MBA program graduates largest class
Melissa C. Teutsch

The LSUS Master of Business Administration program is seeing a lot of changes and growth, exemplified by the largest class in the program's history - 16 - receiving degrees this spring.

"I'm really excited about the growth of the program," MBA Coordinator Susan Wood said.

Launched at LSUS in 1981, the MBA program prepares students for middle and upper management positions, as well as for entrepreneurial endeavors. It is designed to immerse students with a degree or background in business in an in-depth study of the foundations of business.

The program is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International.

"We are one of 400 business schools in the world with this accreditation," Wood said. "It means we meet the highest standards of quality in our curriculum, computer and library resources, faculty and students."

Dr. Lisa Burke, associate professor of management, said the program "is a real gem in the university. We pack a mean punch."

Five new faculty members will join the College of Business Administration in time for the fall semester.

"These new faculty will be a real asset to our program," Dr. Charlotte Jones, the college's dean, said.
Wood said the fall semester will also see the introduction of a new "4-4-2" plan, which will allow MBA students to complete requirements for their degree in one year by taking 4 classes in the fall, 4 in the spring and 2 in the summer.

She said consideration is also being given to offering alternate scheduling of classes, such as lunchtime classes. Currently, all of the graduate classes are offered in the evening to accommodate students who hold full-time jobs.

Two years ago, the program increased the GMAT score requirement for incoming students from 400 to 450. "Our GMAT requirement is the most rigorous of any institution in our region," Wood said. The average score for incoming graduate students is currently 525, well above the minimum requirement.
"We have got some great students here," Burke said. "It is such a rewarding experience to be in the classroom with students who can push me to learn."

For more information on the MBA program and entrance requirements, contact Wood at 797-5213 or swood@lsus.edu. Information is also available on the MBA web site at www.lsus.edu/ba/mba.