Business Course Descriptions
Business Course Descriptions
Below are descriptions for a selection of courses in the undergraduate business program. For additional information, please refer to the most recent course catalog.
Introduces students to business practices, management principles and the functional disciplines within organizations. Students study contemporary issues in business within the context of the economic, moral, political, social and legal pressures on business decision-making.
3 Credits
Course is designed to help business students apply mathematical concepts to a wide variety of business activities. The course is computational in nature and students will learn to formulate and solve practical business problems and analyses that require finite math. The following topics are covered: linear equations, matrices, sets and counting probability, basic statistical analysis, mathematics of finance and difference equations. Upon completion of this course business students will be competent with standard business math applications that occur throughout the business curriculum.
3 Credits
Developing an understanding of accounting processes, this course focuses on the preparation and use of accounting reports for business entities. An understanding of the uses of accounting for external reporting, emphasizing accounting as a provider of financial information, is stressed.
3 Credits
Study of law and jurisprudence relating to the conduct of business and corporate not-for-profit entities. Legal topics include forms of organization, contracts, torts, negotiable instruments and securities, product liability, agency, insurance, employment, bankruptcy, governmental regulation and legal forms and processes. Jurisprudential subjects include the relationship of law to the economic, political and social orders, the evolution of Anglo-American common law and comparative legal systems with particular attention to the Napoleonic Code.
3 Credits
The practicum will require that students work a minimum of 400 hours in a professional capacity at the organization of their choosing. A 15 minute presentation to faculty is required after completion. The zero-credit practicum is required for graduation.
0 Credits
Development of skills necessary to facilitate problem solving, decision making and communication with technology. Skill development competencies center around spreadsheets. Prerequisite: BUS 1301.
1 Credit
Development of advanced Excel techniques and necessary skills to be able to utilize spreadsheets in the workplace to collaborate with other users, to be able to analyze internal and external data, and develop applications with macros.
1 Credit
Introduction to the process of leading within the framework and structure of complex organizations. The course examines leadership theory and behavioral science research, with an emphasis on the development of leadership and interpersonal skills through self-assessment, case analysis and experiential exercises. Prerequisite: An earned grade of "C-" or better for BUS 1301 or PSY 2313. Restricted to Juniors and Seniors or by approval of instructor.
3 Credits
Business professionals must be excellent communicators who can use rhetoric and persuasion to convey ideas. This course is designed to help students develop a communication strategy for effective management. Students will focus on the mechanics of persuasion, argumentation, analysis and critique. Special consideration will also be given to understanding cross cultural business communication. It is recommended that the course be taken in the first two years of the business program.
3 Credits
The entrepreneurship process occurs when people identify opportunities, evaluate whether these opportunities are viable, and then assemble the resources needed to start and grow a new venture. This course provides a broad overview of entrepreneurship, including identifying a winning business opportunity, gathering funding, and launching and growing the new venture.
3 Credits
The foundational principles for managing the financial function within an organization. Students learn how to value uncertain cash flows, develop an understanding of the concept of risk, examine the relationship between risk and return and develop an understanding of the relationship between accounting and finance. Prerequisite: BUS 3314 or equivalent.
3 Credits
The internal use of accounting techniques to support management decisions and budgeting for business operations. Prerequisite: An earned grade of "C-" or better for BUS 1310.
3 Credits
Application- and theory-intensive study, using behavioral and economic research original-source articles, of marketing approaches applied by business firms and other organizations. Attention focuses on the influence of the marketplace, the process of determining an enterprises products, prices, channels and communication strategies and the preparation of a marketing plan. Prerequisite: An earned grade of "C-" or better for BUS 1301.
3 Credits
Introduction to the facility and distribution alternatives available in the functional activities of materials procurement, materials transformation and product distribution. Focuses on the creation of value for customers.
3 Credits
The zero credit comprehensive exam is taken the semester the student will graduate. This exam is required for graduation.
Development of the human resource skills necessary for the effective supervision of employees. Skill development topics include employment interviews, performance appraisals, on-the-job training and orientation, discipline, investigation, counseling and termination.
1 Credit
Assist students in transition from college life to the "real world". Topics include resume building, career planning, networking, interview techniques, internships, benefit analysis, budgeting, investing, basic tax prep and current events.
1 Credit
The senior seminar is intended to be a challenging and exciting capstone course for the undergraduate curriculum. This course is designed to develop a basic understanding of why some organizations are more successful than others. The course relies primarily upon the field of Strategic Management by exploring how firms achieve competitive advantage. Drawing upon key strategic management theory, students will learn the essence of strategic analysis and decision making in a competitive setting.
3 Credits
Analysis of moral issues in the contemporary business world from the viewpoints of major philosophical traditions. Topics such as: moral theories and the nature of business; obligations in business relationships; using principles and cases to guide business practices; contemporary corporate culture and its social context; justice in international trade.
3 Credits
Addresses the intersection of economics and theology, considering it as the foundation and means of formation of a just society. The student is introduced to the development and principles of the Catholic Church's social teaching. Also introduces the social justice theories of the Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist traditions. Prerequisite: Economics 1311.
3 Credits