Business and Marketing
Department Chair: Pamela Shackelford, M.B.A.
Business Faculty:
Susan Bartel, M.ED; APR
Wayne Keene, M.B.A
- B.S. Entrepreneurship and Business Management
- B.S. Accounting
- B.S. Marketing, Public Relations and Advertising
- Master of Business Administration
- Business and Marketing Minors
- Special Events Planning and Management Minor
- ACC/BUS/CIS/ECO Course Descriptions
- Mass Media Course Descriptions
- Business Internship Program
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. In addition, students will choose an
emphasis area in consultation with the program coordinator and will
take an additional 24 semester hours in that area. A grade of
C- or better must be earned in required BUS/ACC and MME 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
MME 483: Advanced Internship Case Study and Report.
Students are strongly urged to take BUS 171 and MME 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
Accounting:
ACC 210: Accounting I (3 hrs.)
Business:
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.)
Internship:
INT 210: Internship Development (1 hr.)
MCO 483: Advanced Internship: Case Study and Report (2 hrs.)
Mass Media :
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 335: Case Studies in Marketing and Public Relations (3 hrs.)
MCO 403: Public Relations Writing (3 hrs.)
MCO 493: Senior Project or Thesis (3 hrs.)
Guided Electives (24 semester hours required)
ACC 220: Accounting II (3 hrs.)
GDE 110: Principles of Design (3 hrs.)
GDE 120: Digital Typography (3 hrs.)
GDE 208: Digital Phytography (3 hrs.)
GDE 210: Digital Imaging (3 hrs.)
GDE 310: Publication Design (3 hrs.)
BUS 305: Human Resource Management (3 hrs.)
BUS 320: Sales Management (3 hrs.)
BUS 352: Business Law (3 hrs.)
BUS 380: Topics in Business (1-3 hrs.)
BUS 386: International Business (3 hrs.)
MME 103: Writing for Mass Media (3 hrs.)
MME 207: Print Writing and Reporting (3 hrs.)
MME 212: Practicum in Mass Media (1-3 hrs.)
MME 231: Print Production (3 hrs.)
MME 290: Creating On-line Media (3 hrs.)
MME 307: Advanced Print Writing and Reporting (3 hrs.)
MME 330: Advanced Events Planning and Management (3 hrs.)
MME 362: Media Law (3 hrs.)
MME 401: Advanced Event Marketing (3 hrs.)
MME 431: Advertising Copywriting (3 hrs.)
MME 464: Women and Media (3 hrs.)
PSY 340: Organizational Psychology (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
Six (6) hours of Business, Mass Media or Design courses at the 300 level or above and approved by the program coordinator.
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 Master of Business Administration Program
Through Stephens College Graduate & Continuing Studies, students may earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. The Stephens' MBA program combines online coursework and an on-campus seminar. Core courses are available in either blended or online formats. After completion of the core curriculum, students enroll in BUS 695: Advanced Strategic Project. In this nine-hour course, students may design their own customized emphasis, focusing on a topic or industry of particular interest to them. This course requires an integrative project that involves online learning, professional practice and an on-campus seminar.
Students attending Stephens College for four years and completing a bachelor's degree may apply for a full fellowship for a Stephens College MBA. The fellowship covers all graduate tuition at Stephens College for students continuously enrolled in the program. For more information on the MBA program and the MBA Fellowship opportunity, please click here.
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 356:
Social Entrepreneurship
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: BUS 171 and junior standing, or permission of instructor)
The field of Social Entrepreneurship is an exciting facet of today's
business world that engages visionary, creative individuals who seek
to serve the greater good through the foundation of enterprises targeted
at making a positive contribution to society. This course provides
insight into the process and challenges related to the conception and
realization of profit and not-for-profit ventures offering innovative
solutions to pressing social issues.
BUS 358:
Grant Development and Proposal Writing
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: BUS 356 or permission of instructor)
This course will provide an overview of the various stages of the grant-seeking
and grant-writing process. Topics covered include grant development
issues, types of grants and funders, the development and articulation
of an idea proposed for funding, identification of possible funding
sources, the design and evaluation of a proposed program and/or project,
the creation of community partnerships, proposal writing, budget development
and description and grant review process.
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
MPA 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.
MPA 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.
MME 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.
MPA 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.
MME 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.
MPA 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.
MPA 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.
MPA 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.
MME 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.
MPA 493: Senior Project: Public Relations
(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 student's course of study are applied to the creation and execution of a "real-life" broadcast production, news or public relations project. 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.
