Richards College of Business

University of West Georgia, Richards College of Business History

University of West Georgia, founded in 1906, is a public, coeducational institution. The 395-acre campus is located in a small town 55 miles west of Atlanta. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 10,163.

The Richards College of Business was founded in 1967 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is both case-based and traditional instruction.

University of West Georgia, Richards College of Business Academics

The Richards College of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc), and Web Master of Business Administration (WebMBA). The strongest areas of study are management, accounting, and finance. The most popular courses are Finance and Management. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. An Executive-in-Residence program brings visiting professors and distinguished speakers to campus.

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

• Marketing Strategy
• Advanced Managerial Accounting
• Advanced Financial Management
• Managerial Economics
• Organization Theory and Behavior: A Managerial Perspective
• Seminar in Strategic Management
• Managerial Communications
• Production/Operations Management Fundamentals with Quantitative Applications
• 1 international course

Required courses for the MPAcc include:

• Nonprofit Accounting and Auditing
• Seminar in Cost Accounting
• Seminar in Tax Accounting
• Seminar in Financial Accounting
• Seminar in Auditing
• Managerial Communications
• International Finance
• Advanced Financial Management
• International Management of Financial Institutions
• Telecommunications Management
• Business and Society or
• Theory and Philosophy of Management or
• Strategic Management of Information Technology

Required courses for the WebMBA include:

• WebMBA Student Orientation (2 days)
• Human Behavior in Organizations
• Managerial Accounting
• Managerial Communications
• Global and International Business
• Managerial Decision Analysis
• Strategic Marketing
• Managerial Finance
• Management Information Systems
• Production and Operations Management
• Business Strategies

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring 6 hours from another MBA program.

The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 1 year; maximum, 6 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 1 1/2 years; maximum, 6 years.

There are 29 total full-time graduate business 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 courses faculty teach is 6; average business class size is 17.

University of West Georgia, Richards College of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 521,039 volumes and 1,143,479 microform items, and subscribes to 1101 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in management, economics, and organizational theory and behavior. Students have access to such databases and networks as FoxBASE, ORACLE, Paradox, FoxPro/LAN, and DBXL.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs.The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of a 104-station local area network with the most popular software packages, located in the College of Business Computer Laboratory and wireless throughout buildings.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include career development, employer referrals, resume writing, and interview preparation. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. International students must score 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of the university health form, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. There is a $50 SEVIS fee. The application deadline for fall entry is August 14.

Calendar

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

University of West Georgia, Richards College of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.2 and a GMAT score of 450. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (undergraduate GPA x 200) + GMAT, or minimum 950. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and grades in upper-level courses. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 12; 12 were accepted. The average GPA was 520. 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, a nonrefundable application fee of $20, and 3 letters of recommendation. The application deadlines are August 14 for fall entry; January 8, spring; May 14, summer. Students are notified on a rolling basis of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is July. Once accepted, students may defer admission. Students must notify the school of their expected semester of enrollment.

University of West Georgia, Richards College of Business Financial Aid

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

Tuition for in-state residents is $3044 per year. Nonresidents pay $12,172 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $5861; books and supplies, $900; and other fees, $900, for an estimated annual total of $10,705 for in-state residents and $19,833 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing consists of private and double dormitory rooms.

University of West Georgia, Richards College of Business Students

Thirty-seven percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time. The greatest percentage of students are from Georgia (73%). Forty-three percent are women, 6% are minorities, and 22% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 25; ages range from 21 to 38. In 2006, 33 graduate business degrees were awarded.