College of Business Administration

Winthrop University, College of Business Administration History

Winthrop University, founded in 1886, is a public, coeducational institution. The 94-acre campus is located in a small town 23 miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 6500. Figures given in the above capsule are approximate.

The College of Business Administration was founded in 1974 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, Thurmond Building. Courses also are offered at Coastal Carolina University and Conway (MBA satellite program). The basic educational approach is geared toward providing students with the knowledge, skills, and competence necessary to succeed in today’s complex business environment.

Winthrop University, College of Business Administration Academics

The College of Business Administration offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Software Development (MSSD). Other programs include cross-registration through the Charlotte Area Educational Consortium. The strongest areas of study are finance, accounting, and policy. The most popular courses are Business Policy and Communications. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus, and include twice yearly MBA lectures.

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

• Theory and Behavior of Business Organization
• Marketing and Operations Management
• Management Accounting
• Financial Policy Management
• Advanced Business Communications
• Industrial Economics and Public Policy
• Statistical Methods for Decision Making
• Information Systems
• Strategic and International Issues in Management

Required courses for the MSSD include:

• Software Design and Architecture
• Software Project Management
• Software Quality Assurance
• Software Development
• Statistical Methods
• Management Accounting
• 9 hours of electives

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements for undergraduate prerequisites only.

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 4 semesters; part time, 8 semesters.

In a recent year, there were 40 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 95% held a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated below average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 3; average business class size is 30.

Winthrop University, College of Business Administration Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 357,000 volumes, 794,000 microform items, and 2000 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 3900 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 LAN workstations: DOS-based, UNIX-based, and Appletalk. Also available are 250 PCs and Macs, 100 of which are networked. Software includes Windows, WordPerfect, Lotus, and Paradox.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are extensive and all those available to enrolled students are available to alumni. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit proof of health and proof of adequate funds. There is a $50 application fee. Check with the school for application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 10 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only and weekends.

Winthrop University, College of Business Administration 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 work experience. A strong mathematics background is required.

123 students were accepted for a recent class, 108 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.2. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by attending minority graduate affairs and by offering scholarships.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $35, and 3 letters of recommendation. Students are notified as early as possible of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is June. Once accepted, students may defer admission. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Winthrop University, College of Business Administration Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include the Graduate Incentive Scholars Program. The FAFSA and the previous year’s tax return are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $8000 per year. Nonresidents pay $14,000 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $5500; and other fees, $100, for an estimated annual total of $13,600 for in-state residents and $19,270 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing consists of on- and off-campus apartments. Graduate students must be enrolled for 9 semester hours to be eligible for campus housing. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Winthrop University, College of Business Administration Students

Forty-one percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 90% had full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students were from South Carolina (64%). Forty-seven percent were women, 10% were minorities, and 14% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 33; ages ranged from 26 to 36. Fifteen percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 1% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 80%, business; 5%, engineering; 5%, social sciences; 3%, economics; and 2%, liberal arts. About 10% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 88% remain to receive their degree.