Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 Graduate Bulletin 
    
2013-2014 Graduate Bulletin [Archived Catalog]

Business (MBA)


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Indiana University
Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Richard T. Doermer School of Business
Otto H. Chang, Dean
Lyman R. Lewis, MBA Director
260-481-6498 ~ Fax: 260-481-6879
ipfw.edu/mba~ Neff Hall 360D
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 Master of Business Administration 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 (the 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% of business schools in the US and 10% 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 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 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.

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 400–500 words indicating their experiences and achievements that reflect management, leadership, organization, creativity, 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 Graduate Management Admission Test (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; the 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 79 on the Internet-based test, 213 on the computer based or 550 on the paper-based test is required.  Applicants taking the International English Language Testing System test (IELTS) must achieve a minimum score of 6.5. 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.  Conditional admission for prospective international students whose native language is other than English may be offered based on successfully completing ELS program level 112.  IPFW will accept requisite score results on the TOEFL or IELTS examinations, or the ELS Level 112 Certificate of Completion as proof of English proficiency.  Upon completion of English proficiency requirements, students must pass a program interview for admission into the program.

Deadlines 

Applicants may apply for admission for fall semester entry into the program. Completed applications and all required supporting materials should be received by the admissions deadline dates to assure timely admission decisions.

 **All MBA+ application deadlines are listed on the MBA Program website at

ipfw.edu/mba

 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. 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.

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 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 grade-point average back to 3.0 within the next 9 credits of course work. Failure to remove the GPA deficiency within the next 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 24-30 months.

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 that may include assisting faculty with research projects or performing other designated activities. Half-time assistantships require 20 hours 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 for fall and spring semesters are the same as admissions applications deadlines. 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 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.

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 three consecutive eleven-week quarters and an ending nine-week session, which includes the marketing and capstone courses.  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 three years of relevant work experience and 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.

Educational Objective Statement (Essay)

Applicants must provide an essay of 400–500 words indicating their experiences and achievements that reflect management, leadership, organization, creativity, 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; the 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 79 on the Internet-based test, 213 on the computer based test or 550 on the paper-based test is required.  Applicants taking the International English Language Testing System test (IELTS) must achieve a minimum score of 6.5. 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 at the end of July. Completed applications and all required supporting materials should be received by the admissions deadline dates to assure a timely admission decision.

**All Accelerated MBA application deadlines are listed on the MBA Program website at

ipfw.edu/mba 

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 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 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, there is an ending nine-week session which includes the marketing and capstone courses.
  • 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.  Dismissal from the Accelerated MBA program occurs when either one or both of the following conditions occur:
  1. Students Graduate GPA falls below 3.0 (academic probation)
  2. Students earn grades of D or F.  Grades of D or F will be included in the calculation of the student’s graduate GPA.

Students who have been dismissed from the program, for any of the conditions above, have the option of applying for enrollment in the next Accelerated MBA cohort cycle.  A condition of readmittance for students who have earned grades of D or F is that the graduate level course must be repeated in the next cohort cycle.

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 are dismissed from the Accelerated MBA Program.

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. 

Program of Study


The MBA+ program requires the completion of a minimum of 37 credit hours. There are five classifications of courses in the program:

Group 1—Orientation


Orientation is mandatory. It provides an avenue for students to begin to get to know their classmates and faculty while also providing them with tools for success.

Group 2—Business Foundations: (Credits 4)


Business Foundations Courses Group 2 (Foundations Core) consists of short introductory business modules. These modules are required for all students. In addition, students who lack academic background in computer applications should take additional course work to address that deficiency. These courses must be completed prior to taking courses from the Professional Core.

Group 3—Professional Core: (Credits 9)


MBA candidates are required to complete a minimum of 37 credits in approved graduate courses. No waivers will be granted in the core or elective courses.  Courses in the Professional Core are to be successfully completed within the first year in the program and prior to taking courses from the Strategic Management Core.

Group 4—Strategic Management Core: (Credits 15)


MBA candidates are required to complete a minimum of 37 credits in approved graduate courses. No waivers will be granted in the core or elective courses.

Group 5—Capstone Course: (Credits 3)


It is expected that ALL courses in the Professional and Strategic Management Cores will be successfully completed prior to enrolling in the Capstone Course.

Group 6—Electives or MBA Track in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship


Electives (Credits 6)


MBA candidates are required to complete a minimum of 37 credits in approved graduate courses. No waivers will be granted in the core or elective courses.

MBA Track in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Credits 9)


The MBA Track consists of three 3 credit hour courses.

Total MBA+ Credits: 37 credits (40 credits with MBA Track in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship)


Accelerated MBA — Cohort Program


 The Accelerataed MBA program requires the completion of 33 credit hours. There are 5 classifications of courses in the program:

Component 1—Orientation


 Orientation is mandatory. It provides an avenue for students to begin to get to know their classmates and faculty while also providing them with tools for success.

Component 4—Eleven Weeks: (Credits 9)


  •  Alternating Management, Marketing, Accounting, or Finance course Cr. 3.

Total Accelerated MBA Credits: 33 Credits


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