Harmon College of Business Administration

University of Central Missouri, Harmon College of Business Administration History

University of Central Missouri, founded in 1871, is a public, coeducational institution. The 1049-acre campus is located in a small town 50 miles southeast of Kansas City.

The Harmon College of Business Administration was founded in 1962 and is located on the main campus. Courses also are offered at Central Summit Center (Lee’s Summit, MO):(MSIT). The basic educational approach is one that emphasizes theory and its application to business planning and problem solving. The MBA program is traditional, with a balanced mix of theoretical and case methods.

University of Central Missouri, Harmon College of Business Administration Academics

The HCBA offers the Master of Arts in Accountancy (MAAcc), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT). Other programs include managerial internships and joint research with other departments, other U.S. universities, and universities in Hungary, Sweden, and Mexico. The strongest areas of study are management, accounting, and information services. The most popular courses are Technology-Based Research and Quantitative Tools, Controllership and the Treasury Function and Strategic Management and Marketing. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus.

Thirty-three total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 6 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Controllership and the Treasury Function
• Technology-Based Research and Quantitative Tools
• Strategic Management and Marketing

Required courses for the MSIT include:

• Software Engineering
• Project Management
• Advanced Systems Project Management
• Managing Corporate Information Systems
• Legal Environment of Information Systems
• Communication Network Management
• Internship in CIS

Required courses for the MAAcc include:

• Seminar in Accounting Theory
• Advanced Income Tax
• Advanced Auditing

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements for prerequisites but not core courses.

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, 8 years. For students attending part time, the maximum is 8 years.

There are 38 total full-time graduate business faculty, all of whom hold a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated below average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 9; average business class size is 15.

University of Central Missouri, Harmon College of Business Administration Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 760,000 volumes, 992,000 microform items, and 6900 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 3000 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as Dialog, ABI/INFORM, Disclosure, and Dissertation Abstracts on CD-ROM. Other opportunities for research consist of the Small Business Institute and the Center for Technology and Small Business Development.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 15 mainframe terminals, 90 PCs, and access to the academic computer laboratory. The building has wi-fi throughout all areas.

Career and Job Placement

Majors most in demand by companies recruiting in 2006 were accounting, computer information systems, and finance. Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include interviewing, credential reference or contacts, resume/cover letter assistance, and career counseling.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. There is a higher rate on medical insurance. The application deadline for fall entry is rolling.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 15 weeks long; summer sessions, 6 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only and, weekends. Classes for the MSIT are offered during the day, evening, and on weekends; all other programs are day and evening.

University of Central Missouri, Harmon College of Business Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.5, a GMAT score of 400, and GRE scores of 1100. 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, 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 175; 132 were accepted; 80 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.36; average GMAT score was 482. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited through the Presidential Minority Scholarships Program.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, GMAT scores, (GRE scores for the MSIT), and a nonrefundable application fee of $25. Check with the school for current application deadlines and test dates.

University of Central Missouri, Harmon College of Business Administration Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include Presidential Minority Scholarships. The FAFSA is required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for in-state residents is $241 per credit. Nonresidents pay $468 per credit. On-campus room and board costs approximately $4988; books and supplies, $800; personal expenses, $2500, for an estimated annual total of $14,072 for in-state residents and $19,520 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing consists of readily available apartments and residence halls on campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

University of Central Missouri, Harmon College of Business Administration Students

The greatest percentage of students are from foreign countries (54%). Forty-one percent are women and 54% are foreign nationals. Ages range from 22 to 50. Twenty-five percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 12% already have a graduate degree. About 5% 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, 45 graduate business degrees were awarded.