Graduate School of Business

Auburn University-Montgomery, Graduate School of Business History

Auburn University at Montgomery, founded in 1967, is a public, coeducational institution. The 500-acre campus is located in a suburban area in Montgomery. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 5000. Figures in the above capsule are approximate.

The Graduate School of Business was founded in 1969 and is located on the main campus, in its own building. The basic educational approach is quantitatively oriented but uses the case method approach to problem solving in some policy type courses.

Auburn University-Montgomery, Graduate School of Business Academics

The Graduate School of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other programs include the MBA with options in accounting, contract management, economics, finance, global business management, information systems, management, management of information technology, marketing, and nursing administration. Cooperative, work-study, and internship programs are also offered. The strongest areas of study are accounting, human resources management, and marketing. The most popular courses are Finance, Accounting, Strategic Management and Business Policy, Human Resources Management, and Marketing. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. During Business Week, executives address every class, and top executives teach 1 class a year during the Executive-in-Residence program.

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

• Managerial Applications of Accounting Information
• Managing People
• Financial Valuation Models and Applications
• Synergistic Organizational Strategy
• Marketing Management
• Data Analysis for Managers
• Economics of Decision Making

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 3 semesters; maximum, 5 years.

In a recent year there were 35 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 2; average business class size is 29.

Auburn University-Montgomery, Graduate School of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 318,000 volumes and 26,000 microform items, and subscribes to 1600 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in finance, business law, and accounting. Students have access to such databases and networks as ABI/INFORM, Disclosure, and MARCIVE.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities located in the Business Building and available to all students. Business students have access to School of Science terminals as well.

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. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 10 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

Auburn University-Montgomery, Graduate School of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with 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 GPA for last 1.00 hours) + GMAT, or minimum 1050. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and grades in upper-level courses. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 95; 84 were accepted; 72 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.0. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

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 a nonrefundable application fee of $25. Students are notified of the admissions decision within 2 weeks of total package submission. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is open. Once accepted, students may defer admission within 5 years of GMAT score date.

Auburn University-Montgomery, Graduate School of Business Financial Aid

Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $185 per credit, or $4350 per year. Nonresidents pay $555 per credit, or $12,500 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $2400; books and supplies, $700; personal expenses, $1700, for an estimated annual total of $9150 for in-state residents and $17,300 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing is limited on campus.

Auburn University-Montgomery, Graduate School of Business Students

In a recent year, all of the graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 90% have had an average of 5 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school. The greatest percentage of students were from Alabama (75%). Forty-two percent were women, 9% were minorities, and 12% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 29; ages range from 21 to 53. Twenty percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 5% already have a graduate degree. About 5% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 75% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 103 graduate business degrees were awarded.