College of Business and Technology

East Tennessee State University, College of Business and Technology History

East Tennessee State University, founded in 1911, is a public, coeducational institution. The 366-acre campus is located in a suburban area in northeast Tennessee. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 12,150.

The College of Business and Technology was founded in 1959 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered in Kingsport, Bristol, and Greeneville (MBA). The basic educational approach is general, seeking to train men and women for responsible administrative positions in business and government. The program emphasizes strategic decision making through the case method, theoretical study, and hands-on experience.

East Tennessee State University, College of Business and Technology Academics

The College of Business and Technology offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Accountancy (MAcc). Other programs include interdisciplinary programs in health care and e-business and entrepreneurial leadership, foreign exchange with 3 countries, and internships. The strongest areas of study are accountancy and health care. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. These include the Eastman Chemical Company Distinguished Chair of Business Leadership.

Thirty-nine total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 6 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Strategic Management Process
• Managing Organizational Change
• Research Methods and Statistics
• Information Infrastructure
• Economic and Financial Decision Making
• Operations Strategy
• Human Resource Strategy
• Financial Planning and Control
• National and Global Environment
• Market Strategy
• Strategic Experience
• 2 electives

Required courses for the MAcc include:

• Seminar in Financial Accounting I
• Seminar in Managerial Accounting
• Seminar in Accounting Regulation
• Seminar in Taxation
• Seminar in Auditing
• 5 electives
• Professional Accounting Experience

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring credit from accredited schools.

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 3 semesters; maximum, 6 years. For students attending part time, the maximum is 6 years.

There are 45 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate; there are 2 part-time faculty, of whom 50% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated below average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 18; average business class size is 25.

East Tennessee State University, College of Business and Technology Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 500,000 volumes and 360,000 microform items, and subscribes to 12,200 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as Compact Disclosure, CPA Test Prep, Tax Researcher, and Financial Research. Other opportunities for research consist of the Bureau for Business Research and the Center for Banking.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 58 PCs that are connected to the campus network via the Ethernet, with Windows XP software and Office, Corel Suite 8, Quattro Pro, SAS, SPSS, TAG for Economics, Management Scientist, and other programs available. The University Student Center offers access to more than 1200 PCs, with additional PCs available at sites across the campus.

Career and Job Placement

The majors most in demand by companies recruiting in 2006 was accounting. Placement services for alumni include a part-time placement director for graduate students of the university. Placement is available through a separate placement office for graduate business students and the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. International students must score 513 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 health and accident insurance, and proof of adequate funds to cover a calendar year of study. There are special fees of a $35 application fee. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of tuition scholarships and graduate assistantships. The application deadline for fall entry is May 1.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 14 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening and in the late afternoon and evening.

East Tennessee State University, College of Business and Technology Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5 and a GMAT score of 450. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 1050. Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, academic accomplishments and ability, and work experience. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 77; 55 were accepted; 50 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.25; average GMAT score was 53. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by targeted recruiting.

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 $25. The application deadlines are June 1 for fall entry; November 1, spring; March 15, summer. Students are notified 3 weeks after the application is received of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is June. Once accepted, students may defer admission.

East Tennessee State University, College of Business and Technology Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include graduate assistantship and tuition scholarships. The FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $342 per credit, or $5947 per year. Nonresidents pay $659 per credit, or $14,231 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $5000; books and supplies, $1000; personal expenses, $1000; and other fees, $475, for an estimated annual total of $13,422 for in-state residents and $21,706 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing is available in on-campus apartments. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

East Tennessee State University, College of Business and Technology Students

Thirty-five percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 90% have had an average of 5 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from Tennessee (78%). Forty-five percent are women, 15% are minorities, and 11% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 28; ages range from 21 to 61. Ten percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 10% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 50%, business; 20%, engineering; 15%, math and science; 5%, liberal arts; and 5%, social sciences. About 20% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 65% remain to receive their degree. In 2006, 50 graduate business degrees were awarded.