Frequently Asked Questions
MBA - Graphic Communication Document Systems Management
- What is the Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business MBA -- Graphic Communication Document Systems Management Specialization?
- 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?
- What makes this program unique?
- 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?
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.
3. What makes this program unique?
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 1/2 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.