College of Business

Minnesota State University-Mankato, College of Business History

Minnesota State University, Mankato, is a coeducational institution. The 354-acre campus is approximately 85 miles southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 14,000.

The College of Business was founded in 1970 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach emphasizes critical and strategic thinking, developing managerial skills, real-world applications, ethics, and leadership taught in a technologically advanced, active learning environment.

Minnesota State University-Mankato, College of Business Academics

The College of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other programs include foreign exchange with 6 countries. The strongest areas of study are leadership and organizational change. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. One of the required courses is an executive seminar that is taught by top executives throughout the region.

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

• Writing in the Workplace
• Data Analysis and Statistics for Managers
• Economic Analysis for Managers
• Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
• Accounting for Managers
• Investment and Financial Decisions
• Developing Human Resources
• Information Technology and Systems Management
• Managing Behavior in a Changing World
• Managing Service and Manufacturing Operations
• Global Business Strategy
• Marketing Strategy
• Executive Seminar
• Strategic Management and Business Policy

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by tranfering uo to 6 credits of 600 level coursework.

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 2 years; maximum, 6 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 3 years; maximum, 6 years.

There are 16 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate; there is 1 part-time faculty member. Faculty salaries are rated above average for Category llA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 16; average business class size is 13.

Minnesota State University-Mankato, College of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 3000 volumes, and subscribes to 14,000 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in finance. Students have access to databases and networks in the fields of business and allied subject areas.

Computers

Graduate business students must have their own PCs. Minnesota State University, Mankato, is a wireless campus. In addition to the required notebook computer, students have access to computers in the student union, library, and various computer labs throughout the campus. Students can purchase a College of Business configured Dell laptop at the campus computer store.

Career and Job Placement

In spring 2006, 5 to10 companies recruited on campus. Forty percent were national corporations. Average starting salary of the graduating class was $64,000; range was $60,000 to $69,000. Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni include CareerBeam.com, Mavjobs.com, and networking opportunities.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. International students must score 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of a student immunization form (http://grad.mnsu.edu/forms/immunization.pdf), and proof of adequate funds (see http://grad.mnsu.edu/forms/intstudfinancialaffidavitform.pdf). The application deadline for fall entry is June 1.

Calendar

The school operates on 2 eight-week sessions. Semesters are 16 weeks long; summer sessions, 8 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

Minnesota State University-Mankato, College of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA). Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, grades in upper-level courses, and letters of recommendation. A strong mathematics background is not required but it is important.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 45; 25 were accepted; 25 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.24; average GMAT score was 553. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by the Vice President for Institutional Diversity, who recruits undergraduate and graduate students throughtout most of the country.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall and spring. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, TOEFL, an application fee of $40, 2 letters of recommendation, and a resume. The application deadlines are June 1 for fall entry; October 1, spring. Students are notified of the admissions decision within 2 to 3 weeks after the admission deadline. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is the first or second week of May. Once accepted, students may defer admission for 1 year.

Minnesota State University-Mankato, College of Business Financial Aid

About 4% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $9000 annually; maximum $9000. Stipends and programs available for minority students include the In-State Tuition Scholarship Program, which is awarded based on excellent academic performance and cross-cultural understanding, both on and off campus. The FAFSA is required. The application deadline is March 15 for fall entry.

Tuition for in-state residents is $465 per credit. Nonresidents pay $636 per credit. On-campus room and board costs approximately $5730; books and supplies, $548; personal expenses, $2846; and other fees, $368. Eleven residence halls are housed in 3 complexes on campus. There are also a number of off-campus housing options near campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Minnesota State University-Mankato, College of Business Students

Sixty percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 87% have had full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school. The greatest percentage of students are from foreign countries (20%). Thirty-five percent are women and 2% are minorities. Thirteen percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 4% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 58%, business; 17%, social sciences; 5%, economics; 5%, engineering; and 5%, math and science. In 2006, 13 graduate business degrees were awarded.