College of Business and Technology

Western Illinois University, College of Business and Technology History

Western Illinois University, founded in 1899, is a public, coeducational institution. The 1050-acre campus is located in a small town 74 miles southwest of Peoria. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 13,400. Enrollment figures in the above capsule are approximate.

The College of Business and Technology was founded in 1968 and is located on the main campus, in its own building. Courses also are offered at Moline, Illinois (MBA). The basic educational approach is a general orientation, with the teaching philosophy using theoretical and case-study approaches.

Western Illinois University, College of Business and Technology Academics

The College offers the Master of Science in Accounting (MSAcc) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other programs include foreign exchange with 2 German universities. The strongest areas of study are management, supply chain management, and finance. The most popular courses are Organizational Development and Supply Chain Management. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. During Business Week, distinguished speakers and alumni visit and speak to the students.

Thirty-three total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 9 elective credits. Required courses include: Strategic Management

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, 6 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2<1/2> years; maximum, 6 years.

In a recent year, there were 40 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom held a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated above average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 1; average business class size is 20.

Western Illinois University, College of Business and Technology Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 1 million volumes, and subscribes to 5000 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in the Business Periodical Index. Students have access to such databases and networks as ABI/INFORM, Compustat, ERIC, and PSYCH ABSTRACTS. Other opportunities for research consist of the Center for Business and Economic Research and a small business development center.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. Available computer facilities consist of the Stipes and Morgan Hall computer laboratories, which are open more than 100 hours a week. There are more than 120 networked PCs, with word processing, database, spreadsheet, and course-specific software available.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are extensive and are available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL or the college’s own test. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of a health form upon arrival and a record of immunizations, and proof of adequate funds to cover the intended period of study. There are special fees of $75 for orientation. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate assistantships and a few scholarships.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 16 weeks long; summer sessions, 8 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

Western Illinois University, College of Business and Technology Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.7 and a GMAT score of 450. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 1100. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and grades in upper-level courses. A strong mathematics background is not required.

Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited through advertisements in minority publications and a scholarship program, the President’s Minority Graduate Access Program.

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 $30, and 3 letters of recommendation. Check with the school for current application deadlines. Students are notified as soon as the application is processed of the admissions decision. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 1 year.

Western Illinois University, College of Business and Technology Financial Aid

Stipends and programs are available for minority students by means of 3 programs offered through Western Illinois University and the state. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $217 per credit. Nonresidents pay $433 per credit. On-campus room and board costs approximately $6000; books and supplies, $1200; personal expenses, $1500; and other fees, $1188. Graduate student housing consists of apartments, rooms, and houses. There is also on-campus housing for married students. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Western Illinois University, College of Business and Technology Students

Seventy percent of a recent current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 68% had an average of 18 months of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school. The greatest percentage of students were from foreign countries (13%). Forty-four percent were women, 3% were minorities, and 13% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 25; ages ranged from 21 to 52. Seventy-five percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 3% already had a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 53%, business; 15%, math and science; 10%, engineering; 10%, social sciences; 7%, liberal arts; and 5%, economics. About 5% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 95% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 73 graduate business degrees were awarded.