The MBA at FMU 

The Master of Business Administration degree program is designed to prepare students for management positions in business, government and non-profit institutions.

The MBA provides an understanding of how to effectively manage an organization. It includes the study of accounting, economics, finance, management, management information systems, and marketing and especially, the strategic integration of these disciplines. The coursework in the various business disciplines seeks to integrate ethical dimensions and global perspectives, as well as seeking to develop a capacity to view business events in a creative and flexible manner. Many courses incorporate a team-based environment, attempting to develop leadership and consensus building skills.

Class sizes in the program typically range from 10-15, small enough for professors to stimulate lively discussion. This atmosphere can help students apply business concepts to real life situations.

Many of our students are working professionals who complete the program while working full-time in their current management positions. They see in the MBA degree an opportunity for personal growth and development as well as possible advancement in their organization.

As evidenced by the data below, our students have consistently performed well and higher than the national average on the MBA Major Field Exam. This test, developed by the Educational Testing Service, is designed to assess the understanding of subject matter and compare the understanding of students in other MBA programs.

Coursework

The 36 hour program requires the following courses. Each course is three semester hours and offered during the evening hours. For course description, click on or hover the mouse over the course name.

Prior to enrolling in these upper level graduate courses, the student must satisfy the foundation course requirements, either through prior undergraduate courses or through completion of the foundation courses shown below. The MBA director will guide the student into those foundation courses necessary in light of the student’s prior background. Only those courses with a C or higher will be acceptable.

Undergraduate Foundation Courses (3 semester hours each)

FIN 341, Financial Management
MIS 327, Management Information Systems
MKT 331, Principles of Marketing

Graduate Foundation Courses (2 semester hours each)

BUS 505, Principles of Financial Management
BUS 506, Principles of Information Management
BUS 509, Principles of Marketing

The Faculty. Click on name for vita, course syllabi, etc.

Kay L. Belanger, Ph. D.

Charles G. Carpenter, Ph. D. 

Fred R. David, Ph. D.

Michael P Hughes, Ph. D.

Ben L. Kyer, Ph. D.

Johnathan G. Munn, Ph. D.

Susan D. Peters, Ph. D.

Kay M. Poston, Ph. D.

Hari K. Rajagopalan, Ph. D.

Hubert Setzler III, Ph. D.

Elizabeth Sharer, Ph. D.

Allen E. Smith, Ph. D.

Application to Program

The application packet or additional information may be obtained from Dr. Ben L. Kyer, Director, via either BKyer@FMarion.Edu or (843) 661-1436.

The following materials are required for application consideration, and should be submitted to the Graduate Office, Francis Marion University, Florence, SC 29502:

• Graduate Application - click to download
   
• Application Fee – check payable to Francis Marion University, $32 (as of June 27, 2012)
   
• Official copy of transcript from every college/university attended at the undergraduate or graduate level. The transcript should be placed in an envelope addressed to you – the applicant – and sealed by each Registrar.
   
• Official score(s) from Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The university-level Graduate Committee will review for formal acceptance only those applications which are complete.

International students must in addition submit official scores on TOEFL [at least 550] along with evidence of ability to finance the program.

Tuition

The per semester hour tuition for 2011-12 is $425 for South Carolina residents, and $850 for those from out of state.

Financial Assistance

Please visit the Financial Assistance web site for information. Detailed information is available by contacting the Office of Business Affairs—Financial Assistance at (843) 661-1190 or by e-mail at finasst@fmarion.edu.

Questions?

Any questions may be directed to Dr. Kyer, program director – see above for his contact information.