College of Business Administration

Louisiana State University-Shreveport, College of Business Administration History

Louisiana State University/Shreveport, founded in 1965, is a public, coeducational institution. The 200-acre campus is located in a suburban area 20 miles from the Texas border in northwestern Louisiana. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 4400. Enrollment figures in the above capsule are approximate.

The College of Business Administration was founded in 1980 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is to prepare students for middle- and upper-management positions using a mixture of theoretical and case method approaches.

Louisiana State University-Shreveport, College of Business Administration Academics

The College of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other programs include internships. The strongest area of study and the most popular course is management. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. The MBA Association holds outstanding speaker forums 2 to 3 times a year.

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

• Managerial Use of Accounting Data
• Quantitative Methods in Management
• Managerial Communication
• Economic Analysis for Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Seminar in Marketing
• Financial Management
• Organizational Strategy and Policies

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring up to 6 credit hours from other accredited institutions.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The maximum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full or part time is 8 years.

There are 22 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate; there are 4 part-time faculty, 2 of whom hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated well below average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 3; average business class size is 25.

Louisiana State University-Shreveport, College of Business Administration Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 280,000 volumes, 365,000 microform items, and 2000 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 1200 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as the Internet, Netscape, FirstSearch, InfoTrac Search Bank, GALENET, WINSPIRS, and ABI/INFORM. Other opportunities for research consist of the Advanced Manufacturing Center and the Center for Business Research.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 28 networked workstations, 68 additional workstations, and 16 computers in a multimedia laboratory. Software includes SPSS, WordPerfect, Lotus, Paradox, and Presentations.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time, and are 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 proof of specific immunizations, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. The application fee is $20. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 4 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only, and 40% of classes are offered on-line.

Louisiana State University-Shreveport, College of Business Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5 and a GMAT score of 450. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x undergraduate GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 1000. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability and GMAT results. A strong mathematics background is required.

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, and a nonrefundable application fee of $10. The application deadlines are June 30 for fall entry; November 30, spring; April 30, summer. Students are notified on a rolling basis of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is June.

Louisiana State University-Shreveport, College of Business Administration Financial Aid

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

Cost per credit hour is $165 for in-state residents. Nonresidents pay $228 per credit hour. Graduate student housing is available on campus and is privately managed.

Louisiana State University-Shreveport, College of Business Administration Students

Thirteen percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 95% have had full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from Louisiana (83%). Fifty-two percent are women and 15% are minorities. The average age at entrance is 25; ages range from 22 to 63. Fifteen percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 2% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 75%, business; 10%, math and science; 9%, social sciences; 5%, engineering; and 1%, liberal arts.