College of Business Administration

Tarleton State University, College of Business Administration History

Tarleton State University, founded in 1899, is a public, coeducational institution. The 165-acre campus is located in a suburban area 65 miles southwest of Fort Worth. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 6400.

The College of Business Administration was founded in 1969 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Tarleton – Central Texas Center (MBA). The basic educational approach is to enhance students’ analytical skills, focusing on applied leadership, communications, and interpersonal relations. This is accomplished within an international framework.

Tarleton State University, College of Business Administration Academics

The Business Administration offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS), Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM), and Master of Science in Management (MSMGMT). Other programs include internships and interdisciplinary study in agribusiness. The strongest area of study and the most popular course is management.

Thirty-six total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 15 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Business Research Methods
• Accounting Seminar
• Financial Management Seminar I
• Analytical Methods for Decision Making
• Seminar in Business Strategy and Policy
• Marketing Strategy
• Computer Applications in Business

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring up to 12 graduate-level electives.

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 1 year.

There are 11 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 95% hold 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 25.

Tarleton State University, College of Business Administration Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 225,000 volumes, 500,000 microform items, and 10,000 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 2000 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as Dialog and ABI/INFORM. Other opportunities for research consist of the AHE Consortium, which makes available interlibrary loans and access to libraries at participating universities.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 105 PCs and 22 terminals, with word processing, spreadsheet, database, multimedia presentation, CASE TOOLS, and desktop publishing software, as well as a Windows operating system environment.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include participation in MBA Hire-In, as a member of the State MBA Consortium. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds to cover 12 months of study. There are special fees of $100 for transcript evaluation.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 4 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

Tarleton State University, College of Business Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (last 60 hours GPA x 200) + GMAT, or minimum 1100. Most important admissions factors are grades in upper-level courses, GMAT results, and work experience. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 123; 104 were accepted; 83 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.46; average GMAT score in a recent year was 435. 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, or GRE, and a nonrefundable application fee of $25. The application deadlines are August 28 for fall entry; January 15, spring; June 4, summer. Once accepted, students may defer admission; conditional admission may be granted.

Tarleton State University, College of Business Administration Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include the Minority Internship Program. The FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $130 per credit. Nonresidents pay $395 per credit. Graduate student housing consists of student dormitories and some university-owned apartments. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Tarleton State University, College of Business Administration Students

Forty-two percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 75% 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 Texas (90%). Fifty-two percent are women, 10% are minorities, and 10% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 27; ages range from 19 to 69. Fifteen percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 5% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 21%, business; 20%, math and science; 20%, social sciences; 20%, education; and 19%, liberal arts. In 2006, 72 graduate business degrees were awarded.