Department of Business Administration

Fontbonne University, Department of Business Administration History

Fontbonne University, founded in 1923, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The 13-acre campus is located in a suburban area in Clayton, a suburb of St. Louis. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 2550. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The Department of Business Administration was founded in 1983 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at the Chrysler plant in Fenton; the OPTIONS program is offered at South County Center. The basic educational approach is a general management orientation to provide the skills and credentials necessary for those seeking middle- and upper-management positions in business and nonprofit organizations.

Fontbonne University, Department of Business Administration Academics

The Fontbonne offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Taxation (MST), and Master of Management (MM). Other programs include foreign exchange with Taiwan. The strongest area of study is general business. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus.

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

• Management of Information Technologies
• Quantitative Analysis in Business
• The Global Business Environment
• Legal Issues in Business
• Ethical Responsibility in Business
• Managerial Accounting
• Financial Management
• Seminar in Marketing Management
• Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
• Seminar in Economics
• Administrative Policy and Strategic Planning
• Applied Business Research Project

Required courses for the MST include:

• Federal Income Taxation
• Tax Practice and Procedure
• Tax Research Methods
• Taxation of Partners, Partnerships, and S Corporations
• Tax Accounting
• Taxation of Corporations and Shareholders
• Estate and Gift Taxation and Planning
• Three of the following:
• Taxation of Real Estate
• Pensions, Profit Sharing, and Deferred Compensation
• International Taxation
• Advanced Corporate Taxation
• Multistate Taxation

Required courses for the MM include:

• Fundamentals of Executive Management
• Organizational Culture and Communication
• Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
• Accounting and Finance for Non-Financial Managers
• Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
• Budgeting
• Marketing Management
• Research Evaluation Techniques for Managers
• Project Management
• Managing for Quality and Excellence
• Business Policy and Strategic Planning
• Integrative Studies in the Management of Organizations

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring up to 6 credit hours of graduate-level course work.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time or part time is 1 year; maximum, 6 years.

There are 4 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 75% hold a doctorate; there are 88 part-time faculty, of whom 25% hold a doctorate. Average number of courses faculty teach is 9; average business class size is 16.

Fontbonne University, Department of Business Administration Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 52,980 volumes and 18,319 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 500 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as GaleNet, FirstSearch, EBSCO Business Data, and Lexis/Nexis. Other opportunities for research consist of the St. Louis Regional Library Network and similar networks.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The college’s computer center houses an IBM mainframe and PCs for student use.

Career and Job Placement

In a recent year, 5 companies recruited on campus. Sixty percent were national corporations. Majors most in demand were accounting, finance, and MBA. Average starting salary of the graduating class was $47,000; range was $22,000 to $105,000. Placement services for alumni include individual assistance with cover letters, resumes, interview skills (mock interview), and job search strategies. Ninety-four percent of the most recent graduating class found jobs within three months of receiving their degree.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. The application deadline for fall entry is open.

Calendar

The school operates on a 4 10-week sessions per year basis. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only and weekends.

Fontbonne University, Department of Business Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, a successful interview, and letters of recommendation. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 75; 60 were accepted; 60 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.04. Transfers are accepted.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, a nonrefundable application fee, 2 letters of recommendation, and a self-statement (300 to 500 words). Check with the school for current application deadlines and fees.

Fontbonne University, Department of Business Administration Financial Aid

In a recent year, about 85% of graduate business school students received financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $10,000 annually; maximum $18,500. The FAFSA, the school’s own financial statement, and a financial aid transcript are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is approximately $8500 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $7500; books and supplies, $700; personal expenses, $3000; and other fees, $300, for an estimated annual total of $20,000. Graduate student housing is available in dormitories only. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Fontbonne University, Department of Business Administration Students

Seventy-five percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 84% had an average of 12 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from Missouri (80%). Sixty percent are women, 54% are minorities, and 10% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 34; ages range from 20 to 64. Eight percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 12% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 48%, business; 19%, social sciences; 12%, liberal arts; 12%, education; and 5%, math and science. About 15% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 70% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 131 graduate business degrees were awarded.