Samford University School of Business Graduate Studies

Samford University, Samford University School of Business Graduate Studies History

Samford University, founded in 1841, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Baptist Church. The 200-acre campus is located in a suburban area 6 miles south of Birmingham. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 4507.

The Samford University School of Business Graduate Studies was founded in 1965 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is to use varied instructional formats, emphasizing case and active learning strategies and relying on vigorous class discussion and interaction.

Samford University, Samford University School of Business Graduate Studies Academics

The Samford School of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Accountancy (MAcc) as well as joint degrees in law (MBA/JD and MAcc/JD), divinity (MBA/MDiv), nursing (MBA/MSN), and accounting and business administration (MBA/MAcc). Other programs include internships. The strongest areas of study are marketing, organizational behavior, human resources, accounting, entrepreneurship, and finance.

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

• Accounting for Decision Making
• Economics of Competitive Strategy
• Managerial Finance
• MIS and Communication Technology
• Marketing in the Global Environment
• Strategic Management

Required courses for the MAcc include:

• Income Tax ll
• Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting
• Auditing II
• Advanced Accounting
• Accounting Theory

Up to 9 hours (3 courses) may be transferred in before admission on the basis of prior academic course work.

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 1 year; maximum, 7 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 years; maximum, 7 years.

There are 21 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 89% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated above average for Category llA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 6; average business class size is 21.

Samford University, Samford University School of Business Graduate Studies Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 400,000 volumes, 400,000 microform items, and 13,607 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 13,726 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in total quality management. Students have access to databases and networks in the fields of business and allied subject areas. Other opportunities for research consist of the Law School, which maintains a separate library of materials related to business law.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of a separate computer lab. Other computer labs are available on campus.

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, proof of health consisting of a medical evaluation, and proof of adequate funds to cover the entire period of study. There are special fees for mandatory insurance. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a basis of 5 9-week terms per year. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

Samford University, Samford University School of Business Graduate Studies Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required. Most important admissions factors are management potential, GMAT results, and grades in upper-level courses. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 72; 37 were accepted; 32 enrolled. The average GMAT score was 527. Transfers are 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, a transcript, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $25, 1 letter of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement essay. The application deadline is open for fall entry. Once accepted, students may defer admission and begin whenever it is most convenient.

Samford University, Samford University School of Business Graduate Studies Financial Aid

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

Tuition for all students is $500 per credit. Graduate student housing is not available.

Samford University, Samford University School of Business Graduate Studies Students

All of the current graduate business school class are enrolled part-time; 90% have had an average of 7 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from Alabama (94%). Thirty-three percent are women, 10% are minorities, and 4% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 29. Ten percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 5% already have a graduate degree. In 2006, 40 graduate business degrees were awarded.