School Overview
Dean
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs 116 Mackenzie Men and women embarking on business careers have the opportunity to influence many of the social, political, and economic forces in today's world. The Foster School prepares students for professional careers in management and related disciplines in both the private and public sectors. The Foster School offers an undergraduate program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA) and graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Business Administration (MBA), Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA), Technology Management Master of Business Administration (TMMBA), Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). An evening MBA program is also offered. Additionally, the Foster School offers a Master of Science degree in Information Systems (MSIS). Business Administration became an independent unit within the University system in 1917. It has been accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (now known as the International Association for Management Education) since 1921. Facilities and ServicesMost Foster School classes and activities are in four buildings. Balmer Hall, named for Thomas Balmer, former president of the University Board of Regents, contains classrooms and computer labs. There are four computer labs in Balmer Hall available to Foster School students. Mackenzie Hall, named in memory of Prof. Donald Mackenzie, Chair of the Department of Accounting from 1949 to 1955, contains the Dean's Office, the Undergraduate Program Office, the Graduate Program Office, the PhD Program Office, Business Administration Computer Services (BACS), Office of Development and External Relations, faculty offices, five department offices, and other business administration program offices. Nearby Lewis Hall contains the Business Connections Center and other faculty and administrative offices. A fourth building, on the north side of Balmer, has three distinct components: the Bank of America Executive Education Center (which includes the James B. Douglas Executive Forum), the Boeing Auditorium, and the Albert O. and Evelyn Foster Business Library. To serve the continuing education needs of middle- and senior-level managers, the Foster School offers a number of certificate programs, either University-initiated or co-sponsored with various community and industry organizations. The management program, a nine-month, one night per week program, strengthens understanding and skills in all areas of management and provides an opportunity for successful managers to learn from a distinguished faculty and each other. Short courses and seminars are offered throughout the year, focusing on topics such as leadership, finance and accounting for non-financial executives, and negotiation skills. In addition, the School develops and runs custom programs under contract with individual companies and organizations. Information on continuing education programs may be obtained from the Office of Executive Programs, (206) 543-8560, fax (206) 685-9236, uwexp@uw.edu. International Business ProgramsInternational business programs are coordinated and developed by the Foster School's Global Business Center. These activities include special graduate and undergraduate certificate programs, the Global Business Program, seminars, internships, business foreign-language programs, special guest-speaker programs, and study tours. Although the Marketing and International Business Department offers a general curriculum in international business, each of the five academic departments within the Foster School maintains faculty with special international teaching and research expertise. Internationally oriented courses are offered by each department. At the undergraduate level, the Foster School offers the Certificate of International Studies in Business (CISB) Program. Students in the program complete the same demanding business curriculum as other students and enhance this training with foreign language study, area studies, and an international experience. The program requires that students have a solid foundation in one of five language tracks: Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish; a sixth custom track for other languages is also an option. At the MBA level, the Foster School offers opportunities for MBA students to build on the international business foundation that every MBA develops through the first year of the program. In addition to international business electives, the program offers overseas travel through study tours, quarter-long exchange programs, and international internships. MBA students may also participate in the weekly Global Business Forum, which brings top international business leaders to campus to discuss important issues facing their companies and industries. Questions regarding these programs may be directed to (206) 685-3432 or goabroad@uw.edu. Entrepreneurship ProgramsThe focus of the Foster School's entrepreneurship programs is on nurturing skills that generate creative ideas, innovative processes, and new business growth. These skills are developed through special academic certificate programs, internships, a business plan competition, club activities, and consulting opportunities with area businesses. The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is open to both undergraduate and graduate students from the Foster School as well as other University schools and colleges. Through its workshops, events (Entrepreneur Week), and annual competitions (Business Plan Competition, Environmental Innovation Challenge, and Venture Capital Investment Competition), CIE encourages a cross-discipline and collaborative appraoch to business creation, and nurtures overall entrepreneurial thinking in students. The CIE's Lavin Program is a curriculum for entrepreneurially minded undergraduates that provides the core foundational experience, skills, and know how for developing future business ventures. Graduate students may take the Enrepreneurship Certificate program, which offers real-world experience, technology internships with the UW Center for Commercialization, and mentoring from the Seattle entrepreneurial community. For more information visit www.startup.washington.edu, or contact CIE at (206) 685-9868, or uwcie@uw.edu. The Business and Economic Development Center (BEDC) matches undergraduate and graduate student consulting teams with small-business owners in Seattle's inner city to implement business development projects. Through courses, independent study options, summer internships, and hands-on projects with inner-city entrepreneurs, students explore the challenges faced by central city businesses, while also providing valuable assistance. Questions about the Business and Economic Development Center can be directed to the program office at (206) 543-9327. Consulting ProgramsThe Business and Economic Development Center (BEDC)
matches undergraduate and graduate student consulting teams
with small-business owners in Seattle's inner city to
implement business development projects. Through courses,
independent study options, summer internships, and hands-on
projects with inner-city entrepreneurs, students explore the
challenges faced by central city businesses, while also
providing valuable assistance. Questions about the Business
and Business Career CenterThe Business Connections Center coordinates all MBA and MPAcc career services. These include career counseling and career management workshops, the administration of special career events such as career fairs, company presentations, on-campus MBA and MPAcc recruitment, and a job-listing service. The Business Connections Center also administers alumni and executive mentoring programs. Questions regarding these programs and services may be directed to the center's office, 202 Lewis, (206) 685-2410. Undergraduate business-career counseling and on-campus recruitment is provided by the UW Center for Career Services, 134 Mary Gates Hall, (206) 543-0535. Instructional Resources OfficeThe Instructional Resources Office promotes excellence in teaching by providing resources in current practice and research in teaching and learning. The office serves faculty and teaching assistants with individual consultations, coordinates a teaching preparation program for doctoral students, and offers assistance with instructional innovations. Questions can be directed to the Instructional Resources Office, 317 Lewis, (206) 685-9608. The Business Writing CenterThe mission of the Business Writing Center is to help undergraduates develop the writing skills essential to professional success. The center offers one-on-one tutoring, workshops and peer feedback for special class projects, and opportunities for advanced students to be peer tutors. Questions can be directed to the center's office, 337 Lewis, bwrite@uw.edu. Honor SocietiesBeta Gamma Sigma is the national scholastic honor society in the field of business. Election to membership is available to both undergraduate and graduate students in business. Selection is based on outstanding scholastic achievement. Beta Alpha Psi is the accounting honor society. Membership is based primarily on scholastic achievement, but some community service is also required. Beta Alpha Psi provides a mechanism for students, professionals, and educators to meet on both formal and informal bases. The goals and interests of graduate students are served by the MBA Association, Business Consulting Network, Challenge for Charity, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Club, Graduate Consulting Club, MBA Finance Club, Global Business Association, Graduate and Professional Student Senate, MBA Marketing Club, Net Impact, High-Tech Club, MBA Speakeasy, Women in Business, and the Doctoral Association. Undergraduate Program137 Mackenzie
Associate Dean
Director
Associate Director
Adviser The Foster School offers the following programs of study:
Bachelor of Arts in Business AdministrationSuggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: English composition, calculus, ECON 200, ECON 201. In addition, classes to fulfill general education requirements which develop strong writing and analytic skills. ACCTG 215, ACCTG 225, MGMT 200, and Q METH 201 are suggested second-year college work. Department Admission RequirementsThe Foster School offers admission to upper division applicants for autumn and winter quarters. Those UW students who are prepared, as freshmen, to apply for early admission, may do so only for autumn quarter. Students admitted for autumn may elect to take classes during the prior summer quarter. Applicants are considered in two admission groups: the Freshman Direct Admission Program and the Upper-Division Admission Group (UAG), described below. The following requirements apply to the Upper-Division Admission Group:
Consideration is also given to such factors as economic and educational disadvantage, significantly higher recent grades, and exceptional extracurricular activities or work experience. Admission for UAG is offered twice a year, for autumn and winter quarters. Admission for Freshman Direct is offered once a year, for autumn quarter only. A Foster School application, together with all supporting materials, must be on file by April 5 for autumn quarter admission or October 5 for winter quarter admission. Records of all coursework completed by the deadline must be submitted at the time of application. Freshman Direct Admission Program The Foster School enrolls a small number of students each year directly out of high school, prior to completion of any university-level prerequisites. Freshmen applicants to the University listing Business Administration as their intended major are automatically considered. Admission is offered to students with exceptionally competitive academic records, including but not limited to high school GPA and SAT or ACT scores. Upper-Division Admission Group (UAG) Students must present a minimum of 60 academic credits at the time of application including the following graded credits: ACCTG 215; ECON 200 or ECON 201; MATH 112, MATH 124, or MATH 134; an approved English composition course, chosen from C LIT 240, ENGL 104-ENGL 105, ENGL 111, ENGL 121, ENGL 131, ENGL 197, ENGL 198, ENGL 199, or ENGL 281, ENGL 297, ENGL 298, or ENGL 299. In addition, the following courses must be completed prior to admission in autumn quarter: ACCTG 225; ECON 200 and ECON 201; MGMT 200; QMETH 201. Applicants should take general education or elective courses to complete the minimum 60 graded credits. Students admitted to the UW as freshmen are expected to take ACCTG 215, ACCTG 225; MGMT 200; and QMETH 201 in residence. Qualified applicants with at least 45 credits and a minimum 2.85 GPA who meet University admission requirements, but not Foster School requirements, are eligible to be placed in the College of Arts and Sciences as pre-business majors. The University of Washington provides equal opportunity in education without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam veteran in accordance with UW policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. Graduation Requirements180 credits as follows: General Education Requirements: The following must be selected from the University Areas of Knowledge courses: 20 credits in Visual, Literary, & Performing Arts; 20 credits in Individuals & Societies, including 10 credits in microeconomics and macroeconomics (ECON 200 and ECON 201); 20 credits in the Natural World, including 5 credits in calculus (MATH 112, MATH 124, or MATH 134); most students need precalculus before taking college calculus (some precalculus courses qualify for the Natural World requirement); 5 credits in English composition. Students from community colleges in Washington should check the Transfer Guide or consult with their community college adviser for equivalent courses. Students from other four-year schools should see an adviser at their school. Students entering the Foster School under the terms of the Associate Degree Agreement may apply courses selected from the community college's breadth list toward the general education requirements. Foster School Requirements: ACCTG 215, ACCTG 225; QMETH 201; MGMT 200; B ECON 300; MKTG 301; I S 300; I BUS 300; OPMGT 301; FIN 350; MGMT 300; MGMT 320; MGMT 430; and 300- or 400-level business electives (or area of concentration) to bring the total number of business credits to 72; two writing-intensive courses, one from B CMU 301, B CMU 410, ENGL 281, ENGL 381; one from English composition, or from the remaining three courses listed immediately above, or from any W course. No more than 6 lower-division business elective credits; a minimum of 90 non-business credits, which may include up to 14 credits of economics and up to 9 credits of statistics but not GEN ST 350; a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in all business credits earned at the UW; and a cumulative GPA of 2.50 for all UW credits. No more than 8 credits of business independent research coursework may be applied to the degree and no more than 4 credits of business independent research coursework may be applied to upper-division business electives. No more than 8 credits of internship coursework is applicable to the degree. Business internship credit may not apply to the upper-division business elective requirement. Students must complete six of the nine upper-division core courses, including MGMT 430, and 40 of the 53 required upper-division business credits at the UW. Students who have taken more than three of the nine upper-division core business courses at another school should consult an academic adviser in the Foster School Undergraduate Program Office prior to applying. Accounting Option: The notation "Accounting" is indicated on the permanent record, or transcript, of a student who graduates with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and who completes the following courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50: ACCTG 301, ACCTG 302, ACCTG 303, ACCTG 311, ACCTG 320, ACCTG 411, ACCTG 421, ACCTG 440, and at least one 400-level accounting elective, excluding ACCTG 401, ACCTG 490, ACCTG 495, and ACCTG 499. Students who have completed ACCTG 505 may not apply to the accounting option. The accounting option requires 186 credits for graduation. Entrepreneurship Option: The notation "Entrepreneurship" is indicated on the transcript of a student who graduates with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and who completes the following courses with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA: ENTRE 370, FIN 457, MKTG 455; 8 credits of the following courses: ENTRE 422, ENTRE 432, ENTRE 440, ENTRE 443, ENTRE 459, or ENTRE 472 and ENTRE 473. Finance Option: The notation "Finance" is indicated on the transcript of a student who graduates with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and who completes the following courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50: one course from FIN 450, FIN 453, FIN 454, or FIN 457; either FIN 460 or FIN 461; four additional courses chosen from the 400-level FIN courses, B ECON 301 or ECON 301, or the 400-level B ECON courses, excluding FIN 490, FIN 495, FIN 499, B ECON 490, and B ECON 499. Human Resources Management Option: The notation "Human Resources Management" is indicated on the transcript of a student who graduates with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and who completes the following courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50: MGMT 311, MGMT 411, MGMT 412, and two of the following courses: MGMT 323, MGMT 401, MGMT 402, MGMT 403, MGMT 404, or MGMT 413. Information Systems Option: The notation "Information Systems" is indicated on the transcript of a student who graduates with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and who completes the following courses with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA: I S 310, I S 320, I S 410, I S 445, and I S 460. Marketing Option: The notation "Marketing" is indicated on the transcript of a student who graduates with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and who completes the following courses with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA: MKTG 450, MKTG 460, and three additional MKTG electives, excluding MKTG 490, MKTG 495, and MKTG 499. It is recommended that students take MKTG 450 and MKTG 460 before they take the other electives. Operations and Supply Chain Management Option: The notation “Operations and Supply Chain Management” is indicated on the transcript of a student who graduates with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and who completes the following courses with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA: QMETH 450, OPMGT 443, OPMGT 450, I S 451. Admission to the options: Students can apply to one option at the same time they apply to the Foster School. Continuing Foster School students can apply during publicized application periods. If demand for the option exceeds the number of spaces available, students are considered based on the factors identified for admission to the Foster School and on their GPA in all previous option-specific courses. Continuation PolicyAll Foster School undergraduates must maintain normal progress toward the BABA each quarter in the major. The Foster School recognizes that exceptional circumstances (e.g., death in the family, serious illness) may delay degree progress. In addition, educational opportunities such as study abroad or internship opportunities may warrant the extension of a student's program. Monitoring Academic Progress: At the end of every quarter, the Undergraduate Programs Office (UPO) reviews the performance of all undergraduates and assesses their academic standing. Students are notified in writing of academic warning, probation, or drop as soon as practicable after receiving the previous quarter's grade reports; each notice of academic warning or probation is noted in the student's file. The following sanctions may be rendered against a student whose performance falls below the School's standard for making satisfactory progress.
Student Outcomes and Opportunities
Double Baccalaureate and Second BaccalaureateStudents who wish to earn more than one baccalaureate degree should consult an academic adviser in the Foster School Undergraduate Program Office, either during or before their junior year. Persons seeking a second baccalaureate should apply at the University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions. To be considered, applicants must complete by quarter of entry the same prerequisites for admission as applicants for the first baccalaureate degree. Since the number of eligible applicants exceeds available space, acceptance is competitive, based on the criteria listed above for selection of first baccalaureate degree applicants. The Foster School uses the GPA for the last 90 credits earned. Undergraduate Diversity ServicesDirector, Jai-Anna Elliott Recruitment, admissions counseling, advising, and support services are available for minority students underrepresented at the University, and students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Special scholarships are also available for underrepresented minority students. Academic advisers have information on this progam. Graduate Programs
Associate Dean for Master's Degree Programs AdmissionQualified students who are graduates of the University of Washington or other accredited colleges or universities may be admitted to graduate degree programs. GPA, Graduate Management Admission Test score, work experience, educational and professional objectives, and other factors are considered in the admission process. Inquiries concerning the details of admission should be made to the specific degree program of interest, University of Washington, Foster School of Business, Mackenzie Hall, Box 353200, Seattle, WA 98195. Application ProcedureApplications to the MBA, EMBA, and PhD programs are considered for entry in autumn quarter only. Applications to the Technology Management MBA and Master of Science in Information Systems program are considered for entry in winter quarter only. The formal deadlines for application are February 1 for the PhD program; December 1, January 1, February 1, and March 1 for domestic applicants for the MBA; February 1 for international applicants for the MBA; April 1 for Evening MBA; and April 15 for the Executive MBA and MPAcc programs. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible for the programs. The Foster School of Business offers programs of study leading to the advanced degrees of Master of Business Administration, Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Science in Information Systems, and Doctor of Philosophy. Four programs can lead to an MBA degree: the full-time program, the evening program, the Technology Management (TMMBA) program, and the Executive MBA program. Master of Business Administration
Executive Director Degree Requirements96 credits (80 credits for evening MBA) The full-time Master of Business Administration degree program has been designed for students preparing for a professional career in management. A period of two academic years, or 96 academic credits, is required for most students to complete the MBA program. The first year of the program consists of 48 credits of required courses: B A 500, B A 501, B A 502; three of the following bridge elective options: EBIZ 509 (required for EBIZ certificate), ENTRE 509 (required for CIE certificate), FIN 509 (prerequisite for most finance electives), I BUS 509, MGMT 579 (2-4, max. 12), or MKTG 509. The second year of the program is 48 credits of elective courses. The student may take no more than 24 credits in any one elective area. The evening MBA program is targeted toward fully employed college graduates who seek a management degree that can be earned outside their regular working hours. Instruction takes place two evenings per week and students typically take two courses per quarter. The program consists of 80 academic credits, with normal completion of degree requirements in ten quarters. The course requirements are as follows: ACCTG 500, ACCTG 501, B ECON 500, B ECON 501, FIN 502, I S 504, MGMT 500, MGMT 502, MGMT 505, MKTG 501, OPMGT 502, QMETH 500, QMETH 501, 34 credits of electives Special ProgramsWithin the MBA program, there are options for special study: Global Business Program; E-Business Program, and the Program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The following concurrent degree programs are also available: MBA/JD with the School of Law, MBA/MAIS with the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, MBA/MSE with the College of Engineering's Program in Engineering and Manufacturing Management, and MBA/MHA with the School of Public Health. Executive Master of Business Administration
Director Since the autumn of 1983, the Executive MBA Program has provided an additional pathway to the Master of Business Administration degree. The EMBA program provides an intensive executive-development experience to a select group of midcareer managers who continue to work full-time while pursuing the MBA degree. Candidates for this two-year program should have seven or more years of increasingly successful work experience including three to four years in management, and currently hold mid- or top-level management positions. They are typically sponsored by their organizations and have been identified as employees with high potential to advance as general managers. Students are selected to ensure diversity of industry, functional areas, and organizational size. The Executive MBA degree program is offered in two scheduling options. Both run for two academic years, September through June. (1) The Regional Program meets on campus for a full day once a week, on alternating Fridays and Saturdays. In addition, students attend spring and fall residence sessions each year. (2) The North America Program meets on campus once a month, generally for three consecutive days, Thursday through Saturday. Between monthly sessions, students continue to interact with faculty and classmates online via the Internet and interactive groupware. This format is designed for individuals from the greater Northwest as well as those from the Puget Sound area whose schedules preclude weekly attendance. While the scope of the curriculum is comparable to that of the regular MBA program, the pace is more intense and the perspective is that of a general manager. There are 21 required courses and no electives. Admission Requirements
Applications are accepted throughout the year, with an application deadline of April 15 for the class beginning each autumn. Late applications are handled on a space-available basis. Degree Requirements68 credits The 21-month, 68-credit curriculum builds a solid foundation of business fundamentals. Case studies and group projects link theory with current business practice. Themes based on current trends in business, including the impact of technology and globalization, are threaded through the entire curriculum. Students frequently use their own organizations as laboratories, applying lessons learned in the classroom and then bringing the results back to the class for further discussion. The following are the required courses: EMBA 502, EMBA 503, EMBA 504, EMBA 505, EMBA 506, EMBA 510, EMBA 511, EMBA 512, EMBA 520, EMBA 521, EMBA 529, EMBA 530, EMBA 531, EMBA 532, EMBA 533, EMBA 534, EMBA 540, EMBA 551, EMBA 552, EMBA 558. Technology Management Master of Business Administration
Director The Technology Management MBA program is designed for professionals who are employed in technology companies or who work in technology jobs in more traditional businesses. The curriculum combines the essential components of management education with a specialized focus on high-tech industries. It is structured for individuals who want to play a broader role in management and are seeking the necessary management skills and business knowledge. The program is focused on real-world projects and analyses, collaborative learning in study groups, and extensive participant interaction in the classroom. Candidates for this 18-month program have technology experience and upward career progression. The Technology Management MBA program provides an intensive educational experience to professionals who continue to work full-time while pursuing their MBA degree. The TMMBA program runs six consecutive quarters of instruction-beginning every January and ending the next year in June. Three-hour sessions are held once a week on a mid-week evening and six-hour sessions are scheduled two Saturdays per month. There are 68 required credits of which 6 are electives. Additionally, two residential sessions are offered one at the beginning of the program and one at the end. Candidates may be sponsored by their organizations or apply on their own. Admission Requirements
Each year approximately 50 students are accepted into the TMMBA Program. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Contact the TMMBA office to find out application deadlines for the upcoming class. Degree Requirements68 credits, as follows: TMMBA 500, TMMBA 501, TMMBA 502, TMMBA 503, TMMBA 505, TMMBA 507, TMMBA 510, TMMBA 512, TMMBA 515, TMMBA 516, TMMBA 517, TMMBA 520, TMMBA 521, TMMBA 522, TMMBA 528, TMMBA 530, TMMBA 551, 6 credits of electives Master of Professional Accounting
Managing Director The Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) prepares students for high-level careers with major accounting and consulting firms, governmental agencies, and industry. Students with undergraduate degrees in accounting may complete the program in three quarters. Students with no prior business background must take an expanded version of the program. Enrollment is limited to 25 to 30 students in each of two tracks - Accounting and Assurance (A&A) and Taxation. MBA students with a strong interest in accounting and taxation may earn a joint MBA/MPAcc degree. Admission Requirements
Degree Requirements, Auditing and Assurance Pathway48 credits, as follows:
Degree Requirements, Taxation Pathway48 credits, as follows: ACCTG 530, ACCTG 531, ACCTG 533, ACCTG 534, ACCTG 535, ACCTG 536, ACCTG 537, ACCTG 538, ACCTG 539, ACCTG 541, ACCTG 541, ACCTG 543, ACCTG 547 Doctor of Philosophy
Program Coordinator The PhD program in business administration is research-based and designed to train scholars interested in academic careers, although this training is also useful for individuals seeking research positions in business and government, as well as in consulting firms. With the guidance of faculty members who have similar interests, PhD students complete a program of formal coursework (minimum of 18 courses) and participate in doctoral seminars, independent study, and research. A Faculty Supervisory Committee is appointed early in the program to assist each student in constructing a course of study that fits that individual's background and interests. Students select one major area of specialization and complete requirements in two or three additional minor areas that support their major area of specialization (including areas outside the Foster School, such as economics, psychology, and mathematics). Throughout the program, doctoral students receive support and training that hone their skills as teachers and course developers. Major areas of concentration include accounting, finance, human resource management and organizational behavior, marketing, information systems, operations management, operations research, and strategic management. All doctoral students are required to have research methods as one of their minor areas. Doctoral study is full-time and year-round, and students are admitted autumn quarter only. Most candidates require four to five years to complete the program. The school's goal is to make financial aid available, in the form of research and teaching assistantships, to all of its doctoral students. In addition to service appointments, fellowships are available on a competitive basis to support students engaged in their dissertation research during the final part of their programs. Special RequirementsApplicants to graduate business programs are required to submit scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test. Those admitted to the MBA program must demonstrate understanding of the fundamental concepts of calculus. Departments
AccountingAccounting involves development and communication of financial and operational information for business and nonprofit economic entities. The curriculum includes understanding accounting information systems, using accounting information in managerial decision making, preparing and auditing financial statements under generally accepted accounting and auditing standards, and understanding the fundamental aspects of personal and corporate taxation. Elective courses provide in-depth instruction in managerial and financial accounting, not-for-profit accounting, and taxation. Courses provide a foundation for careers in accounting (public, industrial, private, or governmental), for a general business career, or for other professions such as law. For more information, see the Department of Accounting website. Finance and Business EconomicsFinance and Business Economics address the financial and economic aspects of business decision making. The finance curriculum focuses on financial management and the financial markets within which firms and individual investors operate. Business economics courses concern the economic behavior of firms, including factors that determine costs and prices, and real and monetary forces (such as government policies) that affect the national and international economic environment. For more information, see the Department of Finance and Business Economics website. Management and OrganizationManagement and Organization provides an understanding of the processes and structures of organizations through three distinct programs. The Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior (HRMOB) courses address personnel and industrial-relations topics such as selection, performance appraisal, compensation, and negotiations, as well as behavioral topics such as leadership, motivation, and group dynamics. They prepare students for managing an organization's human resources effectively. The Organization and Environment (O E) courses examine organization theory, organization design, and management of technology and innovation, as well as the social, political, legal, and ethical environments in which organizations operate. They give students the knowledge, perspective, and analytical tools to deal effectively with organization-environment interactions. The Business Policy (B POL) courses focus on organizational effectiveness from the viewpoint of top management. Emphasis is placed on an integrated view through strategic management and control, planning, decision making, and entrepreneurship. For more information, see the Department of Management and Organization website. Information Systems and Operations ManagementThe Department of Information Systems and Operations Management consists of three sub-areas: Information Systems (I S), Operations Management (OPMGT), and Quantitative Methods (QMETH). The information systems area focuses on the management of computer-based information systems. The I S curriculum is designed to give students a basic understanding of I S technology and its impact on all phases of an organization. Specific areas of study include telecommunications and network design, systems analysis and design, database management, expert systems, and applications programming. The operations management area of study refers to the functional area of management which produces goods or services in an organization. Specifically, the OPMGT curriculum focuses on the many changes which have occurred in the past ten years in the way that managers think, plan, and operate manufacturing and service facilities. The area includes courses in logistics, quality, inventory and supply-chain management, project management, and waiting lines, among others. The quantitative methods area focuses on the theory and application of mathematical and statistical tools in the modeling and analysis of business problems. The QMETH curriculum includes courses in statistics and data analysis as well as courses in operations research (e.g., linear programming, forecasting, and using spread-sheets to construct decision support models). For more information, see the Information Systems and Operations Management website. Marketing and International BusinessMarketing (MKTG) provides knowledge of concepts and relationships in the areas of consumer behavior, channels of distribution, measurement and analysis of markets, pricing, physical movement of goods, product development, promotion, and sales administration. Marketing careers may involve specialization in Internet marketing, product or brand management, advertising, selling, sales management, marketing research, retailing, wholesaling, and international marketing for a wide spectrum of firms and industries. International Business (I BUS) includes trade, payments, and multinational corporate systems and activities. The area prepares students for international responsibilities in domestic business firms, governmental agencies, and overseas business. Courses in Business Communications (B CMU) stress writing in organizations to accomplish goals, oral reporting, business plan presentation, and the use of computer graphics in communication. For more information, see the Department of Marketing and International Business website. |
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