as the MBA General Management
degree.
1. What is the Cal Poly EMP (Engineering
Management Program)?
The EMP program is a cutting edge interdisciplinary dual degree
program linking the Cal Poly MBA and MS in Engineering degree
programs. It is a cooperative effort and program between the Orfalea
College of Business (OCOB) and the Cal Poly College of Engineering
(Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department). Successful
participants will be awarded both an MBA and MS, both with an
emphasis in Engineering Management. The OCOB is accredited by
AACSB and the College of Engineering is accredited by ABET.
It's simple. As recently highlighted by a former CEO of Raytheon,
"Technology requires management for successful production.
We need technologists who [possess business skills and] can actually
manage. That fusion is what's so important. Do not think that
engineers and management stay in their own little worlds and then
the magic happens: It's the exact opposite." The
key is integration between business and engineering that adds
value to your professional portfolio (a sum greater than the parts).
Completing a dual degree will move you forward in this regard.
3. What's the difference between the
EMP and other dual degree programs?
The EMP program is designed to develop graduates who can effectively
integrate broad technical/engineering issues with business management
issues. The other informal dual degree options related to engineering
are designed to deepen your technical/engineering knowledge and
add career enhancing business skills. Stated differently, the
EMP focuses on integration (breadth) while the informal dual degree
options tend to focus more on depth in the technical area.
4. Do I need prerequisite business
courses to be successful in the program?
No. The Cal Poly Engineering Management Program (EMP) is specifically
designed to provide students from a technical background with
the necessary business skills to develop their ability to make
data-supported, ethical decisions. A full array of core courses
and elective courses, along with a focus on our philosophy of
"learn-by-doing", provide the essential business knowledge
including a mix of valuable and challenging courses and experiences.
Students are admitted with the required academic background for
success. Some students, possessing a related technical degree
such as physics would be qualified for admission but may be required
to take, as a part of their program, additional engineering related
prerequisite courses to support success. These decisions are on
a case-by-case basis and will require a review of each student's
academic and professional accomplishments.
Designed as a joint program, it combines the strengths of the
Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business with those of the Cal Poly
College of Engineering to provide a unique interdisciplinary experience
that integrates business and engineering disciplines allowing
participants to gain two graduate level degrees in two years.
6. Will the MBA portion of the EMP
Program, with its optional/elective summer short special session
courses, hinder my ability to do a summer internship?
Not at all! These two elective/optional summer short special
sessions in the MBA program will run the first few weeks before
the beginning of the regular Fall quarter, and, roughly 2 ½
weeks after the June graduation. Thus, there will still be more
than ample time for you to pursue an internship during the summer.
Moreover, each of the elective four unit courses offered during
these sessions (Commercial Development of Innovative Technologies;
Effective Communication Skills for Managers; and the International
Business Study tour are intended to offer tremendous value
to engineers in particular . For example, the tech commercialization
course provides students with the conceptual frameworks and experiences
necessary to understand the capabilities of a technological innovation
and determine if a sustainable market opportunity exists for that
innovation. The communication course builds upon the writing and
speaking skills common to most undergraduate curricula, by providing
additional concept and skill development specifically tailored
to a managerial business environment. The China business study
tour is designed to be a transformational personal and business
experience for students integrating and applying what they studied
and learned earlier in the program.
7. Under the EMP Program would I take
my MBA courses one year and engineering courses the next, or,
would I take a mix of both each year?
It depends on what you want, your schedule, and, the schedule
of course offerings. Both the OCOB and College of Engineering
recommend that you mix your business and engineering courses,
and as a practical matter course offerings and availability require
most students to do so. Upon admission we strongly recommend that
you come in, meet with us, and plan your schedule.
8. Are there unique application processes
to apply to the EMP program?
Yes. For the EMP program, the application process is similar
to applying to a single degree program. Selection of the EMP program,
when completing an application on the CSUMENTOR system is done
as follows:
Program Objective: Engineering Management (MBS) Degree Objective: Other - MBS
Applications for admission into the EMP program are evaluated
by both the Orfalea College of Business and the College of Engineering
with a positive decision required by both colleges for admission
into the EMP program. In addition, students may, in certain circumstances,
be considered for admission during a quarter other than Fall quarter
(contact the OCOB Graduate Programs office for additional details
and approval).
Dual degrees informally link the Cal Poly Orfalea College of
Business MBA with an MS or MA from another Cal Poly college. Students
are required to apply to and be admitted to both the OCOB (accredited
by the AACSB) and their other Cal Poly graduate degree program.
Successful participants will be awarded both an MBA and MS or
MA. The dual degree option is very flexible and can be used to
link a number of Cal Poly graduate program with the MBA program.
The most common dual degree combination is a linkage of the MBA
with an MS in an Engineering discipline. For instance, this program
would allow for the linking of the MBA and MS in Engineering degrees,
thereby providing an informal interdisciplinary cooperative effort
between the Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business (OCOB), accredited
by AACSB, and the Cal Poly College of Engineering, accredited
by ABET. Students could combine the MBA with an MS in mechanical,
electrical, civil, aerospace, materials, manufacturing, environmental,
biomedical, computer science, computer engineering or any number
of other non-engineering related graduate programs. Students are
however required to have (or will complete by June) a prerequisite
degree in the discipline area for which they wish to pursue the
Master of Science/ Master of Arts degree
From the perspective of the business school, it's simple -- today's
marketplace is competitive and regardless of your chosen profession,
business is the glue that holds it
all together and makes it work. In this environment learning graduate
level business skills and competencies in areas such as finance,
marketing, accounting, management, law, economics, etc., and integrating
that knowledge into skills learned in your other graduate degree
program will allow you to work more effectively with your colleagues,
clients and external constituents. In fact, the ability to advance
in your chosen career/field will depend on your mastery of these
business skills. As recently highlighted by a former CEO of Raytheon,
"Technology requires management for successful production.
We need technologist who [possess business skills and] can actually
manage. That fusion is what's so important. Do not think that
engineers and management stay in their own little worlds and then
the magic happens: It's the exact opposite." They
key is integration between business
and the skills learned in your other graduate degree program that
adds value to your professional portfolio (a sum greater than
the parts). Completing dual degrees will move you forward in this
regard.
A second reason for pursing two graduate degrees simultaneously,
through a dual degree option, is to take advantage of the potentially
time-saving ability to have some courses used to satisfy both
degree requirements. Although not always possible, many students
pursing this option are able to reduce their combined program
study time by as much as one quarter over pursing the programs
separately.
3. Do I need prerequisite business
courses to be successful in the MBA portion of this option?
No. This unique and informal program is specifically designed
to provide students from a technical background with the necessary
business skills to develop their ability to make data-supported
ethical decisions. The MBA offers a full array of core courses
and elective courses, along with a focus on our philosophy of
"learn-by-doing", to provide essential business knowledge
to students.
This option allows a student to combine the strengths of the
Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business with those of another Cal
Poly college's graduate program to provide an interdisciplinary
experience that meets the unique needs of each student. This informal
integration of business with another discipline, allows participants
the possibility to gain two graduate level degrees in two years.
5. How does this option differ from
the EMP Program?
The EMP program is a formal dual degree option which is designed
to develop graduates who can effectively integrate broad technical/engineering
issues with business management issues. The program is clearly
defined and the requirements for gaining the MBA and MS Engineering
Management degrees are clearly established.
The various informal non-EMP dual degree options are designed
to deepen your technical/engineering knowledge through the pursuit
of the selected MA or MS degree while adding career enhancing
business skills. Stated differently, the EMP focuses on integration
(breadth) while the informal dual degree options tends to focus
more on depth in the technical area.
6. Under the Dual Degree Option would
I take my MBA courses one year and other program courses the next,
or, would I take a mix of both each year? And, how many units
should I take each quarter?
It depends on what you want, your schedule, and, the schedule
of course offerings. The OCOB often recommends that you mix your
business and other graduate program courses, and as a practical
matter course offerings and availability require most students
to do so. For most dual degree combinations, to finish in two
years, a mix of courses totaling approximately 16 units each quarter
is needed. (Note the OCOB will not allow you to take more than
16 units of courses per quarter). Upon admission we strongly recommend
that you come in, meet with us, and plan your specific schedule.
7. Will the MBA portion of this informal
Dual Degree Program, with its optional summer short special session
courses, hinder my ability to do a summer internship?
Not at all. These two elective/optional summer short special
sessions in the MBA program will run the first few weeks before
the beginning of the regular Fall quarter, and, roughly 2 ½
weeks after the June graduation. Thus, there will still be more
than ample time for you to pursue an internship during the summer.
Moreover, each of the elective four unit courses offered during
these sessions (Commercial Development of Innovative Technologies;
Effective Communication Skills for Managers; and the International
Business Tour to China are intended to offer tremendous value
to dual degree students in particular . I.e., they will be
worth your while to pursue, and, allow you to complete a portion
of your elective business courses. For example, the tech commercialization
course provides students with conceptual frameworks and experiences
necessary to understand the capabilities of a technological innovation
and determine if a sustainable market opportunity exists for that
innovation. The communication course builds upon the writing and
speaking skills common to most undergraduate curricula, by providing
additional concept and skill development specifically tailored
to a managerial business environment. The China business study
tour is designed to be a transformational personal and business
experience for students integrating and applying what they studied
and learned earlier in the program.
8. Are there unique application processes
to pursue a Dual Degree?
Yes. For these informal dual degrees, the application process
begins with applying to one of the desired programs via completing
an application on the CSUMENTOR system. Once admission into one
program is granted, students may begin to pursue admission into
the second program. Traditionally, students adding a second program
are held to the same admission standards as all other applicants,
however, the submission of the materials may vary. If granted
permission to add the second program, a "Change of Objective"
form is completed to document the additional degree goal. It does
not matter which degree program a student is admitted to first;
however, because the admission requirements for the MBA
program are more structured and often more rigorous, students
often find it more beneficial (and are strongly encouraged) to
apply to the MBA program first
and then apply to and add the second degree .
Students wishing to pursue a dual degree may, in certain circumstances,
be considered for admission during quarters other than Fall quarter
(contact the OCOB Graduate Programs Office for additional details
and approval).
1. What is the Cal Poly Orfalea College
of Business MS in Industrial & Technical Studies Program?
The Master of Science in Industrial and Technical Studies (MS in
I & TS) is designed to enable graduates to assume significant
leadership responsibilities in global, technology-oriented business
and industry. A major emphasis is on the management of technological
change and innovation.
MS-I&TS graduates will:
Understand the global technology business environment, including
value chain management, packaging science and technology, technology
entrepreneurship, technological innovation and core industrial
processes and systems.
Generate solutions that jointly maximize business, technological
and human outcomes.
Apply decision tools and field research methods to a range of
business and technological problems.
Recognize the importance, and lead accordingly, on important
societal issues that pervade the business and technolgical environment;
environmental sustainability, business ethics and workforce development.
Practice effective written and oral communication,
foster teamwork, and be enabling managers and leaders.
The MS-I&TS degree constututes 45 credits of course work,
including a major component that is focused on conducting a field-based
applied research project. Students are required to possess a bachelor's
degree from an accredited program in industrial technology, engineering
or similar technical degree or background.
2. Why should I pursue a Master of
Science degree in Industrial and Technical Studies?
It's simple. Today's marketplace is competitive and regardless
of your Industrial Technology specialty and interests, learning
additional and graduate level IT and integrated business skills
and competencies will allow you to work more effectively with
your colleagues, clients and external constituents. In fact, the
ability to advance in your career will depend on your mastery
of these skills. Obtaining an MS in I & TS from the Cal Poly
Orfalea College of Business (OCOB) will move you forward in this
regard.
3. What type of applicant is likely
to be successful in gaining admission into the program?
The MS in I & TS program welcomes applicants from academic
backgrounds in the area of Industrial Technology, Engineering
or similar technical discipline. An applicant for admission to
the MS in I & TS program must have completed
their baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
An applicant's academic potential and promise for a productive
career in industrial management are central concerns when making
admission decisions. Therefore, the applicant's involvement in
activities that demonstrate development of strong leadership skills
and the information an applicant provides regarding the way this
Master's degree will contribute to his/her professional growth
are carefully considered. Persons whose intellectual abilities
and personal characteristics are suited for careers in industrial
management are selected.
The student population of Cal Poly's Orfalea College of Business
Graduate Programs varies from year to year. Overall, you can expect
that the population of the MS in I&TS program will be comprise
of students with an undergraduate education in Industrial Technology
or Engineering or international students with a similar academic
background. In addition, because a number of courses are included
in both the MBA and the MS I&TS program, you can expect that
a large percentage of your classmates will be comprised of students
with an undergraduate education in one of the engineering or science
disciplines; another significant group is usually students from
an architectural discipline with a smattering of other undergraduate
degrees usually represented. The Cal Poly Graduate Programs attract
students from all disciplines because of its unique design and
philosophy of enhancing, not replacing career paths. Thus you
will have a wonderfully broad group of classmates. In fact, Orfalea
College of Business graduate students are alike in only one way:
they all want an outstanding education.
For further details on the current student MBA and MS in I &
TS population, review our Web site's Demographics
section.
5. If I do not possess an undergraduate
degree in Industrial Technology, but I do have a related technical
degree such as Manufacturing Engineering or Industrial Management,
Do I need prerequisite Industrial Technology courses or work experience
to apply to or be successful in the program?
Not necessarily. Some students may be required to take, as a
part of their program, additional industrial technology prerequisite
courses to support success. These decisions are on a case-by-case
basis and will require a review of each student's academic and
professional accomplishments.
6. I am a Cal Poly student and have
one course remaining to complete my undergraduate degree in Industrial
Technology, may I be permitted to begin taking courses in the
MS I & TS program?
No. Students must possess their undergraduate degree before beginning
the program courses.
There are different deadlines based upon the program desired
and the residency status of the applicant. Therefore it's best
that you review the "Admissions" section of this web
site for specific details. In general, international applicants
for either the MBA program, EMP program or MS in I & TS program
must submit an application by November 30th and ALL application
required materials no later than April 1 st. Domestic applicants
to the MBA program, MS I&TS program and EMP program must satisfy
a July 1st deadline for submitting their application.
The sooner the better. The OCOB Graduate Programs office makes
admissions decisions on a rolling basis and as a result there
is no guarantee that there will be space remaining by the deadline.
Therefore, we strongly encourage applicants
to submit their completed application materials well in advance
of the applicable deadline.
3. What are the factors used in determining
if I get into the program?
Applicants are evaluated on the basis of achieving AACSB recommended
standards for admission primarily based on GPA and GMAT (and where
applicable GRE) achievement. Some candidates who receive lower
than average GPA and/or GMAT scores may be evaluated based on
additional factors such as work experience, their statement of
purpose, and letters of recommendation.
Applicants to the the MBA - Architectural Management track and
the MBA - Landscape Architecture Management track are also evaluated
on the basis of the number of type of courses that remain to be
completed in their undergraduate program.
4. What entrance exam (GMAT/GRE) score
and GPA will be considered competitive for admission?
With respect to GPAs, the University requires a minimum GPA of
2.5, however, a 3.0 or greater is strongly preferred.
The GPA is calculated using the last 90 quarter units (or last
60 semester units) of study. GPA competitiveness vary with the
undergraduate degree, and we therefore consider and make adjustments
for students coming from programs/schools without grade inflation
or with a reputation for rigor.
Admission consideration for applicants to the MBA or EMP program
requires a minimum score of 530 on the GMAT. However, please note
that over the past several years admitted applicants had on average
received a GMAT score in the 580 - 700 range. The latitude between
our minimum score to qualify for review and our average admitted
applicant score reflects our practice of evaluating the GPA in
conjunction with the GMAT, with a strong GMAT providing an applicant
a competitive advantage.
For applicants to the MS I & TS program, we require a minimum
score of 530 on the GMAT or a 1050 on the GRE exam to be considered
for admission.
For a more detailed profile of our most recent class of students,
please see the Demographics
link to our web site.
If you are applying to the MBA (any specialization) or the EMP
program the answer is "no". The GMAT is required of
all applicants to these programs. While we sometimes receive applications
from prospective students who have advanced degrees that required
sitting for other high-level standardized tests, such as PhDs,
JDs or MDs, the requirement to take the GMAT is never waived.
If you are applying to the MS I & TS program, either exam
is acceptable. However, note that should you wish to pursue a
dual degree (MBA and MS I & TS) or if you may want to switch
from the MS program to the MBA program at a future date it would
be wise to consider taking the GMAT instead of the GRE.
The GMAT exam can be a challenging exam that should be taken
only after you have carefully prepared. The best way to gauge
the amount of studying that is required is to go to the GMAT website
and download the free practice exam software. This software includes
a full length practice exam that provides a good indicator as
to the success you will achieve on the actual exam. We also recommend
that students also consider purchasing one or more GMAT preparation
books that are on the market to further increase their opportunity
for success on the exam. Be sure to take practice exams under
timed conditions.
The GMAT exam should not be taken without preparation and a thorough
understanding of best methods to use in taking this exam. The
Admissions section of our
website has additional details regarding this exam along with
a useful Power Point presentation that provides valuable tips
on how to successfully study for and take the GMAT exam.
8. How do I sign up for the required
entrance exam and how much does it cost to take?
The Graduate Management Admission Test ( GMAT) is administered
by Pearson VUE. The test dates, times, and location can be found
and you may schedule an appointment at
http://www.mba.com/mba. This exam costs approximately $250.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is administered
by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The test dates, times,
and location can be found and you may schedule an appointment at:
http://www.gre.org . This exam
costs approximately $115.
9. When is the latest I can take the
required entrance exam and why is when I take the exam so important?
You can take the GMAT or GRE only once per calendar month. Since
these exams can only be taken once a calendar month, it is advisable
to not to wait too late in the application cycle to take the required
exam. To optimize you chances for admission you may want to allow
for the possibility that the exam may need to be taken more than
once to score a competitive score. Careful planning, to allow
for sufficient time to retaken the exam should it become necessary,
is advised.
10. What about my letters of recommendation?
Whom should I ask to write them?
Letters of recommendation can be from an academic source or your
employer. Select individuals with whom you have had considerable
professional or academic interaction such as your supervisor,
a major client or a professor who has worked closely with you.
The title or status of those you select is not important. What
does matter is how closely your letter writers have worked with
you and whether they can attest to your value as an employee,
your professional accomplishments, and your personal qualities
and interpersonal skills in an organizational context.
Letters of recommendation from co-workers, someone you have supervised,
or personal and family friends are inappropriate, show poor judgment
and can even be detrimental to the review of your application.
11. I have just completed my undergraduate
program and do not have full-time work experience - is admission
possible?
While we like to see applicants with solid full-time work experience,
it is not a necessity. One of the unique attributes of our program
is that we allow recent and in some cases new graduates from technical
fields such as engineering, computer science, the sciences, architecture,
etc. to enter the program to gain the foundational business knowledge
they need to advance and succeed in their future chosen technical
field.
12. Are there any prerequisite courses
required for admission into the MBA program, since I possess no
business background?
No. One of the unique attributes of our program is that we do
not require applicants to take prerequisite courses before they
are admitted into the program. Instead of the program has been
carefully designed to provide students, without a business education,
all the business skills, knowledge and competencies needed to
be successful business leaders. With that said, having some previous
course work under your belt in statistics, finance, accounting
and/or economics can be a plus.
13. Do I get special consideration
if I was a Cal Poly undergrad?
All applicants to the various graduate programs offered by the
OCOB are held to the same requirements. Previous Cal Poly attendance
does not provide an advantage for admission.
14. Can/should I apply if I am a
very recent Cal Poly graduate who majored in business?
We will consider such applications and do admit a select and
limited number of such applicants each year. But in general we
encourage such applicants to first gain full-time work experience
and then apply, or if they wish to pursue their MBA right away
to look to other programs and locations in order to broaden their
educational experience.
15. If I have already completed MBA
classes at another university may I waive some of the classes
or transfer credit?
Given that our MBA program is 60 units, we rarely transfer MBA
credit from other universities, so in general any work that you
had completed at other institutions would not count toward a degree
at Cal Poly. To the extent it would be allowed it would be one
course, two at the very most.
16. I'd like to apply to an OCOB
graduate business program but I cannot submit all materials required
at this time. Can I submit items separately or must everything
come in at once?
It is not uncommon for applicants to submit their materials as
they complete them and not together as a complete packet. For
applicants that know that one element of their application packet
will be delayed, we recommend that they submit all elements as
soon as they are complete and then email us to let us know when
the remaining element(s) can be expected. In that way, frankly,
we are on notice of your interest to apply to the program and
also know when to expect the remaining elements to make the admission
decision.
1. What is the required TOEFL score
for international applicants?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is administered
in three formats, paper and pencil, internet-based, and computer-based. If you take
the paper and pencil version, your score must be at least 550. If you take the internet-based you must earn a score of at least 80. If you take the computer-based test, you must earn a score of
at least 213. For detailed information about the TOEFL please
visit the TOEFL web site at http://www.toefl.org/.
2. Am I eligible to apply to the MBA
program if I received a bachelor's degree from India?
Minimum academic requirements for international applicants are
a 4-year bachelor's degree or a master's degree (2 years after
your bachelor's degree). Recognized basic or first degrees from
India include B. Engineering (in Engineering only), B.Sc in Engineering,
B. Tech, B. Architecture, B. Veterinary Medicine, B. Agriculture,
B. Pharmacy or a master's degree in a non-engineering field. Associate
of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Institute of Cost Works
Accountants, Associate of Business Management, and Associate of
Institute of Engineers are NOT acceptable as substitutes for a
four-year degree. You are ineligible to be admitted with only
a 3-year bachelor's degree; therefore, you would need to complete
a master's degree (2 years after your bachelor's degree) in order
to apply. A Postgraduate Diploma (PGDM) awarded by the Indian
Institutes of Management at Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, and
Lucknow (2 years beyond bachelors) is recognized as a basic or
first degree.
3. If I'm an international student,
but I received a bachelor's degree from a university in the U.S.,
do I still need to take the TOEFL and pay for AACRO?
International students, unless from an exempt country, must
submit a TOEFL score. However, the TOEFL requirement is waived if an international student earned their undergraduate degree from a U.S. university.
Likewise, international students must have their academic credentials evaluated by AACRAO or ACEI unless their bachelor's degree is from a U.S. university.
4. Why are the deadlines and requirements
different for international applicants?
The deadlines for international applicants are established by
the University Admission office so that international applicants
will have time to satisfy the University requirements for admission
as well as the U.S. government requirements to acquire the necessary
student visa.
Often one of the major delays faced by international applicants
is caused by the academic evaluation of your previous academic
experiences. Evaluation of your academic transcripts can take
several months at the height of the applicant season. Since an
admission decision cannot be made until the academic evaluation
is completed and received, and visa documentation cannot be sent
until the admission decision has been made, it is critical that
international students start the process early and follow the
requirements exactly to optimize their chances for admission.
5. What percentage of the OCOB Graduate
Program is comprised of international students and what countries
are represented?
In general, the OCOB graduate student population is comprised
of 5% to 10% international students. No one country is preferred.
Each year varies but in general we primarily have students from
a variety of Asian and European countries.
6. Why, as an international applicant,
do I receive letters and information requests from two different
offices?
It should be noted that you are requested to provide information
by two different Cal Poly offices - the University Admission office
and the Orfalea College of Business Graduate Programs office.
The University Admission office will contact you regarding the
submission of documents that are required by the University to
comply with their regulations or those established by the U.S.
government for international student admissions. You can also
expect to hear from, and submit documents directly to, the Orfalea
College of Business Graduate Programs office. That office will
make the ultimate decision as to your admission into the program
and as such has separate requirements to aid in that decision.
Carefully review the admissions section of the website to insure
that you have satisfied all requirements and submitted documents
to the proper offices.
1. How long does it take to finish
the various programs?
The MBA program has two options for completion. For a full-time
student, Track One (accelerated track) can be completed in less
than 12 months if you follow the exact program outlined. Track
Two is also available for those not following Track One and by
following that track you can complete the program in four, five
or six regular academic quarters depending on how a student structures
and schedules his/her coursework.
The EMP program or any dual degree program that couples the MBA
program with another Master's program on campus, usually can be
completed in two years - total.
The MS I & TS is completed in 11 months by following the exact program outlined which includes two
(2) short summer sessions and an international study tour.
2. What is the Formal Plan of Study,
what classes can I include in it, when do I need to fill it out
and why is this important?
A Formal Plan of Study is an agreement between the student and
the college on the specific coursework to be
completed in order to fulfill the requirements for the master's
degree. Each student in an OCOB Graduate Program at Cal Poly must,
within one quarter of starting their program, develop and receive
approval for their individual plan.
The courses that may be included vary depending on the program
of study being pursued and therefore students must meet with the
advisor to individually develop their plan. In general, a Formal
Plan of Study should be comprised of all required courses in the
degree program along with all selected and approved elective courses
that are included to complete the program.
The Formal Plan of Study is very important for graduate students
as it is the roadmap by which the Evaluations office determines
if you have satisfied all degree requirements. Unlike undergraduate
students who satisfy a category of courses by electing to take
any one of a number of courses designated to satisfy that category,
the graduate students must list each and every specific course
that will be taken and gain approval by the Director for the complete
course of study. Students that fail to develop a Formal Plan of
Study will not graduate since they have not satisfied an developed
course of study. Likewise, students that fail to follow their
developed Formal Plan of Study also will not graduate unless an
approved amendment is permitted.
3. How many 400-level courses can
I take that will be counted towards my Formal Plan of Study?
In the vast majority of cases the answer is none. The graduate
programs offered by the Orfalea College of Business requires that
a student's program consist of the intense graduate level coursework
designed specifically for their program. Inclusion of a 400-level
course in a Formal Plan of Study is not encouraged; however it
may be permitted under certain rare and very limited circumstances.
4. Do the graduate classes fill quickly?
If so, are graduate students given preference?
The Orfalea College of Business graduate business programs are
selective programs and therefore the number of students admitted
is small. Classes are small for the benefit of the students and
students rarely have a problem getting into classes.
5. Can I take any of my classes for
Credit/Non-Credit?
Only those letter-graded courses in which an A, B, or C is earned
count towards satisfying the total unit requirement for the degree.
For a letter grade course anything below a C does not/would not
count. Further, courses which are offered only
on a credit/no credit basis will also satisfy the unit requirement
if a credit grade is earned (the equivalent of an A or a B is
required to earn credit in such courses).
Graduate students may elect to take courses which are not part
of their Formal Plan of Study on a credit/no credit basis, but
said courses will not count toward satisfying the total unit requirement
for the degree.
6. How can credit/no credit courses
affect my GPA?
Only those units earned in courses for which the grade was "CR"
will count toward satisfying the degree requirements. However,
graduate students do not have the option of choosing to take a
course CR/No CR. Only courses offered only as
CR/No CR can be included in a Formal Plan of Study (which also
must be approved in advance by the Orfalea College of Business
Graduate Programs Office).
8. Can independent study and/or internship
courses count toward my MBA?
Internships and independent study courses can be, and often are,
valuable supplements to enhance the learning experience. However,
given the intense coursework design of the program such experiences,
although encouraged, will not be counted toward the coursework
requirement unless required by the specialization/program or through
special agreement with the OCOB Graduate Programs Director.
9. What is the maximum number of units
I may take in a given quarter?
Students in the MBA and EMP programs are limited to a maximum
of 16 units per academic quarter. Students in the MS-I&TS
program are limited to a maximum of 12 units per academic quarter.
Students that attempt more units that the maximum, without specific
approval to do so by the OCOB Graduate Programs Director, will
be precluded from including or counting the additional course(s)
in their program of study.
10. What GPA must I have to graduate
and if it's below that requirement what can I do?
Satisfaction of the GPA requirement for the conferring of the
master's degree requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (that's a B average)
or more in the courses taken in the Formal Plan of Study. If you
don't have a cumulative 3.0 GPA, you cannot graduate. Repeating
a failed course does not remove a lower letter grade from the
overall GPA calculation - rather, the two grades are averaged.
For students who's GPA is below 3.0 an immediate meeting with
an advisor is suggested. If addressed early, a solution may be
possible that allows for the satisfactory completion of your program.
11. How many units am I allowed to
repeat as a graduate student?
A student can repeat as many courses as necessary. However, repeating
a (failed) course does not remove a lower letter grade from the
overall GPA calculation - rather, the two grades are averaged.
In addition, students who fail to progress toward an educational
objective may be academic disqualified without regard to overall
GPA.
13. My program requires that I complete
a Thesis/Project, how long do I have to finish it?
When students enroll in a graduate program, the student has seven
years to complete the program. If a course, thesis or project
course is incomplete and the student doesn't not fulfill the requirements
of the courses the student will receive an incomplete (I) temporarily
as the grade. The student has one year to complete the requirements
for the course, thesis or project or the incomplete will automatically
convert to a grade of F.
Graduate program resources for financial aid are limited, therefore,
most non-scholarship aid is derived from the U.S. federal government.
Federal financial aid is available only to US citizens and U.S.
permanent residents. For details refer to
http://www.ess.calpoly.edu/_finaid/
Financial resources are extremely limited for international students.
This necessitates adequate financial planning on your part prior
to enrolling.
3. What opportunity exists for me
to work in order to finance my Cal Poly MBA education?
Due to the nature of the curriculum, students pursuing the accelerated
track (Track One) in the MBA program are strongly
discouraged from working during their 10-month program and studies.
For students pursuing Track Two, Dual Degree programs, or MS I
& TS program part-time work may be a possibility depending
on their schedule. Employment opportunities on campus can be explored
at http://www.afd.calpoly.edu/hr/employment/
and positions in the local community are often available and can
be located using Career
ServicesMustang
Jobs website. Note that under no circumstances will work or
work commitments be allowed or suffice as an excuse for poor academic
performance.
5. What opportunities exist
for me to work in order to finance my Cal Poly MS I&TS education?
For students pursuing the MS I & TS program there are expected
to be both Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant opportunities.
Other employment opportunities on campus can be explored at