College of Business

Arkansas State University, College of Business History

Arkansas State University, founded in 1909, is a public, coeducational institution. The 800-acre campus is located in a suburban area 136 miles northeast of Little Rock. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The College of Business was founded in 1969 and is located on the main campus, in its own building. The basic educational approach is to emphasize problem solving and decision making in preparing students for careers in business management.

Arkansas State University, College of Business Academics

The College of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) as well as a joint degree in education with the College of Education (MSE in Business Education) and Specialist in Community College Teaching (SCCT) in Business Administration and Business Education. Other programs include internships. The strongest areas of study are management information systems, finance, and management.

Thirty total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 9 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Accounting for Planning and Control
• Managerial Economics
• Advanced Management of Finance
• Management Information Systems
• Global Competitiveness
• Adventures in Leadership and Team Building
• Seminar in Organizational Behavior and Leadership
• Strategic Management
• Strategic Marketing
• Management Science

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring up to 9 semester hours of graduate work with a B average or above.

The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time or part time is 1 year; maximum, 6 years.

There are 52 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated below average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 4; average business class size is 25.

Arkansas State University, College of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 508,000 volumes and 416,100 microform items, and subscribes to 2481 periodicals. Students have access to databases and networks in the fields of business and allied subject areas. Other opportunities for research consist of computer-assisted procedures including lending, reference services, acquisition of materials, binding, periodicals holding file, OCLC cataloging, and interlibrary loan service.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 75 PCs for student use. Available software includes Lotus, Access, Microsoft Word, Corel Suite 8, and Powerpoint.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time, and are available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds to cover the entire length of study. There is a nonrefundable processing fee. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate assistantships. Check with the school for current application dates.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 16 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

Arkansas State University, College of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.75 and a GMAT score of 400. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 950, or (200 x last 60 hours). Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and grades in upper-level courses. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 180; 145 were accepted; 125 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.12. Transfers are accepted.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, and 2 letters of recommendation. Students are notified of the admissions decision 6 weeks after receipt of application materials.

Arkansas State University, College of Business Financial Aid

The FAFSA and the school’s own financial statement are required. Check with the school for current application dates.

Tuition for in-state residents is approximately $4200 per year. Nonresidents pay approximately $11,00 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $3500; books and supplies, $2000; and other fees, $3412 to $3472 for an estimated annual total of $13,112 for in-state residents and $19,912 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing includes dormitories as well as off-campus facilities for married students.

Arkansas State University, College of Business Students

Eighteen percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time. The greatest percentage of students are from the South (66%). Thirty-three percent were women and 35% were foreign nationals.