College of Business, Arkansas State University-Main Campus in State University, AR - Arkansas State University-Main Campus in State University, AR

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.

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.

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.

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.