MBA Handbook

SECTION 1: ABOUT THE MBA in Leadership DEGREE PROGRAM

A. Purpose and Mission
The MBA in Leadership provides students an opportunity to become business leaders by developing skills in the functional areas of business and leadership and to understand how these skills are applied in achieving business and organizational goals in a global environment. This program, with emphasis in Organizational Leadership, prepares students for leadership in organizations, in independent business, and in their own communities by providing graduates with the knowledge and perspectives needed for success. This success will be accomplished in a collaborative environment using innovative, online learning systems consistent with Fort Hays State University’s “high tech, high touch” tradition. The flexibility and affordability of the online program serves students regardless of their geographic location, undergraduate degree, or busy schedule.

The MBA in Leadership is a rigorous business graduate degree designed to enhance the education and competencies of today's business leaders by emphasizing the leadership, strategic management, analysis, and research skills required to compete successfully in the global business environment. This program features interactive online learning which enables students from diverse backgrounds, locations, and careers to participate in stimulating contact with graduate faculty and fellow students by delivering an educational experience that makes students the center of teaching and learning. Additionally, the MBA in Leadership will be available on-campus for business graduate students who are able to take advantage of face-to-face delivery at Fort Hays State University.

B. Educational Objectives
This graduate business degree is designed to give students exposure to the leadership and management skills needed to function in a changing business environment. Specific objectives are:

• To provide an understanding of the foundational areas of economics, quantitative methods, management, and accounting necessary for non-business students to proceed into graduate-level business studies;
• To provide an understanding of the essential business skills in the functional areas of accounting, economics, strategic management, marketing, finance, management information systems, and quantitative research methods;
• To prepare students for successful professional careers and a lifetime of ethically and socially responsible leadership for the greater good of American democracy and the global community by providing an understanding of the essential leadership skills;
• To provide an interactive, applications‑oriented curriculum designed to analyze and understand real-world problems students will confront in the work environment; and
• To raise awareness of critical issues facing today's business and societal leaders.

C. Program and Institutional Accreditation
Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools – the College of Business and Leadership is seeking accreditation by AACSB International. The College of Business and Leadership is committed to continuous quality improvement and meeting AACSB International standards. All graduate faculty members who teach in the MBA in Leadership program will be academically or professionally qualified under AACSB standards.

D. MBA in Leadership Policies
Changes in MBA in Leadership policies must be approved by the members of the MBA Committee based upon recommendations of the graduate faculty of the College of Business and Leadership. Additionally, all programmatic modifications must meet the guidelines of the Fort Hays State University Graduate School.

E. Review
This policy and related procedures shall be subject to periodic review by the MBA Committee and the graduate faculty of the College of Business and Leadership.

 

SECTION 2: STRUCTURE

A. MBA Committee
The MBA Committee is responsible for policy and oversight of the MBA in Leadership program. Membership consists of the Dean of the College of Business and Leadership, Graduate Coordinator, MBA Director, and departmental representatives having graduate faculty status.

B. Responsibilities of the MBA Committee
As with traditional on-campus programs at the College of Business and Leadership, the MBA in Leadership program is committed to faculty governance and is led by participating faculty.

The committee will make recommendations to the College of Business and Leadership graduate faculty on the following:

• Curriculum
• Quality Oversight
• Credentialing
• Course Syllabi
• Operating Procedures
• Coverage of Subject Matter
• Assessment and Evaluations

 

SECTION 3: FACULTY

A. Faculty Credentials/Qualifications
All faculty teaching courses in MBA in Leadership program must be academically and/or professionally qualified under the guidelines of AACSB and be a member of the FHSU graduate faculty.

B. MBA in Leadership Approval of Faculty
All graduate faculty teaching in the MBA in Leadership program must have a current curriculum vitae and official transcript on file with the MBA Committee and the Dean’s office of the College of Business and Leadership. New graduate faculty must be reviewed and approved by the MBA Committee prior to teaching in the MBA in Leadership program. Returning graduate faculty must submit a current curriculum vitae by September 30 each year for review and approval by the MBA Committee.

C. Review
This policy and related procedures shall be subject to periodic review by the MBA Committee.

 

SECTION 4: CURRICULUM

A. MBA in Leadership Curriculum
The MBA in Leadership degree program consists of 37 semester credit hours. Graduate courses taken at another regionally accredited college or university may count towards MBA in Leadership degree, subject to approval by the MBA Committee. Typically, no more than six to nine student credit hours will be considered for transfer credit, and students are expected to complete their graduate coursework from Fort Hays State University upon matriculation into the MBA in Leadership program. Students wishing for substitutions or exemptions must submit their requests through the Graduate Coordinator to the MBA Committee for evaluation and approval.

B. Foundation Courses
Students must take all three foundation courses before proceeding with the 37-hour MBA in Leadership degree program. Students with an undergraduate business degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution shall be waived from the foundation requirement. Students wishing for substitutions or exemptions for the foundation courses must submit their requests through the Graduate Coordinator to the MBA Committee for evaluation and approval.

C. Course Approval and Program Modification Process
Suggestions for MBA in Leadership course changes or additions may come from any College of Business and Leadership faculty member. Course proposals and changes are presented to the MBA Committee for approval. Recommended changes to approved courses follow the traditional FHSU approval process.

D. Curriculum Review Teams
For each discipline represented in the MBA in Leadership program, a curriculum review team of no less than three graduate faculty (if available) shall be appointed by the MBA Committee in consultation with the respective department chair. The curriculum review team is responsible for monitoring course quality and content, with final approval by the MBA Committee.

Each course shall be reviewed by the appropriate review team before it is taught and/or:

• After the online course has been offered for three semesters
• In conjunction with a major change in the course
• At the request of the faculty course author or the MBA Committee

It is the responsibility of the MBA Committee to convene curriculum review teams and report outcomes to the Dean of the College of Business and Leadership. A report from each committee shall be submitted and reviewed by the MBA Committee and College of Business and Leadership Dean. The results of these reports shall be provided to the faculty course authors, COBL faculty, and other stakeholders.

E. Frequency of Course Offerings
The course rotation schedule will be determined by the MBA Committee. A rolling course schedule will be developed and posted two years in advance with the understanding that all classes will be available within a two-year period such that a full-time graduate student could complete the MBA degree in two years if so desired.

F. Minimum and Maximum Class Size
Sections should be designed and staffed to maximize interaction with faculty and fellow students with the anticipated guideline of a maximum of 25 students per section. Courses may be canceled due to small enrollment (fewer than ten students) at the MBA Committee’s discretion.

G. Review
This policy and related procedures are subject to periodic review by the MBA Committee.

 

SECTION 5: ADMISSIONS

A. Admissions Criteria
1. Minimum MBA in Leadership admissions criteria

Applications are accepted throughout the year and admissions are made on a continual basis. All materials should be received at least 60 days prior to the student's first enrollment. The FHSU Graduate School and MBA Committee will only review complete application packages, which must include the following:

• A paid graduate application
• Current resume
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework (in English)
• Official scores of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
• Two (2) letters of recommendation
• Personal statement from student indicating reasons for seeking a Master of Business Administration degree including professional and/or career goals and pertinent past work experience.
• Other requirements as specified by the Fort Hays State University Graduate School

Criteria for evaluating applicants include:

• GMAT score
• An applicant’s undergraduate experience (degree received, courses taken, success in those courses)
• Any post-undergraduate coursework completed
• Current or previous work experience
• Letters of recommendation

Applicants should have their Official GMAT Score Report sent from Educational Testing Service directly to the Fort Hays State University Graduate School. (Code Number 401-0506)

2. International Students Admissions Criteria

In addition to the above, international students must also provide a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 550 or evidence of the ability to speak and write the English language. Examples of the latter include: (1) verification that the applicant’s native language is English, as shown to a high degree of probability by citizenship in an English-speaking country such as Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, or English-speaking provinces in Canada; (2) evidence of a baccalaureate degree, or higher, from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education or successful completion of one academic year from an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning; (3) evidence of a score of 550 on the paper-based version or a 213 on the computer-based exam of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); (4) passing score on the Michigan English Language Assessment (83+), the Kaplan Test (550+), or the English Language Assessment Test (ELAT) given by the Department of English at Fort Hays State University; or (5) documentation showing that the student has completed other recognized and approved intensive English language programs. (Examples of documentation are grade reports, a letter from the intensive English director, and/or copies of program completion.) Special waivers may only be granted by the Graduate Dean. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by the Graduate Dean.

B. Review
This policy and related procedures are subject to periodic review by the MBA Committee.

 

SECTION 6: STUDENT POLICIES AND INFORMATION

A. Purpose
This section establishes registration and graduation requirements and tuition and fees for the MBA in Leadership Program.

B. Registration
Students admitted to the MBA in Leadership program have first priority for registering for subsequent MBA in Leadership courses. Other students may register in MBA in Leadership courses as space permits.

C. Tuition and Fees
There are two methods of delivery of the MBA in Leadership: 1) virtual and 2) on campus (face to face). Students taking online MBA courses will be charged online tuition rates of $400.00 per student credit hour (SCH) for each virtual MBA class for the 2005-2006 academic year. Students taking on-campus MBA courses (i.e. face-to-face in a class room at Fort Hays State University) will pay the applicable on-campus graduate tuition and fee rate for the 2005-2006 academic year (graduate resident $140.57, graduate non-resident $371.10, and graduate contiguous state $199.29) per SCH; future tuition and fees are subject to change at any time by the Kansas Board of Regents. A listing of all current graduate tuition and fees can be found at: http://www.fhsu.edu/sfs/tf/index.shtml. Graduate students who choose to take both on-campus and virtual (online) MBA courses during the same semester will be charged the appropriate tuition and fees depending on the type of course selected.

Students who enroll as on-campus MBA students MUST attend on-campus classes each semester to continue to be eligible for on-campus tuition. Students failing to meet on-campus attendance requirements will be disallowed from on-campus MBA course enrollment and the reduced differential tuition payment for the remainder of their degree programs. Graduate students may choose to take both on-campus and online MBA courses during the same semester. Costs will be charged for the differential tuition depending on the type of course selected (e.g., A Kansas resident would pay $140.57 per SCH for on-campus classes and $400 per SCH for online classes).

D. Transfer Credits and Course Waivers

• Students wishing to transfer academic course credits into the MBA in Leadership program should consult with the Graduate Coordinator. Final decisions regarding transfer acceptability will be made by the MBA Committee.
• Students wishing to challenge a course must apply through the Graduate Coordinator to the MBA Committee who will have final authority as to course acceptability.

E. Satisfactory Progress and Incomplete Grades

• Only grades of A, B, and C may be applied to the MBA in Leadership degree. No course taken for Pass/No Credit shall be used on a graduate degree program. A graduate student must attain at least an average grade of B (3.00) in all graduate coursework on the degree program for graduation.
• Arrangements with instructors must be made by the student as soon as possible for completing a graduate course for which an incomplete "I" is given. The conditions to be met for a student to remove an “I” must be set forth in writing with a copy given to the student and the MBA Committee. All work must be completed within a year after the "I" is given.

F. Review
This policy and related procedures are subject to periodic review by the MBA Committee.

 

SECTION 7: ASSURANCE OF LEARNING

A. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure continuous quality improvement of the MBA in Leadership degree program through the use of appropriate program review and assessment.

B. Program Review
The graduate faculty of the College of Business and Leadership will perform a program review of the MBA in Leadership at least every five years beginning in the year 2005. The program review will be submitted to the Dean of the College of Business and Leadership and the Provost of Fort Hays State University.

C. Outcomes Assessment
Upon graduation, each student will be asked to complete a survey of student attitudes, experiences and perceptions, and to provide a permanent address. An alumni survey similar to the graduate survey will be taken of graduates one and five years after graduation.

D. Teaching Effectiveness

• Each graduate faculty will conduct a pre- and post-test of no less than ten questions in each section taught each semester.
• The graduate faculty member will present an analysis of this data to the MBA Committee the following semester.
• The analysis of the pre- and post-tests will be retained by the College of Business and Leadership for five years.

E. Student Evaluation of Instruction
Student evaluation of instruction will be administered in each section offered each semester. Evaluation will consist of the standard Virtual College TEVAL.

F. Review
This policy and related procedures are subject to periodic review.

 

Recommendations Regarding Faculty Research Requirements
College of Business and Leadership
Fort Hays State University

Approved by the MBA Committee
February 25, 2005

Acceptable Types of Intellectual Contributions
Although teaching is primary, faculty members are expected to be involved and show productivity in intellectual contributions. All intellectual activity is valued and rewarded, although intellectual contributions of an applied nature or related to the scholarship of instruction are viewed as most desirable. Peer-reviewed publications are considered to be of higher value than other intellectual contributions even though all contributions are valued. In the COBL, peer-reviewed is defined as in accordance with Cabell’s Directory or, for publications not included in Cabell’s, reviewed by at least one reader other than the editor. The COBL recognizes and supports faculty contributions including research activity in progress; grants; intellectual writing in local, state, national, or international publications; presentations of work in invited, peer-reviewed, or non-peer-reviewed venues; and professional interactions such as reviewing for journals or professional meetings and serving as an editor or editorial board member. Faculty members are expected to show growth in scholarly activities as demonstrated by improvement in the quality and quantity of intellectual activities.

Being Academically Qualified
The COBL is committed to having faculty who are highly qualified, effective teachers; make intellectual contributions; and provide appropriate professional service. Faculty members are rewarded through the merit process for their achievements in these areas. Consistent with its mission, the COBL has a broad view of intellectual contributions, placing priority on applied scholarship as well as the scholarship of instruction.

An appropriate doctorate and instructional currency are the general requirements for being considered academically qualified. The COBL defines instructional currency as: a) a minimum of two peer-reviewed journal articles relating to teaching discipline in the last five years, or b) evidence of intellectual development activities such as making intellectual contributions, attending professional programs, enrolling in professional courses, serving as consultants, and serving on boards of directors.

MBA Faculty
Faculty who teach in the MBA in Leadership program are chosen from the COBL graduate faculty on the basis of their qualifications. The criteria for selection are a) doctorate in the field, and b) two or more peer-reviewed journal articles in the field in the most recent five years. Those with a doctorate outside the discipline need significantly greater intellectual contributions.

Recognizing that not all graduate faculty teaching in the MBA in Leadership program may meet these requirements initially (i.e., at the onset of the MBA), a faculty member has five years from the point at which he/she begins teaching in the MBA program to meet the requirements listed above. Those faculty who do not meet the requirements initially must demonstrate significant potential or progress towards meeting the requirements and be approved by the MBA Committee and his/her Department Chair.

Full-time temporary and part-time (non-tenure-track) faculty are employed only to meet specific needs due to shortages or unexpected situations. These individuals must have, as a minimum, appropriate master degrees, professional experience, and/or special skills. These individuals are replaced with tenure-track faculty as the needs of the program indicate.