Meredith College School of Business

Meredith College, Meredith College School of Business History

Meredith College, founded in 1891, is a private, primarily women’s institution. The 225-acre campus is located in an urban area in Raleigh. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 2200.

The Meredith College School of Business was founded in 1983 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, Harris Hall. The basic educational approach is practical education through application, hands-on experience, case studies, teamwork, and collaboration with peers, faculty, and business leaders. Emphasis is given to development of critical thinking, decision making, and problem solving skills while learning to manage people effectively and to demonstrate personal integrity.

Meredith College, Meredith College School of Business Academics

The Meredith College School of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) as well as a joint degree in nursing (MSN/MBA) with Duke University. The strongest areas of study are leadership, critical-thinking, and problem solving. The most popular course is Integrated Strategic Management. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus.The Distinguished Speaker Series showcases a business leader each fall and spring.

Thirty total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 3 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Domestic and Global Economic Issues
• Managerial Accounting
• Organizational Behavior
• Managerial Finance
• Business Information Systems
• Leadership and Ethical Business Practice
• Organizational Management and Statistical Anaylsis
• Marketing Strategy
• Integrated Strategic Management
• one elective requirement

The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 5 semesters; maximum, 6 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 10 semesters; maximum, 6 years.

There are 8 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated below average for Category llA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 6; average business class size is 20.

Meredith College, Meredith College School of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 148,400 volumes, 15,942 microform items, and 14,970 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 2289 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as EBSCO Business Source Premier, EBSCO Regional Business News, ProQuest ABI/INFORM, ProQuest Noticias Financerias, ProQuest Wall Street Journal in full text, Lexis/Nexis Academic Universe, CCH Tax Research Network, EconLit, Morningstar, Standard and Poor’s NetAdvantage, and Reference USA.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of a fully equiped computer lab.

Career and Job Placement

In spring 2006, 7 companies recruited on campus. Eighty-six percent were national corporations. Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include resume consulation, interview preparation, job search strategies, career fairs, on-campus interviews, and individualized assistance on career management and career/job change. Placement is available through the university placement office and a centralized career center that serves all undergraduate students and alumni.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts (WES course-by-course evaluation required) and proof of adequate funds to cover 2 years of study. The application deadline for fall entry is July 1.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 13 weeks long; summer sessions, 6 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

Meredith College, Meredith College School of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and work experience. A strong mathematics background is not required.

35 students were accepted for the 2006-2007 class, 32 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.15; average GMAT score was 498. Transfers are accepted.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $50, 2 letters of recommendation, and a business resume. The application deadlines are July 1 for fall entry; April 1, winter; November 1, spring. Students are notified within two weeks of receipt of all materials of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is July 1.

Meredith College, Meredith College School of Business Financial Aid

About 48% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $3500 annually; maximum $7500. The FAFSA and the school’s own financial statement are required. The priority deadline is February 15, but applications are accepted continuously.

Tuition for all students is $493 per credit. Graduate student housing is not available on campus.

Meredith College, Meredith College School of Business Students

Forty percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; all have had an average of 9 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from the South (97%). Eighty-three percent are women, 33% are minorities, and 3% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 33; ages range from 23 to 52. One percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 1% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 47%, business; 17%, social sciences; 16%, liberal arts; 14%, math and science; and 2%, engineering. 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 2006, 24 graduate business degrees were awarded.