Indiana University
Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Richard T. Doermer School of Business
Melissa L. Gruys, Ph.D. - Dean
Carolyn Fabian Stumph, Ph.D., Director of MBA Program and Continuing Lecturer in Economics
260-481-6495 ~ Fax: 260-481-6879
www.ipfw.edu/mba/ ~ Neff Hall 360D - 260-481-6498
e-mail: stumphc@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 an ever-changing global environment such as:

• Innovative problem solving
• Transcending functional boundaries
• Making complex, short-term decisions
• Strategic decision making
• Solving managerial problems
• Untilizing information technology
• Building effective organizational environments
• Sense of professional and social responsibility 

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 25% of business schools in the US and 5% 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 analytical, statistical, and simulation packages through 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.

A number of characteristics are essential for success in the program in evaluating 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 MBA Director 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 MBA Director 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) / Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

All applicants are required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as part of the admission process with a minimum score of 450. The GMAT is an aptitude test and does not unduly benefit individuals with previous business education or experience.The GRE is also accepted.

The computerized GMAT/GRE 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/GRE score report must be submitted as part of the application for admission. GMAT/GRE test scores remain valid for five years from the date of the test. Only the most recent GMAT/GRE 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. Unless applicant is a graduate from IPFW, unofficial records or transcripts that have been issued to applicants cannot be accepted. A course by course evaluation is required for all foreign transcripts from WES or ECE. This evaluation is arranged by the student and the evaluations should be sent directly to the MBA Office. For foreign transcripts, both the original language and English version of the transcript is required.

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 80 on the Internet-based test. In addition to the overall required score of 80, you must achieve minimum test scores in each of the categories: Reading 19; Listening 14; Speaking 18, and Writing 18. Minimums of 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. For more information on English proficiency, please refer to English Language Proficiency under Academic Regulations in this Bulletin.

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 MBA Director and/or Graduate 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.

 Course Scheduling

During regular semesters, graduate business classes are offered Monday through Thursday evenings and occasionally on Friday evenings. 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.

Courses may be offered in one of three formats: face-to-face, hybrid, or online.

Each summer, a selection of core classes will be offered in either a hybrid or online format. These courses are offered to add flexibility to the program.

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 course load of 6 credits (two courses) per semester.  However, students may elect to pursue full time study in the program. Enrollment in 9 credits is considered full time during the Fall or Spring semesters.

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 Director 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 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 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. 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.

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.

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 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.

Professional MBA - Saturday Cohort Program

Graduate students may choose to complete a 33 credit MBA cohort program option in approximately 12 months.  The Professional MBA - Cohort Program is based on a system of three consecutive eleven-week quarters and an ending ten-week session.  This program does not 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 Director 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 Professional MBA program is indicated by past academic achievements (undergraduate GPA), and recommendations that speak to the candidate’s intellectual capacity.  Candidates should have relevant professional work experience. In addition, the MBA Director 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 MBA Director 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 Professional MBA program.

Quantitative Aptitude Test

Once all application materials have been received, the Quantitative Aptitude Test will be scheduled.  The Quantitative Aptitude Test is an online test.

Transcripts

Applicants must have official transcripts sent directly to the MBA office from every college or university they have attended. Unless an applicant is a graduate from IPFW, unofficial records or transcripts that have been issued to applicants cannot be accepted. A course-by-course evaluation is required for all foreign transcripts from WES or ECE. This evaluation is arranged by the student and the evaluations should be sent directly to the MBA Office. For foreign transcripts, both the orginal language and translated English version are required.

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 80 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.

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.

Course Scheduling

During regular quarters, Professional MBA business classes are offered on 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 Saturday (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Academic Regulations

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

• Course Load    Most Professional 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 ten-week session which includes two courses (6 credit hours).
• Academic Standards    A candidate for the Professional 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 Professional 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 Professional 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 Professional MBA program in approximately 12 months.

• Students who fail to attend graduate business classes and maintain good academic standing, at any time, 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 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.