Professional Master of Business Administration
PMBA Banking Track Program FAQs
- Banking Track
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Admissions Application
- Cost of Program
Frequently Asked Questions and Important Information
Professional MBA Program Banking Track
Overview – The banking track of the PMBA Program is available exclusively to banking professionals who have graduated from LSU Graduate School of Banking, ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking or the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado. These students are allowed to waive three electives of the standard PMBA curriculum based on completion of the GSB.
Do I have to complete graduate banking school before I enroll in the PMBA Program
banking track?
No. However, you must show proof of graduation from the banking school to receive your
MBA degree from USC.
How many courses are required?
The curriculum consists of ten core courses and three electives. The ten core courses
are:
| Financial Accounting (ACCT 728)
Managerial Accounting (ACCT 729) Marketing Management (MKTG 701) Operations Management (MGSC 791) Managerial Economics (ECON 760) |
Organization Behavior (MGMT 770)
Quantitative Methods (MGSC 692) Financial Policies (FINA 760) Information Systems (MGSC 796) Strategic Management (MBAD 702) |
Typically electives are posted on the PMBA current student website for your selection two terms prior to enrollment.
What degree is conferred to PMBA banking trackers?
The program confers a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South
Carolina Moore School of Business.
Do I need a laptop computer for the program?
A laptop is not necessary, but would be very helpful for traveling professionals.
How do I view the banking classes?
Banking track classes are available on the Internet. Classes are normally
available on the streaming video site for two weeks. To use this system, you must have a
high-speed Internet connection (cable or DSL are recommended) and Microsoft Media Player version 7
or later (free download).
The Web site is at: http://video.sc.edu . Select the Moore School of Business link. When you select a class for viewing or for download, you are asked to enter a "User Name" and "Password", which are, respectively, "pmba" and "QUALITY#2007". Both are case-sensitive and typed as one word with no spaces and no quotation marks, and they must be typed (not cut and pasted). To download a class for later viewing, right-click over "Download" and select "save file as" the option desired. Then save it to your hard drive.
How are exams administered?
The standard PMBA Program is broadcast to 20 locations in SC and to the Art Institute of
Charlotte. If you are within 30 minutes of a location, you will take exams at the nearest
location. If there is not a location close, you will need to arrange a proctor for your
exams. You can identify an HR professional at your company, a testing center, or a staff
member at a nearby college/university or public library. Every effort should be made to
schedule the exam at the time the professor is administering it here in Columbia, SC.
Is there prerequisite coursework required?
There is no prerequisite coursework required and it is not necessary to have an undergraduate
degree in business. However, the following three courses must be taken in this
order: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting and Financial Policies.
What is the normal progression through the program?
Most students take two courses each 12-week term and one course in the summer
term. However, you have the option of taking one class a term. You can also choose to not
enroll in a semester. Students have five years to complete the program. You must have
completed the GSB program before receiving the MBA degree.
How does the admission application process work?
The admission application is available at
www.gradschool.sc.edu You can go the Web site,
begin an application and save it. Then print the entire application and return to the Web site
for multiple sessions of data entry. To transmit your application, you must pay the $40
application fee. Once you click on SUBMIT APPLICATION, a link will appear that you can pay
your fee by credit card.
You have the option of submitting all the application documents at one time or sending them individually to the USC Graduate School. The recommendation form within the application is optional -- you can choose to have your recommender write it in a letter format.
For questions or further information about the admission process, please contact Libby Shropshier at the e-mail and/or phone number below.
How do I prepare for and take the GMAT?
Go to
www.mba.com for information about the GMAT: test locations,
preparation, and scheduling the test. The test consists of three parts – essay, verbal and
quantitative sections. USC only considers the verbal and quantitative sections. The essay
portion is scored separately. You will receive your verbal/quantitative scores at the conclusion of
the test as an unofficial score.
There are many options available for preparing for the GMAT. You can do on-line, weeknight or weekend courses. You may want to check the Internet for more information.
Is financial aid available?
Federal student loans are available to banking track students provided that they take a
minimum of six credit hours per term. To apply, go to
www.sc.edu/financialaid/
Holly Gillian with the USC Financial Aid Office will assist you with the process. Contact Holly Gillian at leehr2@gwm.sc.edu or 803-777-0542.
Contact Libby Shropshier for any questions you have about the program!
Shropshier@sc.edu – 803-777-6845
Updated: June 6, 2008