College of Business Administration

Central Michigan University, College of Business Administration History

Central Michigan University, founded in 1892, is a public, coeducational institution. The 872-acre campus is located in a suburban area 45 miles from Saginaw and 65 miles from Lansing.

The College of Business Administration was founded in 1960 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Midland (MBA). The basic educational approach is to build analytical as well as interpersonal skills through active student learning. The case method is the predominant approach used in the classroom.

Central Michigan University, College of Business Administration Academics

The MBA Program offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Business Education (MBE), and Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS). The strongest areas of study are accounting, finance, marketing, management, and international business.

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

• Methods of Business Research
• Managerial Accounting
• Public Policy and American Enterprise
• Productional Operations Management
• Organization Behavior and Change
• Marketing Strategy
• Financial Management
• Managerial Economics
• Quantitative Decision Making
• Business Policy and Strategy
• 2 electives

Required courses for the MBE include:

• Curriculum Innovations in Business Education
• Research in Business Education
• Evaluation and Measurement in Business Education
• Integrative Office Information Management
• Organization Behavior and Change * independent research or thesis

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements only for prerequisites.

The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 12 months; maximum, 7 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 30 months; maximum, 7 years.

There are 68 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated below 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 25.

Central Michigan University, College of Business Administration Unique Programs

Library

Students have access to such databases and networks as Citibase, Compustat, and Banking Simulator. Students must pay a fee for use.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities. The university’s main computer for academic use is an IBM 3090/150E. Terminals are available with departmental approval for about 16 hours a day. There is no time limit on use. Technical consulting services and noncredit seminars are offered. Two laboratories housing some 70 PCs also are available, as is word processing equipment.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services for alumni are the same as for students. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL or the college’s own test. 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 the university health form, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. Students must purchase health insurance. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 6 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

Central Michigan University, College of Business Administration 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) + minimum 400 GMAT, or minimum 1000. Most important admissions factors are grades in upper-level courses, work experience, and GMAT results. A strong mathematics background is not required.

Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, winter, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, and GMAT scores. Check with the school for current application deadlines and fee. Once accepted, students may defer admission.

Central Michigan University, College of Business Administration Financial Aid

The FFS or FAFSAis required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $366 per credit hour. Nonresidents pay $678 per credit hour. On-campus room and board costs approximately $7200. Graduate student housing is available in university residence halls and apartments for both single and married students. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Central Michigan University, College of Business Administration Students

Fifty-one percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 90% have had an average of 2 to 5 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from Michigan (77%). Thirty-six percent are women, 5% are minorities, and 20% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 25; ages range from 22 to 50. Ten percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 10% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 45%, business. About 10% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons.