College of Business - Tennessee Technological University - Overview
A Top-Ranked Technological Public School in Tennessee
First established under a charter in 1909, Tennessee Technological University (TTU) has remained committed to educating undergraduate and graduate students in the arts, sciences, business, education, and engineering fields for over a century. Today, the total student population at TTU includes more than 10,000 students, but the school seeks to foster a personalized education for every student: most classes at TTU have fewer than 25 students.
Tennessee Technological University is counted among the 50 Best Value public universities in the nation by "The Princeton Review." The university also ranks among the top 8 public schools in the south according to "U.S. News and World Report." In 2009, TTU was also listed in "The Princeton Review" as a Best Southeastern College.
A Practical Approach to Educating Future Business Leaders
Tennessee Tech's Master of Business Administration program (M.B.A.) is housed in the university's College of Business. M.B.A. students can choose to concentrate in 1 of 6 disciplines: accounting, finance, human resource management, international business, management information systems, or risk management and insurance.
Students are able to complete the program on a part-time or full-time basis. A total of 30 semester hours are required, and most students complete the degree within one calendar year.
The faculty who teach in Tennessee Tech's Division of M.B.A. Studies are seasoned and experienced business professionals with a variety of qualifications in academics and industry. Faculty utilize practical and interactive methods to engage students, including simulations, field research, experimentation, business mentoring, workshops, primary data collection, and consulting assignments. This methodology is intended to provide students with the skills they need to handle real-world business scenarios.
Distance Learning M.B.A. Opportunities
M.B.A. students have the option to complete their degree partially or completely through distance learning at Tennessee Technological University. The distance-based M.B.A. has the same admission requirements and the same program of study as the on-campus M.B.A. The distance-learning approach utilizes the latest technologies. Case discussions, virtual project teams, and other active learning approaches are used to make a strong connection between academic subjects and the issues facing managers in today's global business environment.
Hands-On Coursework in Accounting
M.B.A. students who choose to concentrate in accounting take a variety of required and elective courses including tax accounting, cost accounting, and auditing. Each course is centered on case-study models that bring real-life accounting situations to the forefront of study.
Several examples of present-day case studies include those that analyze current events in the accounting profession, auditing simulations, accounting reporting practices in governmental and non-profit organizations, and contemporary accounting theory.
An Emphasis on Leadership Skills in All Aspects of Finance
At Tennessee Tech, students concentrating in finance are trained not only in basic financial principles, but also in financial decision-making, financial models, and financial management skills.
In-depth finance courses take a detailed approach to covering topics such as international market strategies, investment theory management, and small-business financials. One of the most popular courses in the concentration teaches advanced portfolio theory through the management of a real investment portfolio, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a real-world situation.
Exploring Current Issues in Human Resource Management
For students who are ready to dive into the intricacies of human resource management, the M.B.A. concentration in human resources offers courses specifically tailored to current industry issues, such as interaction with organizational stakeholders, employee relations, and the technological, social, legal, and organizational environments of current human resources practices. Courses prepare students to take any professional certification exams needed in their future careers.
Training for a Global Business Environment
The international business concentration at TTU directly involves students in the complexities of international affairs and prepares them for future careers in a global business environment. Different courses focus on specific knowledge of particular countries as well as an overall vision of international business. Interactive case studies incorporate cultural differences in examining topics such as international management, international marketing, international strategy, regional politics, international finance, quality in services, organizational development and change, and international negotiations.
It is also possible for M.B.A. students to study abroad and put their coursework into practice in foreign countries. Currently, M.B.A. students can take courses in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands through TTU.
Technology-based Management Information Systems Program
The concentration in management information systems (MIS) at Tennessee Tech strengthens students' abilities that directly relate to future careers as managers in information technology. The program is designed for both working professionals, as well as students who have no background in MIS.
Students take courses in decision support systems, telecommunications systems, and data resources management. Curriculum focuses on familiarizing students with state-of-the-art communications technologies that are encountered in real-world business situations, as well as how to design, develop, and support these technologies.
Teaching Solutions to Risk Management and Insurance Situations
The Master of Business Administration degree at Tennessee Technological University recognizes the importance of a global education, and the risk management and insurance courses emphasize pertinent global business approaches. Topics covered include risk financing techniques, property and liability risks, and insurance theory and practice. Classes prepare students for a variety of managerial and professional careers, including loss control, underwriting, and sales.
Research Centers to Support Business Education
At TTU, students work closely with faculty mentors on research issues and current research projects. Several grants and funding opportunities have provided TTU with state-of-the-art research centers and access to resources. One example is the school's membership in Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU). This 96-school consortium allows students and faculty access to national research facilities.
M.B.A. students also conduct research at the school's business institutes, such as the J.E. Owen Center for Information Research, the Small Business Development Center, and the W.E. Mayberry Center for Quality and Performance.
Community Life in Cookeville, Tennessee
Situated on 235 acres in Cookeville, Tennessee, Tennessee Tech University provides students with both a rural and urban living setting. Cookeville is home to several city parks, the Cookeville Performing Arts Center, and museums such as the Depot Museum and the History Museum. The school is also situated almost equidistant between Knoxville and Nashville, which both offer exciting cultural and social opportunities, such as the Grand Old Opry.