Business and Economics

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The  Business and Economics department strives to prepare students to take their places in society and to thrive in whatever roles they choose. The successful student who completes a major in this department will:

  • be able to analyze problems and formulate appropriate solutions;
  • be able to communicate ideas effectively; and
  • acquire knowledge of basic content in Accounting and Economics
  • be able to apply their major discipline content to analyze problems and propose solutions

The department is committed to providing a broadly oriented professional education to prepare students for careers in business, government, and not-for-profit organizations. Because of the emphasis on analytical thinking in a business context, all the majors in the Business and Economics department also provide good preparation for a variety of graduate professional programs, including business fields like Accounting or Business (MBA) and non-business fields like Law and Public Administration. 

Majors and Minors

Classes

BUA125 : Introduction to Business with Computer Applications

This course is designed to introduce students to computer applications and their uses in the business setting. This will be accomplished through various computer software programs including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software, as well as the campus network and Internet access. Students will learn to manage and analyze both business and economic data and begin to develop decision making and communication skills applicable in a business setting. Students will develop their computer skills while working through problems that introduce them to some of the models central to the disciplines of business and economics. Offered in the fall and spring.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

BUA127 : Healthcare--It’s Everybody’s Business—The Triple Aim.

This course is designed to introduce the student to the current turbulent US healthcare environment utilizing several methods of inquiry. Students will explore their own interests in healthcare while examining how leading health care organizations in the US are pursuing “the Triple Aim” of health care change and reform: improving the individual experience of health care, improving the health of populations, and reducing the cost of care to individuals.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring

BUA210 : Principles of Accounting I

This is a sequence course. It deals with the accounting policies, procedures, theories, and practices of merchandising and service concerns. Emphasis will be placed on the accounting cycle, balance sheet, income statement, partnerships, and the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

BUA211 : Principles of Accounting II

This is a continuation of BUA210. Emphasis will be placed on long-term liabilities and shareholder’s equity, corporations, the statement of cash flows, analysis of financial statements, and managerial and cost accounting for decision making.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

BUA300 : Accounting/Management Information Systems

A study of the design of accounting information systems, including flowcharting, understanding specific accounting subsystems, using computerized accounting packages, and studying advanced spreadsheet applications.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA125 and BUA211

Semester Offered

Fall

BUA310 : Intermediate Accounting I

Review of the basic financial accounting process, the income statement, and the balance sheet. Topics covered in depth include accounting applications of time value of money and accounting for current assets, property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA211.

Semester Offered

Fall

BUA311 : Intermediate Accounting II

Continuation of BUA310, including a study of current liabilities, accounting for long-term debt, stockholder equity, retained earnings, investments, revenue recognition, earnings per share, error analysis, and statement of cash flows.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA310.

Semester Offered

Spring

BUA318 : Cost Accounting

Business cost accounting, special records and cost statistics and application to particular business organizations.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA211 and MAT111.

Semester Offered

Spring

BUA326 : Contemporary Marketing

Current techniques of marketing including e-commerce; addresses fundamental problems in producing, pricing, distributing and purchasing a product.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA211 and ECO223.

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

BUA330 : Business Law

Principles of contracts, negotiable instruments, sales, bailments, real property, and personal property.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

Junior standing.

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

BUA333 : Sports Marketing

This course examines the marketing of sports. Students will develop an understanding of price and revenue models for sports businesses and product, distribution, and promotional issues in sports. Ongoing and current issues in sports marketing will be discussed.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA211 and ECO221 or 223.

BUA335 : Principles of Finance

A study of the financial evaluation of interest, the time value of money, valuation of stocks and bonds, risk and return analysis, balance sheet analysis, and capital budgeting techniques.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA211, MAT111, and ECO221.

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

BUA338 : Consumer Behavior

This course examines the behavior of buyers in the marketplace. Topics will include consumer psychology and theories of consumer behavior, the history of consumer behavior, and current issues in consumer behavior.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA326.

BUA340 : Corporate Finance

Study of corporations, corporate combinations, and how they are financed. Particular emphasis given to major functions of departments, issuance of securities, managing corporate income, and taxation of corporations.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA335.

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

BUA342 : Investments

Investigation of various investments. Primary emphasis on financial assets such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and insurance. Study of financial markets.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA335.

Semester Offered

Fall

BUA346 : Marketing Research

A study of the applications of research in marketing decisions. Provides students with knowledge of marketing data and its use in decision making.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA326 and MAT111.

Semester Offered

Spring

BUA348 : Principles of Management

This course surveys fundamental management principles and explores their applications in specific business situations. The principles include all four dimensions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA211, ECO221, and ECO223.

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

BUA351 : Insurance and Risk Management

An introduction to risk management principles and an examination of the role of private insurance and social insurance in the reduction of uncertainty. Emphasis will be on the risk management process and the concept of Enterprise Risk Management, insurance as a mechanism for negotiating risky outcomes, personal and commercial insurance options, and the types of social insurance available in society today.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA335.

BUA363 : International Finance

Financing corporate enterprise in a world business environment. Examines the theory of international financial adjustments, the functions of financial institutions, and the financing of trade. Evaluating foreign exchange markets, management of currency exposure, estimating country debt-servicing capacity and external debt financing problems.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA335.

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

BUA367 : Human Resource Management

Process and practices in human resource management including law, manpower planning, employee selection, development, motivation, performance, appraisal, compensation, and union relations.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA348.

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

BUA377 : Organizational Behavior

The study of individual and group behavior in organizations. Identification and application of behavioral science research theories and methods. Motivation, interpersonal and intergroup relations, communications, group dynamics, norms, leadership, power, conflict, values, task characteristics, formal managerial controls, and the process of organizational decision making.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA348.

Semester Offered

Fall

BUA407 : Healthcare Systems: US Health Care Delivery System

A detailed study of all sectors the US healthcare system: structure, finance, technology, organization. Recent changes in health care structure and delivery will be explored with an introduction to healthcare quality and cost factors.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA307, ECO221, and ECO223.

Semester Offered

Fall

BUA413 : Principles of Auditing

A study of the generally accepted auditing standards and their application by auditors.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA300 and 311.

Semester Offered

Spring

BUA415 : Income Tax Accounting

Federal income tax laws relating to personal income; preparation and filing of returns.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA211

Semester Offered

Fall

BUA420 : Accounting for Governmental and Not-for-Profit Entities

The course examines accounting topics specific to no-for-profit entities and various governmental units.  Emphasis is placed on the recording of usual transactions, form and content of reports, and analysis of external reports.  Readings, projects, lectures, and/or discussion will be used to illuminate current topics of special interest or concern in accounting.  A study of financial accounting and reporting issues involving business combinations and other current accounting issues could also be topics presented in this course.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA300 or BUA310 or consent of the instructor.

BUA423 : International Marketing

Environmental factors affecting world marketing management. Methods applied to estimate market potential and to select pricing and distribution strategies, communications to serve foreign markets, methods to serve the markets, management of marketing functions, and financing analyzed via case studies.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA326 or IBC319.

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

BUA443 : International Management

The principles and special problems of management in an international context, dealing with both the parent company and the foreign affiliates. Emphasis on differences between domestic vs. international business situations in administration, marketing, finance, production, and personnel.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA348.

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

BUA450 : Business Policy and Strategic Planning

Examination of the business enterprise as a total system in a total environment. Analysis and evaluation of the problems, opportunities, and ethical responsibilities which face a chief executive. Emphasis on formulation and implementation of various strategies. Extensive use of case problem analysis.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA335, and either BUA326 and BUA348 or IBC319 and BUA423; this course should be taken as the capstone (last
course) in the student’s program of study.

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

BUA452 : Financial Analysis and Valuation

Financial Statement Analysis is a key technique used throughout the financial services industry. This course is a study of the tools and techniques used for the determination of the intrinsic value of a public corporation. Particular emphasis in the course will be given to: financial reporting mechanics and standards, assessing past and future financial performance, long-lived assets and long-term liabilities, and the assessment of financial reporting quality.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA 335 and BUA 342.

Semester Offered

Spring

BUA454 : Marketing Strategy

Developing marketing strategy as it relates to the total business environment. Analysis and evaluation of the problems, opportunities, and ethical challenges that marketing strategists face. Emphasis is on formulating strategies through case analysis.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA326, BUA348, BUA423, and senior standing.

Semester Offered

Spring

BUA457 : Value Based Healthcare Administration--Linking Finance and Quality

An in-depth examination of the Healthcare Enterprise linking finance to quality of care. Analysis and evaluation of the problems, opportunities, and ethical responsibilities which face a chief executive. Emphasis is placed on formulation and implementation of value-based care.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUA407.

Semester Offered

Spring

BUAR105 : Intro to Project Management

According to a recent study of human resource managers, effective project management is one of the most coveted skills for new hires in the modern economy. This course will introduce you to the power of effective project management through two primary frameworks: waterfall and agile. You will also learn vital project-management concepts that can be applied to a wide range of industries and occupations.

Credit Hour(s)

3

BUAR215 : Project Planning

Any successful project starts with a plan. This course provides students with a deep understanding of project planning. Projects are a series of tradeoffs between scope, cost, and time, so you’ll need to learn how to balance them in order to create a plan which is realistic and achievable. You will also learn how to leverage resources, and how to manage risk, quality, and stakeholder expectations to ensure project success

Credit Hour(s)

3

BUAR315 : Project Execution

In today’s fast paced work environment, no project proceeds from beginning to end without encountering unforeseen challenges, and the changing scope, priorities or context of a project may require various adjustments. Additionally, project implementation and closure requires conviction and trust in established processes and personnel. In either context, these are vital parts of a project’s success and are reflections of how future projects will be managed. This course covers project execution, monitoring / control, implementation / handover, DevOps, and project closure.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

BUAR331 : General Principles of Financial Planning

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the general principles of financial planning, professional conduct and regulation, and education planning. These topics constitute thirty percent of the principal knowledge topics tested on the CFP® Certification Examination. The course introduces students to the financial planning process and working with clients to set goals and assess risk tolerance. In addition, students will learn to process and analyze information, construct personal financial statements, develop debt management plans, recommend financing strategies, and understand the basic components of a written comprehensive financial plan. The course also covers the regulatory environment, time value of money, and economic concepts.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

Sophomore standing.

BUAR332 : Insurance and Risk Management

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the general principles of risk management and insurance planning for individual and family clients. These topics constitute approximately seventeen percent of the principal knowledge topics tested on the CFP® Certification Examination. The course first introduces students to the risk management and insurance planning process and working with clients to analyze and evaluate risk exposures. Second, the core insurance lines of coverage are explored in detail, including: health, disability, long-term care, life, and personal property and casualty (homeowners’, personal auto policy, etc.). In addition, the student will learn to analyze an individual and family’s insurance needs, to select the most appropriate insurance policy and company, and to understand a business owner's use of insurance to protect the business’ assets and future income.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

Sophomore standing.

BUAR333 : Investment Management

The course is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in the financial planning and asset management profession. The course and curriculum are approved by the CFP® Board of Standards and meet one component of the educational requirement for becoming a Certified Financial Planner. This course explores the securities market, sources of information, risk/return, stocks, bonds, options, futures, and security analysis, and culminates in portfolio construction and analysis. You will learn how to evaluate different asset classes for different investment objectives and determine their suitability for investors considering investment goals, time horizons, risk tolerance, and tax situations.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

Sophomore standing.

BUAR334 : Tax Planning

This course covers taxation for individuals, sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations, as well as the tax aspects of investments, insurance, annuities, and retirement planning. Students will be able to identify the likely tax consequences of personal and business financial activities and select appropriate and lawful tax-minimizing tactics and strategies.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

Sophomore standing.

BUAR335 : Retirement Savings and Income Planning

This course is designed to provide students with the foundation to conduct a retirement needs analysis for individuals, to understand the different types of retirement plans available to individuals, and to recognize the key factors that affect retirement plan selection for business owners. Students will be able to evaluate and compare the characteristics of various retirement plans, address client suitability, and provide plan recommendations. The course covers tax-deferred retirement plans, IRAs, nonqualified plans, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, distribution strategies, taxation of distributions, and regulatory considerations.

In particular, the course covers strategies used by financial planners to help clients assess employee benefits and to reduce the tax burden while planning for retirement. Topics include retirement needs analysis; defined benefit and contribution plans; profit sharing; 401k; 403b; ESOP; IRA; SEP-IRA; Roth-IRA; Keogh; TSA; social security benefits and integration; vesting; employee benefits analysis; funding vehicles; plan installation and administration; asset balancing; buy-sell agreements, ERISA; stock redemption and cross-purchase plans; evaluation of retirement timing; life-cycle planning; retirement lifestyle issues; distribution planning; and post-retirement financial and qualitative assessment of needs.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

Sophomore standing.

BUAR336 : Estate Planning

This course provides an introduction to federal gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer taxes and the many planning techniques used to minimize the impact of these taxes on transfers of wealth. It also explores the income-tax effects of gifts and bequests, with particular attention to the limitations on income-shifting to family members. The non-tax aspects of estate planning, including the estate planning process, property ownership, planning for incapacity, and planning for business owners are examined as are the need for estate planning documents for individuals, spouses, and unmarried couples. The course stresses the need for balancing tax and non-tax considerations in creating successful estate plans.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

Sophomore standing.

BUAR437 : Financial Plan Development

This course provides students an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge learned through the prerequisite six-course CFP® curriculum. Students will participate in developing a complete financial plan, through the use of case studies and interviewing mock clients. Presentations of a formal financial plan, demonstrating the ability to set client expectations and communicate with clients by answering questions and concerns, are also required.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

In addition to the courses above, the student must have sophomore status or higher.

BUAR460 : Advanced Project Management Practicum

This course is intended as a culmination of a student’s work in the Project Management Major. Students will work in groups to manage a simulated project from scope to completion - encountering - and overcoming - challenges and complications along the way. This course will also provide students with an overview of the product life-cycle, governance, and other topics to help contextualize project work.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

ECO221 : Principles of Macroeconomics

A study of national income determination, commercial and central banking, money, monetary policy, fiscal policy, economic growth, and the economics of trade and exchange rates. Some knowledge of basic mathematics and algebra, as well as the ability to understand and interpret economic data, is desirable. This course is not a prerequisite for ECO223.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Soc & Behav Sciences

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

ECO223 : Principles of Microeconomics

The study of markets, supply and demand, value distribution, business organization, market structure, and selected problems in microeconomics. Some basic mathematics and facility with graphs are necessary. ECO223 may be taken before ECO221.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Soc & Behav Sciences

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

ECO311 : Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory

Examination of determinants of aggregate income, the price level, and employment; the role of policy in influencing aggregate economic activity.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

ECO221 and 223; MAT109 or 125.

Semester Offered

Spring

ECO313 : Intermediate Microeconomic Theory

Price theory, including analysis of consumer behavior, production costs, and firm behavior.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

ECO221 and 223; MAT109 or 125.

Semester Offered

Fall

ECO315 : Behavioral Economics

The study of situations in which actual human choices differ from the predictions of standard economic theory. Topics may include cooperation versus self-interest, altruism, bounded rationality, and the use of reference points to shape decisions. Students will also explore experimental economics as the primary source of learning in this field.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

ECO223.

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

ECO317 : Economic History of the United States

American economic development from colonial times to Great Depression; economic analysis of the impact of colonial system, free banking, and slavery; identification of major sources of economic growth.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

ECO221 or 223.

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

ECO337 : Environmental Economics

Economic principles applied to environmental quality and resource utilization; origins of and approaches to environmental problems.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

ECO223

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

ECO355 : Public Finance

Institutional and theoretical perspectives of the role of government as an economic agent; impact of tax policy and spending programs within a market economy.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

ECO221 or 223.

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

ECO405 : Government Regulation of Business

Application of the economic theory of industries and markets to government regulation; topics include legal foundations and economic impact of market regulation, antitrust policy, competitive practices, monopolies, and workplace safety.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

ECO223

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

ECO410 : International Economics

Causes and consequences of international flow of goods, services, and money; topics include trade incentives, trade regulation, and foreign exchange markets.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

ECO221 and 223.

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

ECO420 : Labor Economics

This course uses empirical and theoretical models to examine the behavior of firms as the buyers of labor services, the behavior of households as the sellers of labor services, and the attempts of third parties (such as policy makers or unions) to influence outcomes in the market for labor services.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

ECO223.

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)