Booth College of Business and Professional Studies

Northwest Missouri State University, Booth College of Business and Professional Studies History

Northwest Missouri State University, founded in 1905, is a public, coeducational institution. The 205-acre campus is located in a small town 90 miles north of Kansas City. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 6250.

The Booth College of Business and Professional Studies was founded in 1955 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered in a part-time evening program at the Missouri Western State College campus in St. Joseph, at the North Kansas City center, and at the Liberty center. The basic educational approach is a blend of the theoretical approach and applied projects.

Northwest Missouri State University, Booth College of Business and Professional Studies Academics

The College offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Applied Computer Science (MS). Other programs include joint research with faculty and area businesses.

Thirty-three total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 12 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Managerial Accounting
• Macroeconomic Analysis and Business Conditions or
• Managerial Economics
• Financial Management
• Organizational Behavior in Administration
• Executive Seminar
• Strategic Marketing
• International Business

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements.

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 13 months; maximum, 8 years.

There are 17 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate; there is 1 part-time faculty member, who holds a doctorate. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 24; average business class size is 30.

Northwest Missouri State University, Booth College of Business and Professional Studies Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 90,000 volumes, and subscribes to 650 periodicals. Other opportunities for research consist of the Center for Applied Research and the Small Business Development Center.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The university’s Academic Computing Center is open 24 hours daily. Some 2500 terminals access the VAX 8650/750 and 780/750 main computers; there is usually a 1-hour limit on use. PCs and word processing equipment are available to students. Technical consulting services and noncredit seminars are offered to computer users.

Career and Job Placement

The starting salary range of the graduating class was $32,000 to $78,000. Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include those available to students. Placement is available through the university placement office, the College Counseling Center, and faculty members.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL or IELTS (minimum 6.0). International students must score 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT) or 79 on the Internet-Based (iBT) version. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of hospitalization insurance and a TB test, and proof of adequate funds in the form of financial statements from sponsors for at least 1 year of study. There are special fees of a $50 application fee. The application deadline for fall entry is July 1.

Calendar

The school operates on a trimester basis. Trimesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 4 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

Northwest Missouri State University, Booth College of Business and Professional Studies Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5 and a GMAT score of 400. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 400. Most important admissions factors are management potential, grades in upper-level courses, and GMAT results. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 70; 48 were accepted; 20 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.27; average GMAT score was 410. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, and GMAT scores. The application deadlines are July 1 for fall entry; December 1, spring; May 1, summer. Students are notified within 2 weeks after a complete application is submitted of the admissions decision.

Northwest Missouri State University, Booth College of Business and Professional Studies Financial Aid

About 42% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $7741 annually; maximum $26,344. The FAFSA is required. The application deadline is rolling for fall entry.

Tuition for in-state residents is $244 per credit, or $4397 per year. Nonresidents pay $430 per credit, or $7736 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $5500; books and supplies, $600, for an estimated annual total of $10,602 for in-state residents and $13,941 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing consists of on-campus residence halls, some with special-interest floors.

Northwest Missouri State University, Booth College of Business and Professional Studies Students

Seventy-eight percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 70% have had full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school. Forty-one percent are women, 58% are minorities, and 56% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 29; ages range from 22 to 52. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 80%, business; 10%, liberal arts; 5%, engineering; and 5%, math and science. In 2006, 48 graduate business degrees were awarded.