School of Business

Francis Marion University, School of Business History

Francis Marion University, founded in 1970, is a public, coeducational institution. The 309-acre campus is located in a rural area east of Florence. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 4000.

The School of Business was founded in 1987 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is a mix of theoretical and case presentations to give MBA students a broad business experience.

Francis Marion University, School of Business Academics

The School of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other programs include a cooperative program with the Medical University of South Carolina for the MBA with a concentration in health management. The strongest areas of study are economics and management. The most popular courses are management and macroeconomics.

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

• Management Science
• Production Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Entrepreneurship
• Strategic Management
• Financial Accounting
• Managerial Accounting
• International Business Environment (Macroeconomics)
• Managerial Economics
• Information Systems Management
• Financial Management
• Marketing Theory

Required courses for the MBA with a concentration in health management include:

• Management Science
• Managerial Accounting
• Managerial Economics
• Financial Management
• Marketing Theory
• Strategic Management
• Health Care Delivery Systems
• Health Economics and Policy
• Health Law and Risk Management
• Health Care Finance
• Health Care Management
• Topics in Health Administration and Policy

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements for prerequisite foundation courses.

The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending part time is 1<1/2> years; maximum, 6 years.

There are 12 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom 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 3; average business class size is 15.

Francis Marion University, School of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 368,000 volumes and 430,000 microform items, and subscribes to 1703 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in management, finance, and computer science. Students have access to such databases and networks as General Business File and ABI/INFORM. Other opportunities for research consist of the Internet and CD-ROM databases on a LAN.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 10 Gateway PCs and statistical, spreadsheet, and word processing software.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time, and are available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of a physician’s report, and proof of adequate funds. Financial aid is available for these students by application. The application deadline for fall entry is August 15.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 8 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

Francis Marion University, School of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 950. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and letters of recommendation. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 30; 25 were accepted; 25 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.0; average GMAT score was 400. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited at graduate school fairs at traditionally black schools.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $25, and 2 letters of recommendation. The application deadlines are August 15 for fall entry; December 1, spring; April 15, summer. Students are notified of the admissions decision upon application. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is August.

Francis Marion University, School of Business Financial Aid

About 10% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $3000 annually; maximum $5000. Stipends and programs available for minority students include minority incentive awards. The school’s own financial statement is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $305 per credit. Nonresidents pay $610 per credit. Fees for all students are $70. Graduate student housing consists of 4-person, 4-bedroom apartments, or 2-person, 1-bedroom apartments.

Francis Marion University, School of Business Students

Ninety percent of the current graduate business school class have had an average of 5 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from South Carolina (94%). Forty-six percent are women, 30% are minorities, and 6% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 25; ages range from 24 to 50. Ten percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 1% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 35%, business; 20%, liberal arts; 15%, math and science; 10%, economics; 10%, engineering; and 10%, nursing. About 5% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 90% remain to receive their degree.