School of Business

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, School of Business History

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, founded in 1956, is a public, coeducational institution. The 2400-acre campus is located in a suburban area 20 miles northeast of St. Louis, Missouri. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 13,500. Enrollment figures in the above capsule are approximate.

The School of Business was founded in 1960 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Illinois. The basic educational approach is the integration of concepts and principles of several disciplines in analyzing complex problemsthe economic, political, and social forces that shape the external environment as well as management of human and other resources to achieve organizational objectives.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, School of Business Academics

The School of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts/Master of Science in Economics and Finance (MA/MSEcon), Master of Science in Computer Management and Information Systems (MSCMIS), Master of Marketing Research (MMR), Master of Business Administration/Management Information Systems (MBA/MIS), and Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA). Other programs include cooperative programs, work-study, foreign exchange with 5 countries, and internships. The strongest areas of study are management, accounting, and economics. The most popular courses are in management and marketing. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. International Teaching week includes professors from Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, France, and Japan. The Executive Speaker Series brings Fortune 500 company CEOs to campus on a weekly basis.

Thirty total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 15 elective credits. Required courses include:

• International Business Environment
• External Environment of Business
• Leadership, Influence, and Managerial Effectiveness
• Strategic Management
• Managerial Economics

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements only for foundation courses, not for required 30 credit hours.

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 4 10-week semesters; maximum, 6 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 4 10 week semesters; maximum, 6 years.

In a recent year, there were 38 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 97% held a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 15; average business class size is 35.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, School of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 800,000 volumes and 1.7 million microform items, and subscribes to 14,500 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as Lexis, Compustat, and CRSP.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 100 terminals and a wide range of current software, available to all enrolled students from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily, with shorter weekend hours.

Career and Job Placement

In a recent spring, 240 companies recruited on campus. Average starting salary of a recent graduating class was $36,000. Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include the same services as for graduating students. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit proof of health and proof of adequate funds. The application deadline for fall entry is 60 days prior to the day of class.

Calendar

The school operates on a term basis. Semesters are 10 weeks long; summer sessions, 10 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only and weekends.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, School of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5 and a GMAT score of 400. 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 and GMAT results. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 241; 154 were accepted; 113 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.2; average GMAT score was 494. 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 (the GRE is acceptable for Economics/Finance) and a nonrefundable application fee of $30. The application deadline is at least 4 weeks preceding the first day of the term. Students are notified as early as possible of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is 30 days prior to the first day of class.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, School of Business Financial Aid

In a recent year, about 15% of graduate business school students received financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $7500 annually. Stipends and programs available for minority students include competitive graduate assistantships. The application deadlines is 30 days prior to the first day of class.

Tuition for in-state residents is $225 per credit. Nonresidents pay $563 per credit. On-campus room and board costs approximately $4000; books and supplies, $1500; and other fees. Graduate student housing consists of 1500 2- or 3-bedroom student apartments. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, School of Business Students

Thirty-five percent of a recent graduate business school class was enrolled full time; 84% had an average of 7 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students were from the Midwest (90%). Forty-five percent were women, 7% were minorities, and 9% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 27; ages ranged from 22 to 48. Fifteen percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 3% already had a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 50%, business; 35%, engineering; 5%, liberal arts; 5%, math and science; and 5%, social sciences. About 20% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 60% remain to receive their degree.