Walker College of Business

Appalachian State University, Walker College of Business History

Appalachian State University, founded in 1899, is a public, coeducational institution. The 1320-acre campus is located in a small town 90 miles west of Winston-Salem. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 14,653.

The Walker College of Business was founded in 1977 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Hickory, NC, Metropolitan Higher Education Center (MBA). The basic educational approach is a mixture of theory and case method with small classes (20 to 30) to enhance interaction.

Appalachian State University, Walker College of Business Academics

The Walker College of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Accounting (MSAcc). The strongest areas of study are management, finance, and accounting. The most popular course is management. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. The CEO Lecture Series brings chief executive officers of large corporations to campus to meet with students.

Thirty-two total credits are required to complete the MBA. Required courses include:

• Ethics and Communication
• Economics for Decision Making
• Information Systems for Competitive Advantage
• Managerial Finance
• Problem Analysis and Quantitive Methods
• Executive Skills
• Marketing Strategy and Applications
• Strategic Management
• Operations and Supply Chain Management
• International Seminar
• Leadership Skills

The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 1 year.

There are 64 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 6; average business class size is 25.

Appalachian State University, Walker College of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 600,000 volumes and 350,000 microform items, and subscribes to 5000 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as SAS.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of a wireless Ethernet, computer labs, and a graduate lounge with computers.

Career and Job Placement

Majors most in demand by companies recruiting in 2006 were finance and banking. Placement services are extensive, and those available to alumni include posting of resumes and recruitment on campus, with all career services free of charge.

International Students

International students must score 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. Limited financial aid is available for these students. The application deadline for fall entry is March 1.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 16 weeks long; summer sessions, 5 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

Appalachian State University, Walker College of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GMAT score of 450. Most important admissions factors are grades in upper-level courses, GMAT results, and academic accomplishments and ability. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 56; 39 were accepted; 29 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.13; average GMAT score was 518. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

Students may begin the MBA program in the summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $45, 3 letters of recommendation, and a resume. The application deadline is May 1 for summer entry. Students are notified as early as possible of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is March. Once accepted, students may defer admission for 1 year by written request.

Appalachian State University, Walker College of Business Financial Aid

About 80% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $5000 annually; maximum $11,000. Stipends and programs are available for minority students. The GAPSFAS or FAFSA is required. The application deadline is January 15 for fall entry.

Tuition for in-state residents is $2400 per year. Nonresidents pay $12,000 per year. Other fees are approximately $2000, for an estimated annual total of $4400 for in-state residents and $14,000 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing is readily available off campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Appalachian State University, Walker College of Business Students

Forty-five percent of the current graduate business school class are enrolled full time; 76% have had an average of 5 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school. The greatest percentage of students are from North Carolina (97%). Thirty-one percent are women and 3% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 31; ages range from 22 to 41. Twenty-four percent enter directly from undergraduate school. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 70%, business; 5%, engineering; 5%, education; and 1%, economics. About 10% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 90% remain to receive their degree. In 2006, 9 graduate business degrees were awarded.