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College of Business and Public Administration

Academics

The College of Business and Public Administration offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), and Master of Accounting (MAcc) as well as a joint degree in in law (MBA/JD and MPA/JD) and pharmacy (MBA/PharmD and MPA/PharmD). The strongest areas of study are financial resources, human resources, and executive development. The most popular courses are Executive Leadership, Negotiation, and Ethics.

Forty-seven total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 9 elective credits. Required courses include:

  • The Environment of Business
  • Introduction to Strategic Management
  • Statistical Analysis for Managers
  • Strategic Financial Processes
  • Processes and Administrative Systems
  • Strategic Process Management, Evaluation, and Control
  • Creating Value of Customers
  • Strategic Business Policy

Required courses for the MPA include:

  • Changing Environment and Management of Public/Not-for-Profit Organizations
  • Managing Human Resources as Assets
  • Applying Information, Research, and Analysis
  • Organizational Processes and Administrative Systems
  • Financial Aspects of Public/Not-for-Profit Organizations
  • Public Policy Decision Making and Analysis
  • Information Systems in Organizations

Required courses for the Macc include:

  • Accounting for Not-for-Profit Entities
  • Accounting and the Law
  • Tax Research, Policy, and Writing
  • Seminar in Auditing

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements depending on the undergraduate major.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The maximum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time or part time is 5 years.

In a recent year, there were 43 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom held a doctorate; there were 30 part-time faculty. Faculty salaries are rated well above average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 18; average business class size is 35.

Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.75 and a GMAT score of 450. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is the AACSB formula. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, work experience, and GMAT results. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 164; 147 were accepted; 133 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.21; average GMAT score was 500. 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, a transcript, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $25, 2 letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a current resume. The application deadlines are rolling, but applicants are encouraged to submit all materials 3 months prior to the beginning of the term. Students are notified immediately after the complete file is received of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is June. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 1 semester.

Financial Aid

In a recent year, about 90% of graduate business school students received financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships. The GAPSFAS or FAFSA is required. The application deadline is June 1.

Tuition for all students is $450 per credit. Graduate student housing consists of apartments, dormitories, and small houses. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Students

Twenty-five percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time. The greatest percentage of students were from Iowa (91%). Forty-seven percent were women, 10% were minorities, and 9% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 29; ages ranged from 20 to 58. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 49%, liberal arts; 43%, business; 4%, engineering; and 1%, agriculture. About 12% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 85% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 132 graduate business degrees were awarded.

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