Business and Marketing
Department Chair: Pamela Shackelford, M.B.A.
Business Faculty:
Susan Bartel, M.ED; APR
Wayne Keene, M.B.A
The Department of Business and Marketing offers three majors: Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and Management; Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Public Relations and Advertising; 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 and also the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Management. In addition, two minors are available: a business minor, which may emphasize one of three areas (finance, marketing or management) and an events planning and management minor.
The Business and Marketing curriculum prepares students for entrepreneurial pursuits, managerial, marketing, public relations and advertising 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 local consulting internships or by helping to manage the department's stock portfolio.
The Business and Marketing 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.
Combining Business and Marketing 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.S. Major in Entrepreneurship and Business Management
The bachelor of science degree in entrepreneurship and business management requires completion of liberal arts degree requirements and 54 hours in the major. An internship experience is required before enrollment in BUS 496. Business majors must earn at least fifteen hours of business courses from Stephens College. BUS 490: Advanced Entrepreneurship must be taken at Stephens. A grade of C- or better is required in each of the courses in the major. A GPA of at least 2.0 over all courses in the major is required for graduation. Students planning graduate study in business should take at least one semester of calculus.
Required Courses
CIS 206: Introduction to Information Systems (3 hrs.)
BUS 171: Introduction to Entrepreneurship (3 hrs.)
ACC 210: Accounting I (3 hrs.)
ACC 220: Accounting II (3 hrs.)
BUS 225: Principles of Management (3 hrs.)
BUS 250: Principles of Marketing (3 hrs.)
BUS 305: Human Resource Management (3 hrs.)
BUS 318: Social and Ethical Issues in Business (3 hrs.)
BUS 331: Integrated Marketing Communications (3 hrs.)BUS 345: E-commerce (3 hrs)
BUS 350: Principles of Finance (3 hrs.)
BUS 386: International Business (3 hrs.)
BUS 490: Advanced Entrepreneurship (3 hrs.)
BUS 496: Internship Seminar (2 hrs.)
ECO 202: Microeconomics (3 hrs.)
ECO 203: Macroeconomics (3 hrs.)
INT 210: Internship Development (1 hr.)
MAT 207: Introduction to Statistics (3 hrs.)
Business Electives
BUS205: Personal and Family Finance (3 hrs.)
BUS280: Topics in Business (1-3 hrs.)
BUS320: Sales Management (3 hrs.)
BUS352: Business Law (3 hrs.)
BUS354: Consumer Behavior (3 hrs.)
BUS364: Organizational Behavior (3 hrs.)
BUS380: Topics in Business (1-3 hrs.)
BUS480: Topics in Business (1-3 hrs.)
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 and 78 hours in the major. Accounting majors must take at least 24 hours of these requirements from Stephens College . BUS 490: Advanced Entrepreneurship must be taken at Stephens. Additional courses are taken at the University of Missouri-Columbia. An Internship experience is required before enrollment in BUS 496. 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 60 hours in accounting and other related courses in order to be eligible to sit for the C.P.A. exam.
Required Courses
Core Requirements
ACC210: Accounting I (3 hrs.)
ACC220: Accounting II (3 hrs.)
BUS171: Introduction to Entrepreneurship (3 hrs.)
BUS225: Principles of Management (3 hrs.)
BUS250: Principles of Marketing (3 hrs.)
BUS 318: Social and Ethical Issues in Business (3 hrs.)BUS 350: Principles of Finance (3 hrs.)
BUS 352: Business Law (3 hrs.)
BUS 490: Advanced Entrepreneurship (3 hrs.)
BUS 496: Internship Seminar (2 hrs.)
CIS 206: Introduction to Information Systems (3 hrs.)
ECO 202: Microeconomics (3 hrs.)
ECO 203: Macroeconomics (3 hrs.)
INT 210: Internship Development (1 hr.)
MAT 207: Introduction to Statistics (3 hrs.)MAT 211: Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (3 hrs.)
MAT 326: Linear Algebra (3 hrs.)
University of Missouri Requirements
ACC 3326: Financial Accounting Theory and Practice I
ACC 3328: Accounting Information Systems
ACC 3346: Financial Accounting Theory and Practice II
ACC 3347: Cost and Managerial Accounting
ACC 4353: Introduction to Taxation
ACC 4365: Governmental Accounting and Budgeting
ECO 3229: Money, Banking and the Financial Market
ECO 4351: Intermediate Microeconomics
Three (3) additional hours in accounting electives
Requirements for Marketing: Public Relations and Advertising Major
This
bachelor of science degree with a marketing, public relations and
advertising major requires completion of liberal arts requirements
and the required core courses listed below. A grade of C-
or better must be earned in required BUS/ACC and MCO courses and
an overall GPA of 2.0 must be maintained to graduate.
The
required internship experience includes the successful completion
of the pre-internship course INT 210: Internship Development, of
the performance of an industry internship, and of the post-internship
debriefing course MCO 483: Advanced Internship Case Study and Report.
Students are strongly urged to take BUS 171 and MCO 101 in the fall
of their freshman year or first semester of their sophomore year.
A checklist for this major, which will help keep the student on
track, may be obtained in the Business and Marketing office.
NOTE:
Descriptions for GDE, BUS, MME and INT courses will be
found under those programs' headings.
Required Courses
BUS 171: Introduction to Entrepreneurship (3 hrs.)
BUS 225: Principles of Management (3 hrs.)
BUS 250: Principles of Marketing (3 hrs.)
BUS 331: Integrated Marketing Communications (3 hrs.)
BUS 354: Consumer Behavior (3 hrs.)GDE 110: Principles of Design (3 hrs.)
GDE 120: Digital Typography (3 hrs.)
INT 210: Internship Development (1 hr.)
MCO 101: Media and Culture (3 hrs.)
MCO 205: Public Relations Principles and Practices (3 hrs.)
MCO 240: Nuts and Bolts of Meeting and Convention Planning (3 hrs.)MCO 333: Media Ethics (3 hrs.)
MCO 335: Case Studies in Marketing and Public Relations (3 hrs.)
MCO 362: Media Law (3 hrs.)
MCO 403: Public Relations Writing (3 hrs.)
MCO 431: Advertising Copywriting (3 hrs.)
MCO 483: Advanced Internship: Case Study and Report (2 hrs.)
MCO 493: Senior Project or Thesis (3 hrs.)
Requirements for Minors in Business and Marketing
Finance emphasis:
BUS 171: Introduction to Entrepreneurship (3 hrs.)
BUS 350: Principles of Finance (3 hrs.)
ACC 210: Accounting I (3 hrs.)
ACC 220: Accounting II (3 hrs.)
Three (3) additional hours in Finance at the 300 level or above.
Marketing emphasis:
BUS 171: Introduction to Entrepreneurship (3 hrs.)
BUS 250: Principles of Marketing (3 hrs.)BUS 331: Integrated Marketing Communications (3 hrs.)
BUS 345: E-commerce (3 hrs)
Plus Three (3.0) additional hours in marketing at any level.
Management emphasis:
BUS 171: Introduction to Entrepreneurship (3 hrs.)
BUS 225: Principles of Management (3 hrs.)BUS 305: Human Resource Management (3 hrs.)
BUS 318: Social and Ethical Issues in Business (3 hrs.)
Plus Three (3.0) additional hours in management at any level.
Special Events Planning and Management Minor
The minor in Special Events Planning and Management requires completion of a minimum of five courses, including at least two at or above the 300 level. An overall GPA of at least a 2.0 in all courses listed in the minor is required.
Required Courses (15 hrs.)
MCO 240: The Nuts & Bolts of Event Planning (3 hrs.)
MCO 330: Advanced Events Planning and Management (3 hrs.)MCO 390: Marketing and Promoting Your Event (3 hrs.)
AND
MCO 403: Public Relations Writing Form and Style (3 hrs.)
MCO 431: Advertising Copywriting (3 hrs.)
OR
two of the following three :
GDE 210 Digital Imaging (3 hours)
GDE 310 Publication Design (3 hours)
GDE 320 Advertising Design (3 hours)
A list of the specific courses approved for inclusion in the finance, marketing, management and event planning emphasis areas may be obtained from the business and marketing department office.
Business and Marketing and the Liberal Studies Major
In the residential program, students may choose one of the four business minor options (finance, marketing, management or event planning) to include in the liberal studies major. See the liberal studies section of the catalog for complete information about the major.
Requirements for the M.B.A. Fellowship
Students attending Stephens College for four years and completing a bachelors degree in Marketing, Public Relations, and Advertising, Equestrian Business Management, Fashion Marketing Management, Accounting, or Business and Marketing may qualify to earn a full-fellowship for a Stephens College MBA. The full-fellowship covers all graduate education tuition at Stephens College for students continuously enrolled in the program. A maximum of 30 months is allowed to complete the program. (Time starts from graduation date.)
Students accepted into the program have to be continuously enrolled in the program. If you drop at any time, you will be disqualified for the fellowship program, however, you can continue on your own at the current tuition rate for GCS MBA program.
Students taking advantage of this fellowship must begin graduate coursework during the senior year of their resident bachelors degree. During their fourth undergraduate year they will be enrolled in online graduate courses while simultaneously completing their undergraduate coursework. Foundation courses must be started before completion of the bachelors degree.
The Stephens College MBA offers a blend of online learning with traditional classroom instruction to accommodate busy working professionals. Students enjoy the flexibility of online coursework as they enhance their learning through classroom interaction in the evening, on the weekend, or during a four-day seminar. In return for the full-fellowship the students will work 10 hours a week in an on campus department or work on assigned special projects as necessary.
To be eligible for consideration of the full fellowship, students must attend Stephens College for all four years of their residential undergraduate degree. Transfer residential students will be eligible for a 25% discount for each year completed at Stephens College . Students must maintain an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.4/4.0, meet regular graduate admissions requirements and maintain regular graduate GPA standards.
Accounting Courses
ACC
210: Accounting I
(3 hrs.)
(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
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: ACC 210; for business, fashion merchandising and
equestrian business management majors, and accounting/finance minors:
MAT 207, 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: Introduction to Entrepreneurship
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
Overview of venture concepts. Introduces the concepts of:
product/service planning and production; supply chains; proprietary
and intellectual property issues; product placement; product features;
and competitive strategies. Introduces the concepts of operating
and control systems, legal structures, and management planning.
BUS 205: Personal and Family Finance
(3 hrs.)
(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
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: BUS 171 and sophomore standing; for business, fashion
marketing and management, theatre management and equestrian business
management majors: MAT 207 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
(3 hrs.)
(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
(3 hrs.)
(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
318: Social and Ethical Issues in Business
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: junior standing; 3 hours in a 100- or 200-level
course in business, or permission of instructor)
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
(3 hrs.)
(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: Integrated Marketing Communications
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: BUS 250 and junior standing, or permission of instructor)
An in-depth study of promotional activities such as advertising,
personal selling, sales promotions, public relations and direct
marketing (including use of the Internet). Emphasis is on
strategic planning of promotional activities to communicate with
customers to achieve marketing objectives. The relationship
of integrated marketing communications to other elements of promotional
activities is also explored.
BUS
335: Case Studies in Marketing and Public Relations
(3 hrs.)
(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
(3 hrs.)
(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
(3 hrs.)
(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
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor; cross-listed
as LGS 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
(3 hrs.)
(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
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: BUS 225 and junior standing, or permission of instructor)
The study and application of knowledge about how people "act"
and "react" 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
(1-3 hrs.)
(Credit will not count toward BUS major or minor; offered some summers)
A five-week summer travel-study seminar conducted by Stephens' Entrepreneurship
and Business Management faculty in business centers abroad.
BUS
375: Investigations of Free Enterprise
(1 hr.)
(Prerequisite: 3 hours of BUS courses.) (May be repeated for up
to 3 hours credit.)
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
(3 hrs.)
(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
390: Intermediate Entrepreneurship
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: ACC 220, BUS 225, BUS 250, BUS 350, or permission
of instructor)
This course presents lectures by successful entrepreneurs across
a broad spectrum of business ventures that may be of interest to
the students. These lectures will be open to the entire campus
in order to encourage students to consider the challenges and opportunities
available in a wide variety of fields. Through Entrepreneurship,
students will gain insight into the issues dealt with by entrepreneurs
from the community. This course will encourage students to
incubate entrepreneurial skills and begin to develop a network of
professional mentors. The course will also emphasize a wide
array of experiential learning concepts such as: entrepreneurial
traits experiential exercises, field seminars with local entrepreneurs,
brief entrepreneurship internships, building personal selling skills
and other practical topics selected by the students.
BUS
480: Topics in Business
See current course schedule for titles and credit.
BUS
490: Advanced Entrepreneurship
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: ACC 220, BUS 225, BUS 250, BUS 350, or permission
of instructor)
This course serves as the capstone course for entrepreneurial studies.
It integrates the student's venture concept and feasibility
study completed in BUS 171 into a fully researched business plan.
The students complete management plans, product/service plans,
marketing plans, financial plans, and develop operating and control
systems for their comprehensive business plan. Students create
their own advisory board to guide them through the planning process.
This board will consist of an advisor in entrepreneurial
accounting, entrepreneurial marketing, business planning, and a
disciplinary expert from their major, or an external entrepreneur.
The outcome is a student-driven business plan that is reviewed
by a local panel of experts for strengths and weaknesses.
*The course will include breakout sessions to ensure the students
understand the detailed financial information collected and analyzed.
BUS
496: Internship Seminar
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: Completion of internship and approval of 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
(3 hrs.)
(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
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: one year of high school computer proficiency or consent
of instructor)
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.
Economics Courses
ECO
202: Microeconomics
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of instructor)
Introduction to microeconomics, beginning with the historical development
of market theory and continuing with an examination of contemporary
models of market behavior and dynamics.
ECO
203: Macroeconomics
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of instructor)
Introduction to the economics of Keynes and post-Keynesian theory.
Includes fiscal and monetary theory and policy.
Marketing: Public Relations and Advertising Courses
Program Coordinator: Susan M. Bartel, M.ED, APR
MCO 205: Public Relations: Principles and Practices
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: MCO 103 and sophomore standing)
A survey course of public relations principles and theories practiced today in business, nonprofit organizations, associations, government and education. The historical, legal, organizational and social context of public relations. Offered fall semester only.
MCO 240: The Nuts & Bolts of Event Planning
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students.)
An introduction to the special events, meeting and convention industry. Students will be exposed to functions such as planning, budgeting, negotiating, registering and the scheduling of an event.
MCO 283: Internship: Case Study & Report
(1 hr., may be repeated once for credit)
(Prerequisites: INT 210, permission of instructor and completion of industry internship approved by instructor)
NOTE: All appropriate agreement and approval forms must be on file with the faculty supervisor prior to beginning the internship.
This course will serve as a preliminary experience for those students who wish to gain some familiarization with an industry internship prior to undertaking their required internship for the major. The course brings together students who have completed summer industry internships in order to formally evaluate their internship experience and discuss relevant workplace issues. Students share information about their internships, including their interaction with supervisors, co-workers and clients; their position and responsibilities; and the relationship between their expectations and the realities of their internship. Students use the information they compiled during their internship to create a multimedia presentation of their internship case study.
MCO 330: Advanced Events Planning and Management
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: BUS 171, MCO 205)
The purpose of this course is to acquire an in-depth knowledge about the specialized field of event management and to become familiar with management techniques and strategies required for successful planning, promotion, implementation and evaluation for special events within any context.
MCO 335: Case Studies in Marketing and Public Relations
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in MCO 205 or BUS 250 and junior standing or permission of instructor; cross-listed as BUS 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 year.
MCO 390: Marketing and Promoting Your Event
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: MCO 240 and MCO 330 or permission of instructor.)
The primary focus of this course will be to plan and manage an event during the semester. Additionally, students will learn how to market and promote the event.
MCO 403: Public Relations Writing: Form and Style
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in MCO 205 and senior standing or permission of instructor)
An advanced-writing course concentrating on the forms and styles used by public relations practitioners when communicating with general and specialized audiences. Includes news releases for print and broadcast, advertising copy, speeches, film and slide presentation scripts, annual reports, newsletters, brochures, backgrounds and position papers. Offered every other year - fall semester only.
MCO 431: Advertising Copywriting
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: BUS 331 or permission of instructor)
This writing-intensive course covers the craft of writing copy and creating advertising for print, broadcast, outdoor, Internet and other media. Students learn how to capture their creative potential, how to use creative ideas strategically in order to solve advertising problems, how to execute those ideas in ads that have stopping power, and how to present their work in a professional manner. Students explore the different style of the great ad copywriters and learn to critically analyze the ads they see every day. The course culminates in the creation of a multimedia campaign. Offered spring semester only.
MCO 483: Advanced Internship: Case Study and Report
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: INT 210, senior standing and completion of industry internship required by Department)
NOTE: All appropriate agreement and approval forms must be on file with the faculty supervisor prior to beginning the internship.
This course brings together students who have completed summer industry advanced internships in order to evaluate their internship experience and discuss relevant workplace issues. Students share information about their internships, including their interaction with supervisors, co-workers and clients; their position and responsibilities; and the relationship between their expectations and the realities of their internship. Students use the information they compiled during their internship to create a multimedia presentation of their internship case study. Offered fall semester only.
MCO 493: Senior Project
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: senior standing and permission of department faculty; lab fee charged)
This is the senior capstone experience of the major. This course requires the application of various media writing and production tasks to a specific project. All the skills from their course of study are applied to the creation and execution of a "real-life" broadcast production, news or public relations project. Broadcast projects are evaluated by jury and premiered before a public audience. A grade of C- or better is required for graduation.
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 and Marketing 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.
