GSSE Coursework and Admissions
1. What is the difference between an MSBA and an MBA?
GSSE is an MSBA – a Masters of Science in Business Administration – because of its applied nature, which requires a full summer semester of field work. The GSSE curriculum covers virtually all of the same subject areas that an MBA does but focuses on triple-bottom-line considerations. Another distinction between the two degrees is that a thesis or project is required for successful completion of an MSBA.
2. How long is the GSSE program?
GSSE is four semesters long starting in the fall semester (late August) and the program concludes in December of the following year. GSSE students are enrolled in four back-to-back semesters including the summer semester. Students need to be financially prepared for not having any time off during the program outside of the typical university holiday and breaks. Holidays and breaks can be found online.
3. What financial assistance is available?
Most GSSE students receive some form of assistance, ranging from 25% to 100% of tuition and other costs. Many students receive assistantships that provide a monthly stipend and tuition remission. Once you have been accepted into the program, we will inform you of the different programs that you may apply for.
4. What if I don’t have a business background?
A business background is not required to apply to GSSE. GSSE students know that business principles will allow them to carry out their life’s mission more effectively. We have designed the program so that all students gain a strong foundation of business skills. Classes are geared towards integrating various levels of skills and experience. Upon admission you will be provided with recommendations for areas of study prior to the start of the GSSE program in order for all students to be on a level playing field with familiarity of terminology and concepts.
5. Why do I need to take classes like accounting? I’m lousy at math and if I were to own a business, I would just hire an accountant.
The GSSE is an accredited Masters of Science degree, and as such must maintain the highest standards of graduate business education. While it is impossible for any business owner to excel at all areas of running a business, successful entrepreneurs do understand all aspects of business.
6. How many hours should I expect to study outside of the classroom?
Although it varies widely, many students report working 25-40 hours per week on GSSE activities outside of class.
7. Can I take an elective course?
The GSSE curriculum is established for all students and consists of a full-load of courses each semester. Some students do choose to take an additional course or audit one that is in a special area of interest, however most students find the GSSE curriculum to be demanding in of itself. The GSSE curriculum can be found under Class Schedule on the Web site.
8. I am very interested in the GSSE program but only have a couple years of professional experience. How can I gain more experience that will be valuable?
There is no correct career path for an incoming GSSE student nor is there just one profile of a good match for a GSSE applicant. However, we recommend that students have international, entrepreneurial and/or social venture experience in some form. Knowledge of a second (or third) language is also valued.
9. Is it realistic to hold a job while being a GSSE student?
GSSE faculty and staff have determined that it is realistic to spend a maximum of 15 hours a week working on something outside of our program. That may be 15 hours of work, or an extra elective or some other extra-curricular activity. Anything more than this will interfere with the demands of the program. Students have worked both on and off campus to earn an income. In addition to studying, students meet frequently with their project teams to plan and execute their project objectives. Many of the classes require small group projects, as well, not just independent study. It is also expected that students will participate in events sponsored by GSSE or CSU including lectures, conferences, business plan competitions and field trips. Some of these events may be out of town or even out of the state.
10. Is there an orientation for incoming students?
The GSSE Program schedules a two-day orientation the week before classes start. Please plan to arrive to campus in time to attend this important event. During orientation you will meet your classmates, professors and learn more about the expectations for the GSSE Program. If you are new to Fort Collins and Colorado State University, we recommend also attending the Colorado State University Graduate School orientation. This event is posted at the following Web site.
11. What is student life like at CSU? Where do you recommend that I live? Will I need a car?
These types of questions are addressed on the GSSE student life Web site.
GSSE Projects
12. Does Colorado State and the GSSE Program cover the expenses for the projects and summer field work?
Our default expectation is that students will cover the expenses for the projects and summer field work. Project teams are responsible for raising their own funds, consistent with the idea that entrepreneurs must learn to raise funds. The program also raises funds and sometimes can support student shortfalls, but this is on an ‘as available’ basis.
13. How have the project teams raised funds?
There are multiple ways for a team to raise funds and each team will develop their own fundraising plan.
Each cohort forms a fundraising committee comprising of one member from each project team. This committee develops a GSSE-wide plan for targeting companies and organizations that are in alignment with GSSE values to donate money from their philanthropic fund or marketing budget and/or to make an in-kind donation of product.
In addition the GSSE program relies on donor funding for operations and in this process may secure donor(s) commitment for some or all of the project teams. However, teams should not count on this, as it changes from year to year depending on the nature of the projects, philanthropic budgets, the economic climate, etc.
In addition, teams can consider if they are eligible to apply for business plan competitions or student team grants. NCIIA (National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance) offers grants that are often relevant to GSSE. Information is posted at the NCIIA Web site. (http://www.nciia.org/grants.html)
Teams can also plan their own fundraising events or develop a campaign to solicit donations from their personal and professional network.
14. How much should I expect that the summer field work will cost?
The range of costs for project teams is between $5,000 - $10,000/student. The cost will vary depending on factors such as travel cost to location, whether multiple locations are necessary, visa fees, immunizations, cost of living, transportation costs (bus, trains, etc.) and field work supplies. These costs can add up quickly. Do not forget to factor personal living expenses that you are responsible for covering back home while you are traveling. Student loans are a potential source of assistance for these living expenses.
15. Do the project partners provide any financial support for the field work?
GSSE strives to have some form of financial commitment from the project partners in the form of housing or travel expenses. This is not the case for every project partner.
16. How long is the summer semester of field work? How long should I plan to be working in the field?
The summer semester is ten weeks long and GSSE students plan their field work to occur during this timeframe. The field work does not necessarily have to last ten weeks and may include work from the U.S., but it is expected that the field work will provide the necessary experience to achieve your project objectives for that time period.
17. I have an idea for a project. Can I work on it by myself as a team of one person?
GSSE requires that student teams are comprised of at least three students. GSSE emphasizes the value of teamwork and provides support in assisting project teams to work together effectively to accomplish their objectives.
18. Is it required that the summer field work take place in a different country?
No. Summer field work can take place in the U.S. Many GSSE students choose to work in developing countries, however the program recognizes that there are sustainable venture opportunities here in the U.S.
Graduating from GSSE
19. Is a written thesis required in order to complete the GSSE program?
Yes, in order to graduate a thesis is required. Students can select from two options to meet this requirement: Plan A or Plan B. Plan A is a research-based thesis that proposes and provides supporting evidence for a hypothesis. Plan B is project-based and can have great value for GSSE students. This is an opportunity to write a marketing plan, a business plan or a supply chain analysis. Students can leverage their project work and complete a Plan B project that will have also assisted them in achieving their project or enterprise objectives.
20. How does GSSE support students in their job search for meaningful work?
GSSE faculty continues to build their network within multiple fields and sectors such as international development, NGOs, social enterprises, companies with CSR programs, not-for-profits, environmental consulting, triple-bottom-line organizations and many more. The College of Business provides career support by offering workshops and resume consultation. GSSE also provides students opportunities to travel to conferences for networking purposes.
21. How does GSSE support students who will continue their project or enterprise after graduation?
GSSE faculty are available to student teams after graduation. Colorado State and the Fort Collins area have numerous resources for entrepreneurs, many that are free of charge, to assist enterprise teams in continuing their growth. During your time with the GSSE program, you will meet many experienced professionals who are enthusiastic about GSSE projects and more than willing to contribute their time and expertise.