School of Business

Saint Thomas University, School of Business History

Saint Thomas University, founded in 1961, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The 150-acre campus is located in a suburban area 10 miles north of Miami, and 10 miles south of Fort Lauderdale. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 2365.

The School of Business was founded in 1977 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is to develop potential managers who have not only the knowledge necessary for today’s rapidly changing, unpredictable business environment but also the skills to apply and utilize this knowledge on an appropriate contingency basis. Both the theoretical and case method approaches are utilized.

Saint Thomas University, School of Business Academics

The School of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Management (MSM), Master of Science in Sports Administration (MS), Master of Accounting (MAcc), and Master of International Business (MIB) as well as a doctoral program in law, and joint degrees in in law and management (MSM/JD), law and international business (MBA/JD), and law and sports administration (MS/JD). Other programs include cross-registration with the law school and School of Business. The strongest areas of study are management, international business, accounting, and sports administration. The most popular courses are Management and International Business. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus.

Forty-two total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 18 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Management Ethics
• Advanced Operations Management
• Management Writing and Reporting
• Policy, Planning and Strategy Systems
• Advanced Information Systems
• Financial Management
• Managerial Accounting
• Organizational Behavior

Required courses for the MS include:

• Applied Research Methods
• Seminar/Principles of Sports Administration
• Legal Aspects of Sports Administration
• Human Resources Management

Required courses for the MACC include:

• Advanced Auditing
• Management Accounting II: Cost Analysis
• Advanced Accounting Information Systems
• Advanced Taxation
• Governmental and Institutional Accounting

Required courses for the MIB include:

• Essentials of Accounting
• Fundamentals of Economics
• Statistical Analysis for Management

Required courses for the MSM include:

• Policy, Planning, and Strategy Systems
• Applied Research Methods
• Management Ethics
• Organizational Behavior
• Organizational Design and Theory
• Human Resource Management

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring up to 6 credits of previous graduate work providing it parallels the courses at STU.

The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 4 semesters; maximum, 5 semesters. For students attending part time, the minimum is 6 semesters; maximum, 7 semesters.

There are 15 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 93% hold a doctorate; there are 8 part-time faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate. Average number of courses faculty teach is 7; average business class size is 17.

Saint Thomas University, School of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 139,131 volumes, 319,755 microform items, and 8049 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 14,474 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in general and curriculum relevant collection. Students have access to such databases and networks as ABI/INFORM, Lexis/Nexis, and Health Business and Academic Search Premier (Ebsco). Other opportunities for research consist of membership in SEFLIN (Southeast Florida Library Information Network).

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. Available computer facilities consist of a computer laboratory with 22 PCs connected to a Novell LAN. Software includes word processing, statistical database, and other programs.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are extensive. Alumni are eligible for the same services as current students upon payment of a $25 annual fee. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL or the college’s own test. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of a certificate of immunizations, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. There is a special fee of $650 per year for health insurance. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate assistantships. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a term basis. Quarters are 11 weeks long; summer sessions, 11 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

Saint Thomas University, School of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5, a GMAT score of 450, and GRE scores of 1000. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (GPA x 2) + GMAT, or minimum 1000. Most important admissions factors are grades in upper-level courses, GMAT results, and letters of recommendation. A strong mathematics background is not required.

Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by the Florida Conference on Graduate Opportunities for Minority Students.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, a writing assessment examination (institutional), a nonrefundable application fee and, 2 letters of recommendation, and (3 letters for the Sports Administration program). Students are notified of the admissions decision within 2 weeks of completion of their file. Once accepted, students may defer admission for 1 academic year; the student must notify the university in writing of any change in plans. Check with the school for current application deadlines and fees.

Saint Thomas University, School of Business Financial Aid

In a recent year, about 74% of graduate business school students received financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $7600 annually; maximum $18,500. The FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is $550 per credit. On-campus room and board costs approximately $7000; books and supplies, $500; personal expenses, $2000. Check with the school for current costs. Graduate student housing is available at the University Inn. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Saint Thomas University, School of Business Students

Sixty-eight percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time. The greatest percentage of students were from Florida (87%). Fifty-six percent were women, 65% were minorities, and 10% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 21; ages ranged from 21 to 71. In a recent year, 113 graduate business degrees were awarded.