Florida State University College of Business

Florida State University, Florida State University College of Business History

Florida State University, founded in 1851, is a public, coeducational institution. The 347-acre campus is located in an urban area. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 39,652.

The Florida State University College of Business was founded in 1950 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, Rovetta Business Building. Courses also are offered at the Panama City campus (MBA), there is an on-line MBA program as well. The basic educational approach is case method in master’s programs and theoretical in PhD programs.

Florida State University, Florida State University College of Business Academics

The College of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Accounting (MAcc), Master of Science in ManagementManagement Information Systems (MSM-MIS), and Master of Science in ManagementRisk Management/Insurance (MSM-RMI) as well as a doctoral program with majors in organizational behavior, strategic management, marketing, accounting, finance, risk management and insurance, and management information systems, and a joint degree in law (MBA/JD). Other programs include interdisciplinary programs in social work and engineering, cooperative programs with Florida A&M University, foreign exchange with 2 countries, and joint research. The strongest areas of study are accounting, finance, marketing, and insurance. The most popular courses are Information Technology Management, Business Conditions Analysis, and Investment Management. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. A formal monthly speakers program brings distinguished visitors to campus several times each term.

Forty-three total semester hours are required for the full-time MBA (42 for the part-time and on-line programs). Required courses for the 1-year MBA include:

• Organizational Behavior
• Managerial Economics
• Marketing Strategy
• Information and Technology Management
• Problems in Financial Management
• Business Conditions Analysis
• Current Issues in Accounting
• Production and Operations Management
• Legal Environment
• Strategy and Business Policy
• Multinational Business Operations

Required courses for the MSM-MIS include:

• Information and Technology Management
• Social and Organizational Issues in Management Information Systems
• Information Systems Analysis and Design
• Database Development and Management
• Network Development and Management
• Program Management
• Client/Server Applications
• Special Topics in Management Information Systems
• Operations Management

Required courses for the MSM-RMI include:

• Introduction to Risk and Insurance
• Investment Management and Analysis
• Legal Environment of Business
• Employee Benefits Plans
• Insurance Accounting and Finance
• Personal Financial Planning
• Business Conditions Analysis
• Insurance Company Operations

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring up to 6 credits and substituting electives for courses already taken from the core.

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, 7 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 years; maximum, 7 years.

There are 115 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 97% hold a doctorate; there are 35 part-time faculty, of whom 85% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated below average for Category I institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average business class size is 28.

Florida State University, Florida State University College of Business Unique Programs

Library

The Robert Manning Strozier Library houses a collection of more than 2,441,647 volumes and 6,758,191 microform items, and subscribes to 17,375 periodicals. Students have access to databases and networks in the fields of business and allied subject areas.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 200 computers in 5 computer laboratories; software includes Microsoft Works.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are extensive and are available through the College of Business Office of Career Management and the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. International students must score 600 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of proof of health insurance, and proof of adequate funds to cover the entire length of the program of study. There are special fees for health insurance. Financial aid is available for these students in the PhD program only. The application deadline for fall entry is March 1.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 16 weeks long; summer sessions, 13 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening. An on-line MBA program is available.

Florida State University, Florida State University College of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 3.0. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 X GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 1000 (does not ensure admission. Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, grades in upper-level courses, and work experience. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 791; 514 were accepted; 319 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.32; average GMAT score was 550. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by the PhD Project and Florida A&M University graduate fairs.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall (on-line MBA), spring (part-time/evening MBA), and summer (full-time MBA). To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $30, 3 letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume. The application deadlines are June 1 for fall entry; October 1, spring; February 1, summer. Students are notified on a rolling basis of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is April 30. Once accepted, students may defer admission to the next year.

Florida State University, Florida State University College of Business Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include assistantships and fellowships. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $237 per credit. Nonresidents pay $868 per credit. Graduate student housing is available for students and their families through the university housing office. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Florida State University, Florida State University College of Business Students

Thirty-five percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 80% have had full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. Forty percent are women, 30% are minorities, and 5% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 29; ages range from 21 to 60. Thirty percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 25% already have a graduate degree. About 10% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 90% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 150 graduate business degrees were awarded.