School of Management

University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Management History

University of Alaska/Fairbanks, founded in 1917, is a public, coeducational institution. The 2250-acre campus is located in a rural area 2 miles northwest of Fairbanks. Figures in the above capsule are approximate.Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 8696.

The School of Management was founded in 1975 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is to teach the basic disciplines that underlie business operations and management and, equally important, to conduct basic research that contributes to an understanding and solution of business problems. The case method approach is also used when applicable.

University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Management Academics

The SOM offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Resource Economics (MS) as well as a doctoral program in education and business. Other programs include interdisciplinary study in education and business, foreign exchange with 1 country, and for-credit internships as well as internships through the Permanent Fund Internship Program and the International Tourism Program. The strongest areas of study are finance and resource economics. The most popular course is Investment Fund.

Thirty total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 12 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Management Accounting Seminar
• Seminar in Finance
• Seminar in Marketing
• Production and Operations Management
• Human Resources Management
• Advanced Topics in Business
• Corporate Strategy
• Practical Quantitative Methods

Required courses for the MS in Resource Economics include:

• Microeconomic Theory I
• Macroeconomic Theory
• Mathematical Economics
• Econometrics
• Resource Economics
• Microeconomic Theory II
• Seminar in Research Methodology

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by having taken certain undergraduate business courses.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time or part time is 1 year; maximum, 7 years.

There are 24 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 79% hold a doctorate; there are 2 part-time faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated well below average for Category I institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 4; average business class size is 6.

University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Management Unique Programs

Library

Publications for the business school contained in the main library consist of more than 35,000 volumes and subscriptions to 4000 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as ABI/INFORM. Other opportunities for research consist of the Borough Economic Development Center, the Borough Library, and the Interlibrary Loan Program with Washington and Idaho.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 25 PCs strictly for business student use as well as several other computer labs for use by all UAF students.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time, and are available through career services for graduates and undergraduates.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of inoculation records and general health records, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 academic year of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of MBA loans. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 16 weeks long; summer sessions, 6 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Management Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 3.0. Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, grades in upper-level courses, and quality of undergraduate school. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 30; 13 were accepted; 10 enrolled. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall and spring. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee, 3 letters of recommendation, a statement of academic goals, and a resume/vitae. Students are notified of the admissions decision after required credentials are received. Once accepted, students may defer admission. Check with the school for current application deadlines and fees.

University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Management Financial Aid

In a recent year, about 43% of graduate business school students received financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $4845 annually. The FAFSA and the school’s own financial statement are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is approximately $4200 per year. Nonresidents pay approximately $8300 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $5500; books and supplies, $800; personal expenses, $2300; and other fees, $1200, for an estimated annual total of $14,000 for in-state residents and $18,000 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing consists of on-campus residence halls and married-student housing and off-campus 1- and 2-bedroom apartments.

University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Management Students

Fifty-five percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 80% had an average of 9 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students were from Alaska (64%). Fifty percent were women, 24% were minorities, and 17% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 30; ages ranged from 22 to 63. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 53%, business; 14%, math and science; 12%, engineering; 12%, liberal arts; 4%, economics; and 4%, social sciences. About 27% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 70% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 18 graduate business degrees were awarded.