School of Business Administration

Stetson University, School of Business Administration History

Stetson University, founded in 1883, is a private, coeducational institution. The 117-acre campus is located in a suburban area in DeLand. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 3200.

The School of Business Administration was founded in 1968 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, Lynn Business Center. Courses also are offered at the College of Law in St. Petersburg (MBA/JD) and Celebration, Florida, near Disney World. The basic educational approach is to prepare business managers with skills in decision making, which are developed through problems, projects, case studies, discussions, and the study of analytical techniques. The case method and theoretical approaches are used.

Stetson University, School of Business Administration Academics

The School of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Accountancy (MAcc) as well as a joint degree in business administration and law (MBA/JD) with the College of Law. Other programs include foreign exchange with France, Spain, Germany, and England; joint research; and a fifth-year program for accounting students.

Fifty-seven total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 6 elective credits. Required courses include:

• EconomicsMicro
• EconomicsMacro
• Principles of Marketing
• Statistics
• Financial/Managerial Accounting I
• Principles of Management
• Introduction to Finance
• Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions
• Law or Legal Environment and Ethics
• Information Systems
• Advanced Accounting Seminar
• International Business and Finance
• Managing Information Technology
• Advanced Financial Management
• Managerial Decision Analysis
• Organizational Theory and Behavior
• Marketing Decision-Making
• Strategic Management
• 6 hours of business electives

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring equivalent courses from accredited schools with a grade of B or better.

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 1 year; maximum, 8 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 years; maximum, 8 years.

There are 36 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 95% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated well above average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 6; average business class size is 16.

Stetson University, School of Business Administration Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 22,500 volumes and 220,000 special business collections, and subscribes to 50,000 periodicals. Students have access to databases and networks in the fields of business and allied subject areas. Other opportunities for research consist of computer-based information services and a computerized card catalog system.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 30 terminals located in the Academic Computer Lab and in the school, which access the VAX 11/750 computer. A number of PCs (IBM XT, AT, and PS2) and word processing equipment are also available.

Career and Job Placement

In a recent spring, 25 companies recruited on campus. Twenty-five percent were national corporations. Majors most in demand were accounting, finance, and electronic business technology. Average starting salary of the graduating class was $30,000; range was $26,000 to $43,000. The percentage of graduates finding jobs were:

• national corporations 45%
• regional corporations 35%
• local large enterprises 15%
• local small enterprises 5%

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni are the same as for current students. Placement is available through the university placement office. Ninety-seven 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 a medical history report completed by a physician, and proof of adequate funds. A $3400 deposit for first semester tuition plus all room and board fees are required. 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 evening only.

Stetson University, School of Business Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and letters of recommendation. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 350; 300 were accepted; 240 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.2. Transfers are accepted.

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 nonrefundable application fee, 3 letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Students are notified of the admissions decision within 1 week of completion of file. Once accepted, students may defer admission. Check with the school for current application deadlines and fees.

Stetson University, School of Business Administration Financial Aid

The school’s own financial statement and the Florida FFS for Florida residents are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is approximately $500 per credit. Check with the school for current costs. Graduate student housing is available on campus, although most graduate students live off campus in nearby apartments. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Stetson University, School of Business Administration Students

Fifty percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 50% had an average of 2 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. Forty-seven percent were women, 10% were minorities, and 8% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 25; ages ranged from 22 to 54. Fifty percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 5% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 70%, business; 10%, liberal arts; 10%, social sciences; 5%, engineering; 3%, math and science; and 2%, economics. About 2% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons. In a recent year, 71 graduate business degrees were awarded.