College of Business Administration

University of Central Arkansas, College of Business Administration History

University of Central Arkansas, founded in 1973, is a public, coeducational institution. The 300-acre campus is located in an urban area 31 miles northwest of Little Rock. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 10,071. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The College of Business Administration was founded in 1968 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is to provide broad exposure through research, case studies, computer technology, and other instructional methods.

University of Central Arkansas, College of Business Administration Academics

The College of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), International Master of Business Administration (IMBA), and Master of Accountancy (MSAcc). Other programs include foreign exchange with 8 countries, internship programs, and joint research. The strongest area of study is general business. The most popular courses are Integration of Business Disciplines and Decision Modeling in Information Systems. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus, including the invited speaker series and the Leadership Series.

Thirty total credits are required to complete the MBA. Required courses include:

• Accounting for Management Decisions
• Financial Decision Making
• Entrepreneurship: The Act of Wealth Creation
• Marketing Strategy
• Managerial Economics
• Decision Modeling in Information Systems
• Legal Environment of Business Managers
• Communication in Organizations
• Integration of Business Disciplines (6-hour capstone course)
• Strategic Management

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements.

The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time or part time is 1 year; maximum, 6 years.

There are 14 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate; there are 2 part-time faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated below average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 18; average business class size is 25.

University of Central Arkansas, College of Business Administration Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 385,211 volumes, 747,842 microform items, 2 special business collections, and 10,050 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 2544 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in finance, economics, marketing, and management. Students have access to such databases and networks as ABI/INFORM, Business Periodicals Index, Business News Bank, EconLit, Dialog, FirstSearch, Compustat, and UnCover. Other opportunities for research consist of a U.S. government documents depository.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of terminals, PCs, and word processing equipment. Available software includes WordPerfect, Excel, Access, and dBASE.

Career and Job Placement

In a recent spring, 4 companies recruited on campus. Ten percent were national corporations. Majors most in demand were accounting and management. 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, and proof of adequate funds to cover the complete program of study.

Calendar

The school operates on a term basis. Semesters are 8 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

University of Central Arkansas, College of Business Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.7 and a GMAT score of 450. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (GPA x 200) + GMAT, or minimum 1000. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and work experience. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 62; 62 were accepted; 52 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.27; average GMAT score was 524. 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, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, and a nonrefundable application fee of $25. Check with the school for current application deadlines. Students are notified of the admissions decision soon after applying.

University of Central Arkansas, College of Business Administration Financial Aid

The GAPSFAS is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is approximately $2900 per year. Nonresidents pay approximately $3470 per year. Check with the school for current costs. Graduate students may live in dorms.

University of Central Arkansas, College of Business Administration Students

All of a recent graduate business school class are enrolled full time. The greatest percentage of students are from Arkansas (56%). Thirty-eight percent are women, 6% are minorities, and 44% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 27. Twenty percent enter directly from undergraduate school. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 80%, business; 10%, engineering; and 10%, liberal arts.