The Professional Master of Business Administration Professional Master of Business Administration
The Darla Moore School of Business is accredited by AACSB International, the major accrediting body for business schools worldwide. AACSB has been the standard for 90 years. As a specialized agency, AACSB International grants accreditation for undergraduate and graduate business administration and accounting programs. The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status. 102609
The Professional MBA Program from the Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina... Relevant. Convenient. Connected.
Overview The Professional MBA (PMBA) program is a 28-month MBA designed for working professionals ready to take their careers to the next level. Courses meet one night per week and some Saturdays. The program attracts professionals from a broad range of businesses and industries representing many functional areas. PMBA students implement concepts taught in the courses in their work environments and provide real life experiences to class discussions. After receiving my undergraduate degree in theater, I found myself working in the business world and decided that my best career move would be to pursue an MBA. Unfortunately, no option ever quite fit what I needed. I wanted a program with a good reputation, a flexible schedule that allowed me to continue with my career, and one that would ultimately help me in my future business endeavors. The PMBA Program at The University of South Carolina did all that and more. The professors and staff are extremely understanding about the daily lives of working professionals and the streaming video allows me to adapt my school work around my schedule when needed. USC has one of the top-rated graduate business programs in the country and the knowledge I have gained through the program continues to contribute to my success with my current employer. Choosing the PMBA program at USC was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I would recommend it to anyone!! Audrey K. McCall, Class of 2010 Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Columbia, SC 2
Quality An MBA degree from a top-ranked business school accredited by AACSB International Award-winning faculty with extensive knowledge and real-world experience Networking with and learning from seasoned professionals representing many large international companies PMBA Employer Snapshot AgFirst Farm Credit Bank Bank of America Blackbaud Inc. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina BorgWarner Inc. Consolidated Systems Inc. Cummins Inc. Elliott Davis LLC General Electric Co. International Paper John Deere Kimberly-Clarke Corp. Kohler Co. MeadWestvaco Corp. Michelin N.A. Milliken & Company Nucor Corporation Palmetto Health QS/1 RBMG SCANA/SCE&G Schneider Electric Sealed Air Corp. Solectron Corp. Sonoco Products Co. Spirit Telecom SPAWAR U.S. Air Force U.S. Navy Wachovia Corp. Westinghouse Electric Corp. I am an engineer working for a multi-national company. In order to further develop in my career, I needed to expand my technical and project management role to managing high profile projects within my current company. Earning my MBA allows me to gain more knowledge in the commercial areas of marketing, finance, and accounting. I also am learning how to manage people and a team, how to be an effective leader, and how to manage a business. The PMBA program from the Darla Moore School offers an optional concentration in international business education, which will help me greatly in achieving my career goals. Zhaohui Han, Ph.D., Class of 2011 Siemens Energy, Inc. Charlotte, NC 3
Class Locations Classes are delivered to multiple locations throughout South Carolina and in Charlotte, North Carolina. Students have real-time communication with professors teaching the classes. For a complete list of sites and further details on course structures, visit the PMBA Web page. PMBA Class Locations USC Campuses USC Aiken USC Beaufort south USC Columbia USC Sumter USC Upstate North Carolina Charlotte School of Law Other sites Charleston Bank of America Building at I-26/Aviation Ave. University Center of Greenville I chose to attend the Darla Moore School of Business PMBA program for several reasons. First, I love the flexibility that the program offered me. I am able to balance the demands of a busy career with my desire to continue my education. The program is designed in such a way that it uses the benefits of technology yet it gives students to the opportunity to build relationships the professors and the other students. Second, I wanted a program that challenged me but gave me enough support to allow me to be successful. I have been very pleased with the amount of resources that have been made available to me. The program coordinators, the admission office, the career center, the financial aid office, and the professors have all worked together to help me navigate the transition back to being a student. I would recommend the PMBA program to anyone. 4 Jaroah Carter, Class of 2011 BB&T, Charlotte, NC
Flexibility Evening and weekend classes Locations in Charlotte, NC, and in South Carolina Delayed streaming video for working professionals with busy travel schedules Start dates yearly in January and September Accelerated options allow completion of the program in as little as 22 months I chose the program because of its excellent reputation, the rigor of the academics, and the PMBA s flexible structure. I have been able to fit my MBA studies into a very hectic schedule of work, travel and children, while enjoying an excellent academic program and meeting other professionals from a range of backgrounds. What I have learned I have put to good use in my dayto-day job and beyond. Although the program has kept me extremely busy, the experience has been completely worthwhile and enabled me to fulfill longtime personal and professional objectives. I highly recommend the PMBA program! Caroline Maas, Class of 2009 Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston, SC 5
Curriculum The Professional MBA program is 48 credit hours (16 courses, 3 credits each). The 10 core courses build a fundamental business knowledge base. Real-world business situations are discussed using models and problem-solving tools presented in the classroom. The curriculum requires six electives. Three to five electives are offered each term. Elective offerings include blended learning formats, modified class meeting times, and a week-long study abroad learning experience. The PMBA program offers an optional concentration in international business. This requires taking four of the six electives in international business, one of which must be the week-long study abroad learning experience, IBUS 750, Exploring Global Business. International electives include: Survey of International Business, International Finance, Managing Cross-Border Teams, International Management, and Foreign Market Entry. Academic Schedule The academic calendar for the Professional MBA program is a modification of the typical USC academic calendar. The PMBA schedule consists of three 12- week terms and one summer term of six weeks in a calendar year. Professional MBA students are delightful to teach. They are engaging, thoughtful and highly motivated. Since many of them work for multinational companies, they are very interested in the theories and practices of international management. Their work experience adds tremendous value to the class discussions and collective learning. Dr. Tatiana Kostova Buck Mickel Chair and Professor Sonoco International Business Department Darla Moore School of Business Term Fall Spring I Spring II Summer Dates September December January March April June July August Course Formats Most courses have class one night per week from 6:00 to 8:20 p.m. in a 12-week term and three Saturday mornings or afternoons at the Columbia campus. Students taking two courses in a 12-week term will meet one class on a Saturday morning, break for lunch, and meet the second class in the afternoon. During the summer term, each course meets from 6 to 8:45 p.m. two nights per week and two Saturday mornings. Other optional course formats include one night per week in Columbia with no Saturday classes, and access to class through Adobe Connect, our Web-based course delivery system. Electives scheduled in a 12-week term may incorporate additional weeknight time and eliminate Saturday meetings. Classes are delivered to locations throughout South Carolina and in Charlotte, NC. Delayed streaming video of classes is available the morning after class ends. Many students also use streaming video for review purposes. 6
PMBA Course Sequence for Fall Entry Term First Year Second Year Third Year Fall Financial Accounting Operations Management Strategic Management Sept-Dec 12 weeks Organization Behavior Elective Elective Spring I Quantitative Methods Information Systems Jan-March 12 weeks Managerial Accounting Elective Spring II Financial Policies Managerial Economics April-June 12 weeks Marketing Management Elective Summer Elective Elective July-August 6 weeks Each course is 3 credit hours. Core Courses The core courses listed below are offered once each calendar year. Course descriptions are available on the USC Web site at www.sc.edu/bulletin Financial Accounting (ACCT 728) Organization Behavior (MGMT 770) Managerial Accounting (ACCT 729) Quantitative Methods (MGSC 711) Financial Policies (FINA 760) Marketing Management (MKTG 701) Operations Management (MGSC 791) Information Systems (MGSC 796) Managerial Economics (ECON 720) Strategic Management (MBAD 702) Course Sequence The course sequence table above is for students entering the program in the fall term. While the sequencing allows multiple start times, Financial Accounting is required prior to Managerial Accounting. A sequence table for students entering the program in the spring term is available on the Web site. 7
Admissions The Professional MBA program admits students throughout the year on a rolling admissions basis. To be considered for admission, applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, two years of postundergraduate, full-time work experience, and a valid Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score. An undergraduate degree in business is not required. Students may begin the program in either the January or September terms. Admission decisions are made when the application is complete and all documents and the GMAT score report are received. Criteria considered for admission include, but are not limited to, undergraduate performance, GMAT score, and work experience. How to Apply The admission application is available at moore.sc.edu. The online application can be accessed multiple times for data entry prior to submission. Test Requirements The GMAT is a computer-based test given at testing centers. For information about GMAT test preparation, registration and test locations, go to www.mba.com. You will receive your test score at the conclusion of the test and must request that the score report be sent to USC Darla Moore School of Business (school code: JV2TP50). Tuition and Fees PMBA students are charged a fee per credit hour. Fees are subject to change. Other University fees, such as a onetime matriculation fee and a technology fee for each credit hour taken, also apply to PMBA students. Current fees are posted on the Darla Moore School of Business Web site. Financial Assistance PMBA students who are U.S. citizens and international students with permanent residency status are eligible for federal financial aid offered through the University of South Carolina. The FAFSA may be completed online and should be submitted after completing the admission application process. More information is available from the USC Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships at www.sc.edu/financialaid. 8 Tara J. Bachkosky, Lead Regulatory Analyst at SCANA in Columbia, SC, enjoys the beauty of Ireland while participating in the PMBA program s inaugural off-shore experience in 2007. The trip is a part of the international business concentration available to PMBA students.
Admission Application Checklist Application Materials: Personal Information Academic Information Statement of Purpose Employment History Resume Required Tests PMBA Questionnaire PMBA Essays Recommendations (2) Other forms to be submitted after the admission application: Citizenship Verification Form Immunization Form (not applicable to USC graduates) Admissions Application: moore.sc.edu Transcripts should be mailed to: Darla Moore School of Business, Graduate Admissions (address page 12) I chose the Professional MBA program at the University of South Carolina for the convenience of being able to take classes locally, near my home in the Upstate. I was particularly pleased with the international courses. They have helped broaden my understanding of the issues and concerns that my company and other multinational and global businesses face on a daily basis. I know that I made the right decision when I selected USC and the Professional MBA program. Chad Armstrong, Class of 2009 Schneider Electric, Easley, SC 9
Manage Your Career Today s job market is highly competitive and requires employees to have an edge. Many students enroll in the Professional MBA program to develop new skills for advancement with their current employer. Other students recognize that they may encounter restructuring or downsizing in their careers and want to be prepared. Professional MBA students can tailor career management services to fit their needs. Options available to PMBA students include: Resume critiques Mock interviews Career management coaching Participation in on-campus recruiting Access to Web-based career search and strategy tools Professional development seminars and workshops When I began the Professional MBA program, I was 43 years old and had come to the realization that without an MBA, I would not achieve my career goals. I had not been in school for 23 years and, with four children, wondered if I could make the program work with my professional and family commitments. The international aspects of the PMBA are great. I was especially excited to be part of the first offshore learning experience. The trip to Dublin included a visit to companies in a broad range of businesses and industries in addition to lectures focusing on the economy and government. The program exceeded my expectations. The academics are rigorous. The students are smart and experienced professionals. I m happy that I selected the PMBA program. Grey Humphrey, Class of 2007 PalmettoNet, Inc., Columbia, SC 10
Life and the PMBA Program Juggling professional, personal, and PMBA program responsibilities is a challenge! Students in the PMBA program use technology to view classes, communicate with professors and classmates, register and pay for classes, check grades, and receive program information. USC s Visual Information Processing System (VIP) handles registration, fee payment, and grade posting. Logistical items such as parking permit applications and student loan disbursements are also features of the VIP system. Professors use Blackboard, an academic software, for their courses. Blackboard provides students with an engaging learning environment. Students download course materials, use discussion boards, and upload projects and papers, etc. PMBA students may purchase a parking permit for a nominal fee, which enables them to park in faculty/staff lots near the Darla Moore School of Business during weekends and evenings. Support Facilities PMBA students have full access to University and Darla Moore School facilities. These facilities include the Elliott White Springs Library on the second floor of the business school, the Graduate Student Lounge on the seventh floor of the business school, and the Thomas Cooper Library on the Columbia campus. PMBA alumni can use the Darla Moore School of Business Alumni Online Community to stay in touch with MBA alumni groups after graduation. If you are already a Darla Moore School alum, register in the Alumni area at moore.sc.edu. PMBA students also have access to the physical education facilities, theatre and music performances, and sporting events at student fee and ticket rates after paying a small University athletic event fee. (Fees are listed online at www.sc.edu/bulletin/grad/gfees.html.) 11 Thomas Cooper Library
Contact Information University of South Carolina Bursar s Office (Financial Services) University of South Carolina Petigru College Columbia, SC 29208 Tel: 803-777-6283 Fax: 803-777-7953 Legal Residency Office University of South Carolina Petigru College Columbia, SC 29208 Tel.: 803-777-4060 or 800-922-9755 ext. 4060 Fax: 803-777-0101 Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships University of South Carolina 1714 College Street Columbia, SC 29208 Tel: 803-777-8134 Fax: 803-777-0941 E-mail: uscfaid@sc.edu Student Health Services Thomson Student Health Center University of South Carolina 1409 Devine Street Columbia, SC 29208 Tel: 803-777-9511 Fax: 803-777-3955 E-mail: immunize@mailbox.sc.edu PMBA Program Graduate Programs Tel: 803-777-4346 or 800-236-6427 Fax: 803-777-0414 E-mail: gradinfo@moore.sc.edu Graduate Admission Application moore.sc.edu Select PMBA Transcripts should be mailed to: Graduate Admissions Darla Moore School of Business University of South Carolina 1705 College Street Columbia, SC 29208 The PMBA is more than just evening business classes, it is a program that is centered around educating leaders by utilizing innovative communication tools. The faculty and staff have been very mindful of the my career objectives, yet have strived to deliver the best education possible without disrupting my work schedule. John Klasing, Class of 2010 Fluor Corporation, Greenville, SC 12
1705 College Street Columbia, SC 29208 Phone: 803.777.4346 Fax: 803.777.0414 E-mail: gradinfo@moore.sc.edu Web: moore.sc.edu
moore.sc.edu About the Darla Moore School of Business Founded in 1919, the Darla Moore School of Business is a recognized leader in international business research and education. The Darla Moore School offers undergraduate, full-time International MBA, parttime Professional MBA, Master of Accountancy, Master of Human Resources, an MA in Economics, joint learning options with the School of Law and the U.S. Peace Corps, doctoral programs, and non-degree executive education programs. In 1998, the University named its business school after South Carolina native and New York businesswoman Darla Moore, becoming the first comprehensive university to name its business school after a woman. For More Information Professional Master of Business Administration Darla Moore School of Business University of South Carolina 1705 College Street Columbia, SC 29208 803.777.4346 or 800.236.6427 Fax: 803.777.0414 E-mail: gradinfo@moore.sc.edu moore.sc.edu