James M. Hull College of Business

Augusta State University, James M. Hull College of Business History

Augusta State University, founded in 1925, is a public, coeducational institution. The 77-acre campus is located in a suburban area 150 miles east of Atlanta. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 6573.

The James M. Hull College of Business was founded in 1972 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is eclectic.

Augusta State University, James M. Hull College of Business Academics

The Hull College of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other programs include work-study. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. Two of these are the MBA Executive Lecture Series program and the Executive-in-Residence program.

Thirty-six total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 3 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Societal Issues in Business Decisions
• Communication for Managers
• National and International Economics for Managers
• Accounting Systems for Managerial Control
• Management of Information Technology
• Managerial Finance
• Marketing Management
• Management of Human Resources
• Strategic Management
• Applied Business Research
• Designing, Managing, and Improving Operations

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 1/2 years; maximum, 6 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 years; maximum, 6 years.

There are 17 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 88% hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated below average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 7; average business class size is 15.

Augusta State University, James M. Hull College of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 430,938 volumes, 955,182 microform items, and 7185 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 1276 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as Compustat and Westlaw. Other opportunities for research consist of the Office of Institutional Research, which directs field research activities.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of a 40-station PC laboratory and an advanced computer laboratory for upper-division and graduate courses, with a wide variety of business-oriented software, including various databases.

Career and Job Placement

In spring of a recent year, 10 companies recruited on campus. Fifty-five percent were national corporations. Average starting salary of a recent graduating class was $36,000; range was $26,000 to $50,000. The percentage of graduates finding jobs were:

• national corporations 40%
• regional corporations 30%
• local large enterprises 20%
• local small enterprises 10%

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Services are free of charge for 1 year after graduation. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of certification of immunization, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of graduate student assistantships. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 7 1/2 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

Augusta State University, James M. Hull College of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GMAT score of 450. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (GPA x 200) + 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 not required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 92; 72 were accepted; 62 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.05; average GMAT score was 520. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by statewide efforts through the Chancellor’s office and through regional participation in career fairs.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $20, an immunization certificate, and a computer skills assessment form. Check with the school for current application deadlines. Students are notified of the admissions decision as soon as their application files are completed and evaluated. Once accepted, students may defer admission and negotiate entry time under a flexible deferred admissions plan.

Augusta State University, James M. Hull College of Business Financial Aid

The FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $127 per credit, or $2286 per year. Nonresidents pay $508 per credit, or $9144 per year. Books and supplies cost approximately $500; personal expenses, $500; and other fees, $506, for an estimated annual total of $3792 for in-state residents and $10,650 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing is available.

Augusta State University, James M. Hull College of Business Students

Thirty-three percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 95% have had an average of 8 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from Georgia (74%). Forty percent are women, 26% are minorities, and 14% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 31; ages range from 22 to 57. Fourteen percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 12% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 58%, business; 10%, engineering; 10%, math and science; 9%, liberal arts; and 4%, social sciences.