School of Business/MBA Program

Washburn University, School of Business/MBA Program History

Washburn University, founded in 1865, is a public, coeducational institution. The 160-acre campus is located in an urban area 60 miles west of Kansas City. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 6860.

The School of Business/MBA Program was founded in 1982 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is to provide a basis for formal and informal study, stressing the interrelationship of theoretical and practical application and the use of case studies.

Washburn University, School of Business/MBA Program Academics

The School offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) as well as a joint degree in JD/MBA. The strongest areas of study are accounting, finance, marketing, and information systems. The most popular courses are Finance, Marketing, and Information Systems.

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

• Legal and Ethical Issues
• Human Resources
• Product Systems
• Management Accounting Analysis
• Financial Strategies
• Computer-Based Information Systems
• Strategic Marketing Management
• Strategic Analysis
• Management Information Systems
• Financial Accounting Concepts
• Managerial Accounting Concepts
• Quantitative Methods I
• Quantitative Methods II
• Economic Environment
• Survey of Finance
• Marketing Concepts
• Production and Operations System
• Human Behavior in Organizations

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements. A JD degree may be substituted for the legal class and two elective classes.

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.

There are 20 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate; there are 2 part-time faculty. Faculty salaries are rated 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 18.

Washburn University, School of Business/MBA Program Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 330,853 volumes, 552,159 microform items, and 2887 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 1369 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in management and economics. Students have access to such databases and networks as ABI/INFORM, Business Dateline, Business and Industry, Business Organization, Consumer Index, Disclosure, EconLit, PAIS, and Wilson Business Abstracts. Other opportunities for research consist of links to appropriate web sites from on-line catalogs and the library’s home page.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 30 PCs with an NT network server running SPSS and other specialized software. Internet access is provided via the university-wide area network.

Career and Job Placement

In spring 2006, 35 companies recruited on campus. Ninety-two percent were national corporations. Average starting salary of the graduating class was $55,000; range was $39,000 to $90,000. The percentage of graduates finding jobs were:

• national corporations 37%
• local large enterprises 25%
• government 25%
• international 12%

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include on-campus recruiters, career fairs, Internet services, on-line job search assistance, resume referral, resume development, interview skill development, and job listings. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL and and the Test of Written English (TWE). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds to cover of study. There is a $60 application fee. The application deadline for fall entry is July 1.

Calendar

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

Washburn University, School of Business/MBA Program 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 (GPA x 200) + GMAT, or minimum 1050. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and motivation. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 55; 38 were accepted; 36 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.44; average GMAT score was 565. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by through the web site and through local organizations.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, and 2 letters of recommendation. The application deadlines are July 1 for fall entry; November 15, spring; April 15, summer. Students are notified of the admissions decision as soon as the application is complete. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is July 15. Once accepted, students may defer admission and enroll in a subsequent semester.

Washburn University, School of Business/MBA Program Financial Aid

The FFS is required. The application deadline is February 15 for fall entry.

Tuition for in-state residents is $241 per credit. Nonresidents pay $490 per credit. Graduate student housing is limited on campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Washburn University, School of Business/MBA Program Students

Twenty-two percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 95% have had an average of 8 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from Kansas (90%). Fifty-three percent are women, 15% are minorities, and 10% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 29; ages range from 22 to 55. Fifteen percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 4% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 59%, business; 12%, liberal arts; 12%, math and science; 9%, social sciences; and 6%, engineering. About 3% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 89% remain to receive their degree. In 2006, 40 graduate business degrees were awarded.