School of Business

Southwestern Oklahoma State University, School of Business History

Southwestern Oklahoma State University, founded in 1901, is a public, coeducational institution. The 80-acre campus is located in a small town 65 miles west of Oklahoma City. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 5500. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The School of Business was founded in 1976 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is to use the case and theoretical methods to train students in general management and business skills.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University, School of Business Academics

The School of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other programs include work-study programs within the school and internship programs. The strongest areas of study are accounting, finance, and management. The most popular course are in international electives.

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

• Management and Organizational Behavior
• Marketing Strategy
• Accounting for Decision Making
• Advanced Quantitative Methods
• Managerial Economics
• Advanced Financial Management
• Advanced Business Statistics
• Business Strategies and Policy
• Operations Management
• Advanced Human Resource Management

The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time or part time is 2 years; maximum, 6 years.

In a recent year, there were 10 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate; there were 10 part-time faculty, of whom 60% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated below average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 12; average business class size is 15.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University, School of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 60,000 volumes, and subscribes to 30 periodicals. Students have access to databases and networks in the fields of business and allied subject areas. Other opportunities for research consist of interlibrary loan services and Internet access.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of Compaq Network microcomputers, available for use from 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 university placement offerings. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit proof of adequate funds to cover including both a financial statement and a $1500 deposit on file. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of assistantships. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 16 weeks long; summer sessions, 8 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University, School of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (GPA x 200) + GMAT, or minimum 1000. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and grades in upper-level courses. A strong mathematics background is not required.

Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

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 2 letters of recommendation. Students are notified of the admissions decision in August, December, and May. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 2 years. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University, School of Business Financial Aid

The FFS, the school’s own financial statement, and the previous year’s tax return are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Books and supplies cost approximately $500; and other fees, $116, for an estimated annual total of $2000 for in-state residents and $4000 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing consists of dormitories, apartments, and married-student housing. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.