Business Administration
Chair,
Department of Business Administration: Chris Prestigiacomo, Ph.D.
Business Faculty:
John Bennett, M.B.A
Greg Bier, Ph.D.
The business administration curriculum prepares students for entrepreneurial
pursuits and managerial positions in any organization and provides
opportunities to acquire distinctive competence in specialized areas.
These goals are accomplished through a core of required courses,
enhanced by electives, independent studies, internships and off-campus
study. In addition, students may learn from hands-on experiences,
including managing a stock portfolio.
The business administration faculty has a strong interdisciplinary
orientation and believes that preparation for any career must be
grounded in a liberal arts education. Students are encouraged to
assume a broad perspective and take coursework beyond the introductory
level in liberal arts, to think critically and creatively, and to
grow in confidence. Issues and opportunities for women in organizations
are emphasized throughout the program. This includes women entrepreneurs
and women executives.
The Department of Business Administration offers two majors: Bachelor
of Arts in Business Administration and the Bachelor of Science in
Accounting. In addition, the program cooperatively offers the following
interdisciplinary majors: Bachelor of Science in Fashion Marketing
and Management; Equestrian Business Management; Marketing: Public
Relations and Advertising; and also the Bachelor of Arts in International
Studies. In addition, a business administration minor is available,
which may emphasize one of five areas (accounting, business administration,
finance, marketing or management). Business majors may find it worthwhile
to pursue a double major or dual-degree program with another area
such as psychology, communication or theatre.
Combining business administration with other disciplines, in a double
major, a major and a minor, or a student-initiated major is highly
encouraged. Providing depth within a strong business curriculum
and breadth in other areas of interest, these combinations will
enhance the education and marketability of participating students.
Requirements for the B.A.
Major in Business Administration
The bachelor of arts degree in business administration
requires completion of liberal arts degree requirements including
2.0 liberal arts courses as specified below and 15 courses in the
major. An internship experience is required before enrollment in
BUS 490. Business majors must earn at least five (5.0) business
courses from Stephens College. BUS 490: Entrepreneurship must be
taken at Stephens. A grade of C- or better is required in each of
the courses in the business major. A GPA of at least 2.0 over all
courses in the major is required for graduation. Students may elect
additional BUS/ACC prefix courses for a total of 15.0 in a 40.5
course degree program. Students planning graduate study in business
should take at least one semester of calculus.
NOTE: In the following course listings, (1c) = 1.0 course
or 3 semester hours.
Required Courses
CIS 206: Introduction to Information Systems (1c)
BUS 171: Contemporary Business Practices (1c)
ACC 210: Accounting I (1c)
ACC 220: Accounting II (1c)
BUS 225: Principles of Management (1c)
BUS 250: Principles of Marketing (1c)
BUS 305: Human Resource Management (1c)
BUS 331: Advertising (1c)
BUS 345: e-Commerce (1c)
BUS 350: Principles of Finance (1c)
BUS386: International Business (1c)
BUS490: Entrepreneurship (1c)
BUS496: Internship Seminar (.5c)
ECO202: Microeconomics (1c)
ECO203: Macroeconomics (1c)
INT210: Internship Development (.5c)
Required liberal arts courses
MAT207M: Introduction to Statistics (1c)
PHL318E: Social and Ethical Issues in Business (1c)
Business
Electives
Additional elective courses may be taken
with BUS or ACC prefixes up to 15.0 courses within a 40.5 course
degree program.
BUS201: Introduction to Investments (.5c)
BUS205: Personal and Family Finance (1c)
BUS280: Topics in Business (.5c) or (1c)
BUS320: Sales Management (1c)
BUS352: Business Law (1c)
BUS354: Consumer Behavior (1c)
BUS364: Organizational Behavior (1c)
BUS375: Investigations of Free Enterprise (.5c)
BUS380: Topics in Business (.5c) or (1c)
BUS480: Topics in Business (.5c) or (1c)
Requirements
for the B.S. Major in Accounting
A bachelor of science degree with a major
in accounting requires completion of the liberal arts requirements
(including two 2.0 liberal arts requirements specified by the business
major) and 21.5 courses in the major (18 with ECO, BUS or ACC prefix,
1 with CIS prefix and 2.5 with the MAT prefix). Accounting majors
must take at least 8.0 ECO, BUS or ACC courses from Stephens College.
BUS 490: Entrepreneurship must be taken at Stephens. Additional
courses are taken at the University of Missouri–Columbia.
A grade of C- or better must be earned in all required courses and
a cumulative 2.0 GPA or better in all courses in the major for graduation.
NOTE: The Missouri Board of Accountancy requires 20
courses in accounting and other related courses in order to be eligible
to sit for the C.P.A. exam, therefore the total number of courses
required in the major exceeds the number currently allowed by the
faculty by 1.5 courses.
Required Courses
Core Requirements
ACC210: Accounting I (1c)
ACC220: Accounting II (1c)
BUS171: Contemporary Business Practices (1c)
BUS225: Principles of Management (1c)
BUS250: Principles of Marketing (1c)
BUS350: Principles of Finance (1c)
BUS352: Business Law (1c)
BUS490: Entrepreneurship (1c)
CIS206: Introduction to Information Systems (1c)
ECO202: Microeconomics (1c)
ECO203: Macroeconomics (1c)
MAT211M: Calculus and Analytic Geometry (1.5c)
MAT326: Linear Algebra (1c)
University of Missouri Requirements
ACC 326: Financial Accounting Theory and Practice I
ACC 328: Accounting Information Systems
ACC 346: Financial Accounting Theory and Practice II
ACC 347: Cost and Managerial Accounting
ACC 353: Introduction to Taxation
ACC 365: Governmental Accounting and Budgeting
ECO 229: The Banking System and the Money Market
ECO 351: Intermediate Price Theory
One additional accounting elective.
Liberal Arts Requirements
MAT 207M: Introduction to Statistics (1c)
PHL 318E: Social and Ethical Issues in Business (1c)
Requirements
for the Business Administration Minors
Accounting emphasis:
BUS 171: Contemporary Business Practices (1c)
ACC 210: Accounting I (1c)
ACC 220: Accounting II (1c)
Two (2.0) additional courses in accounting, 300 level or above.
Business Administration emphasis:
BUS 171: Contemporary Business Practices (1c)
BUS 225: Principles of Management (1c)
BUS 250: Principles of Marketing (1c)
BUS 350: Principles of Finance (1c)
ACC 210: Accounting I (1c)
ACC 220: Accounting II (1c)
One additional course in BUS or ACC at the 300 level or above.
Finance emphasis:
BUS 171: Contemporary Business Practices (1c)
BUS 350: Principles of Finance (1c)
ACC 210: Accounting I (1c)
ACC 220: Accounting II (1c)
One additional finance course at the 300 level or above.
Marketing emphasis:
BUS 171: Contemporary Business Practices (1c)
BUS 250: Principles of Marketing (1c)
Three (3.0) additional courses in marketing. Two must be 300 level or above.
Management emphasis:
BUS 171: Contemporary Business Practices (1c)
BUS 225: Principles of Management (1c)
Three (3.0) additional courses in management. Two must be 300 level or above.
A list
of the specific courses approved for inclusion in the accounting,
business administration, finance, marketing or management emphasis
areas may be obtained from the business department office.
Business Administration and
the Liberal Studies Major
In the residential program, students may
choose one of the five business minor options (accounting, business
administration, finance, marketing or management) to include in
the liberal studies major. See the liberal studies section of
the catalog for complete information about the major.
Accounting Courses
ACC 210: Accounting I
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: two years of high school algebra with a grade of
B or better, or C- or better in MAT 111; sophomore standing or permission
of instructor)
An introduction to financial accounting. Study of accounting theory
and techniques used in the accumulation and disclosure of accounting
data resulting from business transactions in proprietorships, partnerships
and corporations.
ACC 220: Accounting II
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: ACC 210; for business, fashion merchandising and
equestrian business management majors, and accounting/finance minors:
MAT 207M, or concurrent enrollment; permission of instructor)
An introduction to managerial accounting. The preparation, use and
interpretation of internal accounting data in the managerial functions
of planning, organizing, controlling and decision-making.
Business Administration Courses
BUS 171: Contemporary Business Practices
(1.0 course)
(Open to all students)
An introduction to the structure and functions of contemporary business
enterprise. Emphasis placed on career possibilities and the skills
and knowledge necessary for specific careers.
BUS 201: Introduction to Investments
(.5 course)
(May be
repeated for up to 1.0 course credit.)
(Open to all students.)
An introduction to investment alternatives with an emphasis on conceptual
issues in selection and evaluation. This course will be offered
in conjunction with the Stephens Student Investment Group which
manages a portfolio. Those students earning credit through this
course will be responsible for the investment strategies and alternative
investments for that portfolio.
BUS 205: Personal and Family Finance
(1.0 course)
(Open to all students)
Examination and application of basic economics and finance principles
as they relate to the individual. Topics include: budgets, banking,
housing, taxes, insurance and investments.
BUS 225: Principles of Management
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: BUS 171 and sophomore standing; for business, fashion
merchandising and equestrian business management majors: MAT 207M
or concurrent enrollment; or permission of instructor)
A study of the organization, its individuals, technology, planning,
and organizing and control policies and procedures. Special attention
given to leadership, motivation, communication, group dynamics,
decision-making and women in management.
BUS 250: Principles of Marketing
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: English 101; BUS 171; sophomore standing; or permission
of instructor. BUS 171 waived for EBM and FDP majors)
Beginning marketing course designed to provide the student with
an understanding of basic marketing concepts, the role of marketing
in society and the forms and various factors that influence marketing
decision making.
BUS 280: Topics in Business
(Credit and prerequisites depend on topic offered.)
Topics courses explore current trends or special interests in business.
Courses taught in the past under this topic designation include
Women in Organizations and Entrepreneurship for Non-Business majors.
BUS 305: Human Resource Management
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: BUS 225 and junior standing, or approval of instructor)
The principles and practices of personnel planning, recruitment,
selection, training and development, career planning, performance
evaluation, affirmative action, labor relations and salary administration.
BUS 318E: Social and Ethical Issues in Business
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: junior standing; one (1.0) 100- or 200-level course
in either business or philosophy, or permission of instructor; cross-listed
as PHL 318E)
Applied ethics course designed to identify and explore some of the
major ethical issues facing people in business. Course includes
introduction of the techniques of ethical reasoning, and exploration
of methods for improving corporate morality, exploration of the
duties, obligations, and responsibilities of individuals and businesses
in our society. Students learn through case method and extensive
class discussions and involvement in an ethical decision-making
process. Writing intensive.
BUS 320: Sales Management
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: BUS 250 or approval of instructor)
A study of the process of planning, staffing, training, directing
and controlling the efforts of sales personnel. Attention also given
to the responsibilities of salespeople.
BUS 331: Advertising
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: BUS 250 and junior standing, or permission of instructor)
An introduction to the basic principles of advertising. Course examines
the purpose, practices and effects of advertising, its role in marketing
and society, and the career potential. Creative aspects analyzed
and discussed.
BUS 335: Case Studies in Marketing and Public Relations
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in MCO 205 or BUS 250 and
junior standing or permission of instructor; cross-listed as MCO
335)
A combination case study and hands-on course designed to increase
research, writing and assessment skills in marketing and public
relations. Cases will focus on research, planning, strategies, tactics
and evaluation. Course culminates in researching and writing a marketing
and public relations case history. Offered every other spring semester.
BUS 345: e-Commerce
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: BUS 250, CIS 206)
This course provides students with an opportunity to learn how organizations
are using the Internet as a viable marketing tool. The course will
also examine the increasing role electronic commerce is playing
in the global economy.
BUS 350: Principles of Finance
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: ACC 220; for business, fashion merchandising and
equestrian business management majors: ECO 202)
An introduction to finance from a corporate perspective. Topics
include: financial markets, capital budgeting, working capital and
financial statement analysis.
BUS 352: Business Law
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor; cross-listed
as LPR 352.)
A study of the basic concepts of law as they relate to legal rights
and remedies, with an emphasis on contracts and other facets of
law relevant to business practice.
BUS 354: Consumer Behavior
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: BUS 250 and junior standing, or permission of instructor)
Analysis of factors affecting purchase decisions in the marketplace.
Theories and research findings from behavioral and social sciences
are examined from the point of view of marketing management and
buyer behavior. Attention given to exploration and evaluation of
buyer behavior, the consumer decision process, and research on the
development of marketing programs.
BUS 364: Organizational Behavior
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: BUS 225 and junior standing, or permission of instructor)
The study and application of knowledge about how people ³act²
and ³react² in goal-oriented groups. Emphasis is placed
on using theories from the social and behavioral sciences to aid
managers in understanding, predicting and influencing behavior.
The course focuses on areas such as motivation, leadership, learning
theory and organizational development.
INT 370: Business Seminar Abroad
(0–1.5 courses)
(Credit will not count toward BUS major or minor; offered some summers)
A five-week summer travel-study seminar conducted by Stephens business
administration faculty in business centers in Europe.
BUS 375: Investigations of Free Enterprise
(.5 course)
(May be
repeated for up to 1.0 course credit.)
(Prerequisites: ENG 102, one BUS course and junior or senior standing.)
This course provides an opportunity to work on several community
outreach programs that are assigned to promote a better understanding
of how market economies and businesses operate. This experience
will enable students to acquire stronger communication, team building
and management skills. Writing intensive.
BUS 380: Topics in Business
(Credit and prerequisites depend on topic offered)
Topics courses explore current trends or special interests in business.
Courses taught in the past under this topic designation include
Business Negotiations, Computer Applications in Business, Direct
Marketing, Women in Small Business, Mentoring and Project Management.
BUS 386: International Business
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: BUS 225, BUS 250, ECO 202 and 203, and junior standing,
or permission of instructor)
Provides insight into the contemporary foreign environment through
a macro view of the world of the economic, political, social and
cultural environments; studies the problems encountered in business
operations abroad and possible solutions; applies economic and trade
theories to the role of foreign operations; and places special emphasis
on the marketing and management activities of multinational business.
Taught through lectures, case studies and research projects.
BUS 480: Topics in Business
See current course schedule for titles and credit.
BUS 490: Entrepreneurship
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: ACC 220, BUS 225, BUS 250, BUS 350, ENG 102 or ENG
206 or permission of instructor)
This is the capstone course for BUS and ACC majors and is designed
to give students the opportunity to integrate the different functional
areas of business. The means to this end are the creation of detailed
business, financial and operational plans that can be presented
to potential investors and used to create and manage successful
businesses.
BUS 496: Internship Seminar
(.5 course)
(Prerequisite: Completion of internship and approval of business
administration faculty)
Course brings together students who have completed industry internships.
Students share information on internship experiences, positions
and responsibilities and evaluate their internships. Offered fall
semester only.
Computer Science Courses
CIS 160: Introduction to Computers
(1 course)
(Open to all students)
Study of the impact and uses of computers with an emphasis on hardware
and software. Topics will include how software interacts with the
computer and peripherals, how it is used in the professions, and
how it is changing the workplace. The Microsoft Office software,
including word processing, spreadsheet/database, presentation packages,
and Internet exploration, will be utilized.
CIS 206: Introduction to Information Systems
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: one year of high school computer proficiency or consent
of instructor; cross-listed as BUS 206)
A study of concepts of computer-based information systems. This
is an introductory survey of computer science concepts such as algorithms,
hardware and software design, computer organization, programming
language models, network models, virtual machines, artificial intelligence
and social and ethical concerns of computer science.
CIS 260: Structured Programming
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: any previous computer course; MAT 111, MAT 211M
or three years of high school mathematics)
A comprehensive study of a structured programming language (such
as Pascal). Development of logical programming techniques and problem-solving
skills.
CIS 265: Multimedia Programming
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: CIS 206 or consent of instructor)
This is a programming course using World Wide Web programming techniques.
It includes HTML coding, Java scripting, active server pages, image
mapping and graphic manipulation.
CIS 360: Database Management I
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: CIS 206; CIS 260 or permission of instructor; CIS
250M recommended)
Concepts and techniques of data storage and access. Application
programs in file processing using elementary data structures.
CIS 380: Topics in Information Systems
(.5–1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: dependent on topic)
Taught to meet special interests of faculty and students. Offered
at irregular intervals.
Independent Study
Independent studies (special studies, tutorials,
readings, projects) may be proposed by students who wish to investigate
a subject not otherwise available. Information about independent
study may be obtained in department offices or in the Office of
the Registrar.
Stephens College Business
Internship Program
The Department of Business Administration
at Stephens College requires that all of its business students participate
in the Business Internship Program. The program is designed to give
business students the opportunity to see for themselves how the
theories, concepts and principles they learned in the classroom
are translated into action in the real business world. This is accomplished
by assigning them to organizations where they are treated as regular
employees. The primary benefits of the business internship are as
follows:
- Employment Advantage. Experience, what employers want and expect, is gained while students are still in college.
- Skill Acquisition. Students apply classroom knowledge and skills, acquire new skills and experiences, and identify skill needs for the future. The internship is a learning experience; the employer does not expect students to have all the answers.
- Career Decision. Internships allow students to explore, confirm, modify or change career choices based on practical experience. By knowing the actual responsibilities of a job, students can decide early whether or not the right career has been chosen.
- Professional Contacts. The people met while on an internship are a good source for securing unpublicized jobs after graduation or helping students network to find a job. Work experience is the ticket to entering the professional arena where employable qualities are visible to influential persons.
- Academic Relevancy. Principles and theories presented in the classroom can be applied, thus enhancing academic understanding, learning, motivation and retention of information.
- Reality Testing. Students often have idealistic expectations when choosing a career. Actual work experiences provide the opportunity to test the reality of career choices, interests and abilities, thus bringing expectations in line with the real work world.
- Confidence Building. Job responsibility and varied experiences will help develop maturity, confidence and self-esteem.
- Strengths and Weaknesses. Through actual work experiences, feedback from supervisors and periodic evaluations, students can realistically identify your strong and weak points which can then be further developed.
- Interpersonal Skills. Through association with people in new and varied environments, effective interpersonal skills can be developed. These skills are seldom addressed directly in the classroom, however, such skills can be a crucial element in determining success or failure on the job.
- Academic Credit. Upon successful completion of internship requirements, academic credit can be received and recorded on transcripts.
