Murray State University, College of Business and Public Affairs History

Murray State University, founded in 1922, is a public, coeducational institution. The 240-acre campus is located in a small town 125 miles northwest of Nashville. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approxmitely 10,274.

The College of Business and Public Affairs was founded in 1966 and is located on the main campus, in its own building. Courses also are offered at Paducah, Hopkinsville, Madisonville, and Henderson (MBA). The basic educational approach is to emphasize case method or application rather than theory, as well as individual and group projects, simulations, and other experiential learning/teaching approaches. The current breakdown at the MBA level is as follows: lecture method, 43% of graduate classes; case study, 35%; experiential, 9%; and other, 13%.

Murray State University, College of Business and Public Affairs Academics

The Arthur J. Bauernfeind Graduate Program offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Economics/Finance (MS), Master of Arts or Science in Organizational Communication (MA/MS), Master of Arts or Science in Journalism and Mass Communications (MA/MS), and Master of Science in Telecommunications Systems Management (MS). Other programs include an interdisciplinary program for the MBA and the graduate degree in telecommunications systems management, internships, joint research, foreign exchange with 3 countries, and cooperative programs with Kentucky’s other public universities. The strongest areas of study are accounting, economics, e-commerce, finance, computer information systems, marketing, and management. The most popular courses are Information Systems, Finance, E-commerce, Accounting, Marketing, and Management. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. There is an Executives-on-Campus program each spring semester and a Distinguished Lecture once each semester.

Thirty total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 9 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Quantitative Financial Controls
• Management Science for Managerial Decision Making
• Managerial Economics
• Corporate Finance
• Seminar in Organizational Behavior
• Seminar in Strategic Management
• Marketing Planning and Application

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, 8 years. For students attending part time, the maximum is 8 years.

There are 30 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 6; average business class size is 21.

Murray State University, College of Business and Public Affairs Unique Programs

Library

Publications for the business school contained in the main library consist of more than 400,000 volumes, 180,000 microform items, and 16,000 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscriptions to 2385 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in accounting and law. Students have access to databases and networks in the fields of business and allied subject areas. Other opportunities for research consist of PC laboratories and free Internet usage.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 250 PCs. Software includes MS Office, Professional XP, and multiple other statistical, business, and graphics packages and programs. Students also have full access to the Internet, the World Wide Web, and e-mail facilities. Located in the Business Building, computer facilities are open 6 days a week to all students.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include job vacancy bulletins, credential referral, resume assistance, career days, on-campus interviews, and web page announcements. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. International students must score 525 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds to cover 2 years of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of assistantships and housing scholarships. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 16 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening and weekends.

Murray State University, College of Business and Public Affairs Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.75, a GMAT score of 400, and GRE scores of 800. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 1000. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and grades in upper-level courses. A strong mathematics background is required.

Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by efforts at predominantly black schools and with special minority assistantships.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, and a nonrefundable application fee of $30. Check with the school for current application deadlines. Students are notified of the admissions decision within 3 weeks of applying. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 3 years; however, once enrolled, a student inactive for 1 year must reapply.

Murray State University, College of Business and Public Affairs Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include special assistantships. The FAFSA and the school’s own financial statement are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $5679 per year. Nonresidents pay $15,966 per year. Graduate student housing consists of private dorm rooms and on- and off-campus apartments. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Murray State University, College of Business and Public Affairs Students

Fifty percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time. The greatest percentage of students were from Kentucky (65%). Forty-nine percent were women, 22% were minorities, and 26% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 30; ages ranged from 22 to 48. Twenty-one percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 3% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 80%, business; 2%, economics; and 2%, engineering. About 2% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 85% remain to receive their degree.