College of Business and Economics/Graduate Programs

Houston Baptist University, College of Business and Economics/Graduate Programs History

Houston Baptist University, founded in 1960, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. The 100-acre campus is located in a suburban area in southwest Houston. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 2250.

The College of Business and Economics/Graduate Programs was founded in 1977 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is one that combines quantitative, qualitative, and case methods. The college’s programs are designed to serve the needs of experienced adults.

Houston Baptist University, College of Business and Economics/Graduate Programs Academics

The College offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Human Resources Management (MSHRM), and Master of Science in Management (MSM). Other programs include internships.

Fifty-one total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 18 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
• Financial Management
• Human Resources Management
• Marketing Management
• Operations Management
• Business Strategy and Policy
• Organizational Behavior
• Decision Making Techniques for Managers
• Ethical Context of Business
• Survey of Accounting
• Survey of Economics

Required courses for the MSHRM include:

• Survey of Accounting
• Survey of Economics
• Financial Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Decision Making Techniques for Managers
• Ethical Context of Business
• Marketing Management

Required courses for the MSHA include:

• Quantitative Methods in Healthcare
• Health Service Organizations
• Organizational Behavior and Leadership
• Healthcare Economics
• Healthcare Finance
• Healthcare Jurisprudence and Ethics
• Health Policy Regulations
• Human Resource Management in Healthcare
• Financial Management of Health Services
• Epidemiology for Healthcare
• Applied Research in Healthcare
• Strategic Planning and Marketing Up to 6 hours of transfer graduate credits are allowed.

The maximum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full or part time is 5 years.

In a recent year, there were 20 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 70% held a doctorate; there are 9 part-time faculty, of whom 56% 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 2; average business class size is 18.

Houston Baptist University, College of Business and Economics/Graduate Programs Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 209,366 volumes, 105,280 microform items, and 9255 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 1015 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as ProQuest Business Source Premier, and Business & Company Resource Center.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. Available computer facilities consist of 2 labs with a total of 95 Pentiums. Software includes Windows 95, Microsoft Office 2003, a web browser, and Eudora Light. There are laser printers, e-mail access, and systems support.

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 Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT) or 80 on the Internet-Based (iBT) version, or take the IELTS. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds to cover 9 months of study. There are special fees of a $100 application fee. The application deadline is 60 days prior to the quarter.

Calendar

The school operates on a quarter basis. Quarters are 11 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening and on Saturday.

Houston Baptist University, College of Business and Economics/Graduate Programs Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5 and a GMAT score of 450. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 1000. Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, academic accomplishments and ability, and letters of recommendation. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 66; 59 were accepted; 52 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.1; average GMAT score was 530. 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, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $25, 3 letters of recommendation, and the Code of Academic Integrity. The application deadlines are six weeks prior to the beginning of the quarter. Students are notified on a rolling basis of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is August 15.

Houston Baptist University, College of Business and Economics/Graduate Programs Financial Aid

The FAFSA and the school’s own financial statement are required.The preferred application deadline for fall entry is March 1.

Tuition for all students is $16,000 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $4566; books and supplies, $1300; personal expenses, $1738; and other fees, $855, for an estimated annual total of $24,459.

Houston Baptist University, College of Business and Economics/Graduate Programs Students

Seventy-nine percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time. The greatest percentage of students were from Texas (93%). Fifty-five percent were women, 51%were minorities, and 9% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 27; ages ranged from 21 to 67. Two percent already had a graduate degree. In a recent year, 82 graduate business degrees were awarded.