Indiana State University School of Business

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Students Say - Academics
Designed primarily for students early in their business careers, the MBA program at Indiana State University offers graduate-level preparation to aspiring managers and business professionals. "Small classes, great teachers, good assistantships" and an affordable tuition add up to excellent value for students here. Size is both a major asset and an occasional drawback at ISU. With fewer than 60 students in the entire program, students enjoy "individual attention that better prepares the students in a hands-on manner." Small class sizes also mean great faculty accessibility; one student points out, "All of my classes have been taught by senior professors, department chairs, etc. The mentors and connections I'm gaining are fantastic." The size of the program also helps foster a "friendly environment inside and outside the classroom." On the downside, "Class scheduling can be difficult since limited classes are offered each semester." Also, small programs often suffer from neglect in some areas, and ISU's is no exception. For example, ISU "needs to continually update case studies," an area in which students say the program is deficient. "Especially during these economic times, we need very current cases." The Indiana State MBA consists of 33 semester units (plus foundational course work for students who did not study business as an undergraduate; students seeking a specialized concentration must complete an additional 3 semester units), which can be completed in one year and four months of full-time study. Students wishing to continue to work while they earn their MBAs may also choose to study part-time. Through core course work and electives, the program emphasizes strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, organizational change, international business, and group dynamics. Hands-on learning occurs through opportunities to assist faculty in real-world research projects in programs such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which provides business planning assistance to start-up companies, and through consulting services to existing small businesses.

Students Say - Admissions
In considering applicants for the MBA program, Indiana State University considers the following criteria: acceptance to the School of Graduate Studies; successful completion of undergraduate degree; GPA of at least 2.7, or a GPA of at least 3.0 over the final 60 semester hours of undergraduate study; basic computing skills; GMAT scores; and prerequisite competency. Prerequisite course work for the program includes micro- and macroeconomics, financial accounting, finance, and US business law; additionally, marketing and production and operation management are "strongly recommended." Potential students must earn a GMAT-GPA admissions index of 1050 or higher (the admissions index numbers are calculated by multiplying GPA by 200 and adding GMAT scores), with scores ranking in at least the 50th percentile in both the math and verbal portions of the GMAT. Students failing to meet this requirement may be granted conditional admission to the program.

Students Say - Campus Life
"There is always something to be involved in for anyone who wants to get involved" in ISU's MBA community, students tell us. "Whether they are activities organized by the MBA Association (MBAA) or seminars and conferences hosted by leaders of industries, the ISU business school contributes positively towards a student's personality and mentality," a student observes. Students are particularly impressed with MBAA, whose events "allows students from all cultures to come together." Students also appreciate "a lounge for MBA students to study, eat, socialize, and plan." While students complain that "the classrooms need to be upgraded," they also point out that "they are already working on a new business building for us." Hometown Terre Haute "has the most amazing public parks," facilitating "all [sorts] of outdoor activities. We are also very close to Indianapolis, Chicago, Louisville, and St. Louis, so we have been to Pacers games, Rams games etc. There is so much to do in this area and the cost of living is so low that you have money to enjoy life, even while in b-school." The ISU MBA program attracts a mix of full timersâ€"typically "young and busy," with some continuing directly from undergraduate studyâ€"and part timers adding school to a busy calendar that also includes a full-time job and family obligations. There is a large international contingent here, which makes for a "culturally diverse" campus. Students are "friendly and helpful," even when there are language barriers, and "work together on projects to make sure everyone understands." One writes: "As an international student I have never felt like a foreigner at ISU…[My classmates] always contribute positively in the classroom environment as well as outside." Academically, students describe their peers as "moderately competitive, with the occasional outstanding scholar."

Students Say - Careers
Since 2004 when the College of Business opened the Career Experience Center (CEC), where students have had a dedicated facility where they can research positions using the Sycamore CareerLink electronic database, attend career-building workshops, and prepare for interviews. One student writes the following: "My experience with the Career Center is that they only provide the website for assistance in job searches and two career fairs per year. The staff does not provide any other help." Employers interviewing on the ISU campus during a recent recruiting year included: AFLAC, AmSouth, Caterpillar, Dauby O'Connor & Zaleski CPA, Federated Mutual Insurance Company, Marathon Oil, Travelers, and West Point Financial/Mass Mutual.

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