Robert Forrester, Dean
(Dillard College of Business Administration Building 233)
Master of Business Administration
Graduate Coordinators: Pablo A. Garcia-Fuentes, Andrew Holt
| Graduate Faculty: |
Anders, Chen, Choudhury, Davis, Forrester, Gaharan, Garcia-Fuentes, Holt, Kataria, Lei, Li, Luo, Martinez, Patterson, Tilker, Tillman, Wang, G. Zhang, J, Zhang |
| Emeriti Faculty: |
Fritzsch, Harmel, C. Harris, T. Harris, Harvey, Johnston, Kreinke, McCullough, Patin, Ramser, Rountree, Stambaugh, Van Geem, Wilson |
Introduction
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program was created by the graduate faculty within the Dillard College of Business Administration. All substantive changes, deletions, and additions to the rules and guidelines concerning admission to, participation in, and graduation from the MBA Program are approved by the graduate faculty before they are implemented by the Graduate Coordinator.
Mission
The Dillard College of Business Administration Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree prepares individuals for professional career opportunities in today’s dynamic, challenging, and complex world of global business. The MBA program equips its graduates with the knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to achieve their professional business goals and objectives. The MBA degree is especially valuable for individuals who want to advance their careers through leadership opportunities within a broad range of organizations.
To attain its mission, the graduate faculty within the Dillard College of Business Administration believes that the MBA Program must lead to the achievement of the following objectives. Each graduate student, in pursuing an MBA degree at MSU, will
- Exhibit the characteristics of leadership
- Be able to conduct themselves professionally in global environments
- Produce creative responses to business situations
- Integrate knowledge across business disciplines
- Communicate at professional level
Accreditation
The Dillard College of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance College Schools of Business, International (AACSB, International).
National business accreditation has several benefits to the business student:
- Each student will receive a professional education in business administration that is relevant and of high quality.
- The programs of business education at MSU are fundamentally similar to those received at other accredited institutions in the United States.
- When recruiting and hiring business students, companies look favorably on graduates from accredited business programs.
Applying for Admission
To be considered for admission to the MBA Program, students must provide proofs of documents listed below to the Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School.
- A bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited college or university.
- A completed application form.
- Official transcripts of all previous college course work (including verification of an earned bachelor’s degree).
- An official score on either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
International students (from countries where English is not the native language) must provide the proofs of documents listed above as well as an official score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), IELTS, ITEP, or PTE to the Office of International Services.
Application for Graduate Admission
Students may apply via The Graduate School at https://msutexas.edu/academics/graduate-school/how-to-apply.php. Students who have previously attended Midwestern State University Graduate School, but did not enroll for a long semester (fall or spring) must submit a reactivation form to request admission. Even students who have completed their undergraduate degree at Midwestern State University must submit an application for graduate admission. The application for graduate admission must be filed by the deadlines listed in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog.
Official Transcripts
Transcripts reflecting course work pursued at all higher education institutions attended must be provided to the Graduate School before admission to MSU can be considered. Each applicant must have official transcripts sent directly to MSU. Copies of transcripts will not be accepted.
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Each applicant must register for and take the GMAT or GRE. Information about the GMAT can be found at http://www.mba.com. Information about the GRE can be found at http://www.ets.org/gre. Members of the Beta Gamma Sigma (the international honor society serving business programs accredited by AACSB International) may request to have the test requirement waived (Beta Gamma Sigma membership does not result in an automatic test waiver). Individuals that have a prior graduate or terminal (e.g. MD, JD, Ph.D.) degree are exempted from the GMAT requirement. GMAT/GRE may be waived by the MBA Coordinator on a case-by-case basis with conditional admission for applicants who satisfies any of the following conditions:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 from U.S. post-secondary institutions
- Minimum major GPA of 3.5 from U.S. post-secondary institutions
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 from at least 9 hours of graduate level courses work from U.S. post-secondary institutions
- A quantitatively oriented professional certification
- Other standardized test scores demonstrating comparable quantitative ability
- Significant professional work experiences
Current resume
Each applicant must include an up-to-date resume listing prior educational and work experiences.
Admission Status
Applications for admission are reviewed and several factors are considered, including the applicant’s GPA on his/her last 60 hours of undergraduate course work and the score on the GMAT or GRE. Admission decisions are made by the Dillard College of Business Administration’s Graduate Program Committee.
International applicants must meet a minimum score on the TOEFL, IELTS, ITEP, or PTE as required under International Students.
Unconditional Admission
A citizen of the U.S.A. who (1) has an earned undergraduate degree, (2) submits an application for graduate admission (including all required application materials), and (3) has been accepted for admission by the Dillard College of Business Administration’s Graduate Program Committee will be unconditionally admitted to the MBA program. To be admitted unconditionally, an international applicant must not only meet the three conditions above but also satisfy the TOEFL requirements shown above.
For more information on the MBA program including Program Requirements and Guidelines, see Master of Business Administration, M.B.A.
Important Program Guideline
The graduate faculty of the Dillard College of Business Administration has approved a number of guidelines (or rules) which must be adhered to by all MBA students. These guidelines affect several facets of the MBA program.
Common Body of Knowledge Courses
- CBK Course Prerequisites: Before registering for a CBK course, a student must complete each prerequisite either at MSU or by transfer credit.
- Undergraduate CBK Courses: Since the required CBK courses are undergraduate courses, they may be taken at MSU prior to entering the MBA program. All required CBK courses taken at MSU (after completing requirements for an undergraduate degree) will be included as part of the last 60 hours of course work, which forms the basis for computing the student’s undergraduate GPA.
- Transferred CBK Courses: Equivalent CBK courses may be transferred from other accredited colleges and universities. Equivalency will be determined by the Graduate Coordinator in consultation with the appropriate Department Chair.
- CLEP Exam: A student may satisfy a required CBK course by taking a College Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject exam. In order to receive credit, the student must earn a score equivalent to “B” or higher. Credit from DANTES will not be accepted.
- Completion of CBK Courses: Before beginning graduate level course work, a student must complete all or a majority of the required CBK courses. Any student wishing to take a graduate level business course prior to completion of all CBK courses must receive approval from the Graduate Coordinator.
- Microcomputer Proficiency: A student who is not proficient in microcomputer applications will be advised to take MIS 2003 (Information Technology Concepts for Business).
Required Graduate Courses
Normally no substitutions will be allowed for the eight (24 semester hours) graduate courses required for the MBA degree (i.e., those courses specifically identified by course number and title).
Elective Graduate Courses
All graduate level elective courses must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator. The following rules will help students select graduate level electives.
- Undergraduate Courses Taken for Graduate Credit: The Dillard College of Business Administration does not award graduate credit for any undergraduate courses.
- Graduate Transfer Credit: A maximum of 6 semester hours of graduate level course work may be transferred from another accredited college or university or from another graduate program at MSU. Each graduate course for which transfer credit is requested must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator.
Minimum Grade Requirements
Graduate students are expected to do high quality work. Only grades of A, B, C, and CR are acceptable in graduate courses. Graduate students are responsible for adjusting their course loads consistent with their schedules of work and other outside activities and to prepare themselves by taking prerequisite courses. The following rules, approved by the graduate faculty of the Dillard College of Business Administration, concern graduate level performance.
- Transfer Credit -Transfer credit will be reviewed for approval.
- Grade Point Average – To graduate with an MBA degree, students must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher on all graduate course work. Furthermore, students who choose the thesis option must earn a minimum GPA of 3.00 on all graduate course work in order to enroll in thesis courses. All students must have an overall 3.00 GPA in order to graduate.
- The “Three C” Rule – Graduate students who earn a “C” or lower in no more than two different graduate courses will be allowed to remain in the MBA program as long as their cumulative GPA remains 3.00 or higher. However, after earning the second “C” or lower grade, a graduate student must meet with the Graduate Coordinator to create a plan for improving performance. If a graduate student earns a grade of “C” or lower in more than two different graduate courses, the student will be dismissed from the MBA program.
- Repeated Courses - A repeated course will not be coded as such without approval from the Graduate Coordinator. If the Graduate Coordinator approves the repeat, the repeated course will be the one calculated in the GPA. However, all previous course grades remain on the student’s transcript.
Final Degree Plan
Early in the semester prior to the semester of expected graduation, an MBA student must schedule a conference with the Graduate Coordinator to review his/her final degree plan. After approval by the student and the Graduate Coordinator, the final degree plan is submitted to the Dean of the Dillard College of Business Administration and then to the Office of the Registrar. After meeting with the Graduate Coordinator, the student should file for graduation.
Filing for Graduation
In the semester prior to the semester of anticipated graduation, the graduate student should file an Application for Graduation and pay the graduation fee at the Office of the Registrar. (See Academic Calendar in the Graduate Catalog for deadlines.) A student may also apply for graduation online at https://msutexas.edu/registrar/apply-graduation/.
Dillard College Centers
America’s SBDC at MSU
Vanda Cullar, ABPA
Director
America’s SBDC at MSU is an Accredited Member of ASBDC. MSU’s center assist clients in creating over 200 jobs annually through providing business consulting, training, and research to entrepreneurs in thirteen counties. Clients include those already in business, those who want to start a new venture, as well as providing business exit and succession planning. Assistance in government contracting, and on-site assessment for manufacturing and training is also available. The MSU SBDC also encourages young entrepreneurs by hosting the national program, “Lemonade Day.” The Dillard College Entrepreneurship students participate by mentoring the youth and teaching age-appropriate business fundamentals.
Bureau of Business and Government Research
The Bureau of Business and Government Research is an integral part of the Dillard College of Business Administration and Midwestern State University. The mission of the Bureau of Business and Government Research is
- to provide assistance in research conducted by the faculty and students in the University; and
- to conduct and encourage research related to economic development and the local community.
The Bureau of Business and Government Research at Midwestern State University is a member of the nationwide Association for University Business and Economic Research. The Bureau of Business and Government Research publishes the Midwestern Business and Economic Review twice yearly.
Dillard Center for Energy Management
The Dillard Center for Energy Management was established by the Dillard family to educate the next generation of energy leaders at Midwestern State University and serve the regional community. The oil and gas industry has a long legacy in this region and continues to be one of its major economic engines. More broadly, the energy industry is a major employer in Texas, with thriving oil, gas, wind, and solar operations. With the world desperately needing more energy, the energy industry has a vibrant future. By developing graduates with the business knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to enter the industry, the Center supports students’ entry into a dynamic career and provides firms with the talent needed to sustain their vitality. The Center also serves as a catalyst for public education programs and continuing professional education offerings.
The Mamie Raborn Center for Economic Education
The Mamie Raborn Center for Economic Education was established in 1982 to increase the economic understanding of the University community and the citizens of the North Texas area. The Center provides economic education materials, disperses information concerning economic issues, and serves as a point of contact for members of the media and community having questions about economic issues.
Sanchari Choudhury, Ph.D
Director
The Munir Abdul Lalani Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise
DeAndrea Davis, DBA
Director
The Munir Abdul Lalani Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise was established by the family of Munir Lalani to support and promote entrepreneurship and free enterprise in North Central Texas. The Lalani Center assists entrepreneurial ventures, encourages creativity and innovation, and develops and provides curriculum for students at Midwestern State University. At the Dillard College of Business Administration, the Lalani Center works with students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the North Texas business community to encourage and support successful student innovation and economic development. The Lalani Center also engages with entrepreneurs throughout the region in support of new product development, business startups, expansions, and other entrepreneurial activities. The Lalani Center impacts the local economy by teaching skill to students and entrepreneurs and by assisting in business plan development and supporting angel and venture capital development through programs such as i.d.e.a.WF.
Distinguished Professorships
Bridwell Distinguished Professorship of Finance
The Bridwell Distinguished Professorship of Finance was established in 1990 by the Bridwell Foundation to bring outstanding scholarship to Midwestern State University. The professor holding this position is recognized in the finance profession for his academic achievements.
Dr. Adam Y.C. Lei, CFA, is the Bridwell Distinguished Professor of Finance. Dr. Lei taught at Louisiana State University prior to joining Midwestern State University in 2005. He received his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in finance from Louisiana State University, M.B.A. degree from National Chung Cheng University (Taiwan), and bachelor’s degree in industrial management from National Cheng Kung University (Taiwan). He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation since 2009. Dr. Lei’s research has been published in academic journals including the Journal of Banking and Finance, Managerial Finance, Financial Services Review, the Journal of Accounting and Finance, and the Journal of Economics and Finance Education.
Dillard Distinguished Professorship of Energy Management
The Dillard Distinguished Professorship of Energy Management was established in 2014 by the Dillard family to support the energy management activities in the Dillard College and the region.
Dillard Distinguished Professorship of Energy Finance
The Dillard Distinguished Professorship of Energy Finance was established in 2014 by the Dillard family to support the energy finance activities in the Dillard College and the region.
Dr. Robert C. Forrester has been named the first Dillard Distinguished Professor of Energy Finance. He received his BBA and MBA from Midwestern State University and his doctorate in finance from Kennesaw State University. Prior to entering academia, he was employed in a management position with a Fortune 500 company and later was the owner of several successful companies in the North Texas area, as well as the recipient of the BBB Torch Award for honesty and integrity in business. In his first year of teaching, the MSU Student Government Association selected Robert as the Midwestern State University Professor of the Year. He was selected as the MSU Dillard College of Business Outstanding Alumni of the Year in 2010. In addition, the Dillard College of Business faculty chose Robert for their 2010-2011 Faculty of the Year award. Robert serves as the Dillard College of Business chair of the Economics, Finance, and General Business Department. He has served as a survey panelist for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas since 2007, President of the Red River Best Chevy Dealers Association, past board member of the Clay County Memorial Hospital, past chair of the Clay County Hospital Foundation, chairman of the board for Beacon Lighthouse for the Blind, chairman of the board for United Regional Health Care System, as well as many other boards and committees.
Louis J. and Ramona Rodriguez Distinguished Professorship
The Louis J. and Ramona Rodriguez Distinguished Professorship was established in 2003 to honor President Emeritus Louis J. and Ramona Rodriguez.
Susan B. Anders, Ph.D., CPA, CGMA, the Louis J. and Ramona Rodriguez Distinguished Professor of Accounting, came to Midwestern State University in 2015 from St. Bonaventure University where she was a Professor of Accounting and former chair of the Accounting Department. Dr. Anders authors a regular monthly column and serves on the editorial board for The CPA Journal. Since earning her Ph.D. in tax accounting at Texas Tech University, Dr. Anders has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals on tax, education, and technology issues. She has been a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteer since 2003, and has been recognized for establishing best practices for VITA programs. Dr. Anders is a certified public accountant in Texas and New York State. Prior to entering academia, Dr. Anders worked in public accounting for 15 years, and her last position was as a tax manager with Deloitte & Touche. She is a member of the American Accounting Association, the American Institute of CPAs, the Texas Society of CPAs, the New York State Society of CPAs, and the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance. She served on the Wichita Falls Chapter of the TXCPA board of directors for several years, and currently serves on multiple TXCPA state-wide committees and as MSU’s Faculty Ambassador for the TXCPA.
Munir A. Lalani Distinguished Professorship of Entrepreneurship
The Munir A. Lalani Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship was established in 2008 by the family of Munir Lalani to support entrepreneurial activities in the Dillard College and region. The professor holding this position is recognized nationally for his outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship and small business.
Prior to working at Midwestern State University, DeAndrea Davis was the Human Resources and Organizational Development Manager at United Regional Health Care Systems. Additionally, Dr. Davis has over 24 years of investment banking experience and was formerly the Director of Wealth Management at Northwestern Mutual. Before joining Northwestern Mutual, she worked for Wells Fargo, and her career path was highlighted in their corporate annual report. Dr. Davis also owns a consultancy company, offering expertise in Organizational Development and Leadership to the local community and surrounding areas.
Dr. Davis received her BBA and MBA from Midwestern State University and her Doctorate of Business Administration from the University of Dallas. Dr. Davis serves as the director of the Munir Abdul Lalani Center for Entrepreneurship and Management in the Dillard College of Business. She also sits on various community boards, including the Air Education Training Command at Sheppard and is the chair of the finance committee for Work Services Corporation. Prior community services includes, Dillard College of Business Advisory Board, United Regional Health Care Systems Board, Chamber of Commerce Board, First Capital Bank Board, and the Midtown Manor Board. Dr. Davis holds several investment licensures and professional certifications, including Certified Financial Planner® and RICP®. Her research interests include strategic leadership, employee engagement, job crafting, employee self-determination, and business accountability.
Dr. Davis’ research was accepted for oral presentation at the Academy of Management’s Annual Meeting Program in 2023. The Annual Meeting is the world’s premier event for scholarly engagement and the largest gathering of management and organization scholars worldwide.
Additionally, Dr. Davis was recognized by the Global Intrapreneur Institute as the recipient of a 2023 Outstanding Intrapreneur Award in the Education sector stemming from her research.
Robert Madera Distinguished Professorship of Accounting
The Robert Madera Distinguished Professorship of Accounting was established in 2005 in recognition of the long-time service of Professor Emeritus, Robert Madera. The generosity of alumni of the Dillard College of Business Administration has made this professorship possible.
Tarkington-Downing Rotary Distinguished Professorship
The Tarkington-Downing Rotary Distinguished Professorship was established in 2016 by the Downtown Rotary Club of Wichita Falls to assist in recruiting well-qualified business professors to the Dillard College of Business Administration. The endowment provides resources to enhance the professor’s research endeavors.
Dr. Pablo A. Garcia-Fuentes is the Tarkington-Downing Rotary Distinguished Professor and the Director of the MBA in the Dillard College of Business Administration at Midwestern State University. He received a BS in agronomy from the Universidad Nacional Agraria, Nicaragua, an MS in agricultural economics from North Carolina A&T State University, and a PhD in agricultural economics with concentrations in international trade and econometrics from Louisiana State University. His research includes issues of U.S. agribusiness, foreign direct investment, remittances, human capital, poverty, and economic growth and development in developing countries. His research is published in the Journal of Applied Economics, Journal of Economics and Finance, International Journal of Food and Agricultural Economics, International Business Research, Academy of Economics and Finance Journal, Applied Economics, Journal of Food Distribution Research, Agribusiness: An International Journal, Journal of International Agricultural Trade and Development, and Investment and Competitiveness in Africa, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and Virginia Tech Extension.
Programs and Courses