Schiller International University
M.B.A. International Business
Dunedin, Florida
Distance Learning Program
Distance learning is a natural extension of the University's high-quality education, both on the undergraduate and graduate levels, for students from all over the world. This program has been developed in response to the needs of the adult learner in the Information Age. The creative use of modern education technology makes selected SIU programs available, anytime, anywhere, through the World Wide Web. Students may complete the entire M.B.A. program online, or online courses may be combined with one or more terms in residence at an SIU campus in the United States or in Europe. Online courses are usually limited to no more than 20 students per class.
Online M.B.A.s in international business, international hotel and tourism management, and management of information technology are available to all students who have access to a Pentium-based computer, a 28.8-speed modem, usual office software, and an Internet connection. All courses are Web-based and are delivered via the Internet, using the eCollege.com platform. Technical support is provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by eCollege.com's help desk. The course Web site contains a home page with the most essential information about the course, e-mail links to the instructor and other students taking the course, a discussion forum that allows instructor and students to communicate with the group as a whole, Web links, and glossaries. Each course utilizes a textbook; a study guide on CD-ROM; and the Web-based course materials, which also provide the medium of interaction. Although most interaction is asynchronous, chat rooms are available for student and faculty member use.
All virtual courses are taught by instructors with advanced degrees and extensive practical experience in their fields. The faculty members' abilities to teach in both online and ground-based formats ensures consistency across the programs. All courses in the distance learning program are Web-based. An online course has learning objectives identical to those of a ground-delivered course, incorporating both asynchronous and the possibility of synchronous technology to facilitate learning. Each course has a syllabus describing the course content, assignments, and grading policy. The faculty members choose from many course-delivery technologies, including journals and e-mail for assignment submission and correspondence; and discussion forums and chat rooms for ongoing questions and answers. The instructor uses these technologies to enhance the learning experience.
The University has developed a number of methods to assist students in distance learning programs. Each student receives a copy of SIU's publication, A Guide to Distance Learning. Specially trained faculty mentors are always available by e-mail for consultation, and the Web-based host for the courses offers technical assistance 24 hours a day. Students in the distance learning programs have access to the full range of support services, including the Library and Information Resource Network (LIRN) and NET Library, that are used by all Schiller students. Each online course has its own library of study aids and resources. Lecture notes, sample quizzes, assignment checks, and hyperlinks to other interesting sites are available for viewing and downloading.
Programs of Study
Completion of an Online M.B.A. requires 45 credit hours. The curriculum for the international business degree concentrates on the more detailed aspects of international marketing, management, finance, and economics. For the concentrations in international hotel and tourism management (IHTM) or management of information technology (MIT), students complete seven core M.B.A. courses, two elective courses, and six concentrated courses in either IHTM or MIT. Students whose undergraduate background does not include preparation in accounting/finance, economics, or statistics are required to take additional preparatory courses, available online. The degree requirements are designed to provide practical knowledge and training for future business executives. SIU M.B.A. programs promote a professional academic environment without borders, in which world-class education is offered in worldwide classrooms online.
In addition to the Online M.B.A., selected courses on the undergraduate level are offered in a distance learning format. More information about all programs can be accessed from SIU's Web site.
SIU offers an Executive M.B.A. program, which combines online courses as well as evening, weekend, and accelerated summer courses at selected campuses. During specific semesters, several undergraduate- and graduate-level courses are available online in a variety of subjects, including accounting, business administration and management, business communications, computer/information technology administration and management, economics, English composition, history, hospitality services management, human resources management, international business, international relations and diplomacy, marketing management and research, mathematics, physical sciences, psychology, statistics, tourism and travel services marketing operations, and more.
Applying for Distance Education
Admission to the Online M.B.A. program requires completion of a B.B.A. degree or equivalent; a bachelor's degree or equivalent, with a major in business studies or economics, providing that core courses have been completed in economics, statistics, business law, marketing, management, and accounting; or a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a nonbusiness field, provided that course work in the areas listed above has been completed. Nonnative English speakers must provide scores of at least 550 on a TOEFL test (213 for the computerized test) taken within the past two years. Test scores should be sent directly to the University.
A completed application form must be sent to the SIU Office of Admissions together with a $50 application fee, payable by check, credit card, or international money order. Applicants must also request that official transcripts of academic work be sent via airmail to the Office of Admissions. Applicants must submit transcripts of all college courses attended as well as proof of an earned degree. Undergraduate applicants must submit proof of high school graduation as well as TOEFL test scores, if applicable. Original documents or certified copies must be submitted as well as a certified English translation of those documents not in English.
For the master's program, students must earn at least 36 credit hours, and undergraduates must earn at least 33 credits at SIU. Credit may be awarded to students who receive appropriate scores in CLEP subject examinations. Students admitted to the Executive M.B.A. program at the Florida campus may earn up to 6 credits by portfolio.
Applications for admission are accepted year-round. Classes begin in September, January, and June. Students interested in online courses must complete two surveys, found on the distance learning page of the SIU Web site at the address listed below. Students can visit this site or contact the Office of Admissions for further information.
Costs
Distance learning students pay the same tuition as on-campus students. Tuition is $490 per graduate credit and $530 per undergraduate credit and is payable by check, credit card, or international money order. Tuition includes all instruction and faculty-produced materials. Students are responsible for the additional cost of textbooks, and information about online booksellers is provided. Room and board fees vary by campus. Students wishing to complete a portion of their degree in residence should contact the individual campus. Additional fees include a $50 application fee, an $80 graduation fee, and a late registration fee of $115, applicable only after classes commence.
Financial Aid
SIU participates in Title IV programs and is eligible to participate in the Veteran's Training Program. Both programs are for U.S. citizens and residents who qualify. Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid at the e-mail address listed below.
For Additional Information
Schiller International University
Office of Admissions
453 Edgewater Drive
Dunedin, Florida 34698
727-736-5082
800-336-4133