Mitchell College of Business

University of South Alabama, Mitchell College of Business History

University of South Alabama, founded in 1963, is a public, coeducational institution. The 1200-acre campus is located in a suburban area in Mobile. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 13,090.

The Mitchell College of Business was founded in 1970 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, Mitchell College of Business. The basic educational approach varies according to subject matter. Some classes are mostly lecture/discussion, others are highly experimental.

University of South Alabama, Mitchell College of Business Academics

The Mitchell College of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Accounting (MAcc). Other programs include foreign exchange programs. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus.

Thirty total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 3 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Managerial Economics
• Organizational Behavior
• Marketing Management
• Management Information Systems
• Survey of Quantitative Methods
• Business Policy and Strategy
• International Business
• Financial Theory and Practice
• Accounting for Management Decisions

Required courses for the MAcc include:

• Managerial Economics
• Financial Theory and Practice
• Survey of Quantitative Methods
• Financial Accounting Theory
• Advanced Managerial Accounting
• Tax Planning and Research
• Advanced Accounting Systems

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by earning up to 9 credits for previous course work at other graduate institutions.

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

There are 32 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 68% hold a doctorate; there are 20 part-time faculty. Faculty salaries are rated average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 6; average business class size is 20.

University of South Alabama, Mitchell College of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 474,433 volumes, and subscribes to 1847 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as FIS Online, InfoTrac, EBSCO, Lexis/CIS, Business Web, FirstSearch, and STAT-USA. Other opportunities for research consist of the Center for Business and Economic Research, the Small Business Development Center, and the Business Resources Center.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. Available computer facilities include some 83 terminals that access the university computer center’s centralized UNIX processor. These are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thurday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. The university offers technical consulting services and noncredit seminars for computer users.

Career and Job Placement

In a recent year, 11 companies recruited on campus. Five percent were national corporations. Majors most in demand were marketing, management, and accounting. Average starting salary of the graduating class was $38,540; range was $28,080 to $48,000. The percentage of graduates finding jobs were:

• local large enterprises 57%
• regional corporations 40%
• national corporations 2%
• local small enterprises 1%

Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include resume preparation assistance, on-campus interviews, an automated job line with current jobs added weekly, resume referrals, employment skills workshops, mock interviews, career advising, and career expos. Placement is available through the College of Business Career Services and the university placement office. Seventy percent of the most recent graduating class found jobs within three months of receiving their degree.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of the student health card and immunization card, and proof of adequate funds to cover the entire course of study. There are special fees of $60 for the first semester, and $45 for subsequent semesters.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 4 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

University of South Alabama, Mitchell College of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 3.0. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + 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 not required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 135; 72 were accepted; 53 enrolled. 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. The application deadlines are August 1 for fall entry; December 15, spring; May 20, summer. Students are notified of the admissions decision when their file is complete. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is open.

University of South Alabama, Mitchell College of Business Financial Aid

About 8% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $8500 annually; maximum $12,636. The FAFSA, the school’s own financial statement, and the previous year’s tax return are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $167 per credit, or $2004 per year. Nonresidents pay $334 per credit, or $4008 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $4750; and other fees, $692, for an estimated annual total of $7446 for in-state residents and $9450 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing is available through the college.

University of South Alabama, Mitchell College of Business Students

Seventy-five percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time. The greatest percentage of students are from foreign countries (19%). Forty-one percent are women, 10% are minorities, and 19% are foreign nationals. In 2006, 43 graduate business degrees were awarded.