2003-2005 - Graduate School - The University of Alabama

214 The University of AlabamaMANDERSON GRADUATE SCHOOL OFBUSINESSGRADUATE PROGRAMSThe Manderson Graduate School of Business is the graduate division of the CulverhouseCollege of Commerce and Business Administration. The mission of the Collegeis to excel in the creation, dissemination, and application of business knowledge. Thefaculty of the Manderson Graduate School of Business offers six grad u ate degrees: themaster of business administration (M.B.A.), master of ac coun tan cy (M.Acc.), master oftax ac count ing (M.T.A.), master of arts (M.A.), master of science in commerce (M.S.C.),and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.).The master of business administration and master of tax accounting degrees are generallyregarded as terminal professional degrees; that is, they are designed primarily forpeople who plan professional careers in business, government, or nonprofit or ga ni za tions.The other master’s programs serve similar purposes and also function as preparatoryprograms for doctoral-level work. The M.S.C. is a research-oriented master’s degreethat requires a thesis.The doctor of philosophy program prepares graduates for careers as college or universityprofessors or as professional researchers. The Ph.D. requires an extensive, in-depthknowledge of the major fi eld of study, a supporting minor fi eld of study, and a specializedknowledge of statistical and quantitative techniques necessary for the advancement ofknowledge in business and economics. A doctoral dissertation is required.An applicant for graduate study must meet both the general requirements of the Universityof Alabama Graduate School and the standards set by the program to which thestudent is seeking admission. Successful applicants are admitted to a specifi c programof study as stated on the application. A student who wishes to pursue a new degree orchange the major fi eld of study is required to submit a new application.Programs offered through the Manderson Graduate School of Business are accreditedby the AACSB International — The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools ofBusiness.FACILITIESThe Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration recently completed a major building program designed to expand and modernize its teaching andresearch facilities. This business complex consists of three buildings located adjacentto one another in the central University campus. Mary Hewell Alston Hall, which wascompleted in 1991, houses faculty and administrative offi ces, seminar rooms, and fourtechnologically innovative classrooms. The Angelo Bruno Business Library and Sloan Y.Bashinsky Sr. Computer Center was occupied in January 1994. This integrated businessinformation center includes the expanded business library, three hands-on computerclassrooms, and open computer labs for undergraduate students and for graduate students.Bidgood Hall, the traditional home of the College, reopened in January 1994 afterextensive renovations. This building now houses 32 classrooms, including 13 multimediaclass rooms and two classrooms equipped to telecast and receive distance learningclasses. The business complex is equipped with a wireless network allowing full Internetaccess from laptops and other equipped devices. Bidgood Hall also houses the offi cesof the Manderson Graduate School of Business, offi ce space and group study facilitiesfor graduate students, and the research centers affi liated with the College.