MBA Degree Program

Plymouth State University, MBA Degree Program History

Plymouth State University, founded in 1871, is a public, coeducational institution. The 150-acre campus is located in a small town 50 miles north of Concord. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 5200. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The MBA Degree Program was founded in 1974 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Concord, Hanover, and Keene. The basic educational approach is to use content and methodology to increase business management skills through the application of concepts.

Plymouth State University, MBA Degree Program Academics

The MBA Degree Program offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other programs include internships and 12-credit certificate programs. The strongest areas of study are management, finance, accounting, marketing, and human resources. The most popular courses are Legal Environment of Business and Managerial Economics.

Thirty total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 2 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Strategies in Cross Functional Analysis
• Legal Environment of Business
• Organizational Behavior
• Marketing Techniques
• Accounting for Managers
• Financial Analysis and Decision Making
• Operations Management
• Seminar in Executive Management
• 2 electives

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring up to 15 graduate credits from other accredited institutions. Prerequisite competencies may be satisfied by using previous undergraduate course work or by exam.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 10 months; maximum, 2 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 years; maximum, 5 years.

There are 22 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 91% hold a doctorate; there are 4 part-time faculty, of whom 70% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated above average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 8; average business class size is 15.

Plymouth State University, MBA Degree Program Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 300,000 volumes, 500,000 microform items, and 7000 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 1200 periodicals. Students have access to databases and networks in the fields of business and allied subject areas.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 32 PCs with business applications software. Another 100 at other sites are available to all students at designated hours. All computers are interconnected.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include a placement package that is maintained for dissemination. Placement is available through the university placement office.

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. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of 5 assistantships and $2500 of scholarship funds each year. Check with the school for application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a quarter basis. Quarters are 10 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only. Weekend classes are offered occasionally, and on-line courses are also offered.

Plymouth State University, MBA Degree Program Admissions

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

The number of applicants for a recent class was 65; 60 were accepted; 60 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.4. 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, 3 letters of recommendation, a resume, and an essay. Students are notified of the admissions decision on a rolling basis. Once accepted, students may defer admission, with requests considered individually.

Plymouth State University, MBA Degree Program Financial Aid

The FAFSA and the previous year’s tax return are required. Check with the school for current appliction deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is approximately $350 per credit. Nonresidents pay approximately $400 per credit. On-campus room and board costs approximately $6500. Graduate student housing includes single and family apartments and a limited number of dormitory rooms. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Plymouth State University, MBA Degree Program Students

Seventeen percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 92% had an average of 6 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from New Hampshire (79%). Forty-eight percent are women, 4% are minorities, and 4% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 35; ages range from 21 to 65. Eight percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 4% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 55%, business; 30%, liberal arts; 5%, economics; 5%, engineering; 3%, math and science; and 2%, social sciences. About 1% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 98% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 37 graduate business degrees were awarded.