Stetson School of Business and Economics

Mercer University, Stetson School of Business and Economics History

Mercer University/Atlanta, founded in 1833, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Baptist Church. The 300-acre campus is located in a suburban area 12 miles north of Atlanta. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 6959.

The Stetson School of Business and Economics was founded in 1983 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, Business/Education Building. Courses also are offered at the Macon campus and Henry County Regional Center (Executive MBA). The basic educational approach is tailored to meet the needs of individuals already employed as managers, as well as those preparing for advancement into middle management or administrative levels. The nonthesis program requires each candidate to take a case study seminar that encourages application of the knowledge and skills acquired in the core and concentration courses.

Mercer University, Stetson School of Business and Economics Academics

The SSBE offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA), and Professional Master of Business Administration (PMBA) as well as a joint degree in Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Business Administration program, J.D/MBA. Other programs include cross-registration with Georgia State University, Kennesaw University, and other area colleges and universities. There are on-site corporate MBA programs. The strongest areas of study are marketing, finance, international business, health care management, and technology management. The most popular courses are international and finance. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. The Executive Forum lecture series features business leaders from across the country and a guest speaker for 1 hour the first night of class for each 8-week session.

Thirty-six total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 9-12 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Managerial Economics
• Managerial Accounting
• Corporation Finance
• MBA Capstone
• Management Information Systems
• Marketing Concepts and Practices
• Operations Management Science
• Ethical Leadership

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring a maximum of 6 semester hours (2 courses) from other graduate programs.

The maximum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 7 years.

There are 36 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 97% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated above average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average business class size is 21.

Mercer University, Stetson School of Business and Economics Unique Programs

Library

Students have access to such databases and networks as those accessed by GALILEO, Dialog, BRS, and Wilsonline. Other opportunities for research consist of CD-ROM databases.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 2 terminals and 36 PC/XTs, with WordPerfect, Lotus 1-2-3, Harvard Graphics, DEC COBOL, LISA, ADA, C, Pascal, FORTRAN, CDD+, and LSE, all running under VMS. Laboratories are open to currently enrolled students and alumni. Laboratory hours are 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.

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 or the Comprehensive English Language Test. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of immunization and tuberculosis screening, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. There is a nonrefundable $100 application fee. The application deadline for fall entry is August 1.

Calendar

The school operates on a 2 8-week sessions within a semester basis. Semesters are 16 weeks long; summer sessions, 4 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening and weekends.

Mercer University, Stetson School of Business and Economics 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, or minimum 950. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and work experience. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 285; 194 were accepted; 152 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.0; average GMAT score was 510. 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 $50. The application deadlines are August 1 for fall entry; December 1, spring; May 1, summer. Students are notified on a rolling basis of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is August 1. Once accepted, students may defer admission.

Mercer University, Stetson School of Business and Economics Financial Aid

About 90% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships. The FAFSA, the school’s own financial statement, and a financial aid transcript are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is $574 per credit. Graduate student housing consists of student apartments on campus.

Mercer University, Stetson School of Business and Economics Students

Fifty-five percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 94% have had an average of 6 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from Georgia (85%). Forty-six percent are women, 48% are minorities, and 9% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 32; ages range from 21 to 59. Six percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 6% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 50%, business; 13%, engineering; 10%, economics; 10%, math and science; 10%, social sciences; and 7%, liberal arts. In 2006, 173 graduate business degrees were awarded.