Richard E. and Sandra J. Dauch College of Business and Economics

Ashland University, Richard E. and Sandra J. Dauch College of Business and Economics History

Ashland University, founded in 1878, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Brethren denomination. The 98-acre campus is located in a small town 60 miles south of Cleveland and 80 miles north of Columbus. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 6472.

The Richard E. and Sandra J. Dauch College of Business and Economics was founded in 1978 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, Dauch College of Business and Economics. Courses also are offered at the Medina, New Philadelphia, Westlake, Massillon, and Columbus campuses. The basic educational approach is the practical application of theory by using the case method and traditional lecture/discussion method.

Ashland University, Richard E. and Sandra J. Dauch College of Business and Economics Academics

The Graduate School of Business Administration offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). The strongest areas of study are executive management, finance, human resource management, global business, and entrepreneurship. The most popular courses are Business and Society, Strategic Planning and Policy, Financial Management, and Entrepreneurship. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus and include the Lucille G. Ford Lecture Series, the Executive-in-Residence program, and the MBA Seminar Series.

Thirty-six total credits are required to complete the MBA including up to 9 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Organizational Design and Development
• Managerial Economics
• Operations Management
• Business Statistics
• Financial Management
• Business and Society
• Marketing Management
• International Business Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Managerial Accounting
• Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis
• Management Information Systems

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements if they have a professional designation recommended for graduate credit by A.C.E.

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

There are 21 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 95% hold a doctorate; there are 10 part-time faculty, of whom 60% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated average for Category IIB institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 7; average business class size is 22.

Ashland University, Richard E. and Sandra J. Dauch College of Business and Economics Unique Programs

Library

Publications for the business school contained in the main library consist of more than 250,000 volumes, 266,000 microform items, and 2500 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 1000 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in access to OhioLINK. Students have access to such databases and networks as Dialog, BRS, Lexis/Nexis, and Business Periodicals.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. Available computer facilities consist of more than 100 terminals and PCs, featuring Lotus, dBASE, Windows, and WordPerfect software. Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include a referral network and credential file. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL or the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency. International students must score 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT). The required minimum score for the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency is 85. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of , and proof of adequate funds to cover 3 years of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of a limited number of graduate assistantships. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a trimester basis. Trimesters are 12 weeks long; summer sessions, 12 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only and weekends.

Ashland University, Richard E. and Sandra J. Dauch College of Business and Economics Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.75. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, management potential, and work experience. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 275; 260 were accepted; 230 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.2. Transfers are accepted.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a nonrefundable application fee of $30, a resume, official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate course work, and a personal competency assessment completed by the applicant’s supervisor. The application deadlines are August 1 for fall entry; December 1, spring; April 1, summer. Students are notified of the admissions decision within 1 week of submitting all relevant materials Once accepted, students may defer admission until they are prepared to enter.

Ashland University, Richard E. and Sandra J. Dauch College of Business and Economics Financial Aid

In a recent year about 10% of graduate business school students received financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $2000 annually. The GAPSFAS or FAFSA, and the previous year’s tax return are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is $512 per credit. Graduate student housing is for international students only and consists of off-campus apartments and on-campus dorms. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Ashland University, Richard E. and Sandra J. Dauch College of Business and Economics Students

Thirty-seven percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 99% have 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 Ohio (92%). Forty-two percent are women, 13% are minorities, and 8% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 34; ages range from 24 to 61. Five percent already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 58%, business; 18%, engineering; 10%, education; 4%, liberal arts; 4%, math and science; 4%, social sciences; and 2%, economics. About 10% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 78% remain to receive their degree. In 2006, 192 graduate business degrees were awarded.