Business Graduate Studies

Utah State University, Business Graduate Studies History

Utah State University, founded in 1888, is a public, coeducational institution. The 400-acre campus is located in an urban area 90 miles north of Salt Lake City. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 20,000. Figures in the above capsule and this profile are approximate.

The Business Graduate Studies was founded in 1965 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered in Ogden (MBA). There are statewide Comnet programs (MSS) and traveling MBA programs at various regional and international sites. The basic educational approach combines theory and case study.

Utah State University, Business Graduate Studies Academics

The Business Graduate Studies offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Accounting (Macc), Master of Information Systems (MST), and Master of Science in Human Resources (MSHR) as well as a doctoral program in economics, business information systems, and education. Other programs include internship programs. The strongest areas of study are business administration, accounting, and business information systems. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. The Partners in Business series brings top executives to campus from the areas of management, accounting, production, real estate, information systems, and marketing.

Thirty total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 12 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Information Systems Resource Management
• Finance Problems
• Operations Management
• Management and Organizational Behavior
• Business Strategy

Required courses for the MSAcc include:

• Advanced Accounting II
• Advanced Managerial Accounting
• Tax Research and Procedures
• Accounting Information Systems II
• Auditing II
• Accounting Theory and Research
• Communications for Business

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements.

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

In a recent year, there were 55 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 95% held a doctorate; there were 5 part-time faculty. Faculty salaries are rated below average for Category I institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 3; average business class size is 40.

Utah State University, Business Graduate Studies Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 525,000 volumes, and subscribes to 6500 periodicals. The library is a regional depository for federal documents. Students have access to databases and networks in the fields of business and allied subject areas. Other opportunities for research consist of the Utah College Library Consortium, the Institute of Political Economy, and the Economic Research Institute.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 200 terminals in the Hwang Computer Laboratory available to business students from 7:30 a.m. to midnight. The university’s main computer is a VAX 8650, available to all students at all hours from locations around the campus.

Career and Job Placement

Placement is available through USU Career Services and 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. Financial aid is available for these students.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 8 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening and weekends.

Utah State University, Business Graduate Studies Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 3.0 and a GMAT score of 500. Most important admissions factors are grades in upper-level courses, GMAT results, and letters of recommendation. A strong mathematics background is required.

Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by through minority-locating services.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, 3 letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Students are notified 1 month after their file is complete of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is June. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 1 year. Students may request deferment in writing and must pay a deferment fee. Check with the school for current application deadlines and fee.

Utah State University, Business Graduate Studies Financial Aid

About 45% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $1500 annually; maximum $8000. Stipends and programs available for minority students include Martin Luther King fellowships. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is approximately $255 per credit, or $5920 per year. Nonresidents pay $695 per credit, or $6550 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $4700; books and supplies, $800; and other fees, $420 to $1050, for an estimated annual total of $11,840 for in-state residents and $13,100 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing is available in dormitories for graduate students only. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Utah State University, Business Graduate Studies Students

Twenty-six percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 90% have had an average of 5 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. Twenty percent are women, 5% are minorities, and 20% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 26; ages range from 21 to 50. Thirty percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 20% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 60%, business; 15%, economics; 7%, liberal arts; 5%, engineering; 5%, math and science; and 5%, social sciences. About 15% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons.