An Associate in Science degree in business administration is offered for business students planning to transfer to a four-year university. The business administration major includes course work in accounting, business law, computer concepts and economics. There is also a general business focus that provides both a certificate or an associate degree with course work in accounting, bookkeeping, communication and business law.
During the first year, students are required to take three courses that provide the basic theory covering all three fields of business administration, trade and marketing, and accounting. In their second year, they must take two basic course from each of the three fields so that they have a broad foundation to support further study. In the second half of the year, students receive guidance concerning which program to choose during their third year, and select the fields and themes that are most closely attuned to their future careers and interests. Beginning in their third year, they should select the Specialized Administration Program or the General Business Administration Progrm.
To ensure that students acquire a high level of knowledge, the Specialized Administration Program consists of lecture courses that provide a more specialized treatment of the theory based on the three areas of business administration, trade and marketing, and accounting, in combination with small seminars that focus on research and student presentations. In their fourth year, students take seminars that focus more narrowly on specific research topics, and write their graduation theses.
The General Business Administration Program presents lecture classes that adopt a wide array of integrated, interdisciplinary approaches to business activity and organization. In addition, we offer seminars on business and society in which students can learn in concrete ways how actually companies operate. This empirical approach instills in students a broad and diverse knowledge of business administration.
The academic field of business administration is comprised of three areas: business administration, trade and marketing, and accounting.
Research in the business administration area is related with the theory and techniques on some aspects that are integral to the running of a business, including principles, behavior, strategy supervision, and information pertaining to management. Trade and marketing is related with the entire distribution system on an overall or a more detailed level based on principles and techniques that take marketing behavior into account. Accounting is related with financial accounting about the formulation of financial reports, as well as research on managerial accounting for the construction of accounting systems. These three areas are interrelated closely to form the academic discipline known as business administration.
With the aim of helping students to learn business administration more effectively from a broad-based and flexible perspective, the School of Business Administration provides a Specialized Administration Program and a General Business Administration Program. The former can be selected by students who wish to deepen their specialized knowledge, while the latter is for those who prefer a broader, interdisciplinary approach.
Companies operating today must be able to handle information technology and make quick decisions. Students in this program conduct research on business administration from both theoretical and empirical perspectives and acquire a high level of specialized knowledge and analytical abilities that interface with the operations of actual companies. The themes addressed include administrative management, strategic action, production information management, distribution marketing, business communication, risk management, financial accounting, and administrative accounting.
Location of instruction: on and off campus Specific locations of off-campus cohorts can be obtained from the Office of Extension and Distance Education
Required Entrance Exam: GMAT (score must be no more than 5 years old)
Required Number of References to specify in the on-line form: 3
Supplemental Information: Resume (Required upload for application submission)
Deadlines for Application. A program not open for a particular term will be marked with an “x.” If the program has early screening dates, those dates are listed in parentheses. Applications that are not complete by the early screening date risk denial of admission due to no seats available.
Additional Notes: Students should have completed a broad spectrum of undergraduate business courses before entering the MBA program. Please see the bulletin description for details. Increased enrollment may lead to a term being closed for new applications.
Spring: off campus/ Catawba: 11/1
Summer Session 1: x
Summer Session 2: on campus only: 4/1 (2/15)
Fall: x
The mission of the MBA is to provide educational experiences to prepare our students for life-long learning and professional leadership responsibilities in a dynamic global environment. The program provides individualized attention through extensive student-faculty collaboration. Students in the MBA program are expected to develop a core set of competencies including functional business knowledge, leadership and teamwork skills, analytical and critical thinking skills, responsiveness to domestic and global business environments, appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism as well as ethical and legal responsibilities, professional development and communication skills.
Program Highlights
The program begins in the second summer session and you will complete 32 credits hours upon graduation by the following May.
On-campus: It is highly encouraged that these students are full-time
Off-campus: Comprised of part-time students at the Hickory Metropolitan Higher Education Center
Students are expected to develop the business knowledge, understandings, and
skills as preparation for teaching.
2. Students are expected to apply the learned subject matter in a classroom setting
as a business education teacher.
3. Students are expected to demonstrate competencies in subject matter,
knowledge, classroom management, teaching skill, learning psychology, and
student evaluation.
4. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to foster learning development
and applications through logical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving
regarding business and economic problems.
Students are expected to develop the business knowledge, understandings, and
skills as preparation for teaching.
2. Students are expected to apply the learned subject matter in a classroom setting
as a business education teacher.
3. Students are expected to demonstrate competencies in subject matter,
knowledge, classroom management, teaching skill, learning psychology, and
student evaluation.
4. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to foster learning development
and applications through logical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving
regarding business and economic problems.
AG 210 Principles of Accounting – Financial (4)
Introduction to financial accounting and its application to the reporting needs of organizations. Topics include basic accounting processes and procedures, the accounting cycle, internal control, and the valuation and measurement of accounts receivable, inventory, operating and intangible assets, liabilities and capital stock transactions.
AG 211 Principles of Accounting – Managerial (4)
A continuation of AG 210 dealing with financial reporting requirements and use of accounting information for planning, control and decision making. Topics include statement of cash flows, cost behavior analysis, product costing and budgets. Prerequisite: AG 210.
BS 201 Principles of Management (3)
The focus is on the origin and development of management theory, processes of management, decision making, leadership, communication, social responsibility, and international management. Emphasis on application of management principles to managing organizations.
BS 202 Principles of Marketing (3)
An introduction to basic marketing concepts, including marketing strategy, pricing, promotional activities, product development, and physical distribution.
BS 305 Financial Management (3)
Covers the concepts and techniques underlying effective decision making related to investment and financial decisions. Some of the topics include planning profitability, analysis of risk, valuation of financial assets, time value of money, cost of capital, capital budgeting, planning capital structure and dividend decisions. Prerequisite: AG 210 or 213, ES 214, MS 151, CS 152
BS 325 Ethics and the Ecology of Commerce (3)
This course reviews classical positions in ethics as well as current Catholic social teaching in the areas of morality and the role of business.This course explores the relationships between the business institutions and the natural ecology. Environmental impacts are explored in terms of raw material extraction, pollution, and methods of costing and the long term sustainability of economic growth. Mechanisms for full costing are explored, as are market growth opportunities, which may be found in the impetus for pollution control and environmental clean up. Regional, national, and international aspects are considered with particular emphasis on the development of international agreements.
BY 123 Enviornmental Biology (3)
Introduction to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, with emphasis on human influences. Field experience based labs.
CN 101 Introduction to Communication (3)
Theory and methods of intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, organizational, public, intercultural, and mass communication.
CY 101 Environmental Chemistry (3)
Application of chemical concepts to eco-systems; implications of chemical technology to the social and physical environment. Prerequisites: High school chemistry recommended
EL 100 Intro to Environmental Studies (3)
An introduction to natural processes and the human impacts upon the natural environment. Specific components include human population trends, soil and water issues, energy strategies, atmospheric issues, and pollution.
EL 301 Advanced Environmental Studies (3)
In depth examination of human population growth, energy shortages, soil degradation, pollution, and environmental economics. Prerequisites: EL 100 or BY 123
ES 214 Microeconomics (3)
Introduction to the economic problem and the study of economics, to basics of supply and demand, to concepts and models used to understand the economic behavior of households and firms, to economic outcomes under various market structures, and to market failures and international trade.
PC 291 Physical Science (3)
An introduction to physics and astronomy for non-science majors. Lab and lecture experiences are integrated within regular class meetings. Recommended for elementary education majors and those students who wish to acquire a broad perspective on these two areas of physical science.
SB 100 Industrial Ecology (3)
This course examines the relationship between our industrial infrastructure and the natural world.We will discuss natural production processes and the advantages of incorporating nature-based design components in human industry. Intelligent energy choices, essential nutrient cycling, advantageous facility layout, and thoughtful process. Currently existing business examples that provide significant competitive advantages for companies as well as possible future innovations are discussed. Prerequisites: EL 100 or BY 123, BS 201, EL 301.
SB 200 Sustainable Energy Systems (3)
This course utilizes a systems perspective to examine the possibilities for sustainable energy production and consumption throughout the 21st Century and beyond. First, we will explore the foundations of energy – its physics, how we account for energy, and concepts of energy efficiency and effectiveness. Next, an overview of our current energy production and consumption will be presented, along with some of the environmental, economic and social impacts and challenges encountered at regional, national and global levels, such as climate change, carbon sequestration, mobility, energy conservation and national security. We will also examine energy scenarios for the future and how existing and theoretical energy technologies such as biomass, hydrogen, wind, solar (including photovoltaics), geothermal, hydropower, ocean and tidal power and others are reshaping energy utilization and management for businesses and the communities in which they operate.
SB 201 Sustainable Business Design and Management (3)
This course examines an intelligent redesign and new approach for providing goods and services that improves long-term business profitability, restores the integrity of the natural world, and builds vibrant communities. We will discuss sustainable design intentions, specific strategic components, and real world application of this design and management theory. Prerequisites: SB100 and BS201.
SB 202 Environmental Regulatory Compliance (3)
Regulatory compliance strategies for business on local, state, and federal levels are outlined. Strategies for bringing small, medium, and large businesses in compliance with air, water, and solid-waste pollution regulations are discussed. Prerequisites: EL 100 or BY 123.
SB 300 Environmental Economics and Policy (3)
This course examines microeconomic theory and models of environmental economics such as common property resources, externalities, environmental accounting, contingent valuation, and maximum sustainable yield along with the complex economic and social impacts of environmental policy. Prerequisites: SB100 and ES214.
SB 310 Sustainable Business Innovations Lab (3)
The course investigates and deploys triple top-line entrepreneurial innovation, effective organizational design, workplace innovation application skills, and research/analysis methods through in-class discussions as well as practice-based projects.
SB 315 Building Social Capital (3)
This course examines the role of social capital in building sustainable organizations and communities.The key elements and various forms of social capital will be explored by looking at the different ways that communities develop and how the human relationship with ecological systems can be sustained and enhanced. Ways to measure social capital will also be addressed in order to strengthen the understanding of this component of sustainability and foster its application in the workplace. Prerequisites: SB 100 or consent of instructor.
SB 320 Sustainable Business Innovations Lab (3)
We will investigate and deploy triple top-line entrepreneurial innovation, effective organizational design, workplace innovation application skills, and research/analysis methods through in-class discussions as well as practicebased projects. Prerequisites: SB100, 201, and 315
SB 395 Case Studies in Sustainable Business (3)
This case-oriented course focuses on a variety of proactive sustainable business policy strategies that build economic value for business, improve the health of natural systems, and increase social capital within the community. Prerequisites: BS 201, BS 202, BS305, BS 325, SB 100, and SB 201
SB 397 Internship (3)
Under the direction of faculty, this capstone course engages the student to work with a business chosen by the student and the development of a plan to significantly improve its sustainable business practices. Prerequisite: Senior standing and completion of all other major coursework.
Number Title Semester Offered Hours
AG 210 Principles of Accounting – Financial Fall, Spring 4
AG 211 Principles of Accounting – Managerial Fall, Spring 4
BS 201 Principles of Management Fall, Spring, Summer 3
BS 202 Principles of Marketing Fall, Spring, Summer 3
BS 305 Financial Management Fall, Spring, Summer 3
BS 325 Ethics and the Ecology of Commerce Spring 3
BY 123 Environmental Biology Fall, Spring 3
CN 101 Introduction to Communication Fall, Spring 3
CY 101 Environmental Chemistry Fall 3
EL 100 Intro to Environmental Studies Fall, Spring, Summer 3
EL 301 Advanced Environmental Studies Spring 3
ES 214 Microeconomics Fall, Spring, Summer 3
PC 291 Physical Science Fall, Spring 3
Required Sustainable Business Courses:
SB 100 Industrial Ecology Fall 3
SB 201 Sustainable Business Management Spring 3
SB 310 Sustainable Business Innovations Lab Spring 3
SB 315 Building Social Capital Spring 3
SB 395 Cases in Sustainable Business Spring 3
SB 397 Internship Fall, Spring, Summer 3
Must select two of the next four elective courses:
SB 200 Sustainable Energy Systems Fall 3
SB 202 Environmental Regulatory Compliance Spring 3
SB 300 Environmental Economics and Policy Fall 3
Total Hours: 65
Sustainable Business Minor Requirements
The following 28 semester hours of courses:
EL 301 CY 101 SB 100
SB 201 SB Elective BS 201
BS 202 AG 211 SB 315
Certificate Information
The following 18 hours of courses:*
EL 100 SB 100 BS 200
SB 201