College of Business

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, College of Business History

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, founded in 1926, is a private, coeducational institution. The 178-acre campus is located in an urban area 50 miles east of Orlando. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 6225. Figures in the above capsule and this profile are approximate.

The College of Business was founded in 1979 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at 33 College of Career Education Resident Centers in the country. The basic educational approach is analysis of actual problems presently confronting business together with the newest tools and techniques available to managers. Case studies, simulations, and other experimental exercises are interspersed throughout the curriculum to achieve a balance between traditional management theory and realities of organizational life.

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, College of Business Academics

The Aviation Business Administration Department offers the Master of Business Administration in Aviation (MBA/A). Other programs include work-study and internship programs, joint research with NASA’s Florida Space Grant Consortium and the Arizona Consortium, and cooperative research agreements with the University of Central Florida in aviation and space science and technology. The strongest area of study is aviation business. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus.

Thirty-nine total credits are required to complete the MBA/A, including 12 elective credits. Required courses for the MBA/A include:

• Operation Research
• Business Research Methods
• Marketing Management
• Accounting for Decision Making
• Managerial Finance
• Organizational Behavior, Theory, and Applications in Aviation
• Global Information and Technology Management
• Advanced Aviation Economics
• Business Policy and Decision Making
• thesis or graduate research project

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by taking human resource management or organizational behavior courses at the undergraduate level.

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 12 months; maximum, 7 years. For students attending part time, the maximum is 7 years.

In a recent year, there were 13 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 92% held a doctorate; there was 1 part-time faculty member. Faculty salaries are rated below average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average business class size is 17.

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, College of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 90,200 volumes, 296,000 microform items, and 6400 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 1504 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in aviation business administration. Students have access to such databases and networks as Dialog, SOLINET, ABI/INFORM, Moody’s, O & D, and Business News Bank. Other opportunities for research consist of the Center of Aviation/Aerospace Research (CAAR).

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. Available computer facilities consist of 210 UNIX workstations and 510 PCs connected to a local area network (LAN), which runs the Novell Network operating system. The UNIX workstations are connected via an Ethernet network. A variety of industry-standard business productivity and engineering application software is available for student use.

Career and Job Placement

In a recent year, 30 companies recruited on campus. All were national corporations. Majors most in demand were computer science, aviation business, and aerospace engineering. Average starting salary of a recent graduating class was $75,417; range was $32,000 to $275,000. Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include a job bulletin, web home page, resume development, software, and resource information. Placement is 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 tuberculosis test and MMR, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. There are special fees includes a $100 application fee, a $5,000 deposit, and a fee for transcript evaluation. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate teaching and research assistantships. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 8 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, College of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5 and a GMAT score of 450. 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 a recent year class was 70; 50 were accepted; 27 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.3; average GMAT score was 550. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by attending targeted schools’ career days, utilizing MGLS, and offering fellowships.

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 3 letters of recommendation. Students are notified within 3 weeks of applying of the admissions decision. Students may be admitted conditionally, pending receipt of test scores. Once accepted, students may defer admission for 1 year. Check with the school for current application deadlines and fee.

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, College of Business Financial Aid

About 30% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $16,192 annually; maximum $23,340. The FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is approximately $955 per credit, or $17,190 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $11,500; books and supplies, $800; personal expenses, $4490; and other fees, $570, for an estimated annual total of $34,550. Graduate student housing is available off or on campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, College of Business Students

Fifty-six percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time. The greatest percentage of students are from foreign countries (52%). Twenty-two percent are women, 72% are minorities, and 52% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 27; ages range from 21 to 46. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 48%, business; 25%, engineering; and 4%, math and science.