MBA Program

Western Carolina University, MBA Program History

Western Carolina University, founded in 1889, is a public, coeducational institution. The 265-acre campus is located in a small town 52 miles west of Asheville. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 8861.

The MBA Program was founded in 1970 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Karpen Hall Graduate Center, University of North Carolina at Asheville (MBA), (MAc). The basic educational approach is balanced, with opportunities for basic scholarship, applied scholarship, and instructional development.

Western Carolina University, MBA Program Academics

The MBA Program offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other programs include work-study, internships, and foreign excahnge with 5 countries. The strongest areas of study are accounting, entrepreneurship, financial planning, and project management. The most popular courses are Negotiations: Strategy and Professionalism, Small Business Consulting, and Computer Information Systems courses. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus.

Thirty-six total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 12 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Managerial Accounting
• Managerial Economics
• Financial Management
• Marketing Management
• Organizational Behavior and Analysis
• Information Systems for Competitive Advantage
• Quantitative Analysis for Business
• Strategic Management

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements Students may take elective courses outside the College of Business with the Director’s approval.

The maximum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time or part time is 6 years.

There are 16 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate. There is 1 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 20.

Western Carolina University, MBA Program Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 675,929 volumes, 77,851 microform items, and 20,716 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 6743 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in personnel management. Students have access to such databases and networks as Dialog and Compact Disclosure.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities. Approximately 100 Windows microcomputers, which are on the university network system, as well as most widely used business software for word processing, databases, spreadsheets, presentations, desktop publishing, and statistics, are available in 1 open lab and 2 electronic classrooms in the College of Business.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include the same as for current students. Placement is 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 an immunization record, and proof of adequate funds to cover the first year of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate assistantship and out-of-state tuition waiver. The application deadline for fall entry is April 1.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

Western Carolina University, MBA Program Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 3.0 and a GMAT score of 450. Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, grades in upper-level courses, and academic accomplishments and ability. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 70; 54 were accepted; 44 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.29; average GMAT score was 498. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by regular participation in career fairs at minority colleges and universities.

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 a nonrefundable application fee of $40. Students are notified within 30 days of receipt of required materials of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is August. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 1 year. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Western Carolina University, MBA Program Financial Aid

About 44% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $10,698 annually; maximum $20,040. The FAFSA and the school’s own financial statement are required. The application deadline is March 31 for fall entry.

On-campus room and board costs approximately $6800; books and supplies, $1200; personal expenses, $1500, for an estimated annual total of $14,096 for in-state residents and $23,681 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing is available in 2 graduate dormitories on campus, as well as in dormitories that house undergraduates.

Western Carolina University, MBA Program Students

Thirty-nine percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 75% have had an average of 7 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 (82%). Forty-three percent are women, 20% are minorities, and 20% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 29; ages range from 22 to 50. Twenty-five percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 14% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 37%, business; 18%, engineering; 11%, math and science; 9%, liberal arts; 9%, social sciences; and 5%, economics. About 10% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 90% remain to receive their degree. In 2006, 38 graduate business degrees were awarded.