Business (MBA)

Indiana University
Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Richard T. Doermer School of Business and Management Sciences
Otto H. Chang, Dean
Lyman R. Lewis, MBA Program Administrator
260-481-6498 ~ Fax: 260-481-6879 ~ www.ipfw.edu/bms/mba ~ Neff Hall 366 ~ e-mail: mba@ipfw.edu

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is designed to prepare qualified students and working professionals for positions of responsibility as managers and leaders who are capable of making effective and ethical business decisions in a changing global environment.

Goals

It is intended that graduates of the MBA program will demonstrate:

• The ability to solve problems innovatively, based on a knowledge of the tools, concepts, and theories of each of the functional business disciplines;
• The ability to transcend functional boundaries, synthesizing and integrating information to make complex, short-term decisions with limited information, as well as conduct the research, competitive analysis, and environmental scanning necessary for long-term strategic decisions;
• The ability to apply specialized skills to managerial problems inherent in a rapidly changing global environment;
• The ability to effectively harness and use information technology;
• Effective written, oral, and presentation skills;
• The interpersonal and team leadership skills needed to build an organizational environment that is effective and conducive to collaboration; and
• A sense of professional and social responsibility in the conduct of managerial affairs.

The MBA program is accredited by AACSB International, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB International accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in management education representing the highest standard of achievement for business schools. Only 30 percent of business schools in the US and 10 percent of business schools worldwide achieve this accreditation! Business Schools that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review. AACSB International accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in management education. IPFW’s Richard T. Doermer School of Business and Management Sciences is the only accredited business school in northeast Indiana.

Special Resources

 The MBA program draws its strength from the following school and university resources:

Faculty The faculty who teach in the graduate program have earned doctoral degrees from a broad range of distinguished universities and bring a wealth of experience through their scholarly research and consulting in the business community.

Library The Walter E. Helmke Library houses a collection in excess of 360,000 books and provides full-text access to more than 24,000 periodical titles. In addition, the library subscribes to hundreds of databases and saves students valuable hours of research time. Further, the library’s Document Delivery Service enables students to request materials from the collections of national and international libraries. Individual research assistance is available to all MBA students from a librarian specializing in business information.

Computers A broad range of computing resources is available. MBA students have access to leading statistical packages through the university’s PC-based SPSS, ERP, graphics, and related software packages on the university’s computer network.

MBA+ Program

Admission The Doermer School of Business and Management Sciences seeks candidates whose analytical abilities, leadership, interpersonal skills, and personal motivation indicate a strong potential to excel in both an academic program and a business career. Candidates are required to hold a four-year undergraduate degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university.

The MBA Policy Committee considers a number of characteristics essential for success in the program and evaluates a candidate for admission based on these characteristics. An ability to excel in the MBA program is indicated by a high GMAT score, past academic achievements (undergraduate GPA), and recommendations that speak to the candidate’s intellectual capacity. In addition, the committee considers several individual factors to be of equal importance. Motivation and leadership, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills, are highly valued in a professional manager. Successful candidates have these proven characteristics, which are revealed in past work experience, a self-evaluation essay, recommendation letters and their program interview. The committee carefully weighs all of these factors in making an admission recommendation to the Doermer School of Business and Management Sciences.

Admission decisions are valid for 12 months from the semester of acceptance indicated in the applicant’s admission letter. Successful applicants who have not completed any degree-applicable courses within that period must reapply for admission.

Educational Objective Statement (Essay) Applicants must provide an essay of 300 – 400 words indicating their experiences and achievements that reflect maturity, initiative, and administrative skills. In addition, you should specify educational objectives as you contemplate beginning studies for the MBA program.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) All applicants are required to take the GMAT as part of the admission process. The GMAT is an aptitude test and does not unduly benefit individuals with previous business education or experience.

The computerized GMAT is available by appointment throughout the year. (Additional information regarding test sites, registration, and content is contained at the official GMAT Web site www.mba.com.) An official GMAT score report must be submitted as part of the application for admission. GMAT test scores remain valid for five years from the date of the test. Only the most recent GMAT test score will be considered in determining admission.

Transcripts Applicants must have official transcripts sent directly to the MBA office from every college or university they have attended. Unofficial records or transcripts that have been issued to applicants cannot be accepted.

Recommendations Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation; recommendation forms are included in the application packet. Recommendations should be obtained only from individuals qualified to evaluate an applicant’s academic or on-the-job performance and attest to his or her ability to pursue a graduate degree. Suggested recommenders are employee supervisors or college professors.

Language Competency All international student applicants, whose native language is not English, must submit proof of English proficiency with their admission application. The most common way of demonstrating English proficiency is through taking a standardized exam.  If the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is taken, a minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test or 600 on the paper-based test is required.  Applicants taking the International English Language Testing System test (IELTS) must achieve a minimum score of 8.0. If the applicant resides in the United States, a Michigan test score of 80 is required for admission consideration.

Applicants who have completed a minimum of 48 semester credit hours at an accredited college or university in the United States are not required to submit an English proficiency exam score.

Conditional Admission  Applicants may be granted conditional admission at the discretion of the director and/or MBA Policy Committee. Specific requirements of conditional admission will be addressed in the applicant’s letter of admission.

Deadlines  Applicants may apply for admission for fall or spring semesters. Completed applications and all required supporting materials should be received by the following dates to assure timely admission decisions.

	Fall	Spring
Application Deadline	July 15	Nov. 15
International Student Deadline	May 1	Oct. 1
Final Admission Decisions	Aug. 10	Dec. 20

Course Scheduling During regular semesters, graduate business classes are offered Monday through Thursday evenings and occasionally on weekends. This provides MBA students with an opportunity to earn a nationally accredited professional business degree with minimal disruption to their careers. During the fall and spring semesters, classes typically meet one evening per week (6-8:45 p.m.) on weekdays. During the summer semester, class offerings are limited. Summer classes usually meet three evenings per week (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday) from 5:30-7:50 p.m.

The schedule of classes has been designed to allow full-time working professionals, if they wish, to complete the MBA program in 18 months to two years.

Academic Regulations The following academic regulations supplement those that apply to all Indiana University graduate students.

Course Load Most MBA students are employed full time and normally take a maximum course load of 6 credits (two courses) per semester and 3 credits (one course) per summer session. However, students may elect to pursue full time study in the program. Enrollment in 9 credits is considered full time.

Courses are scheduled to accommodate the needs of part-time students. Since the school cannot guarantee that all courses will  be available to all students at all times, students must accept the risk that in a given semester or session, scheduled courses may not be compatible with courses needed. Careful planning in consultation with the MBA advisor and participation in early registration will minimize the likelihood of this becoming a problem.

Transfer Credit Students who hold advanced degrees or have earned credits beyond requirements for their bachelor’s degree may apply for transfer credits. A maximum of 6 credits in such graduate courses completed with grades of B or better from an AACSB-accredited institution may be accepted for transfer. Within these limits, acceptability and applicability of transfer credits are determined by the MBA director in consultation with appropriate faculty.

Within the limitation noted above, students seeking approval to complete degree requirements by taking a course at another AACSB-accredited institution must submit a written request and a copy of the institution’s course syllabus to the director in advance of taking the course. The request for this exception must identify: (1) the institution; (2) the specific course(s) that will be taken; and (3) the IPFW requirement(s) to which it or they will apply.

Academic Standards A candidate for the MBA must maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or better. The graduate GPA is calculated based solely on completed graduate-level courses. Students whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation and must bring their GPA back to 3.0 within the next nine (9) credits of course work. Failure to remove the GPA deficiency within the next nine (9) credits may result in immediate dismissal. Graduate level courses in which students earn grades of D or F must be repeated. Grades of D or F will be included in the calculation of the student’s graduate GPA.

Time Allowed for Completion of Degree Students are permitted up to 48 months to complete all requirements. This 48-month period commences once students begin taking any modules or core courses. The schedule of classes has been designed to make it possible for full-time working professionals, if they wish, to complete the MBA program in 18 months to two years.

Students who fail to attend graduate business classes for two regular consecutive semesters must reapply for admission or have their original application renewed.

Assistantships Graduate assistantships are available on a limited basis to full-time MBA students. Graduate assistants receive a stipend plus a tuition remission up to a maximum of 12 credits per semester (special course fees may apply). Graduate assistantships carry a service obligation to the Doermer School of Business and Management Sciences that may include assisting faculty with research projects, teaching assignments, or performing other designated activities. Half-time assistantships require 20 - per - week, and quarter-time assistantships carry a 10-hour-per-week time commitment.

Assistantships may be renewed contingent on satisfactory performance evaluation every semester. Graduate assistants are expected to make normal progress toward their degrees, maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or better, and remain full-time students.

Applicants for graduate assistantships should attach a letter and resume to their application for admission that describes their skills, work experiences, and special abilities that may be useful to a faculty member or to the school. The deadlines for graduate assistantship applications are July 15 and November 15 for assistantships beginning with the fall and spring semesters, respectively. Assistantships are not available during summer semester.

Honor Society MBA students whose academic performance is determined by the faculty to have been exceptional are eligible for nomination to Beta Gamma Sigma. The purpose of this national honor society is to encourage and reward scholarship and accomplishment among students of business administration, to promote the advancement of education in the art and science of business, and to foster integrity in the conduct of business operations.

MBA Policy Committee The MBA Policy Committee is responsible for academic policy and curriculum development. Among other responsibilities, the committee reviews admission decisions and the awarding of graduate assistantships. The committee is comprised of the MBA director and faculty members elected from those who teach in the MBA program.

MBA Advisory Council (MBAAC) The mission of the MBA Advisory Council (a graduate student organization) is to build an esprit de corps among and represent the concerns of MBA students. The council conducts an orientation program in the fall and spring for newly admitted students, and may plan extracurricular activities for all MBA students. Students interested in joining the council should contact a current member or the MBA director.
 

Accelerated MBA – Cohort Program

Graduate students may choose to complete a 33 credit MBA cohort program option in approximately 11 months.  The Accelerated MBA-Cohort Program is based on a system of an initial accelerated two week course, three consecutive eleven week quarters and an ending six-week capstone course. This program does not necessarily follow the university’s calendar for the academic year.

Admission The Doermer School of Business and Management Sciences seeks candidates whose analytical abilities, leadership, interpersonal skills, and personal motivation indicate a strong potential to excel in both an academic program and a business career. Candidates are required to hold a four-year undergraduate degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university.

The MBA Policy Committee considers a number of characteristics essential for success in the program and evaluates a candidate for admission based on these characteristics. An ability to excel in the Accelerated MBA program is indicated by past academic achievements (undergraduate GPA), and recommendations that speak to the candidate’s intellectual capacity. Candidates should have two years of relevant work experience or familiarity with the basics in accounting, finance, economics, ethics and the regulatory environment. In addition, the committee considers several individual factors to be of equal importance. Motivation and leadership, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills, are highly valued in a professional manager. Successful candidates have these proven characteristics, which are revealed in past work experience, a self-evaluation essay, recommendation letters and their program interview. The committee carefully weighs all of these factors in making an admission recommendation to the Doermer School of Business and Management Sciences.

Educational Objective Statement (Essay) Applicants must provide an essay of 400 – 500 words indicating their experiences and achievements that reflect maturity, initiative, and administrative skills. In addition, you should specify educational objectives as you contemplate beginning studies for the Accelerated MBA program.

Transcripts Applicants must have official transcripts sent directly to the Accelerated MBA office from every college or university they have attended. Unofficial records or transcripts that have been issued to applicants cannot be accepted.

Recommendations Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation; recommendation forms are included in the application packet. Recommendations should be obtained only from individuals qualified to evaluate an applicant’s academic or on-the-job performance and attest to his or her ability to pursue a graduate degree. Suggested recommenders are employee supervisors or college professors.

Language Competency All international student applicants, whose native language is not English, must submit proof of English proficiency with their admission application. The most common way of demonstrating English proficiency is through taking a standardized exam. If the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is taken, a minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test or 600 on the paper-based test is required.  Applicants taking the International English Language Testing System test (IELTS) must achieve a minimum score of 8.0. If the applicant resides in the United States, a minimum Michigan test score of 80 is required for admission consideration.

Applicants who have completed a minimum of 48 semester credit hours at an accredited college or university in the United States are not required to submit an English proficiency exam score.

Deadlines The Accelerated MBA Program starts mid-August. Completed applications and all required supporting materials should be received by the following dates to assure a timely admission decision.

	Fall
Application Deadline	June 1
Final Admission Decisions	July 15

Course Scheduling During regular quarters, Accelerated MBA business classes are offered Friday evening and all day Saturday. This provides MBA students with an opportunity to earn a nationally accredited professional business degree with minimal disruption to their careers. During the quarters, classes typically meet Friday evenings (6:00 – 10:00 p.m.) and Saturday (8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.).

Academic Regulations The following academic regulations supplement those that apply to all Indiana University graduate students.

Course Load Most Accelerated MBA students are employed full time and will take a course load of 9 credits (three courses) per quarter for three consecutive quarters.In addition, an initial accelerated two – week course and an ending five week capstone course are taken alone on each end of the program.

Academic Standards A candidate for the Accelerated MBA must maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or better. The graduate GPA is calculated based solely on completed graduate-level courses. Students whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation.  The GPA deficiency must be removed in the next nine (9) credit hours in the Accelerated MBA program.  Failure to remove the GPA deficiency within the next nine (9) credit hours in the program may result in immediate dismissal from the Accelerated MBA program.  Dismissed students have the option of reapplying for the next cohort cycle.  Students earning grades of D or F must reapply for admission in the next cohort cycle. If the student is readmitted to the Accelerated MBA Program, he/she will retain credits and GPA earned from the previous admission to the program. Grades of D or F will be included in the calculation of the student’s graduate GPA.

Time Allowed for Completion of Degree The schedule of classes has been designed to allow full-time working professionals to complete the Accelerated MBA program in approximately 11 months.

Students who fail to attend graduate business classes and maintain good academic standing, at any time, during the Accelerated MBA program must reapply for admission in the next cohort cycle.

Honor Society MBA students whose academic performance is determined by the faculty to have been exceptional are eligible for nomination to Beta Gamma Sigma. The purpose of this national honor society is to encourage and reward scholarship and accomplishment among students of business administration, to promote the advancement of education in the art and science of business, and to foster integrity in the conduct of business operations.

MBA Policy Committee The MBA Policy Committee is responsible for academic policy and curriculum development. Among other responsibilities, the committee reviews admission decisions and the awarding of graduate assistantships. The committee is comprised of the MBA director and faculty members elected from those who teach in the MBA program.

MBA Advisory Council (MBAAC) The mission of the MBA Advisory Council (a graduate student organization) is to build an esprit de corps among and represent the concerns of MBA students. The council conducts an orientation program in the fall for newly admitted MBA students, and may plan extracurricular activities for all MBA students. MBA students interested in joining the council should contact a current member or the MBA director.