The College of
Business and Public Affairs offers six graduate degree programs:
the Master of Business Administration (MBA), offered through the Arthur
J. Bauernfeind Graduate Program in Business Administration; the Master
of Professional Accountancy (MPAc); the master of science in
economics; the master of arts or science in mass communications;
the master of arts or science in organizational communication; and the
master of science in telecommunications systems management. These
programs prepare graduates for a variety of challenging and rewarding
careers in industry, private enterprise, governmental agencies, and
not-for-profit organizations.
The university began offering programs in business and public affairs
in 1935. The College of Business and Public Affairs was formed in 1966.
The Department of Journalism and Mass Communications and the Department
of Organizational Communication were added in 2000. Both the
undergraduate business and MBA programs are accredited by
AACSB-International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of
Business.
Faculty. The primary resource in graduate programs is the teaching
faculty. The graduate faculty of the college give a high priority to
excellence in teaching and research activities in support of teaching.
Since 1967, the faculty have published in the college’s professional
journal, Journal of Business and Public Affairs, and in many other
national and international professional and scholarly journals.
Enrollment in most graduate courses ranges from 10 to 25 students,
enhancing close student-faculty relations.
Computer facilities. Students at Murray State University have varied
and extensive access to computing resources. The university’s Computing
and Information Services Center, located in the Martha Layne Collins
Center for Industry and Technology, houses an IBM 2003 Model 106
mainframe computer. In addition to this systems’ administrative support
role, faculty, staff and students may also utilize this computer on a
no charge individual account basis. There are also a number of open
microcomputer labs located in buildings and dorms across campus
available for use on a first come, first serve basis.
The College of Business and Public Affairs maintains seven individual
labs with approximately 180 Pentium class microcomputers within the
College’s building complex. There is also a 17-station Macintosh lab in
Wilson Hall. Each of these labs is fully networked with in-house
multi-server support and all are linked to the fiber optic backbone on
campus providing high-speed access to both on-campus and off-campus
information resources. The College continuously upgrades the hardware
and software in its facilities to keep pace with state of the art
technology and through numerous course offerings, provides in-depth
instruction on the use of many of the most popular software suites and
applications.
Additionally, all students attending Murray State University are
provided personal email accounts and, at their request, may be assigned
web server space to develop and host a personal web page. Students
living in the dorms have direct network access through high speed local
area networks similar to those found in the microcomputer labs located
on campus. Those individuals choosing to live off-campus may gain
access to collegiate resources by dialing into the University’s network.
Library services. The Murray State University library system provides
access to information essential for teaching and research. Of the
library’s 960,000 resources, more than 30,000 volumes focus
specifically on business topics. The library subscribes to over 350
business-specific journals in print, and has access to 4,500
business-specific publications full text electronically. In addition to
the electronic catalog of monographic materials, the library subscribes
to over 50 databases including EBSCO’s Business Source Premier,
ProQuest’s Computing and Career and Technical Education, the National
Bureau of Economic Research, and Regional Business News. These five
databases provide access to at least 20 years worth of 8,740
publications, some 10,000 company profiles and 1,700 industry profiles.
Remote access to the library’s electronic collections is available via
proxy server.
Placement service. The college works closely with the university Career
Services Office. A number of national corporations, governmental
agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and regional organizations
regularly visit the campus to interview qualified candidates.
Bureau of Business and Economic Research. The Bureau of Business and
Economic Research provides research services to business, community
organizations and government agencies in Kentucky. In addition, the
Bureau maintains a web-based data set that contains information on
education and economic statistics for West Kentucky. The website also
contains bureau research reports and newsletters. This can be accessed
through the college’s website.
West Kentucky Small Business Development Center. The principal function
of the West Kentucky SBDC is to provide technical assistance to small
businesses throughout the region. Paid consulting opportunities are
available to full-time graduate students.
Arthur
J. Bauernfeind Graduate
Program in Business
Administration
270-809-6970
cbpa@murraystate.edu
Henderson - Mickey Johnson
270-926-0149
The graduate program leading to the Master of Business Administration
(M.B.A.) degree for full-time students is offered during the day and
evening at Murray. The same program is offered in the evening for
part-time students at Murray, Paducah, Henderson, and Hopkinsville.
The M.B.A. program is offered jointly by the departments within the
college. It is designed to qualify graduates for creative leadership
positions in a complex and ever-changing business environment. Primary
emphasis is placed on the analysis of business problems, the
determination of business policies and the development of the skills
and mature judgment necessary for competent management.
The broad integrated curriculum provides each student with an
understanding of the major facets of domestic and international
business operations including work in the theoretical and historical
foundations of business, quantitative controls and information systems
and decision making, research methodology, decision-making through the
development of advanced functional skills, and the socio-political
environment of business. Opportunity is provided for a moderate degree
of specialization through the choice of graduate electives selected.
The accounting option requires additional foundation courses and all
graduate electives to be taken in accounting. There is no comprehensive
examination or thesis requirement. However, the capstone course, MGT
656, can be taken only after completion of at least 18 hours of
graduate course work.
Requirements for Admission
Applicants must meet Murray State University requirements (see Chapter
2). Additional requirements for unconditional and conditional admission
are as follows.
Unconditional
An applicant must attain an acceptable score using the following
formulas that combine the undergraduate grade point average (UGPA) and
the score on either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or
the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
All applicants, including those with GPAs of 3.0 and above, must take
either the GMAT and achieve a minimum score of 400, or the GRE and
achieve a minimum score of 600. Applicants with undergraduate GPAs of
less than 3.0 on the 4.0 scale need GMAT scores that are higher than
400, or GRE scores higher than 800.
For unconditional admission to the program, an applicant must satisfy
one of two formulas:
GMAT Users:
(200 x UGPA) + GMAT > 1,000
GRE Users:
(200 x UGPA) + GRE > 1,400
(Combined quantitative and verbal sections only)
An alternative formula is used if an applicant’s grade point average on
the last 60 semester hours (LPGA) of undergraduate work is 0.25 points
or more above the applicant’s overall UPGA: 200 x (LPGA-0.25) +
GMAT > 1,000 if they take
An applicant whose native language is not English or who did not
graduate from an English-speaking college or university must satisfy
the above requirements, meet all admission requirements specified in
the international student admission section of this bulletin, and score
a minimum of 20 in each of the four areas examined in the new TOEFL,
ie. writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
Conditional
An applicant who has not taken the GMAT or GRE will be granted
conditional admission to the M.B.A. program if the applicant’s UGPA is
at least 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale), or if the applicant’s LGPA is at least
3.00. This student must take the GMAT/GRE within two months of
receiving the conditional admission letter. A student who is
conditionally admitted may enroll in foundation courses (see below) but
may not enroll in 600 level courses without a special waiver from the
assistant dean/MBA director. International students are not usually
admitted conditionally, meaning they must take and pass the GMAT or GRE
before coming to the United States.
Master of Business Administration
CIP 52.0101
ACCREDITED BY:
AACSB-International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of
Business.
NON-THESIS TRACK ONLY
The M.B.A. curriculum requirements are divided
into two parts: (1) foundation courses and (2) graduate courses.
The foundation courses are undergraduate courses designed to form a
base upon which the student can build in the graduate phase of the
program. A student who has satisfactorily completed one or more
equivalent courses will be given a waiver for previous work. A minimum
grade of C is required to satisfy each foundation course.
Foundation Courses
Level
I
ACC 490 Survey of Accounting
-or-
ACC 200 Principles of Financial
Accounting
-and-
ACC 201 Principles of Managerial
Accounting
ECO 500 Foundations of Economic
Analysis
-or-
ECO 230 Principles of
Macroeconomics
-and-
ECO 231 Principles of
Microeconomics
MAT 220 Business
Calculus
Level
II
BPA 355 Information Systems and
Decision Making1
FIN 330 Principles of
Finance
MGT 350 Fundamentals of
Management
MKT 360 Principles of
Marketing
Level
III
CIS 443 Business Statistics III2
Total Hours3
24-30
1 A student with a weak background in computers
should take CSC 199 or an equivalent course before enrolling in BPA
355. ACC 308 may substitute for BPA 355.
2 A student with a weak background in statistics may
prefer to enroll in CIS 243 and/or 343 before enrolling in CIS 443.
3 All foundation courses must be completed by the
time a student finishes 15 hours of graduate course work.
Total Course
Requirements 30 hours
ACC 604 Quantitative Financial
Controls
CIS 653 Management
Science for Managerial Decision Making
ECO 625 Managerial Economics
FIN 602 Corporate
Finance
MGT 651 Seminar in Organizational
Behavior
MGT 656 Seminar in Strategic
Management
MKT 667 Marketing Planning and
Application
Electives (9 hrs)
Note: All electives
must be selected with the approval of the M.B.A. director. At least six
hours must be taken at the 600- level. No foundation course may be used
as an M.B.A. elective.
Other Degree Requirements
In order to receive the degree, a candidate must earn a
minimum grade point average of 3.00 on all graduate courses taken at
Murray State University. Repeating a graduate course does not cancel a
previous grade in the course. A candidate may not repeat a course in
which a previous grade of A or B was earned for credit.
A minimum grade of C is required to receive credit for a
graduate course.
No more than one C will be accepted in fulfillment of the
seven M.B.A. core courses.
A candidate is awarded one “quality deficit point” for
each grade of C received, two points for each D, and three points for
each E. Upon receipt of four quality deficit points, a candidate is
dropped from the program without opportunity for readmission except by
special permission. (Also see Scholastic Probation, Chapter 2.)
A maximum of nine semester hours of graduate credit taken
at another institution may be transferred toward the fulfillment of
core courses or electives, provided that the course was not used to
complete another degree, that a grade of B or better was earned, and
that a 3.00 grade point average is earned in Murray State graduate
courses. Transfer courses must fall within the eight-year time limit
allowed for completion of the master’s degree.
Foundation courses may be completed at Murray State
University or at any regionally accredited four-year institution or
recognized foreign institution, before or after acceptance into the
program. Only the 100- and 200-level foundation courses may be
completed at a community or junior college.
During the fall and spring semesters, a candidate may take
a maximum of 12 credit hours of graduate work or 15 credit hours if at
least three hours are foundation work. The maximum load during each
five week summer session is seven hours.
A student may fulfill a foundation course by passing a
proficiency test. A proficiency test may be taken only once per course.
There is a fee for taking the test. Call the assistant dean’s office
(270-809-6970) to schedule each proficiency test.
A candidate who reapplies after a period of inactivity of
36 months will be subject to the degree requirements in effect at the
time of reapplication.
A few applicants who have taken the GMAT or GRE and are
denied admission may subsequently be admitted by a special admissions
process on the basis of significant work experience or other
extraordinary credentials.
Master of Business Administration
Accounting Option
CIP 52.0101
ACCREDITED BY:
AACSB-International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of
Business.
NON-THESIS TRACK ONLY
The M.B.A. accounting option
curriculum requirements are divided into three parts: (1)
foundation courses, (2) undergraduate accounting courses and (3)
graduate courses.
The undergraduate courses are designed to form a base upon
which the student can build in the graduate phase of the program. A
student who has satisfactorily completed one or more equivalent courses
will be given a waiver for previous work. A minimum grade of C is
required to satisfy each undergraduate course.
Foundation Courses
Level
I
ACC 490 Survey of Accounting
-or-
ACC 200 Principles of Financial
Accounting
-and-
ACC 201 Principles of Managerial
Accounting
ECO 500 Foundations of Economic
Analysis
-or-
ECO 230 Principles of
Macroeconomics
-and-
ECO 231 Principles of
Microeconomics
MAT 220 Business
Calculus
Level
II
BPA 355 Information Systems and
Decision Making1
FIN 330 Principles of
Finance
MGT 350 Fundamentals of
Management
MKT 360 Principles of
Marketing
Level
III
CIS 443 Business Statistics III2
Total Hours3
24 30
1 A student with a weak background in computers should
take CSC 199 or an equivalent course before enrolling in BPA 355. ACC
308 may substitute for BPA 355.
2 A student with a weak background in statistics may
prefer to enroll in CIS 243 and/or 343 before enrolling in CIS 443.
3 All foundation courses must be completed by the
time a student finishes 15 hours of graduate course work.
Undergraduate Accounting Courses
ACC 300 Intermediate Accounting I
ACC 301 Intermediate Accounting II
ACC 302 Federal Income Tax
ACC 303 Cost Accounting
ACC 506 Principles of Auditing and
Assurance Services
Total Course
Requirements 30 hours
ACC course 600 level (3 hours)*
CIS 653 Management Science for
Managerial Decision Making
ECO 625 Managerial Economics
FIN 602 Corporate Finance
MGT 651 Seminar in Organizational
Behavior
MGT 656 Seminar in Strategic
Management
MKT 667 Marketing Planning and
Application
Electives to be selected from
the following:
(Two courses must be at 600-level)
ACC 500 Advanced Accounting
ACC 501 Accounting for Governmental
and Nonprofit Entities
ACC 502 Advanced Income Tax
ACC 503 Advanced Cost Accounting
ACC 602 Tax Planning and Research
ACC 604 Quantitative Financial
Controls
ACC 606 Auditing Theory and Practice
ACC 608 Seminar in Accounting
Information Systems
ACC 609 Issues in Corporate
Financial Reporting
LST 540 Commercial Transactions
Note: All electives must be selected with the approval of the M.B.A.
director. At least six hours must be taken at the 600 level. No
foundation course may be used as an M.B.A. elective.
*The M.B.A. option in Accounting consists of 12 hours of graduate-level
accounting courses, nine hours of which must be at the 600 level.
Master of Business Administration
E-Business Option
CIP 52.0101
ACCREDITED BY:
AACSB-International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of
Business.
NON-THESIS TRACK ONLY
Required Undergraduate
Courses
CIS 307 Decision Support
Technologies
Approved programming language course (3 hrs)
Total Course
Requirements 30 hours
ACC 604 Quantitative Financial
Controls
CIS 653 Management
Science for Managerial Decision Making
ECO 625 Managerial Economics
FIN 602 Corporate Finance
MGT 651 Seminar in Organizational
Behavior
MGT 656 Seminar in Strategic
Management
MKT 667 Marketing Planning and
Application
E-Business Courses
CIS 609 Data Warehousing and Data
Mining
or
MKT 685 Business Geographics for
Managers
CIS 507 Fundamentals of Distributed
Database Applications
MKT 675 Marketing Applications in
E-Business
Other Degree Requirements
In order to receive the degree, a candidate must earn a
minimum grade point average of 3.00 on all graduate courses taken at
Murray State University. Repeating a graduate course does not cancel a
previous grade in the course. A candidate may not repeat a course in
which a previous grade of A or B was earned for credit.
A minimum grade of C is required to receive credit for a
graduate course. No more than one C will be accepted in fulfillment of
the seven M.B.A. core courses.
A candidate is awarded one “quality deficit point” for
each grade of C received, two points for each D, and three points for
each E. Upon receipt of four quality deficit points, a candidate is
dropped from the program without opportunity for readmission except by
special permission. (Also see Scholastic Probation, Chapter 2.)
A maximum of nine semester hours of graduate credit taken
at another institution may be transferred toward the fulfillment of
core courses or electives, provided that the course was not used to
complete another degree, that a grade of B or better was earned, and
that a 3.00 grade point average is earned in Murray State graduate
courses. Transfer courses must fall within the eight-year time limit
allowed for completion of the master’s degree.
Foundation courses may be completed at Murray State
University or at any regionally accredited four-year institution or
recognized foreign institution, before or after acceptance into the
program.
Only the 100- and 200-level foundation courses may be
completed at a community or junior college.
During the fall and spring semesters, a candidate may take
a maximum of 12 credit hours of graduate work or 15 credit hours if at
least three hours are foundation work. The maximum load during each
five week summer session is seven hours.
A student may fulfill a foundation course by passing a
proficiency test. The proficiency test may be taken only once per
course. Call the assistant dean’s office (270-809-6970) to schedule
each proficiency test. There is a fee for taking the test.
A candidate who reapplies after a period of inactivity of
36 months will be subject to the degree requirements in effect at the
time of reapplication.
A few applicants who have taken the GMAT or GRE and are
denied admission may subsequently be admitted by a special admissions
process on the basis of significant work experience or other
extraordinary credentials.
For additional information, request an M.B.A. Program
Information Bulletin from the M.B.A. director.
Department
of Accounting
Chair - Don Chamberlain
351 Business Building
270-809-4193
acc@murraystate.edu |
In addition to supporting the M.B.A., the
M.B.A./Accounting option, and other graduate programs, the Department
of Accounting offers the Master of Professional Accountancy (M.P.Ac.)
degree. This program is designed to provide students with the requisite
skills to enter the field of accountancy with a higher level of
proficiency in advanced accounting issues. Students completing the
program will meet the academic requirements for the Certified Public
Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and other
prominent professional accounting and business certifications.
Candidates may earn the M.P.Ac. (1) after completing
an undergraduate program (separate degree option) or (2) in an
integrated program in combination with the accounting baccalaureate
degree (see dual-degree option, Undergraduate Bulletin). Students
completing the dual-degree program will receive both the undergraduate
and graduate degrees.
Requirements for Admission
Candidates are encouraged to apply for admission
into the 150 semester hour dual-degree program during their first
semester immediately after achievement of junior standing. Students
must apply for admission to graduate status before they will be allowed
to register for graduate courses. Graduate tuition and fees will be
charged for all terms subsequent to that admission date. A decision to
withdraw from the dual-degree program will result in the loss of
graduate credit. Candidates may also apply for admission into the 30
semester hour M.P.Ac. program upon completion of an undergraduate
degree.
The admission requirements for the dual-degree
program include: 1) a cumulative overall grade point average (GPA) of
3.0 or higher, 2) completion of nine semester hours of upper-division
accounting courses at Murray State University with a minimum GPA of
2.65 in those courses, and 3) a minimum score of 400 on the Graduate
Management Admission Test (GMAT) or 800 on the Graduate Record
Examination (GRE). To receive the degrees in the dual-degree program, a
candidate must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 on all undergraduate
coursework, a 2.00 on all upper-division accounting coursework, and a
3.00 on all graduate coursework.
Candidates who have already earned a baccalaureate
degree or have substantially completed their undergraduate degree may
apply for admission into the separate degree M.P.Ac. program. Admission
requirements include 1) successful completion of the accounting
foundation courses (see the Separate-Degree Program requirements
below), 2) a cumulative overall GPA of 3.0 on undergraduate coursework,
and 3) a minimum score of 400 on the GMAT or 800 on the GRE. To receive
the degree a candidate must earn a minimum GPA of 3.00 on all graduate
coursework.
Master of Professional
Accountancy
CIP 52.0301
SEPARATE-DEGREE PROGRAM
The following requirements are
for candidates of the separate degree M.P.Ac. program. Students
entering the separate degree M.P.Ac. program are expected to have
completed the following foundation courses (or equivalent courses).
Foundation
Courses
ACC 200 Principles of Financial
Accounting
ACC 201 Principles of Managerial
Accounting
ACC 202 Accounting Applications
Laboratory
ACC 300 Intermediate Accounting I
ACC 301 Intermediate Accounting II
ACC 302 Federal Income Tax
ACC 303 Cost Accounting
ACC 308 Accounting Information
Systems
NON-THESIS TRACK ONLY
Total Course
Requirements 30 hours
ACC 506 Principles of Auditing and
Assurance Services1
ACC 509 Accounting Theory1
ACC 606 Auditing Theory and Practice
ACC 608 Seminar in Accounting
Information Systems
ACC 609 Issues in Corporate
Financial Reporting
-and-
Graduate Electives (15 hours)
One graduate elective (3 hrs)2 must be an ACC course
and the remainder must be 600 level courses that are selected based on
career objectives and are approved by the M.P.Ac. coordinator. Courses
must meet AACSB accreditation guidelines and include a minimum of six
hours in business.
Other Degree Requirements
A candidate must earn a minimum grade point average
of 3.00 on all graduate coursework.
1Substitute courses are required for ACC
506 and 509 if a candidate’s undergraduate program included equivalent
material.
2This elective must be selected from ACC
500, 501, 502, or an accounting course approved by the graduate
coordinator. Only one experiential course may be taken for credit
toward the graduate degree.
The following requirements are for candidates in the dual-degree
M.P.Ac. program. Undergraduate requirements and listings may be found
in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
DUAL-DEGREE PROGRAM
NON-THESIS TRACK
ONLY
Total
Undergraduate Requirements 120-128 hours
University Studies Requirements
58-65 hrs
(see Chapter 4, University Studies Requirements)
Business Core Requirements1
33 hrs
(see Core Requirements at beginning of this chapter)
Required
Courses 17 hrs
ACC 202 Accounting Applications
Laboratory
ACC 300 Intermediate Accounting I
ACC 301 Intermediate Accounting II
ACC 302 Federal Income Tax
ACC 303 Cost Accounting
ACC 507 Professional Issues
ACC elective (Restricted to upper-level courses except ACC 304, 488,
489, and 490.)
Business Electives
•Area in Accounting
6-122
(Restricted to upper level courses except ACC 304,
489, 490 and BPA 355. See listing on page 56.)
•Area in Accounting/Finance
Option 12
FIN 332 Financial Management
FIN electives (300 level or above) (6 hrs)3
Business Electives (3 hrs) (Restricted to upper-level courses except
BPA 355. See earlier listing of Business Electives.)
•Area in Accounting/Financial Planning
Option 12
FIN 331 Principles of Insurance
FIN 333 Principles of Investment
FIN 336 Employee Benefits and
Retirement
FIN 338 Estate Planning
•Area in Accounting/Information
Systems Option 13
CSC 232 Visual Basic Programming I
Choose nine hours from the following:
CIS 260 Application Program
Development in COBOL I
CIS 304 Principles of Information
Systems Analysis and Design
CSC 125 Internet and Web Page Design
CSC 332 Visual Basic Programming II
or
Choose six hours from the
following:
CIS 260 Application Program
Development in COBOL I
CIS 304 Principles of Information
Systems Analysis and Design
CSC 125 Internet and Web Page Design
CSC 332 Visual Basic Programming II
and
three hours from the following:
FIN 421 Financial Models
GSC 521 Geographic Information
Systems
MKT 475 Marketing Strategies for
E-Commerce
Note: Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or
higher in all 300-level and above accounting courses to meet graduation
requirements.
Total Graduate Course
Requirements 30 hours
ACC 506 Principles of Auditing and
Assurance Services4
ACC 509 Accounting Theory4
ACC 606 Auditing Theory and Practice
ACC 608 Seminar in Accounting
Information Systems
ACC 609 Issues in Corporate
Financial Reporting
-and-
Graduate Electives (15 hours)
One graduate elective (3 hrs)5 must be an ACC course
and the remainder must be 600 level courses that are selected based on
career objectives and are approved by the M.P.Ac. coordinator. Courses
must meet AACSB accreditation guidelines and include a minimum of six
hours in business.
Total Dual-Degree
Requirements 150-158 hrs
1ACC 308 must be taken instead of BPA 355.
2B.A.B. requires 6 hours; B.S.B.
requires 12 hours.
3FIN 488, 489, 505, and 595 will not
count as electives.
4Substitute courses are required for ACC
506 and 509 if a candidate’s undergraduate program included equivalent
material.
5This elective must be selected from ACC
500, 501, 502, or an accounting course approved by the graduate
coordinator. Only one experiential course may be taken for credit
toward the graduate degree.
Other Degree Requirements
A candidate must earn a minimum grade point average
of 2.00 on all undergraduate coursework, a 2.00 on all upper-division
accounting coursework, and a 3.00 on all graduate coursework.
Department of Computer Science and Information Systems
Chair - Victor Raj
Graduate Coordinator - Meenu Singh
652 Business Building
270-809-2094
csis@murraystate.edu |
Master of Science in
Information Systems
CIP 52.1201
The Master of Science in Information Systems
prepares individuals for management careers in the vast and growing
field of information systems. This field includes such diverse areas as
software development, information management, data analysis,
information security, information systems architecture, system planning
and systems analysis, to name a few. According to the Bureau of Labor
and Statistics “employment of computer and information systems managers
is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations
through the year 2012. Technological advancements will boost the
employment of computer-related workers; as a result, the demand for
managers to direct these workers also will increase...Opportunities for
obtaining a management position will be best for workers possessing an
MBA with technology as a core component, or a management information
systems degree, advanced technical knowledge, and strong communication
and administrative skills.” (http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos258.htm).
The curriculum consists of seven core courses and
three elective courses. This structure prepares the student for both
depth and breadth in the information systems field. A sound foundation
in business and information systems is expected prior to beginning the
program. (See foundation courses and skill requirements listed below.)
Upon successful completion, graduates can move into
careers as information systems managers, business analysts, software
architects, college-level instructors, information systems auditors,
project managers, consultants etc. based on individual strengths,
skills and inclination.
Requirements for Admission
Applicants must meet the Murray State University requirements (see
Chapter 2). Additional information about unconditional and conditional
admission follows.
Unconditional
Admission into the M.S. in information systems requires a written
Statement of Purpose (500 words or less) and a resume summarizing work
experience. These materials should be submitted to the graduate
coordinator by February 1, for international students and May 1, for
U.S. students.
Conditional
Conditional admission into the program may be granted to those not
qualifying for unconditional admission if the potential to succeed is
demonstrated. A student may be admitted to full standing after
completion of one semester (nine hours) of satisfactory work including
prerequisites, with the recommendation of the graduate coordinator.
Foundation Courses and Skills
ACC 490 Survey of Accounting1
CIS 243 Business Statistics I2
CIS 304 Principles of Information
Systems Analysis and Design
CIS 343 Business Statistics II2
CIS 407 Advanced Database
Management Systems
CSC 332 Visual Basic Programming II3
FIN 330 Principles of Finance
NON-THESIS TRACK ONLY
Total Course
Requirements 30 hours
ACC 604 Quantitative Financial
Controls
CIS 609 Data Warehousing and Data
Mining
CIS 650 Software Methodologies
CIS 645 Decision Support and Expert
Systems
CIS 695 Comprehensive Project in
Computer Information Systems
CSC 510 Data Communication and
Networking
TSM 603 Telecommunications Project
Management
Approved electives, 500-level CIS/CSC/TSM or other
business courses (9 hrs)
Other Degree Requirements
In order to receive the degree, a candidate must earn a minimum grade
point average of 3.00 on all graduate courses taken at Murray State
University. Repeating a graduate course does not cancel a previous
grade in the course.
A minimum grade of C is required to receive credit for a graduate
course. No more than one C will be accepted in fulfillment of the seven
core courses.
For additional information, please contact the program’s graduate
coordinator.
1Or ACC 200 and ACC 201.
2Or MAT 135.
3Or equivalent programming knowledge in
another
object-oriented language.
Department of Economics and Finance
Chair - David Brasfield
307 Business Building
270-809-4188
eco.fin@murraystate.edu |
In addition to supporting the M.B.A. program and other graduate
programs, the Department of Economics and Finance offers the master of
science degree in economics with two options. The first has a
traditional M.S. in economics curriculum under which the student,
subject to the judgment of the graduate coordinator, has a relatively
wide choice of electives. The second option allows the student to take
a concentration of courses in finance. Both options are designed to
prepare a student for further study at the doctoral level, or to
qualify a student for a variety of career positions in business,
government, and private agencies, or to prepare students for teaching
at the community and junior college level.
Requirements for Admission
Applicants must meet the Murray State University requirements (see
Chapter 2). Additional information about unconditional and conditional
admission is following.
Unconditional
Admission into the M.S. in economics program is open to persons with
(1) an acceptable undergraduate grade point average (normally 2.5 on a
4.00 scale), and (2) an acceptable score on the Graduate Management
Admission Test (GMAT) or on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
(normally at least 50th percentile on the quantitative portion and 10th
percentile on the verbal section), and (3) an undergraduate minor in
economics or its equivalent.
The applicant’s overall record, including undergraduate training,
experience, and GMAT or GRE score, will be evaluated by the department
graduate coordinator to determine the prospective student’s suitability
for graduate work in economics.
Conditional
Admission into the M.S. in economics program may be granted to an
individual not qualifying for unconditional admission if the individual
demonstrates the potential to succeed. A conditional student may be
admitted to full standing after completion of one semester (nine hours)
of satisfactory work including prerequisites, with the recommendation
of the M.S. graduate coordinator.
Master of Science in
Economics
CIP 45.0601
NON-THESIS TRACK
Total Course
Requirements 30 hours
ECO 630 Macroeconomic Theory
ECO 631 Microeconomic Theory
ECO 680 Quantitative Methods of
Economics and Business
ECO 685
Econometrics
-or-
ECO 690 Forecasting for Business
and Government
ECO elective, 500 or 600 level (6 hrs)
ECO elective, 600 level (3 hrs)
Approved elective, 600 level1 (3 hrs)
Approved electives, 500 or 600 level1 (6 hrs)
Other Degree Requirements
• Minimum grade of B in both ECO 630 and ECO 631.
THESIS TRACK
Total Course
Requirements 30 hours
Same as above with the
following substitutions:
ECO 698-699 Thesis
ECO elective, 500 or 600 level decrease to 3 hrs
Delete ECO elective, 600 level (3 hrs)
Other Degree Requirements
• Oral exam over the thesis.
• Minimum grade of B in both ECO 630 and ECO 631.
1 No more than one elective (3 hrs) may be taken in
any one of the
following disciplines: accounting, computer and information
systems, management, marketing, or office systems.
Master of Science in Economics
with Emphasis in Finance
CIP 45.0601
NON-THESIS TRACK
Total Course
Requirements 30 hours
ECO 630 Macroeconomic Theory
ECO 631 Microeconomic Theory
ECO 680 Quantitative Methods of
Economics and Business
ECO 685
Econometrics
-or-
ECO 690 Forecasting for Business
and Government
ECO electives, 500 or 600 level (6 hrs)
Approved FIN electives, 500 or 600 level (6 hrs)
Approved FIN electives, 600 level (6 hrs)
Other Degree Requirements
• Minimum grade of B in both ECO 630 and ECO 631.
THESIS TRACK
Total Course
Requirements 30 hours
Same as above with the
following substitution:
ECO 698-699 Thesis
Delete ECO electives, 500 or 600 level (6 hrs)
Other Degree Requirements
• Oral exam over the thesis.
• Minimum grade of B in both ECO 630 and ECO 631.
Master of Arts in Education (Secondary Education)
with Economics Specialization
CIP 13.1205
Students seeking the M.A.Ed. in secondary education (see Chapter 5) may
complete an economics specialization with 12 hours of 500 or 600 level
economics courses.
Department of Journalism and Mass Communications
Interim Chair - Allen White
Graduate Coordinator - Bob Lochte
114 Wilson Hall
270-809-2387
journalism@murraystate.edu |
The Department of Journalism and Mass Communications offers the master
of arts and the master of science in mass communications. The
objectives of the graduate program are: 1) to prepare graduate students
for positions in mass communications and research; 2) to provide a
foundation for study at the doctoral level; and 3) to prepare graduate
students for teaching mass communications at the college level.
Requirements for Admission
Applicants must meet the Murray State University requirements (see
Chapter 2). Additional requirements follow.
Unconditional
Unconditional admission is granted to applicants who
have a bachelor’s degree from an ACEJMC accredited, or similarly
rigorous, program in any mass communications field; and whose
undergraduate GPA is 2.75 or higher. International students must submit
TOEFL scores of at least 213 computer-based test, including at least 21
on each of the three verbal areas, or 20 in each of the four areas of
the Internet based test in addition to the above requirements.
Conditional
Conditional admission may be granted to applicants
who have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
in fields other than mass communications; or whose undergraduate GPA is
between 2.50 and 2.74.
International students entering the JMC program from
the Murray State University English as Second Language program (ESL)
must complete Level 6 AND students must submit TOEFL scores of at least
213 computer-based test, including at least 21 on each of the three
verbal areas, or 18 in each of the four areas of the Internet based
test in addition to the above requirements.
Master of Arts or
Master of Science
in Mass Communications
CIP 09.0101
NON-THESIS TRACK ONLY
Total Course
Requirements 30 hours
JMC 515 History of U.S. Journalism
and Broadcasting
-or-
JMC 600 Seminar in International
Mass Communication -and-
JMC 630 Theories of Mass
Communications
JMC 648 Mass Media Industries
JMC 660 Methods of Communications
Research
JMC 670 Philosophical and Ethical
Concepts of the Mass Media
JMC 690 Comprehensive Project
Three courses chosen from the
following:
JMC 515 History of U.S. Journalism
and Broadcasting
JMC 558 New Media Technologies
JMC 560 Alternative Media Criticism
JMC 585 Specialized
Journalism/Radio TV I
JMC 586 Special Topics
JMC 600 Seminar in International
Mass Communications
JMC 601 Media, Culture, Gender and
Race
JMC 602 Seminar in Advertising
JMC 603 Seminar in Public Relations
JMC 622 JMC Study Abroad
JMC 677 Directed Individual Study
JMC 668 Critical Analysis of Mass
Media
Elective, 500 or 600 level
(as approved by graduate coordinator)
Other Degree Requirements
• The semester before enrolling in JMC 690, the
student must meet with the graduate coordinator, present a proposal for
the project, and gain approval of the proposal.
• At least 18 total hours must be at the 600-level.
• For the master of arts degree only, the candidate
must demonstrate competency in an approved foreign language.
Department of Management, Marketing and Business
Administration
Interim Chair - Gerry Muuka
451 Business Building
270-809-6196
mgt.mkt@murraystate.edu |
The graduate courses taught by the Department of Management, Marketing
and Business Administration support the previously described M.B.A.
program and other graduate programs.
Master of Arts in Education (Secondary
Education)
with Business and Marketing
Specialization
CIP 13.1205
Students seeking the M.A.Ed. in secondary education (see Chapter 5) may
complete a business and marketing specialization with 12 hours of 500
or 600 level courses. Courses must be planned and approved by a
business education advisor. BED 610, Foundations of Business and
Marketing Education, is required as one of the courses.
Department of Organizational Communication
Chair - Steve Cox
Graduate Coordinator - Edward Brewer
312 Wilson Hall
270-809-4483
orgcom@murraystate.edu |
The Department of Organizational Communication offers the Master of
Arts and Master of Science degrees in organizational communication.
Graduate study in organizational communication prepares students for
effective membership, humane management, and prudent leadership in
organizations. Coursework focuses on various organizational,
interpersonal, and small group communication processes vital to
personal and organizational success. Students acquire advanced
communication knowledge and skills in such areas as conflict
resolution, managerial communication, leadership, customer relations,
team communication, organizational change, healthcare communication,
persuasion, intercultural communication, training, and organizational
learning.
The program, which is theoretically and experientially oriented,
provides students with course offerings allowing in-depth study and
opportunity to pursue individual interests. Coursework is designed for
both focused study and maximum flexibility to meet the unique career
goals of each student. The program prepares individuals (1) to enter
areas of business, industry, government, and nonprofit administration,
where knowledge of and competence in communication are essential; (2)
to enter other vocations where communication is of prime importance
(e.g. the ministry, law, public service); (3) to continue study of
communication at the doctoral level; and (4) to teach organizational
communication at the college level. Recent degree options in
organizational communication and the innovative “Weekender” master’s
degree in organizational communication reflect the department’s
commitment to respond to regional needs.
Weekender Program
Courses are taught in a unique weekend format to meet the needs of
employed professionals who are seeking advancement, desiring additional
professional development, or considering a career change. Typical
weekend courses meet five times during the semester, with the first
meeting on a Friday evening and the final meeting on a Saturday. The
middle three weekends meet Friday evening from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A schedule of alternate weekends allows students
to take up to two weekend courses per semester. Students often
supplement weekend courses with departmental independent study courses.
Additional evening courses are offered for those students who can
attend. Students can also take approved graduate level electives
offered by other departments, many of which are delivered through ITV
or taken online. The entire program can be finished through weekend and
independent directed study courses.
Requirements for Admission
Applicants must meet the Murray State University requirements (see
Chapter 2). Additional departmental requirements are as follows:
Unconditional
• An overall GPA of 3.0 in the last two years of
undergraduate work with at least a minor in communication, business, or
related field.
Conditional
• An undergraduate GPA of at least 2.50.
Conditional students may be required to complete certain undergraduate
courses before beginning the program. After beginning the program,
conditional students will undergo a review after their first nine hours
and are admitted to full standing after completion of B or better work
and approval of the graduate program coordinator.
International students entering the organizational communication
program from the Murray State University English as a Second Language
(ESL) program must have completed Level 6 and must score at least 18 in
each test area on the TOEFL Internet-based test, a 500 on the TOEFL
paper-based test or 178 on the computer-based test. International
students who have not completed the ESL program must score at least 18
in each test area on the TOEFL Internet-based test, a 550 on the TOEFL
paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test.
Master of Arts in
Organizational Communication
CIP 09.0901
THESIS TRACK
Total Course
Requirements 34 hours
COM 585 Advanced Organizational
Communication
(if not taken for
undergraduate degree)
COM 645 Foundations of
Organizational Communication
COM 672 Communication in
Instructional Environments
(required of laboratory assistants
only)
COM 685 Seminar in Organizational
Communication
COM 690 Research Methods in
Organizational Communication
COM 692 Research Practice
COM 693 Readings in Communication
Research
COM 698-699 Thesis
Approved COM electives, 600 level
Approved electives, 500 or 600 level (3-6 hrs)
Other Degree Requirements
• Oral defense of the thesis.
• Written and oral examinations designed to
facilitate integrative learning.
NON-THESIS TRACK
Total Course
Requirements 34 hours
Same as above with the
following substitution for thesis:
Approved electives, 500 or 600 level increase to 6-9
hrs
Other Degree Requirements
Written and oral examinations designed to facilitate integrative
learning.
Master of Science in
Organizational Communication
CIP 09.0901
NON-THESIS TRACK ONLY
Total Course
Requirements 31 hours
COM 585 Advanced Organizational
Communication
(if not taken for
undergraduate degree)
COM 645 Foundations of
Organizational Communication
COM 672 Communication in
Instructional Environments
(required of laboratory assistants
only)
COM 685 Seminar in Organizational
Communication
COM 690 Research Methods in
Organizational Communication
COM 692 Research Practice
Approved COM electives, 600 level (3-6 hrs)
Approved electives, 500 or 600 level (9-12 hrs)
Other Degree Requirements
Written and oral examinations designed to facilitate integrative
learning.
Telecommunications Systems Management
Graduate Coordinator - George Rice
270-809-6216
csis@murraystate.edu |
The masters program in telecommunications systems management provides
students a core of fundamental courses and the option of choosing a
specialization within the curriculum. Although students in the masters
program will have the insight and ability to manage all aspects of
telecommunications systems, the program option choice will support the
aspect of management which interests them most, the physical system and
its components or the business structure and operations that
depend on the system.
Requirements for Admission
Applicants must meet the Murray State University requirements (see
Chapter 2). For admission consideration, all candidates must take
either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate
Record Examination (GRE). There are no exceptions to this rule. Scores
should be sent directly to Murray State University by the testing
service using the institution code 1494.
Unconditional
Students taking the GMAT must satisfy the GMAT admission formula, which
is: (200 x GPA) + GMAT > 1,000 points. If the GRE is taken, on the
other hand, the GRE formula must be satisfied, which is: (200 x GPA) +
GRE > 1,400 points. This GRE formula uses the combined score from
the quantitative and verbal sections only.
In addition, candidates must take the TOEFL and score at least 550 on
the paper-based exam (or 213 on the computerized version) if English is
not their native language or they have not graduated from an accredited
English speaking university.
Conditional
TSM applicants may be admitted conditionally under the following
conditions: 1) their overall GPA is 2.75 or higher, or at least 3.0 for
their last 60 hours of undergraduate study; and 2) they take the GMAT
or GRE and meet the admission formula within their first semester in
the program, and 3) for the first nine hours of graduate work, students
admitted conditionally must take TSM 601, TSM 602 and one course
selected from ACC 604, MGT 651, or TSM 603. Such students will be
dropped from the TSM graduate program if they do not achieve at least a
3.0 GPA (at least a B average) for the first nine hours of graduate
courses.
Master of Science in
Telecommunications Systems
Management
CIP 11.0401
NON-THESIS TRACK ONLY
Total Course
Requirements 30 hours
ACC 604 Quantitative Financial
Controls
MGT 651 Seminar in Organizational
Behavior
TSM 601 Telecommunications
Principles
TSM 602 Telecommunications Systems
TSM 603 Telecommunications Project
Management
TSM 610 Telecommunication Networks
Management
TSM 630 Telecommunications Legal
Environment: Law, Policy and
Regulations
TSM 680 Telecommunications Solution
Development
and two of the following:
ACC 608 Seminar in Accounting
Information Systems
CIS 507 Fundamentals of Distributed
Database Applications
CIS 609 Data Warehousing and Data
Mining
CIS 645 Decision Support and Expert
Systems
CIS 646 Manager’s Guide to Database
CIS 647 Systems Analysis and Design
for End User/Manager
ECO 625 Managerial Economics
FIN 612 Capital Investment Analysis
MKT 667 Marketing Planning and
Application
MKT 675 Marketing Applications in
E-Business
MKT 685 Business Geographics for
Managers
TSM 670 Developing E-Commerce
Applications
TSM 688 Telecommunications Systems
Practicum
|
