College of Business and Economics

West Virginia University, College of Business and Economics History

West Virginia University, founded in 1867, is a public, coeducational institution. The 1000-acre campus is located in a small town 70 miles south of Pittsburgh. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 25,500. Figures in the above capsule and this profile are approximate.

The College of Business and Economics was founded in 1962 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Beckley, Bluefield, Charleston, Lewisburg, Martinsburg, Moorefield, Parkersburg, Shepherdstown, and Wheeling in West Virginia (all Executive MBA). The basic educational approach is a balanced mix of case study, field research, and normative models used to provide a line rather than staff orientation for general management. Emphasis is on experimental learning, including a mandatory international experience.

West Virginia University, College of Business and Economics Academics

The College of Business and Economics offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA), Master of Arts in Economics (MA), and Master of Science in Industrial Relations (MSIR) as well as a doctoral program in economics and a joint degree in business and law (MBA/JD). Other programs include optional semester-long or summer internships. The strongest areas of study are leadership, entrepreneurship, human resource management, accounting, and information systems. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus, including an Executive-in-Residence program and the Sun Alliance lecture series.

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

• Information Technology/Information Systems
• Managerial and Team Skills
• Economic and Business Environment
• Business Research
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Business Markets Simulation
• Managerial Economics
• Corporate Finance and Regulation
• Leadership
• Management Science/Operations
• Managerial/Cost Accounting
• Working Capital Management
• Law and Ethics
• Financial Planning
• Marketing Strategy
• Global Planning and Strategy
• Conflict Resolution

Required courses for the MSIR include:

• Survey of Accounting, Economics, and Finance
• Collective Bargaining and Labor Relations
• Critical Thinking and HR Research Methods
• Industrial Relations Theory and Strategy
• Employment Law
• Performance Management and Training
• Conflict Management Processes
• Organizational Change and Renewal
• Staffing and Selection
• Benefits
• Compensation Issues
• Survey of Management and Marketing

Required courses for the MPA include:

• Financial Accounting Theory and Practice
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Income Taxes and Business Decisions
• Information Technology Auditing
• E-commerce and Internet Security
• Economics for Decision Makers
• Governmental/Not-for-Profit Accounting
• Fraud Detection and Deterrance
• Accounting/Business Consulting
• Assurance Services and Professional Standards
• Personal Financial Planning

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 13<1/2> months; maximum, 8 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2<1/2> years; maximum, 8 years.

In a recent year, there were 61 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom held a doctorate; there were 3 part-time faculty, of whom 33% held a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated below average for Category I institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 5; average business class size is 36.

West Virginia University, College of Business and Economics Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 300,000 volumes and 1 million microform items, and subscribes to 10,000 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as CRSP, Compustat, and ABI/INFORM. Other opportunities for research consist of the Bureau of Business Research, the Center for Economic Development, the Small Business Institute, and the Small Business Development Center.

Computers

Graduate business students must have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of a computer center and a student computer lab.

Career and Job Placement

In a recent year, 84 companies recruited on campus. Majors most in demand were accounting, industrial relations, and finance. Average starting salary of the graduating class was $48,500; range was $34,000 to $79,000. The percentage of graduates finding jobs were:

• regional corporations 42%
• national corporations 34%
• local small enterprises 14%
• self-employment 8%
• local large enterprises 2%

Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include an internal job network via a passworded Internet site. Placement is available through the university placement office. Seventy-eight percent of the most recent graduating class found jobs within 3 months of receiving their degree.

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. Financial aid is available for these students. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

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

West Virginia University, College of Business and Economics Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5. Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, work experience, and grades in upper-level courses. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent year class was 449; 238 were accepted; 208 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.41; average GMAT score was 581. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by letters and materials sent to targeted schools.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, and a resume. Students are notified on a rolling basis of the admissions decision. Check with the school for current application deadlines and fee.

West Virginia University, College of Business and Economics Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include special university scholarships. The FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is approximately $260 per credit, or $4890 per year. Nonresidents pay $720 per credit, or $17,050 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $9000; books and supplies, $1800; personal expenses, $5000; and other fees, $1970 to $2320, for an estimated annual total of $23,010 for in-state residents and $35,170 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing is very limited on campus, but plentiful off campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

West Virginia University, College of Business and Economics Students

Forty-five percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 86% have had an average of 9 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from West Virginia (37%). Forty-seven percent are women, 6% are minorities, and 24% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 32; ages range from 21 to 58. Fourteen percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 17% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 37%, business; 18%, engineering; 18%, liberal arts; 13%, math and science; 6%, economics; 5%, agriculture, forestry, and nursing; and 3%, social sciences. About 5% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 95% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 192 graduate business degrees were awarded.