D. Abbott Turner College of Business

Columbus State University, D. Abbott Turner College of Business History

Columbus State University, founded in 1958, is a public, coeducational institution. The 132-acre campus is located in an urban area in Columbus. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 7597. Enrollment figures in the above capsule are approximate.

The D. Abbott Turner College of Business was founded in 1973 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is both practical and theoretical. Emphasis is placed upon computer, communication, and analytical skills.

Columbus State University, D. Abbott Turner College of Business Academics

The D. Abbott Turner College of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). The most popular course is Management Information Systems. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus.

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

• Managerial Economics
• Seminar in Organizational Behavior
• Managerial Accounting
• Professional Communication Skills
• Operations Management
• Marketing Management
• Managerial Finance
• Management Information Systems
• Business Strategy
• Legal and Social Environment of Business

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements by transferring a maximum of 6 semester hours with a B or better.

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

In a recent year, there were 14 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom held 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 1; average business class size is 18.

Columbus State University, D. Abbott Turner College of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 240,000 volumes, 742,000 microform items, and 5800 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 1400 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as ProQuest. Other opportunities for research consist of on-line connections with all libraries in the Georgia University System.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 57 PCs for student use; 35 have LAN capability to access various software packages. Additional facilities are available at the university lab. Labs are open during the week, with limited weekend hours.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time, and are 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 immunization forms, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of scholarships and research assistantships.

Calendar

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

Columbus State University, D. Abbott Turner College of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.0 and a GMAT score of 470. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is (200 x GPA) + GMAT, or minimum 1000. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, grades in upper-level courses, and GMAT results. A strong mathematics background is not required.

Transfers are accepted.

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 $25, 3 letters of recommendation, and a resume. The application deadlines are May 1 for fall entry; November 1, spring; March 15, summer. Students are notified within 1 month of application of the admissions decision. Once accepted, students may defer admission.

Columbus State University, D. Abbott Turner College of Business Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include the Regents’ Opportunity Scholarship. The school’s own financial statement and the previous year’s tax return are required. The application deadline is May 1 for fall entry.

Tuition for in-state residents is $127 per credit. Nonresidents pay $508 per credit. On-campus room and board costs approximately $6500; and other fees, $464. Graduate student housing consists of on-campus apartments. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Columbus State University, D. Abbott Turner College of Business Students

Thirty-one percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 90% had an average of 8 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school. The greatest percentage of students were from the South (82%). Fifty-three percent were women, 22% were minorities, and 16% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 34; ages ranged from 23 to 45. Twenty percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 4% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 23%, math and science; 19%, liberal arts; 18%, biological/medical science; 17%, business; and 10%, social sciences.