Alabama A & M University Business School

Alabama A & M University, Alabama A & M University Business School History

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, founded in 1875, is a public, coeducational institution. The 2000-acre campus is located in a suburban area 4 miles north of downtown Huntsville. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 6500. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The graduate business school was founded in 1970 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, the School of Business. Courses also are offered at the Acustar Plant (MBA). The basic educational approach combines theory with practical application to teach a management approach to the functional areas of business. The areas of specialization are human resources and organizational development.

Alabama A & M University, Alabama A & M University Business School Academics

The Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Economics (MS). Other programs include an interdisciplinary program leading to an MS in Planning and International Economic Development, cross-registration with the University of Alabama in Huntsville and at Oakwood College, and cooperative programs with government agencies and private employers. Joint research programs are also available. The strongest areas of study and the most popular courses are marketing and management. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus, and include the Black Executive Exchange Program, Minority Enterprise Development Week, and guest lecturers.

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

• Essentials of Accounting
• Survey of Economic Analysis
• Essentials of Finance
• Math for MBA
• Basics of Management and Marketing
• Quantitative Business Analysis
• Managerial Economics
• Financial Management and Policy
• Accounting Analysis for Management
• Management of Marketing Activities
• Organizational Behavior
• Legal Environment and Ethics
• Management Information Systems
• Production/Operations Management
• Applied Business Statistics
• Global Issues in Business
• Strategic Management
• Managerial Communication
• International Business

Required courses for the MS in Ec include:

• Microeconomic Theory
• Macroeconomic Theory
• Applied Business and Economic Statistics
• Economic Research

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements. Up to 6 hours of core courses may be waived for those with satisfactory undergraduate preparation.

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

In a recent year, there were 40 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 90% hold a doctorate; there was 1 part-time faculty member. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 9; average business class size is 25.

Alabama A & M University, Alabama A & M University Business School Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 13,000 volumes and 48 microform items, and subscribes to 100 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in marketing. Students have access to a number of standard databases and networks. Other opportunities for research consist of interlibrary loan services provided by the Learning Resources Center.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 40 IBM Systems/2 computers. Terminals are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include on-campus interviews, Career Fair Placement-Employment Day, and referrals by the placement office. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

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

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 16 weeks long; summer sessions, 4 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Alabama A & M University, Alabama A & M University Business School Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5. Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, grades in upper-level courses, and work experience.

Transfers are not accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $25, and 2 letters of recommendation. Students are notified of the admissions decision as early as possible. Check with the school for application deadlines.

Alabama A & M University, Alabama A & M University Business School Financial Aid

The previous year’s tax return and Pell Grant form are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

On-campus room and board costs approximately $4700; books and supplies, $800; personal expenses, $1200; and other fees, $530, for an estimated annual total of $12,580 for in-state residents and $17,430 for out-of-state residents.

Alabama A & M University, Alabama A & M University Business School Students

In a recent year, all of the graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 90% have had an average of 10 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students were from Alabama (80%). Fifty percent were women, 97% are minorities, and 1% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 25; ages range from 22 to 60. Forty percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 5% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 80%, business; 10%, engineering; 5%, liberal arts; and 5%, social sciences. About 15% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 80% remain to receive their degree.