Business Administration
The Business Administration program provides an academic environment which prepares students for graduate school and for professional roles in a global economic system. It provides a broad background in basic business principles and is supported by a strong liberal arts education. Emphasis is placed on helping the student understand
- the operation of a business enterprise;
- the economic and legal environments in which businesses operate;
- the importance of the business management profession and its responsibilities and
- essential problem solving or critical thinking abilities.
The program incorporates extensive experiential learning opportunities for students including setting up and running a small business and mentoring local businesses. Furthermore, the program offers e-business and e-commerce applications.
To be effective in a managerial role, one must be prepared to handle demanding and changing situations. The students who major in Business Administration have opportunities to develop the administrative skills and the background knowledge necessary for dealing with these situations. Business majors develop strengths in oral and written communications, and quantitative decision-making skills.
During the freshman and sophomore years, the student concentrates in the liberal arts and receives an introduction to the basic functions and tools of business. In the junior and senior years, the student has flexibility in determining the area of professional concentration that will meet particular academic and career plans.
Students are urged to get involved in student organizations and clubs such as ENACTUS-Entrepreneurial Action Us. Such award-winning organizations enhance the students’ understanding of theoretical concepts, provide a service to the community, and help build their resume. The globalization of the U.S. enterprise system necessitates exposure to other cultures, languages and customs, and a better understanding of political and historical events. Business students are urged to take courses in languages, political science, and history, and to prepare for graduate school.
The five emphasis areas (Business Analytics, Financial Management, Management, Marketing and Sports Management) offer the business student an opportunity to emphasize an area of special interest and prepare for a specialized business career. The recommended off-campus internship gives students a real work experience prior to completion of their bachelor’s degree requirements.
Students are strongly urged to explore career opportunities and to establish mentors through an internship. A minimum of 2.0 grade point average is a prerequisite for the internship.
Degree Specific Requirements (12 Credit Hours)
Common Required Courses (32 Credit Hours)
Business Analytics Emphasis (24 Credit Hours)
The Business Analytics emphasis area focuses on the opportunity to achieve organizational goals, profit and non-profit, through the analysis of data and business processes. The application of data analysis has become integral to organizational competitiveness, customer satisfaction and growth as well of optimizing services to clients of non-profit agencies. Students studying Business Analytics will learn how to leverage data for improvement in organizational efficiency and effectiveness. They will learn how to use analytical skills to solve problems in an increasingly complex economic environment. Technology is an important component of Business Analytics program with SAS, VirtualBox or VMware, SPSS, Excel, Access and other software (as appropriate) being utilized to generate numerical results for analysis. Emphasis is placed on what data need to be investigated, interpreting the numeric results of the data, and writing concise reports. Application of the theories and principles from the required courses will be the hallmark of the Business Analytics program.
Approved Electives (6-12 Credit Hours)
Students choose 6-12 credits (depending on Emphasis) from Accounting, Business, or Economics. Courses from other disciplines may be selected but must be approved by a Business Program Advisor. At least 9 (6 for the Analytics Emphasis) credits must be at the 300-400 level. Students may choose to select these approved electives in such a way as to complete additional emphasis areas in business administration or to work toward a minor in another discipline. Students should work with a Business program advisor to determine the course that will be designated as approved electives.
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