PROGRAM PREREQUISITES

CS 150 Computers: Concepts and Applications (4 crs)
Uses of computer systems and basics of how they operate; e-mail and the world wide web; ethical issues (privacy, monitoring at workplace, etc); hands-on experience with word processing, spread-sheet and database applications, Windows and presentation software. (D, F, S, SS)

BUS 500 Algebra Review for Graduate Business
This course provides the graduate business student with those essentials of college algebra and trigonometry required for the MBA program. The successful completion of this course satisfies the prerequisite requirement for BUS 501, 502, 505 and 506.
Prerequisite: a previous course in algebra (D, SS) 

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FOUNDATION COURSES

BUS 501  Business Concepts
This course provides an introduction to financial accounting, mathematics of finance, linear programming, and discrete probability theory. It serves the dual role of developing critical problem-solving skills and providing the necessary background in certain of the more quantitative functional areas.
Prerequisite: BUS 500 or equivalent (D, F)

BUS 502  Business Analysis
This course provides an introduction to a variety of concepts generally used in managerial accounting, marketing research, finance, business statistics, and economics courses. The ideas of business calculus and probability theory are developed with the dual purpose of providing background in quantitative methods and developing useful problem-solving skills.
Prerequisite: BUS 500 or equivalent (D, S)

BUS 503  Introductory Business Statistics
This course serves to acquaint business students with fundamental statistical ideas and techniques that will be useful throughout their MBA program as well as their business careers. Topics include geometric data displays, summary statistics, normal distribution, t-distribution, binomial distribution, confidence and prediction intervals, hypothesis testing, and use of Excel software.
Prerequisite: BUS 502 (F)

BUS 504  Legal Environments
Managers of an organization need to understand how legal, political, and ethical principles impact businesses. By examining social and legal philosophy, a manager will be better prepared to resolve the apparent conflicts of interest that can arise between owners, suppliers, employees, customers, government officials, local communities, and other interest groups. (S, SS occasionally)

BUS 505  Macro-Economics (2cr)
Economics is concerned with the efficient utilization or management of limited productive resources for the purpose of attaining the maximum satisfaction of human material wants. Macro-economics looks at an overview of the economy and the relationships among the many aggregates that can be measured and compared over time. Organizational planning should take place only after studying the macro-economic environment.
Prerequisite: BUS 500 or equivalent (D, 1/2 F semester)

BUS 506  Micro-Economics (2cr)
Micro-economics is concerned with specific economic units and makes a detailed appraisal of these units’ economic functions. The purpose of studying micro-economics is to more intelligently make decisions. Strategic planning should only take place after there is a thorough understanding of the organization’s micro-economic design.
Prerequisite: BUS 500 or equivalent (D, 1/2 F semester)                                  

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REQUIRED INTERDISCIPLINARY COURSE

IC 800  Ethics
This course examines ethical issues in the practice of professions in public life. Significant issues such as justice, honesty, and respect for persons are examined in study and dialogue as they emerge in human experience. Philosophical and religious perspectives regarding ethics are considered. (F, S, SS)                   

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CORE COURSES

BUS 601  Executive Communications         
Theoretical and practical concepts underlying effective written and oral business presentations. Topics include key presentation skills, organizing an effective presentation, using audio-visual aids, responding to questions and objections, written reports and analysis, applications of group dynamics and use of the Internet. (F, S, SS)

BUS 602  Accounting for Managers
Accounting fundamentals from a management and user’s perspective. Major areas of emphasis: the financial accounting conceptual framework, the annual report, the double-entry accounting system, the four basic tax forms of a business, managerial accounting, and cost management systems in today’s changing global business environment.
Prerequisite: BUS 501, 502, 503 (D, F, S) (concurrent registration in BUS 502 is allowed)

BUS 603  Organizational Development and Behavior  
Organizational Development and Behavior is the study of both the human behavior in an organizational setting and the operations related to organizational design and development. The purpose of this kind of study is to equip organizational leaders with the insight necessary to develop interpersonal relationships that build teams, increase productivity, enhance the quality of work life, orchestrate change, improve employee retention, and augment communication. Topics include: Perception, Personality and Attitudes, Group Process: Building Teams, Communication, Orchestrating Change, Motivation, Empowerment, Leadership, Organizational Development, Quality Assurance, Performance Appraisals and Business Ethics.
Prerequisite: BUS 601 or concurrent registration (F, S, SS occasionally) 

BUS 604  Operations Management
A survey course covering terminology, problems and tools associated with managing operations. In addition to exposure to this diverse functional area, the last one-third of the course focuses on the techniques of Total Quality Management.
Prerequisite: BUS 501, BUS 502, and BUS 503 [Concurrent registration in BUS 502 or BUS 503 is allowed] (F, S, SS of even-numbered years)                           

BUS 605  Statistics for Managers   
This course will cover application of basic ANOVA methodology to study common business problems. The major emphasis of the course will be development of regression models, linking the theory to real-life applications. Basic time series and forecasting models will also be reviewed. Students are required to be proficient in EXCEL, which will be used for statistical applications.
Prerequisite: BUS 501-503 (F,S)

BUS 606  Strategic Marketing                    
This course integrates Marketing knowledge and applies it in addressing strategic decision making situations. Strongly emphasizing application, the course is centered around the process of analyzing cases in marketing management with the express purpose of making clear, specific, and justifiable strategic marketing decisions. This course emphasizes the use of analytical skills in making judgments under uncertainty in a variety of Marketing contexts, including Strategic Selling, Sales Management, New Product Introduction, Franchising, Marketing Research, and others. It is intended to help students apply critical thinking skills in making better decisions using strategic criteria.
Prerequisite: BUS 601 (F, S, SS of odd numbered years)

BUS 607  Corporate Finance           
Financial dimensions of business decision-making; goals of financial management, valuation, financial forecasting, capital budgeting, analysis of operating and financial structures, cost of capital, and dividend policy.
Prerequisite: completion of all Foundation Courses and BUS 602 (F, S)

BUS 618  Managing Information and Technology         
This course is designed to assist students in learning the fundamental importance of information systems in contemporary organizations. Using a variety of case studies, students examine the major information systems theories, concepts and techniques within the context of organizational and managerial considerations involved in designing, developing, implementing and using information systems.   Prerequisite: BUS 602, 603, 604 (F, S)

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INTEGRATING CORE COURSES

BUS 609  Strategic Management    
Develops an understanding of strategy and its formulation, implementation, and evaluation. This is accomplished through the integration of all the fundamental areas of business (organizations, accounting, management information systems, marketing, finance, production, and economics), analyzing the environment the firm works in, and choosing strategies which enable the firm to meet its performance objectives.
Prerequisite: BUS 601-607 (or concurrent enrollment in no more than one is allowed); to be taken in last 12 credits (F, S, SS)

BUS 610  Managerial Economics    
An examination of the role of economic analysis in managerial decision-making. A study of demand, cost, pricing, and risk theories will be major topics. Firm and industry analyses will provide the student with the opportunity to apply these concepts to real world situations.
Prerequisite: BUS 601-607 (concurrent enrollment in no more than one is allowed); to be taken in last 12 credits (F, SS)

BUS 611  International Economics  
An advanced seminar designed to examine the following: international trade theory and foreign capital flows; foreign exchange markets and international finance; international monetary systems and macro-economic adjustment mechanisms; and the international finance functions of multi-national corporations.
Prerequisite: BUS 601-607 (concurrent enrollment in no more than one is allowed); to be taken in last 12 credits (S) 

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ACCOUNTING ELECTIVE COURSES

Bus 703  Intermediate Accounting I
A study of the theoretical foundations of financial accounting and reporting at the intermediate level, including a review of the income statement, balance sheet, and statement of changes in financial position. Topics covered include concepts of cash, present value, price-level changes, short-term investments in equity securities, accounting for bonds as long-term liabilities and investments, and accounting for inventory, operational assets, and depreciation.
Prerequisite: BUS 602 or equivalent (D or W, F)

Bus 704  Intermediate Accounting II
A continuation of Intermediate Accounting I. Topics covered include liabilities and income taxes, intangibles, stock rights and options, the corporate equity accounts, pension costs, leases, statement of changes in financial position, accounting changes, and special reports.
Prerequisite: BUS 703 (D or W, S) 

BUS 705  Cost Accounting
The course consists of the fundamentals of cost accounting, covering job order, process and estimated cost development and procedures. It emphasizes current practices in cost control through reports to management, applied to relatively small and medium size establishments.
Prerequisite: BUS 602 (D or W, F)

BUS 706  Auditing
Auditing theory and the application of techniques to the examination of records; verification methods and report preparation.
Prerequisite: BUS 602 (D or W, S)

BUS 707  Income Tax Accounting I
Tax laws and regulations relating to individual taxpayers and the principles of taxation common to all taxpayers (i.e., individuals, partnerships and corporations).
Prerequisite: BUS 602 (D or W, F)

BUS 709  Income Tax Accounting II  
Tax laws and regulations for partnerships and corporations; tax administration and research.  Prerequisite: BUS 707, 725, 726, 727 (D or W, S)

BUS 725  Accounting Systems  
In-depth training in accounting systems. 
Prerequisites: BUS 703 (D or W, F)

BUS 726  Advanced Accounting I
A study of advanced accounting topics including partnerships, business combinations, equity method of accounting for investments, pooling of interests and purchase methods, consolidated financial statements, various intercompany transactions, multinational accounting, foreign currency transactions and translation of foreign financial statements.
Prerequisite: BUS 704 (F)

BUS 727 Advanced Accounting II
A study of additional advanced accounting topics, including accounting for governments, colleges and universities, health care, hospital and voluntary health and welfare organizations and not-for-profit organizations. In addition to the study of accounting methods and procedures, topics such as cost control fund raising are discussed. Prerequisite: BUS 704 (S)                         

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FINANCE ELECTIVE COURSES

BUS 711  Topics in Corporate Finance
Topics include capital budgeting, valuation of projects and firms, dividend policy, capital structure, cost of capital, mergers and acquisitions.
Prerequisite: BUS 607 (SS)

BUS 712  Investments
Stocks, bonds, derivatives, portfolio theory, and other aspects of investment theory are considered as time permits.
Prerequisite: BUS 607 (S)

BUS 713 International Finance
Relates the principles of business finance to the operations of international firms. Topics include the international financial environment, international credit institutions, capital markets and trends in international monetary affairs, management of foreign exchange positions and hedging strategies, international capital budgeting and working capital management.
Prerequisite: BUS 607 (F)                                                                               

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LAW ELECTIVE COURSES

BUS 721 Legal Aspects of Employment
This course focuses upon the current body of municipal, state and federal anti-discrimination laws which regulate the employment relationship and provides an overview of the post-Civil War social, economic and legal repression of African-Americans, which occurred after the collapse of Reconstruction, along with the Civil Rights Movement which culminated with the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Topics include Americans with Disability Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Sexual Harassment and Sex Discrimination, Religious Discrimination, Age Discrimination, Employee Contracts, Drug and Alcohol Testing, Wrongful Discharge, and Employee References.
Prerequisite: BUS 504 (SS)

BUS 723  Law II
Commercial paper, real property, secured transactions, bankruptcy, partnerships, corporations, wills and trusts. Case study approach. 
Prerequisite: BUS 320 or BUS 504 (D or W, S)                                              

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MANAGEMENT ELECTIVE COURSES

BUS 732  Developing Self-Directed Work Teams
As American organizations move toward the use of self-directed work teams to improve work processes, special emphasis needs to be placed on the knowledge and skills associated with small group processes and leadership. This course, conducted in an experiential format, emphasizes application to real-life situations faced by managers.
Prerequisite: BUS 603 (SS odd years)

BUS 736  Human Resource Management
A study of the functional activities of a human resource department, including recruiting selection, development, evaluation, compensation and an overview of related regulatory impacts. 
Prerequisite: BUS 603 (S)  

BUS 738  Entrepreneurship
An entrepreneur creates business by assuming risk and marshalling the resources necessary to take an identified opportunity through a strategic plan. The planning process considers implementation, growth and succession. Topics include identifying and assessing opportunities, strategic planning, forms of ownership, building a powerful marketing plan, managing cash flow, identifying sources of funding and leading a growing enterprise. 
Prerequisite: BUS 602, 603, 604 and 606 (F)

BUS 739  International Management
The primary goal of this course is to cultivate an understanding of management in a multicultural environment. Topics will be chosen from: understanding the effect of geography and economics on culture; effective communication, conflict management and leadership in an international arena; ethical, legal, political and social awareness; managing multinational operations; organizational design for an international environment. 
Prerequisite: BUS 603 (SS)

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MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS ELECTIVE COURSES

BUS 741  Managing the Information Asset
Information is a business asset that is expected to provide a return on investment. Students are presented with the real-world impact that the information asset will have on their organizations. Students will be involved in small group projects that emphasize information and applications. Prerequisites: BUS 602, 603, 605 (S)

Additional courses are under review.                                                                

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MARKETING ELECTIVE COURSES

BUS 751  Marketing Research
Emphasis is placed on the marketing information essential to decisions on distribution, pricing, promotion, and product planning. Techniques in gathering consumer data and analyzing target markets are discussed.
Prerequisite: BUS 605, BUS 606 (F)

BUS 752  Promotional Strategies
This course examines integrated marketing communications as related to elements of promotion, public relations, publicity, advertising and personal selling. Prerequisite: BUS 606 (SS)

BUS 753  International Marketing
This course includes the study of product planning, pricing, distribution, and promotion for marketing to foreign markets.
Prerequisite: BUS 606 (S)

BUS 754  Graduate Seminar in Marketing Management
Through simulation, the course develops the skills expected of the marketing manager. Product decisions, pricing, promotional plans, and distribution systems are studied.
Prerequisite: BUS 605, BUS 606 (Summer of even-numbered years)

BUS 755  Consumer Behavior
Marketing involves those activities that carry a product from its raw state to the final consumer.  What motivates a consumer to make particular purchasing decisions?  How can a business anticipate these motives?  The course will include in depth study of consumer habits, popular culture and the patterns that make some prognosis possible.  The challenges of a global community will be discussed along with ethical considerations separating motivation from manipulations. 
Prerequisite: BUS 606 (S)                                                                               

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TOTAL QUALITY ELECTIVE COURSES

BUS 761  Introduction to Quality Improvement
The purpose of this course is to learn the fundamental principles of Total Quality Management, including management methods for continuous improvement, analytical techniques for analyzing and controlling a process, data-based decision-making, total organization involvement, and employee empowerment. Students will gain practical experience by joining a team of participating organizations to support their efforts to improve a process.
Prerequisite: BUS 503 (F)

BUS 762  Planning for Total Quality
Part I: Students will learn methods for collecting and profiling customer needs, and the principles and methods of the QFD process. Topics include customer need identification, prioritization and profiling, Total Quality Creation, bench-marking, competitive analysis, development and design of products and services.

Part II: Emphasis will be focused on the concepts, methods, and techniques, including policy deployment, associated planning tools and the related components, processes and structure of Total Quality, and cross-functional deployment. Participants will join a team to learn how to improve their organizations’ transformation strategy and planning.
Prerequisite: BUS 761 (S)                                                                               

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OTHER ELECTIVES

BUS 772  Money and Banking
Main topics in this course are the evolution of money, development of banking institutions, and theory and implementation of monetary policy. Recent developments in international monetary affairs, including international banking, petro-dollars, and the Euro-currency market are studied.
Prerequisite: completion of Foundation Courses (F of even-numbered years)

BUS 790  Independent Project (1-3cr)
Each independent project involves choosing a topic, conducting research, developing conclusions or hypotheses, and presenting a paper. Goals and objectives are set individually with an instructor to allow exploration of areas of individual interest and to encourage application of unique skills. Students assume major responsibility for their own direction and evaluation.
Prerequisite: completion of at least 18 Core credits and consent of instructor

BUS 792  Graduate Seminar in International Business
From time to time the Business Department offers a one- or two-week international business experience. Students travel to another country to learn the business language and practices of that country. Tours of businesses and lectures are part of the itinerary.
Prerequisite: BUS 603 (variable)

BUS 799 Independent Study

IC 850 Studies in Change 
This course is designed to develop an understanding of personal, social and organizational change. Such issues as personal commitment, social conditions and technological developments are examined as they impact on personal, social, and institutional situations. Research strategies provide opportunities to strengthen logical thinking, analysis of evidence, and written expression. (F, S, SS)                                                                                                        

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