Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship

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Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Harmon Hall 100
(636) 627-4000 (o) /
PlasterCollegeofBusiness@lindenwood.edu

Mission

Set forth below, the mission of the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship complements and expands upon the Lindenwood University mission statement. In furtherance of the university’s mission, the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship is committed to:

Graduate Outcomes

The Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship provides instruction, knowledge, and experience in an environment that encourages students to develop self-motivation and the ethical standards essential
to becoming citizens in the global business community. The Lindenwood University Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship expects that its graduates should:

• Have the contemporary business competencies of their chosen discipline and the aptitude required for life-long learning and personal development.
• Have the technical, human, and conceptual skills that would contribute to critical analysis, problem solving, operational recommendations, and continuous improvement of dynamic and changing organizations and the ability to professionally communicate those recommendations and improvements.
• Demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit of being enterprising, resourceful, and productive in their professional lives.
• Be able to act and build upon the foundation of their course work for the furtherance of their professional careers.

Description of Graduate Programs

The Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship has received specialized accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP, www.acbsp.org). The school’s graduate degree programs prepare students to pursue careers in the management of business firms or other formally organized enterprises. The programs emphasize knowledge, skills, and techniques useful in designing and maintaining effective organizations. The case method of instruction is used extensively throughout the student’s coursework to enhance decision-making skills.

Graduate programs in the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship operate during fall, spring, and summer terms. Course duration is eight consecutive weeks. The college offers courses in several modalities. Common course modalities include: 1) on-campus meeting one evening per week in four-hour sessions; 2) the entire course is online; or 3) Flex where students may attend the course in person, online synchronously or online asynchronously. Students are expected to participate in their courses multiple times throughout each of the eight weeks.

Policies and Procedures

Degree Program Admission Standards

Admission to the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship graduate programs is granted to students who demonstrate academic preparedness and the potential for academic excellence. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher from a regionally accredited institution is required for admission. Once accepted, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students whose GPA falls below the 3.0 minimum will be subject to academic probation or suspension, as outlined in Academic Policies and Procedures / Academic Services  .

Applicants who do not meet the 3.0 GPA may submit official GMAT or GRE scores in lieu of the 3.0 GPA requirement. Admissions to the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship graduate programs based on GMAT or GRE scores is granted to students who have an official minimum GMAT score of 500 or combined GRE scores of 300. Scores should not be more than five years old at the time of application.

Applicants who do not meet the GPA, GMAT, or GRE thresholds may be considered for further evaluation by the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship. As part of this review, an interview may be required.

Degree Program Application Procedures

U.S. Citizen and Permanent Resident Application

To be considered for admission to the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship, applicants should complete the following items:

• Online application.
• Official undergraduate transcript(s) from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning showing that a bachelor’s degree has been conferred, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, as well as any transcript showing completed prerequisite courses. In addition, Official transcript(s) from any graduate school(s) will be required. If an applicant has completed a graduate degree prior, admission to the program will be based on the last degree conferred.
• Current résumé.
• Personal statement.
• Three professional letters of recommendation submitted to the Office of University Admissions.

U.S. Citizen and Permanent Resident Application Deadlines

The application deadline for on-ground or online students will be two weeks prior to the start of each 8-week term. Term start dates can be viewed in the Academic Calendar .

Citizens and U.S. residents should apply online at www.lindenwood.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions. Please email admissions@lindenwood.edu or call (636) 949-4949 with any admissions related questions.

International Citizen Application

To be considered for admission to the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship, international applicants should complete the online International Application and submit the following items:

• Student Application or Common Application- A completed and signed copy of the application form must be submitted.
• Current résumé.
• Personal statement.
• Official TOEFL or IELTS score. Required minimum TOEFL scores: 550 (paper-based exam), 213 (computer-based exam), 80 (Internet-based exam). Required minimum IELTS score: 6.0. For score reporting, the Lindenwood University code is 6367.

Online Program Application Requirement

The following additional admission requirement applies to those students seeking an online graduate degree program:

• International citizens applying to the online graduate programs who do not already possess a Lindenwood transcript submit an official minimum GMAT score of 500. For score reporting, the Lindenwood University code is 6367.

Additional Application Documentation Required

• An affidavit of support-Students should provide an official document or statement from a bank verifying the amount (in U.S. dollars) of personal or family funds available for tuition (personal cost) and educational expenses (books, insurance). All documents must be in English.
• Official transcripts-Graduate candidates must submit certified copies of university transcripts showing that a baccalaureate degree has been conferred, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or its equivalent, as determined by ECE or WES). Transcripts must be in their original language and accompanied by a certified English translation. These documents will not be returned to the student. They will become part of the student’s official file at Lindenwood University. The cost for the evaluation of the transcript will be incurred by the applicant.
• If transfer credit is requested from an international school, students should submit all transcripts and translations to ECE or WES for evaluation. Refer to www.ece.org or www.wes.org for more information about transcript evaluation. Lindenwood University must be listed as the recipient of the evaluation. ECE or WES will also provide a copy of the evaluation directly to the applicant. The applicant should keep this copy for student records. (For further information regarding the transfer of international credit to a business program, please refer to the Academic Policies section of this catalog.)
• Housing application-Campus housing will be assigned upon receipt of the housing application.
• Passport-Students must provide a clear, readable copy of the identification page of their passports.
• Insurance-All students are required to be insured while studying in the United States. Lindenwood University does not provide insurance for students. Students may carry any health insurance policy they choose.
• If an international student applicant is transferring from another university within the United States, the student should forward the Lindenwood University transfer paperwork (found in the application) to their schools’ officials for processing.

International Citizen Application Deadlines

The application deadlines are listed on the International Admissions website.

Note: There is no international student intake or orientation beginning in the summer.

International residents should complete the online application.

Please email internationaladmissions@lindenwood.edu or call (636) 949-4982 with any admissions related questions.

Transferring Credit into Graduate Business Programs

In order for graduate credit to be accepted in transfer, the following conditions must be met:

• All transfer graduate credit must be from a regionally accredited graduate institution and must meet the approval of the dean of the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the registrar.
• All transfer credits must carry the equivalent of a letter grade of B or better and have been completed within the last five years. An official transcript must be provided for verification.
• Due to the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, grades of P (pass) and other equivalent non-qualitative grades earned during Spring or Summer 2020 terms will be accepted in the transfer process to satisfy either PCB&E core or elective credit.
• Due to the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, grades of P (pass) and other equivalent non-qualitative grades earned during Spring or Summer 2020 terms will be accepted in the transfer process to satisfy foundational courses where a minimum grade of C or better is required.

Transferring U.S. Graduate Credit

A student wishing to transfer up to nine semester hours of graduate level coursework from a regionally accredited (U.S.) institution may do so by requesting that an official transcript be sent directly to Lindenwood University’s Office of Graduate Admissions by the school or schools that the candidate previously attended. Students should bring copies of these official transcripts when meeting with their academic advisors. An evaluation of transfer credit will be made by the student’s advisor and the dean of the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Transferring International Graduate Credit

A student wishing to transfer up to nine semester hours of graduate level coursework from an international institution

must bring to Lindenwood the following items and present them to the academic advisor to review:

• An official ECE* or WES** course-by-course evaluation of the international graduate level transcript showing the courses that the student wishes to transfer.
• A translated copy of the course description and syllabus for each course that the student wishes to apply to transfer.
• An official ECE or WES document evaluation of the international undergraduate transcript, confirming that a baccalaureate degree has been conferred.

Upon arrival to Lindenwood, the student should bring these items to the academic advisor. These items will be reviewed by the advisor and will be forwarded to the dean of the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship for approval.

*For further information on ECE, visit www.ece.org.

**For further information on WES, visit www.wes.org.

Transferring Graduate Credit into a Certificate Program

Students who have taken graduate-level courses mayrequest review of their previous coursework. Previously completed courses will be evaluated, and the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship will determine whether any of those courses and their corresponding credit hours will be accepted in transfer into a graduate certificate program.

The transfer of credit is subject to the following conditions:

• A student may transfer up to nine semester credit hours of coursework from a regionally accredited (U.S.) institution.
• A minimum of 50 percent of the graduate certificate courses must be earned from the Lindenwood University Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship.
• Only credit earned within the five-year period preceding the completion of all certification requirements, whether at the Lindenwood University Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship or elsewhere, is counted toward a certificate.

A student wishing to transfer up to nine semester credit hours of graduate level coursework from a regionally accredited (U.S.) institution may do so by requesting that an official transcript be sent directly to Lindenwood University’s Office of University Admissions by the school or schools that the candidate previously attended. Students should bring copies of these official transcripts when meeting with academic advisors.

Students seeking to transfer international credit into a certificate program must bring to Lindenwood the following items and present them to the academic advisor:

• An official ECE or WES course-by-course evaluation of the international graduate level transcript showing the courses that the student wishes to transfer.
• A translated copy of the course description and syllabus for each course that the student wishes to apply to transfer.
• An official ECE or WES document evaluation of the international undergraduate transcript, confirming that a baccalaureate degree has been conferred.

These items will be reviewed by the advisor and will be forwarded to the dean of the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Note: The request for a transfer of credit must follow the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship procedures for transferring credit outlined in the catalog year of the applicant’s admission into the program. For more information, refer to Transferring U.S. Graduate Credit into a Business Program, and Transferring International Graduate Credit into a Business Program.

Certificate Program Application and Admission

For admission into a graduate certificate program, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. university and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Applicants should follow the application procedures required for admission to the MBA program. International applicants must meet the Lindenwood University admissions standards for the year of their admission.

Change of Status from Certificate to Degree Program

A student wishing to pursue a degree or program other than the graduate certificate program should consult with an advisor in the new program to determine whether additional application materials must be submitted for admission to the new program.

Master Graduate Pursuing a Graduate Certificate

A student who has earned a graduate degree and is interested in pursuing a graduate certificate may request to transfer credit hours appropriate to the certificate’s foundation and core courses. A minimum of 50 percent of the graduate certificate core and elective courses must be earned from the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Only credit earned within the five-year period preceding the completion of all certification requirements, whether at the Lindenwood University Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship or elsewhere, may be counted toward a certificate.

Master Candidate Pursuing a Graduate Certificate

A student who is currently seeking to earn an MBA or MS degree from the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship and is interested in pursuing a graduate certificate must complete the required courses for the certificate program. A student pursuing a graduate degree and a certificate must select different elective courses to fulfill the requirements of the two programs. No duplication of elective coursework is permitted within the degree programs. A minimum of 50 percent of the graduate certificate courses must be earned from the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Only credit earned within the five-year period preceding the completion of all certification requirements, whether at the Lindenwood University Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship or elsewhere, is counted toward a certificate.

Note that students must determine whether they wish to complete the certificate program and/or pursue a graduate business degree prior to the completion of their third certificate course (nine credit hours). In the scenario in which a student decides to pursue both a certificate and a graduate degree, the credit hours required for the graduate degree must be taken in addition to the credit hours required for their graduate certificate program. The graduate must complete the total number of credit hours sufficient to satisfy both the certificate and degree program requirements.

If, by the nine-credit-hour mark, a student decides to pursue a graduate degree, the graduate certificate courses the student has taken may be used to fulfill the degree requirements of the graduate degree program, and no graduate certificate will be earned or issued.

Orientation to Business Programs for International Students

Graduate programs for all international students begin on the first day of international student orientation. During orientation, students will complete an English language assessment, receive information regarding business program requirements, meet with an academic advisor, and enroll in classes. Any international student who is not able to arrive to the university in time to participate in the orientation program may be required to wait to begin the business program until the start of the subsequent term.

International Student Programming

To best serve the needs of the international graduate student community, an international student program exists within the business school, working in conjunction with the University Admissions to support graduate business students. Among the support services coordinated from within the business program are (1) international advising (2) new student orientation, and (3) academic writing instruction.

Attendance

Graduate evening programs are designed for motivated learners who take responsibility for their education. In an eight-week program, it is assumed that a student will not miss any classes. However, recognizing that graduate students may be working adults, one absence may be compensated for (at the instructor’s discretion) through additional assigned work. Two unexcused absences will result in a grade drop. Three unexcused absences are unacceptable. A student with three or more unexcused absences may, at the discretion of the professor, fail the course and be required to re-take it.

Note: Excessive absences will jeopardize international students’ F-1 visa compliance.

PCB&E 4+1 Pilot

Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship is piloting 4+1 pathways from undergraduate programs into PCB&E graduate programs which will allow high-achieving undergraduate students an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in as few as five years. Full-time college students will complete the majority of their undergraduate curriculum, as well as most of their general education requirements, during their first three years. Then, upon formal acceptance into the master’s degree program, the students will complete their graduate coursework during their fourth and fifth year. Current Lindenwood undergraduate students are eligible for participation in the 4+1 master’s pathway. Graduation timelines may vary and are dependent on an official review of the student’s prior academic history. Students who elect not to complete the graduate portion of the program can still graduate with an undergraduate degree following the completion of all undergraduate degree requirements. The pathway to different master programs has specific eligibility requirements, application procedures, selection criteria, and retention criteria.

Tuition
During their Junior/Senior years, students participating in a 4+1 undergraduate/master’s pathway will be subject to undergraduate tuition rates until the undergraduate degree is conferred. Undergraduate tuition permits a student to take up to 18 credit hours per semester. Pathway students must take 12 credit hours of undergraduate courses and may take up to 6 graduate credit hours per term. (Pathway students may take up to a maximum of 12 graduate credit hours at the undergraduate tuition rate while in the 4+1 Pathway.) Undergraduate students who enroll for more than 18 hours in a semester will be charged at the university’s course overload rate. Graduate courses completed as an undergraduate student in the 4+1 pathway that provides credit for the undergraduate degree or graduate degree will be subject to undergraduate tuition and financial aid.

Eligibility

•     Enrolled into PCBE major

•     3.0 cumulative GPA or higher

•     Earned 60 credit hours

•     Completion, or near completion, of all general education requirements

4+1 Undergraduate to Master Pathway Application Process and Criteria:

•     Completion of the 4+1 master’s pathway application (may be submitted after 60 credit hours).

•     Completion of at least 60 undergraduate credit hours at time of application submission to the PCB&E 4+1 pathway. (Credit hours the student is enrolled at the time of 4+1 application will count as part of the total hours).

•     Completion of all graduate program prerequisites with a B or better.

•     Transcript verification of completion of all program prerequisite courses. If the prerequisite courses have not been completed at the time of application, students can submit final verification at a later date.

Master Pathway Application Deadlines:

•     For enrollment into Fall I Graduate courses, the Pathway Application must be submitted by June 1 of the same year.

•     For enrollment into Fall II Graduate courses, the Pathway Application must be submitted by September 1 of the same year.

•     For enrollment into Spring I Graduate courses, the Pathway Application must be submitted by December 1 of the previous year.

•     For enrollment into Spring II Graduate courses, the Pathway Application must be submitted by February 1 of the same year.

•     For enrollment into Summer Graduate courses, the Pathway Application must be submitted by April 1 of the same year.

4+1 Master Pathway to Graduate Program Application Process and Criteria:

•     Completion of at least 84 undergraduate credit hours before the student may submit an application to and be admitted to the appropriate Lindenwood graduate program.

•     Completion of the university graduate program application (after 84 undergraduate credit hours)

•     Completion of all graduate program foundation courses or equivalencies with a B or better.

4+1 Master Pathway to Graduate Program and Foundation Courses:

Pathway students may want to plan their undergraduate courses to complete Master Program Foundational or program core courses prior to undergraduate graduation. For undergraduate courses to be counted as completed Graduate Foundation courses, student must earn a grade of B or better in the undergraduate course (each pathway graduate program has program-specific academic eligibility requirements, application procedures, selection criteria, and other admission criteria).

Upon conferment of the undergraduate degree, the student will be considered a graduate student and will be subject to graduate tuition, graduate financial aid, and all other fees associated with graduate programs. Please refer to the current university policies regarding undergraduate and graduate information on tuition, program expenses, and all other fees. For additional information on financial aid, please see the Federal Financial Aid sections in the undergraduate and graduate catalogs.

Students participating in a 4+1 undergraduate to master’s pathway will be classified as an undergraduate student until all undergraduate degree requirements have been met. Under normal circumstances, this should be accomplished by the end of the fourth year. Upon completion of the undergraduate degree requirements, the bachelor’s degree will be conferred, and the student shall be considered a graduate student for all university purposes.

Earning Graduate Credit as an Undergraduate Student
Enrollment into graduate courses will require approval from the Dean or their appropriate representative. To earn graduate credit as an undergraduate student, the student must be enrolled in at least 9 credit hours at the undergraduate level for each semester that the student is taking graduate credit and have a minimum undergraduate 3.0 GPA (colleges and programs may have different academic requirements please check with the college of your desired program.). A maximum of 6 graduate credit hours may be earned in a single semester. Please see the specific 4+1 undergraduate to master’s pathway for additional information. Once a student has been approved for the 4+1 pathway, the undergraduate student will need to follow a 4+1 course plan and will be eligible to register in selected graduate courses. These graduate-level courses will be determined by the 4+1 pathway.

Grading Policy for Undergraduate Students Enrolled in Graduate Courses
Undergraduate students enrolled in graduate-level courses will be graded in accordance to the graduate course grading policy. In graduate level courses, undergraduate students may receive grades of A, B, C, F, W, AF, N, I and Audit (see appropriate definitions in the Grading System section of the graduate catalog)

Student Classification and Degree Conferment
Students participating in a 4+1 undergraduate to master’s pathway will be classified as an undergraduate student until all undergraduate degree requirements have been met. Under normal circumstances, this should be accomplished by the end of the fourth year. Upon completion of the undergraduate degree requirements, the bachelor’s degree will be conferred, and the student shall be considered a graduate student for all university purposes.

Upon conferment of the undergraduate degree, the student will be considered a graduate student and will be subject to graduate tuition, graduate financial aid, and all other fees associated with graduate programs. Please refer to the current university policies regarding undergraduate and graduate information on tuition, program expenses, and all other fees. For additional information on financial aid, please see the Federal Financial Aid sections in the undergraduate and graduate catalogs.

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