Business Administration

This popular program offers the Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. This major is designed to prepare the student for a variety of entry-level and middle-management positions in industry, government and service organizations.

The business curriculum conforms closely to the national common body of knowledge recommended by the association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and provides a solid background in the fundamentals of business. Majors complete a general business curriculum that prepares them for a variety of positions. Students desiring more in-depth study in a specific area of business may select a focus area composed of optional courses. Such focus areas include human resource/labor relations, international relations, marketing/public relations, and organizational psychology.

If a student works diligently with their faculty advisor, the free electives available will allow them to stretch their intellectual development beyond Business. A significant portion of our majors complete minors or second majors from other fields because the combination supports their specific career goals. In some cases, students design individualized majors with the guidance of their academic advisor.

Degree Requirements:

Degree: Bachelor of Science with a major in business administration.

Major: Foundation courses -

Basic concepts of accounting including accounting for business transactions, preparation and use of financial statements, and measurement of owners' equity. An introductory course for non-accounting majors. 3 credits.
Cost-volume-profit relationships, cost analysis, business segment contribution, profit planning and budgeting as a basis for managerial decision making. Prerequisite: ACT 161 with a minimum grade of "C-" or better. 3 credits.
By studying and experiencing the various ways businesses and commercial activities are organized in the global economy, students learn to view each organization as a conscious collection of functional components and strategic partnerships designed to serve the needs of customers and other stakeholders. Examples are chosen to highlight the fundamental concepts in human resources and operations management, leadership, marketing and selling, finance and accounting, operations, human resources, law and ethics, and technology and information management. 3 credits.
An extensive introduction to spreadsheet, database, and Internet applications software as used in business. Through hands-on classroom instruction, computer aided learning, and course project assignments, students learn the use of the major analytical software packages that are commonly used in business. The class teaches the basic principles of using this software to solve problems and enhance critical thinking skills. 3 credits.
This course examines how individuals and firms make choices within the institutions of free- market capitalism. Individuals decide how much of their time to spend working and what to buy with the earnings of their labor. Firms decide how much to produce and in some cases what price to charge for their goods. Together these choices determine what is produced, how it is produced and for whom it is produced in our economic system. 3 credits.
This course extends the study of consumer and producer choices to discover how they affect the nation's economy. Macroeconomics deals with the economy as a whole as measured by the key variable of inflation, unemployment, and economic growth. Emphasis is on both Keynesian and classical theories and how they predict what monetary and fiscal policies can be used to affect these variables and reach national economic goals. Prerequisite: ECN 101. 3 credits.
† indicates a required course

One of:
A calculus sequence for department majors and other students desiring a rigorous introduction to elementary calculus. Prerequisite: placement testing or MAS 102. Corequisite; MAS 113. 4 credits.
Introduction to mathematical techniques used in quantitative analysis in business and economics. Topics include sets, linear relations, matrices, linear programming, probability and interest. 3 credits.
A calculus sequence covering functions, limits, differentiation, integration and applications. Prerequisite: placement testing or MAS 102. MAS 161 is a prerequisite for MAS 162. 3 credits per semester.

One of:
An introduction to elementary descriptive and inferential statistics with emphasis on conceptual understanding. 3 credits. A student may not receive credit for MAS 170 after completing MAS 372. A student may not receive credit for both MAS 170 and MAS 270.
A more advanced version of MAS 170 intended for students with some calculus background. Similar to MAS 170 with more extensive content. 3 credits. A student may not receive credit for both MAS 170 and MAS 270.
An introduction to the mathematical foundations of statistics including sampling distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, linear models and multivariate distributions. Prerequisites: MAS 371. 3 credits.
† indicates a required course

Core courses-

A study of the principles of management and leadership as they apply to the effective and efficient operation of for-profit and not-for-profit organizations regardless of their size. Emphasizes the organization's structure, leadership, interpersonal relationships, managerial functions, and methods for assessment and control. Prerequisite: BUS 130 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.
The development of writing, speaking and listening skills for business management. Prerequisite: ENG 111 and 112. Writing process. 3 credits.
An overview of marketing from the management perspective. Topics include marketing strategies, marketing research, consumer behavior, selecting target markets, developing, pricing, distributing and promoting products and services and non-profit marketing. Prerequisite: junior or permission. 3 credits.
A detailed study of the theories and models of organizational behavior and development, with emphasis on the practical application of these models in the workplace to improve individual, group and organizational performance. Prerequisite: junior standing and BUS 185, or permission. 3 credits.
A study of financial management covering analysis of asset, liability and capital relationships and operations; management of current assets and working capital; capital planning and budgeting; capital structure and dividend policy; short and intermediate term financing; internal and external long term financing; and other financial topics. Prerequisite: ACT 162; ECN 101, 102. 3 credits.
Elementary principles of law relating to the field of business. The course covers contracts, govern- ment regulation of business, consumer protection, bankruptcy, personal property, real estate, bailments, insurance and estates. 3 credits.
Studies management techniques and procedures in international and multinational organizations. Prerequisite: BUS 185, 340. 3 credits.
An introduction to the techniques and models used in management science. Topics include forecasting, inventory control models, linear programming, product scheduling, and simulation. Prerequisite: MAS 150 and MAS 170 with a minimum grade of C- or better, BUS 185, ACT 161, 162. 3 credits.
Course examines the major ethical issues, dilemmas, and social responsibilities that face businesses, business managers, small business owners, and leaders at all levels in today146s global environment. Case studies and text will be used to help students develop a solid understanding of the difference between what is legal and what might be ethical. One major goal is for students to clarify their own personal approach to ethical issues and prepare them for challenges they might face in their careers. Second major goal is to engage the entire class in a major, off-campus service learning project related to corporate social responsibility. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and BUS 130, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.
Examines data sources and the role of information in management planning, operations and control in various types of business environments. Treats information as a key organization resource parallel to people, money, materials and technology. Prerequisite: ACT 162; BUS 185, or permission. 3 credits.
A capstone course to study administrative processes under conditions of uncertainty, integrating prior studies in management, account- ing and economics. Uses case method and computer simulation. Prerequisite: BUS 185, 340, 361 and senior standing or permission. Writing process. Prerequisite: Last semester seniors only. 3 credits.
† indicates a required course
(57 credits)

Minor:

Basic concepts of accounting including accounting for business transactions, preparation and use of financial statements, and measurement of owners' equity. An introductory course for non-accounting majors. 3 credits.
By studying and experiencing the various ways businesses and commercial activities are organized in the global economy, students learn to view each organization as a conscious collection of functional components and strategic partnerships designed to serve the needs of customers and other stakeholders. Examples are chosen to highlight the fundamental concepts in human resources and operations management, leadership, marketing and selling, finance and accounting, operations, human resources, law and ethics, and technology and information management. 3 credits.
A study of the principles of management and leadership as they apply to the effective and efficient operation of for-profit and not-for-profit organizations regardless of their size. Emphasizes the organization's structure, leadership, interpersonal relationships, managerial functions, and methods for assessment and control. Prerequisite: BUS 130 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.
An overview of marketing from the management perspective. Topics include marketing strategies, marketing research, consumer behavior, selecting target markets, developing, pricing, distributing and promoting products and services and non-profit marketing. Prerequisite: junior or permission. 3 credits.
Elementary principles of law relating to the field of business. The course covers contracts, govern- ment regulation of business, consumer protection, bankruptcy, personal property, real estate, bailments, insurance and estates. 3 credits.
This course examines how individuals and firms make choices within the institutions of free- market capitalism. Individuals decide how much of their time to spend working and what to buy with the earnings of their labor. Firms decide how much to produce and in some cases what price to charge for their goods. Together these choices determine what is produced, how it is produced and for whom it is produced in our economic system. 3 credits.
† indicates a required course

and one 300/400 business elective not to include internship credit. (21 credits).