MBA Program/College of Business

James Madison University, MBA Program/College of Business History

James Madison University, founded in 1908, is a public, coeducational institution. The 472-acre campus is located in a small town 120 miles from Richmond. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 15,000. Enrollment figures in the above capsule are approximate.

The MBA Program/College of Business was founded in 1968 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at in northern Virginia (MBA in information security). The basic educational approach is a combination of the theoretical and the case method. About 50% of courses are seminar or case courses; 10% of the courses involve actual consulting work with an SBA firm.

James Madison University, MBA Program/College of Business Academics

The MBA Program offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Accounting (MSA). Other programs include an MBA with a concentration in health administration and internships. The strongest area of study is information security. The most popular course is Organizational Behavior. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. These include an Executive Lecture Series, with a business executive meeting classes on a 2-day visit. There are 4 to 8 visitors per semester.

Thirty-three total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 6 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Quantitative Methods
• Accounting for Decision Making and Control
• Financial Management
• Advanced Topics in Finance
• Operations Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Strategic Management
• Marketing Management
• Microeconomics
• Management Information Systems

Required courses for the MSA include:

• Accounting Systems
• Financial Management
• Accounting Theory
• any 600-level economics course

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements through previous course work.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The maximum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 2 years; part time, 3 years.

In a recent year, there are 40 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom held a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated above average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 6; average business class size is 18.

James Madison University, MBA Program/College of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 395,000 volumes and subscribes to 2700 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in economics, marketing, management, business law, and finance. Students have access to such databases and networks as Compustat, CompuServe, Compact Disclosure, ABI/INFORM, and F&S Index.

Computers

Graduate business students must have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of a VAX 8600 mainframe computer, accessed by business school terminals available from 8 a.m. to midnight.

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, and proof of adequate funds to cover the entire period of study. Financial aid is available for these students.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 16 weeks long; summer sessions, 6 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

James Madison University, MBA Program/College of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.75 and a GMAT score of 800. Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, work experience, and academic accomplishments and ability. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 40; 30 were accepted; 26 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.2; average GMAT score was 585. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by a minority student organization and a campus visitation program in the graduate school.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall only. To apply, students must submit an application form, a nonrefundable fee of $55, a transcript, GMAT scores, 2 letters of recommendation, a resume, and essays. The application deadlines for fal entry is June 1. Students are notified on a rolling basis of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is May 1. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 1 year.

James Madison University, MBA Program/College of Business Financial Aid

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 $264 per credit. Non residents pay $743 per credit. Graduate student housing is not available. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

James Madison University, MBA Program/College of Business Students

Fourteen percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 95% had an average of 2 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students were from Virginia (72%). Forty-seven percent were women, 10%were minorities, and 10%were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 27; ages ranged from 22 to 53. Fifteen percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 15% already had a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 30%, engineering; 20%, business; 15%, math and science; 15%, social sciences; 10%, economics; and 10%, liberal arts. About 18% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 85% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 50 graduate business degrees were awarded.