Chapman University Argyros School of Business and Economics

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School Says - General Information
The MBA program at Chapman University's George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics offers a unique personalized experience. Our school prepares students to be business leaders by teaching leading edge business theory and the best of business practice. MBA students acquire the ability to identify and evaluate opportunities throughout the world and to execute the strategies necessary to take advantage of them.

Highlights
- Accredited by AACSB
- MBA program can be completed in 16 months
- Nationally ranked entrepreneurship program provides students the knowledge and resources required to plan, launch and manage new ventures
- Home to distinguished Nobel Laureate, Vernon L. Smith Ph.D., and the Economic Science Institute

School Says - Student Body
Our student organization, the MBA Association, enhances the Chapman MBA experience by providing opportunities for academic and professional development. The Association sponsors both social and professional events of interest to students. The Association works with the School to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and feedback that contribute to the growth and improvement of the program.

The Argyros School enjoys a diverse make up in its student population and approximately 20% are foreign nationals. The International Students Services Office (ISSO) is a source of information and assistance for international students. They provide information on immigration requirements and assistance in finding housing.

School Says - Academics
The goal of the MBA program is to provide students with the foundation required to make sound business decisions. Students develop the analytical skills required to evaluate complex business problems and implement strategic solutions. Chapman MBA students also develop the leadership and communication skills needed to succeed in today's business environment.

Students in the MBA program may choose an emphasis in finance, marketing, international business or entrepreneurship.

School Says - Admissions
Admission to the Chapman MBA program is competitive and based on academic performance, work experience, and communication skills. A completed application includes transcripts from all institutions attended, GMAT score, two letters of recommendation, a statement of intent essay, and an interview. The school prefers students with at least two years of business-related work experience however, it is not required.

School Says - Campus Life
Beckman Hall offers a premier learning environment. Faculty and students enjoy access to state-of-the-art equipment and Wifi is available throughout the entire campus.

Students Say - Academics
Armed with "a great reputation," an "outstanding entrepreneurial program," and "a great location right in the middle of Orange County, which makes it relatively easy for commuters to get to and makes plenty of entertainment and activities available to people on campus," Chapman University has a lot to offer the predominantly part-time student body in its MBA program. Some students will even go so far to project that Chapman will one day "be one of the best b-schools in the nation" and that they "are a part of something that is going to be very special." Chapman's evening MBA programâ€"which can be completed on either a part-time or full-time basisâ€"loads students up with core requirements; 33 of the 52 credits necessary for graduation are devoted to the core here. "Small class sizes and excellent resources" complement "a very personal program" that allows students to "interact with the faculty in a better way." Full-time students also love the program's 16-month duration, which, while sometimes imposing a challenging pace, is "very good" at delivering a quick return on time invested. The school adds that "Students in the Argyros School of Business and Economics can take advantage of the classes, seminars, and scholarly opportunities afforded by our research centers: The Ralph W. Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Ethics, The Walter Schmidt Center for International Business, the A. Gary Anderson Center for Economic Research," and the Larry C. Hoag for Real Estate and Finance. Chapman also offers an Executive MBA program. Chapman currently offers electives in accounting, corporate governance, entrepreneurship, finance, human resources, international business, management, marketing, investments, creativity and innovation, and taxation. Students report: "Entrepreneurship is currently strong and growing. It offers many opportunities for students and most of all accepts any suggestions for further expansion." Students also brag: "The school has great connections and sponsors within the community. This leads to outstanding opportunities for networking as well as learning from standout professionals not employed by the university."

Students Say - Admissions
The admissions office factors "academic performance, leadership ability, work experience, and communication skills" into each of it decisions. The school requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 for the applicants' final two years' worth of undergraduate credits (either the final 60 semester credits or the final 90 quarter credits). All applications must include an official GMAT score report, sealed copies of official transcripts for all post-secondary academic work, two letters of recommendation "from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic or professional abilities," and a completed application with a personal statement "explaining why the applicant is interested in pursuing a graduate degree at Chapman." Two years of business-related work experience is preferred. International applicants "whose native language is not English must submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). TOEFL scores must be a minimum of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 80 (Internet-based) and must have been taken within two years of the date of application for admission to Chapman."

Students Say - Campus Life
Among the highlights of the Chapman MBA program are the Distinguished Speaker series and Dinner for 8 programs, both of which provide exposure to high-powered business figures and networking opportunities. As one student explains, "Tonight the Dinner for 8 is being hosted by billionaire and former ambassador George Argyros. We have had various executives of multi-billion dollar companies speak at the Distinguished Speaker series, including the CEO of Allergan, David Pyott. Their talks were inspiring and delivered in an intimate venue." More networking opportunities present themselves because "there are many alumni that are very involved with the program and willing to give back to current MBAs." "Whether they are asked to host a dinner or be a distinguished speaker, alumni are able and willing to help if given the opportunity." Chapman MBAs enjoy a friendly environment in which they "rarely have issues finding someone to answer questions or help solve problems." "Chapman is what a University should be: a place that shapes people into outstanding business professionals." Students tend to be "on the young side" with quite a few "fresh out of undergrad" but also a good crowd of "hard-working professionals with great insights." Together these two groups create "a combination that results in a great balance."

Students Say - Careers
Chapman's MBA Career Management Center is "fast becoming a first-rate resource for emerging business leaders seeking a leg up on the job market," students report, telling us that "direct access to career counseling, alumni job referrals, and 20/20 interviews have vaulted the program to a new level." Furthermore, "The online portal provides job listings for full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities, as well as subscription access to Vault's career search resources." This service is further strengthened by "an increasing focus on networking" and a "great director and terrific staff that do a lot to communicate the availability of resources." "The business school as a whole is recognizing networking as key to the success of the schools reputation, which ties directly to the success of its students," a student notes. Students generally agree that "Chapman's career management services are a vital link for students in their pursuit of greater career opportunities" and that the office is "one of the strongest parts of the program."

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