MBA Program, College of Business and Economics

Radford University, MBA Program, College of Business and Economics History

Radford University, founded in 1910, is a public, coeducational institution. The 177-acre campus is located in a rural area 36 miles southwest of Roanoke. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 9220. Enrollment figures in the above capsule are approximate.

The MBA Program, College of Business and Economics was founded in 1982 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Roanoke Higher Education Center (MBA). The basic educational approach is to emphasize both the theoretical and case method depending on the course.

Radford University, MBA Program, College of Business and Economics Academics

The MBA Program offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other programs include graduate assistantships and teaching fellowships. The strongest areas of study are management, marketing, and information systems. The most popular courses are Risk Management, Management Information Systems, Organizational Behavior, and International Business. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus.

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

• Organizational Behavior and Managerial Skills
• Accounting for Decision Making and Control
• Management Information Systems
• Operations Management
• Financial Management
• Marketing Management
• Managerial Economics
• Strategic Management

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 12 months; maximum, 6 years. For students attending part time, the maximum is 6 years.

In a recent year, there were 21 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom held a doctorate; there are 2 part-time faculty, of whom 50% held a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 6; average business class size is 20.

Radford University, MBA Program, College of Business and Economics Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 320,348 volumes, 1.5 million microform items, and 15,033 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 2986 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as Virtual Library of Virginia funded databases and McConnell Library (local funded databases). Other opportunities for research consist of interlibrary loans through Solinet.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. Available computer facilities consist of 2 Pentium computer laboratories containing more than 50 computers, with software for word processing, SAS, SPSS, Windows, and other software programs. There is also a graduate study lounge with additional computers. The university’s computing resources consist of an HP minicomputer, 3 Sun UNIX file servers, a library information system, more than 125 Sun UNIX workstations, and hundreds of PCs and Macs.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include the same services as are available to all undergraduate students. 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, proof of health consisting of a student health history form, and proof of adequate funds to cover the first year of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate assistantships and teaching fellowships.

Calendar

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

Radford University, MBA Program, College of Business and Economics Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.75. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 1000. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and grades in upper-level courses. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 70; 39 were accepted; 21 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.2; average GMAT score was 523. 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, a nonrefundable application fee of $40, 2 letters of recommendation, and a letter stating interest and qualifications. The application deadlines are March 1 for fall entry; October 1, spring; April 15, summer. Students are notified on a rolling basis of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is March 1.

Radford University, MBA Program, College of Business and Economics Financial Aid

The FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $6230 per year. Nonresidents pay $11,482 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $6218; books and supplies, $800; personal expenses, $1600, for an estimated annual total of $14,848 for in-state residents and $20,100 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing is limited on campus but substantial off campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Radford University, MBA Program, College of Business and Economics Students

Forty-nine percent of a recent graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 90% had an average of 6 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 (79%). Forty-five percent were women, 25%were minorities, and 19% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 27; ages ranged from 22 to 51. Ten percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 6% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 54%, business; 20%, liberal arts; 8%, engineering; 7%, social sciences; 6%, math and science; and 5%, economics. About 10% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 90% remain to receive their degree.