College of Business Administration

University of Arkansas at Little Rock, College of Business Administration History

University of Arkansas at Little Rock, founded in 1927, is a public, coeducational institution. The 150-acre campus is located in an urban area in the capital city. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 11,000. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The College of Business Administration was founded in 1975 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, the University of Arkansas at Monticello, and Arkansas Tech University. The basic educational approach is training in the theory and practice of management, with case studies emphasized.

University of Arkansas at Little Rock, College of Business Administration Academics

The CBA offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) as well as a joint degree in law (JD/MBA). Other programs include cooperative programs with Arkansas Tech University, Southern Arkansas University, and the University of Arkansas at Monticello. The strongest areas of study and the most popular courses are marketing and finance. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. CBA supports the Business Forum, inviting experts in special-interest topics 10 times a year.

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

• Managerial Economics
• Financial Planning
• Marketing Strategy
• Organizational Behavior
• Corporate Startegy
• Accounting
• Management Information Systems

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements in Level I courses only.

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 6 years.

In a recent year, there were 30 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate. Average number of courses faculty teach is 6; average business class size is 25.

University of Arkansas at Little Rock, College of Business Administration Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 478,000 volumes, 311,000 microform items, and 3800 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 2023 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as Moody’s online, Lexis/Nexis, and STATUSA. Other opportunities for research consist of the Arkansas Institute for Economic Research.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of a DEC VAX mainframe and 80 PCs (Windows 98, Pentiums). All the standard programs are available, including EXCEL and Microsoft Office. The labs are open about 100 hours per week.

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 measles, mumps, and rubella immunization record, and proof of adequate funds to cover 2 years of study. There is a $30 application fee plus a $40 fee for the international student club. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate assistantships and on-campus employment. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only and weekends.

University of Arkansas at Little Rock, College of Business Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.7 and a GMAT score of 450. Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, grades in upper-level courses, and quality of undergraduate school. A strong mathematics background is required.

The average GPA was 3.2. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by graduate assistantships.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, and GMAT scores. The application deadlines are open for fall entry; open, spring; open, summer. Students are notified of the admissions decision as soon as all information is received. Once accepted, students may defer admission at the student’s request.

University of Arkansas at Little Rock, College of Business Administration Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include scholarships. The GAPSFAS is required. The application deadline is open for fall entry.

Tuition for in-state residents is $150 per credit, or $2700 per year. Nonresidents pay $320 per credit, or $5800 per year. Books and supplies cost approximately $600; personal expenses, $12,000; and other fees, $279, for an estimated annual total of $15,579 for in-state residents and $18,679 for out-of-state residents. There is no separate graduate housing; the campus has 1 student housing unit. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

University of Arkansas at Little Rock, College of Business Administration Students

In a recent year, the greatest percentage of students were from Arkansas (80%). Forty percent were women, 6% were minorities, and 10% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 30; ages ranged from 21 to 50. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 54%, business; 26%, math and science; 10%, liberal arts; and 1%, engineering. In a recent year, 80 graduate business degrees were awarded.