Wichita State University, W. Frank Barton School of Business History

Wichita State University, founded in 1895, is a public, coeducational institution. The 330-acre campus is located in an urban area within the city of Wichita. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 14,300. Check with the school for the most current information.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business was founded in 1958 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is to develop professionally competent people for careers in business, government, and other organizations requiring the organizational, managerial, and analytical skills necessary in today’s business environment.

Wichita State University, W. Frank Barton School of Business Academics

The Barton School offers the Master of Accountancy (MAcc), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Economics (MA/ECON), and Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) as well as a joint degree in nursing (MBA/MSN). Other programs include foreign exchange. The strongest areas of study are marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and operations management. The most popular courses are in operations, management, and finance. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus. Nationally known entrepreneurs, executives, and distinguished alumni visit the campus to speak.

Thirty-six total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 9 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Marketing Management
• Business Decision Making
• Managerial Accounting
• Managerial Economics
• Organizational Behavior
• Advanced Strategic Management
• Managerial Finance
• Management Information Systems
• Operations Management

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements for background fundamentals if they have completed an equivalent course with C or better at the undergraduate level.

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 12 months; maximum, 6 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 36 months; maximum, 6 years.

There are 40 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 99% hold a doctorate; there is 1 part-time faculty member, who holds a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated below average for Category I institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 12; average business class size is 25.

Wichita State University, W. Frank Barton School of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 1.9 million volumes and 1,095,522 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 14,270 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in entrepreneurship and management. Students have access to such databases and networks as Dialog, ABI/INFORM, Compact D/SEC, and EconLit. Other opportunities for research consist of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of the university’s IBM ES9121 Model 440 mainframe and a DEC VAX/4000 Model 500. The campus network supports Ethernet, SNA, and asynchronous communications with more than 3500 PCs and nearly 200 CRT terminals. Students may also access the network by modem. Computer laboratories are open 7 days a week.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are limited, since most students are already employed full time. Placement services for alumni are available for a fee. Placement is available through the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. International students must score 570 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT). They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. There is a $50 application fee. The application deadline for fall entry is April 1.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 18 weeks long; summer sessions, 4 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only.

Wichita State University, W. Frank Barton School of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.75. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and motivation. A strong mathematics background is not required.

Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by a university-wide program.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall and spring. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $35, 2 letters of recommendation, a resume, and an essay. The application deadlines are June 1 for fall entry; November 1, spring. Students are notified of the admissions decision as soon as possible after receipt of all materials. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 1 year.

Wichita State University, W. Frank Barton School of Business Financial Aid

In a recent year, about 50% of graduate business school students received financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships. The GAPSFAS, FFS, or FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is approximately $170 per credit. Nonresidents pay approximately $470 per credit. On-campus room and board costs approximately $5000; books and supplies, $800; personal expenses, $1800, for an estimated annual total of $12,400 for in-state residents and $18,880 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing is available in dorms and in an apartment complex on campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Wichita State University, W. Frank Barton School of Business Students

Twenty-four percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 80% had an average of 3 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students were from Kansas (87%). Forty-three percent were women, 7% are minorities, and 9% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 27; ages ranged from 21 to 44. Fifteen percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 10% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 60%, business; 35%, engineering; 3%, economics; and 2%, liberal arts. About 20% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 70% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 76 graduate business degrees were awarded.