Bachelor of Business Administration

Bachelor of Business Administration Overview

Tap into your natural leadership abilities and turn your potential into a successful career by enrolling in South University's online Bachelor of Business Administration degree program. Designed specifically for working adults who wish to pursue a business degree while maintaining a comfortable work-life balance, this online business education comprehensively covers business strategies while giving you the freedom and flexibility to attend classes at any time of day or night.

Those who take our online business administration classes receive a hands-on, practical education. You will have the opportunity to:

• Discover how to adapt business strategies to accommodate fluid market conditions
• Learn to apply effective leadership skills
• Gain the ability to assess organizational needs and implement improvements
• Complete the program by working on a capstone project that will focus on your area of emphasis and help you to apply the concepts and skills learned

South University lets you tailor your Business Administration degree by offering 11 specializations:

• Accounting
• Construction Management
• Management and Leadership
• Marketing
• Finance
• General Business Administration
• Human Resources Management
• Management Information Systems
• Supply Chain and Logistics Management
• Hospitality Management
• Real Estate

Graduates will be prepared to pursue entry-level positions in a number of fields or to apply their enhanced leadership skills in their current positions.

Employment Opportunities

"Employment of advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers is expected to increase by 12 percent through 2016-about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job growth will be spurred by intense domestic and global competition in products and services offered to consumers and increasing activity in television, radio, and outdoor advertising. College graduates with related experience, a high level of creativity, and strong communication skills should have the best job opportunities."

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos020.htm.

Academic Requirements

To be admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program online at South University, the prospective student must be a high school graduate OR have the equivalent GED (General Education Development certificate).

After meeting this qualification, applicants must:

1. Achieve a satisfactory score on either the SAT I, the ACT, or the CPTs OR
2. Meet the eligibility requirements for a transfer student.

 

Getting Started

Set a course for your own career growth by enrolling in our Business Administration program online. Click here to get started.

Bachelor of Business Administration - 180 Total Hours

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Business Administration are required to take a total of 45 courses as follows:

• 12 foundation courses - 48 credits
• 12 major courses - 48 credits
• 2 capstone courses - 8 credits
• 15 general education courses - 60 credits
• 4 specialization courses - 16 credits

Foundation Curriculum - 48 Credits
Students are required to take 12 foundation courses as follows:

ACC1001 - Accounting I

ACC1001 is the first of a three-course sequence focusing on how stakeholders rely upon accounting information to assist them in their decision making activities. ACC1001 introduces accounting as the "language of business"—the tool used to communicate the effects of an organization's business activities on its income, financial position, and cash flows. The course provides an overview of the financial accounting system, including: the role of accounting in business; the format, content, and use of financial statements; the impact of transactions on the financial statements; the regulatory environment of accounting; and the accounting standard-setting process.

Prerequisite(s): None.

Credits: 4

ACC1002 - Accounting II

ACC1002 is the second of a three-course sequence focusing on how stakeholders rely upon accounting information to assist them in their decision making activities. ACC1002 continues the study of the financial accounting system, including an in-depth study of the time value of money and the effects of various financing, investing, and operating activities on a firm's earnings, financial position, and cash flows. It also begins the study of managerial accounting systems as an invaluable source of information to support managers' decision-making activities and introduces a host of alternative cost concepts, including the concept of different costs for different purposes. Basic cost-volume-profit analysis is also introduced.

Prerequisite(s): ACC1001 (with grade of ?C? or better).

Credits: 4

ACC1003 - Accounting III

ACC1003 is the third of a three-course sequence focusing on how stakeholders rely upon accounting information to assist them in their decision making activities. ACC1003 continues the study of the managerial accounting system, including a focused study of product costing using both traditional and activity-based approaches, the uses of cost-based information in decision making, the use of budgeting to accomplish organization objectives, traditional and contemporary approaches to performance management for all levels of responsibility centers, and capital budgeting.

Prerequisite(s): ACC1002 with grade of "C" or better.

Credits: 4

BUS1038 - Business Law I

Business Law I is a study of the development of American law and procedure covering information, operation, completion of contracts, and consumer protection. This course also includes a study of the Uniform Commercial Code. Both the text and case study methods are utilized.

Prerequisite(s): None.

Credits: 4

BUS1101 - Introduction to Business

An introduction to business functions and their opportunities. Students will also be given information about resources available to them through a variety of sources, including the university.

Prerequisite(s): None.

Credits: 4

BUS2023 - Business Communications

This course is designed to prepare students to organize and compose effective business correspondence and technical writing. The basic principles of writing and approaches for writing various types of communications are stressed.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

ECO2071 - Principles of Microeconomics

Microeconomics is the study of the internal forces in the marketplace. Students will develop an understanding of the forces that control the economy and the effect of changes in those forces. Specific topics include the free enterprise system, capitalism, wage and price theory, law of supply and demand, and government regulation of business.

Prerequisite(s): None.

Credits: 4

ECO2072 - Principles of Macroeconomics

The study of macroeconomics includes the basic aspects of economic analysis of the business world. Students will develop an understanding of the monetary system, recession, inflation, and the main cycles of business activity.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

FIN2030 - Foundation of Financial Management

This course exposes the student to a wide range of important issues in managerial and personal finance, including such topics as the role of finance in organizations, principles of financial analysis, forecasting and working capital management, and the basics of analysis and evaluation of investments such as stocks, mutual funds, and bonds, with applications for personal investing.

Prerequisite(s): ACC1002 BUS1101

Credits: 4

ITS1000 - Computer and Internet Literacy

This course is for students to obtain basic knowledge and skills in using computer office production software and Internet features. A broad range of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and database and Internet usage concepts will be covered.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MGT2037 - Principles of Management

The latest major approaches and techniques of management are studied, including planning, systems management, new organizational concepts, computer influence, controlling, and quantitative measurement.

Prerequisite(s): BUS1101

Credits: 4

MKT2010 - Principles of Marketing

This is an introductory course in the primary activities and practices of domestic and global marketing. It provides an overview of the marketing environment, consumer behavior, market segmentation and target marketing, branding, the distribution of goods and services, the pricing system, promotional and communication activities, and new product development.

Prerequisite(s): BUS1101 ECO2071

Credits: 4

Major Curriculum - 48 Credits
Students are required to take 12 major courses as follows:

BUS3041 - Managerial Communications

An introduction to communication for managers and supervisors. Focus will be on those types of communication encountered in management functions: negotiation, conflict resolution, situational management, team building, organizational structures and communication, and motivation.

Prerequisite(s): ENG2001 MGT2037

Credits: 4

BUS3055 - Business Law for Commercial Transactions

The course presents a comprehensive study of legal topics in commercial transactions for students interested in pursuing careers in accounting or other professions that require a detailed understanding of more advanced business law concepts. Topics covered include types of business organizations, securities regulations, sales, negotiable instruments, secured transactions, bankruptcy, insurance, accountants' liability, and employment law.

Prerequisite(s): BUS1038

Credits: 4

BUS3059 - Quantitative Business Analysis

This course is designed to provide students with a sound conceptual understanding of the role that quantitative analysis plays in the decision-making process. It emphasizes the application of a variety of techniques to the solution of business and economic problems to help students become effective users and evaluators of quantitative and qualitative information in making decisions.

Prerequisite(s): MAT2058

Credits: 4

BUS3101 - Dynamic Decision Making

This course provides students with opportunities for analysis, synthesis, prescription, and application of critical thinking and decision making within the organization. Emphasis is placed on preparing managers for decision making in dynamic and rapidly changing environments. Concepts like quantum principles and chaos theory are applied to methods decision-making for organizational change.

Prerequisite(s): None.

Credits: 4

BUS4101 - Quality Management

This course will introduce you to the philosophy and techniques of total quality management applied to business, governmental, and not-for-profit organizations. You will explore the fundamentals of quality management with emphasis on the best practices of high-performing organizations as measured by assessment tools, such as the Malcolm Baldrige Award. You will learn about the proper application and use of techniques such as statistical process control, Six Sigma, and process management.

Prerequisite(s): MGT2037 Principles of Management

Credits: 4

FIN3030 - Corporate Finance

An introductory course in the financial management of non-financial corporations, this course focuses on the role of interest rates and capital markets in the economy. A variety of topics are addressed, including the structure and analysis of financial statements, time value of money circulations, and the valuation of income-producing physical assets.

Prerequisite(s): ACC1003

Credits: 4

MGT3002 - Organizational Behavior

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

MGT3059 - Operations Management

This course focuses on the production and operations component of business. Topics include operations strategy; forecasting of demand; design of goods and services; process, capacity, and location planning; scheduling of jobs and projects; and job design. Students will learn to use basic decision tools to analyze and make decisions in these topic areas.

Prerequisite(s): MGT2037 and BUS3058

Credits: 4

MGT4027 - Global Business Management

Students study characteristics of international management and the bases for business among countries. Different perspectives on organizational behavior, human resource management, management styles and the practical aspects of international management are discussed. Business in the international environment is interpreted from a strategic management and marketing perspective that yields practical guidance concerning the management of firms and social responsibility.

Prerequisite(s): ECO2071 ECO2072

Credits: 4

MGT4059 - Advanced Operations Management

This course provides an analysis of supply chain and operations management for products and services and the dynamic interaction of companies along an integrated supply chain. Topics include supply chain strategy, outsourcing, inventory management, aggregate planning, MRP and ERP, scheduling, advanced production planning, and maintenance and reliability.

Prerequisite(s): MGT3059

Credits: 4

MIS3101 - Applications of Management Information Systems

The course provides an introduction to applications of business modeling such as entity-relationship diagrams and data-flow diagrams. This course emphasizes application of management information system tools to support modeling.

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 4

MKT3010 - Marketing Management

This course provides a study of the marketing and business environment, sources and applications of marketing information, product development and distribution, promotional strategies, and pricing decisions, as well as overall marketing strategies.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Capstones - 8 Credits
Students are required to take 2 courses as follows:

BUS4098 - Business Simulation (11-week Capstone Course)

In this course, students, using computers and other resources, participate in a directed simulation of business operations. (Capstone Course)

Prerequisite(s): FIN3030 MGT2037 MGT4070 MKT3009

Credits: 4

MGT4070 - Strategic Management (11-week Capstone Course)

This capstone course is intended to integrate subject matter from more specialized business courses and related areas of study to help students develop conceptual skills needed in management. Major topics include the development of organizational strategy, decision making within a strategic framework, the planning process, formulation of objectives and policies, and the management of change. Use of the case method will draw significantly on students' prior management study and experience. (Capstone Course)

Prerequisite(s): Capstone Course. Senior Standing

Credits: 4

General Education - 60 Credits
Students are required to take 15 courses as follows, which include 2 Humanities electives from the Humanities elective list below:

BIO1020 - Biology I

Principles of Biology I is the first in a two-course sequence in biology. The course introduces biology, scientific methods, biological chemistry, cells, energy for life, basic genetics, and biotechnology. The course also compares human and plant organization and function. The student will also complete writing assignments that will introduce the student to scientific literature.

Prerequisite(s): and ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite MAT0099

Credits: 4

BIO1021 - Biology II

Principles of Biology II is the second in a two-course sequence. This course continues the study of biology detailing the roles of the endocrine and nervous systems in maintaining homeostasis. The course continues with the study of human development, chromosomal, inheritance, human evolution, and the environment. The student will also complete writing assignments that will advance the student's use of scientific literature.

Prerequisite(s): BIO1020 WITH "C" or better and ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite

Credits: 4

ENG0099 - Principles of Composition

Principles of Composition provides students with a brief review of grammar and mechanics, and an in-depth introduction to writing. The focus is on writing as a process, finding and organizing ideas, composing a first draft, and rewriting subsequent drafts and proofreading.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

ENG1001 - Composition I

Students will be introduced to college-level writing processes, including theme, composition, and research. Emphasis will be placed on refining individual skills, writing styles and voices, and on writing procedures. Selected readings in prose, drama, and poetry supplement the course and provide topics for discussion and writing assignments.

Prerequisite(s): ENG0099 or Exemption

Credits: 4

ENG1002 - Composition II / Literature

This course is designed to introduce the student to fiction, poetry, and drama and, through literary analysis and interpretation, to develop the life skills of critical thinking and written expression.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

ENG2001 - Composition III

The goal of this course is to refine the student's reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. By analyzing ineffective arguments and constructing effective ones, the student will discover how ambiguity, evasiveness, vagueness, and obscurity weaken his or her credibility as a writer.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

MAT0099 - Principles of Algebra

This course introduces those principles of algebra that are needed for intermediate and college algebra. Students must earn the grade of C to pass this course. Note: This course is offered for institutional credit only.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MAT1001 - Intermediate Algebra

Concepts of algebra including linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, exponents, logarithms and functions. Emphasis on graphical representations of functions. This course is designed to build an adequate background for the college-level mathematics, science and business courses.

Prerequisite(s): and ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite MAT0099 or Exemption

Credits: 4

MAT1500 - College Mathematics

College Mathematics covers the fundamentals of several areas of mathematics, including set theory, logic, geometry, graph theory, probability, and statistics.

Prerequisite(s): MAT0099

Credits: 4

MAT2058 - Statistics

This course introduces the student to fundamental laws of probability, levels of measurement, measures of central tendency and variance, random variables, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, small sample techniques and non-parametric methods.

Prerequisite(s): MAT1001 OR MAT1002

Credits: 4

POL2076 - American Government

This course is an introduction to American politics and government, focusing on political processes and institutions and on contemporary political issues.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1002 or ENG2001 Co/Pre-Requisite

Credits: 4

PSY1001 - General Psychology

The fundamental questions guiding this course are relatively simple. In what ways are we all alike and in what ways are we different? And why? Although these questions may be simple, the answers, as we shall see, are complex, interconnected, and too often invisible to the untrained eye. Different families... different backgrounds...different sexes... different cultures...different ethnic groups...different ways of looking at things...different behaviors...different values—how are we to understand this incredible diversity of human experience so that we can navigate successfully in an increasingly chaotic and shrinking world? The intent of this course is to examine the psychological foundations underlying the identity of the "self," "identity" and "world view" in an effort to understand the differences that exist from culture to culture, from generation to generation, from family to family, from profession to profession, and from individual to individual.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

SOC1001 - Introduction to Sociology

This course, a scientific study of human social activity, will provide the student with a new way of looking at the world. In learning about the sociological perspective, the student will be challenged to see the general in the particular, the strange in the familiar, and the importance of the global perspective.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

SPC1026 - Public Speaking

Students will develop and refine presentation skills focusing on compiling, organizing and outlining the research material in preparation for the assignments.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

UVC1000 - Strategies for Success

Designed to help entering students develop a more effective approach to college success, this course emphasizes positive self-evaluation, goal-setting, and motivation; practical skills of successful students; effective use of the library and the many sources of information available; and the concepts and tools of critical thinking, and their applications.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Humanities Electives (Choose 2 courses)

ENG2002 - World Literature

This course focuses on world literary selections. Topics include the critical evaluation of the literary genres: story, poetry and drama.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1002

Credits: 4

HUM1001 - Art History: Prehistory to the Middle Ages

This course is a history of art from the prehistoric/tribal period through the Middle Ages. Students will analyze the design and artistic concepts common to all art work, and will also cover the external themes and influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite

Credits: 4

HUM1002 - Art History: Renaissance to the Modern Period

This course is a history of art from the Renaissance to the Modern period. The concepts, artists, works, and styles of the periods will be studied. Students will analyze the design and artistic concepts common to all art work, and will also cover the external themes and influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

PHI2301 - Introduction to Philosophy

This course introduces students to critical philosophical thinking. Students will confront fundamental questions of self and identity, of freedom and determinism, of belief and truth, and of ethics and morality. Critical thinking activities will challenge students to incorporate philosophy into their daily lives by applying the questions of philosophy to themselves and their world. As a methodology, this course will use the specifics of current events in the world to give a concrete context for the philosophic topics covered in the study materials.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1002 or ENG2001

Credits: 4

Specialization Curriculum - 16 Credits
Students are required to take 4 courses in their chosen area of emphasis:

Management & Leadership (Choose 4 Courses):
The management and leadership area of emphasis prepares students with the skills and knowledge they'll need to supervise employees, manage organizational costs, and oversee organizational development to improve overall business outcomes.

FIN4055 - Financial Management for Small Business

This course addresses the practices and issues of small business financial management, including the study of financial records, control, and statements. Issues of personal financial management will be covered.

Prerequisite(s): FIN2005

Credits: 4

MGT3035 - Fundamentals of Project Management

This course will provide the student with an understanding of the main principles of project management. It will provide real-world examples of how and when to apply these principles, including financial and budgeting considerations. An overview and usage of a project planning software package will also be provided.

Prerequisite(s): MGT2037

Credits: 4

MGT3050 - Organizational Change Management

The methods and processes of planned change are examined. This course will emphasize design and implementation of continuous improvement systems and issues related to constant change. Change models are examined and students are given opportunities to apply these models to case studies and scenarios. Students are given the skills and tools to facilitate organizational change processes in organizations.

Prerequisite(s): BUS3002 MGT2037

Credits: 4

MGT3103 - Leadership

This course examines the art and science of leadership in complex organizations. The roles of leaders and managers at different levels of the organizational structure are analyzed. Students are given opportunities to investigate personal characteristics of effective leaders. Through experiential activities, students discover the implications of collaborative management and effective leadership on the organization's performance and gain insights into their own leadership styles.

Prerequisite(s): MGT3002

Credits: 4

MGT4054 - Small Business Management

In this course, students study the special problems of initiating and managing a small business. The course integrates the functions of finance, marketing and management and stresses the special discipline and characteristics required of the small business entrepreneur.

Prerequisite(s): FIN2005 MGT2037 MKT3009

Credits: 4

Finance (choose 4 courses)
The finance area of emphasis provides courses in financial operations, services and techniques, including financial statement analysis, international finance, enterprise risk management, and investments and portfolio management.

ECO3007 - Money and Banking

This course is the study of the banking system in the American economy: monetary and fiscal policies and the impact of money and fund flows upon business decisions and economic activity.

Prerequisite(s): ECO2072

Credits: 4

FIN3031 - International Finance

This course focuses on the study of financial institutions in the global economic environment. Among the areas covered are foreign exchange markets, international trade, global regulatory environments, interest rate volatility, and technological advances.

Prerequisite(s): ECO2072 FIN2005 FIN3030

Credits: 4

FIN4035 - Investments and Portfolio Management

An overview of theories and practices of investments including: financial markets, risk and return, securities, and asset allocation. Student will utilize analytical techniques and tools for investment planning and selection in a selected financial environment. Students will apply these financial models and investment strategies to analyze and manage portfolio investments for various types of organizations.

Prerequisite(s): FIN3030

Credits: 4

FIN4060 - Financial Statement Analysis

This course covers the decision-making principles of accounting and finance in an integrated manner. Material includes the recognition and understanding of the estimates and assumptions underlying financial statements.

Prerequisite(s): ACC3004 FIN3030

Credits: 4

FIN4101 - Enterprise Risk Management

ERM is a systematic process for organizing and managing the multitude of possible errors (human, equipment, and external) that threaten the smooth functioning of an organization. This course provides an overview of basic ERM concepts. Students will also be given an opportunity to apply the ERM concepts covered in this course to simulations and case studies. Topics may include: assessing risk to improve decision-making, developing holistic measures to manage organizational risk, and assessing risk levels to optimize planning.

Prerequisite(s): FIN2005 FIN3030

Credits: 4

Marketing (choose 4 courses)
Choose 4: The Marketing area of emphasis presents a variety of courses that represent various marketing disciplines, including sales, advertising, public relations, market research and consumer behavior.

MKT4102 - Consumer Behavior and Marketing Research

Examines the psychological and sociological factors that influence consumption and decision making. Studies the practical implications of consumer attitudes and behavior for such marketing activities as merchandising, market research, distribution, product development, pricing, branding, and e-commerce. Students are also exposed to applications of traditional and electronic media procedures and theories involved in solving marketing problems related to customer and competitive intelligence and marketing information systems.

Prerequisite(s): MKT3009

Credits: 4

MKT4103 - Marketing, Sales, and Channel Management

Develops an understanding of the marketing, sales and channel management functions in organizations. An awareness of the interrelated nature of these functions is developed. Students are given an opportunity to examine the nature of this interdependency through simulations, case studies, and experiments. Through these activities, student will explore the strategic and operational aspects of marketing, sales, and channel functions. Students will also explore methods of maintaining relationships between firms and their channel partners including, strategic channel design, channel evaluation, and managing marketing, sales and channels for competitive advantage.

Prerequisite(s): MKT3009

Credits: 4

MKT4104 - Retail Marketing

Designed to present and integrate basic principles in decision areas such as location, layout, organization, personnel, merchandise control, pricing, sales promotion, traditional and e-commerce marketing strategies and channel development considerations. Focuses on strategic management and marketing perspective of retail merchandising.

Prerequisite(s): MKT3009

Credits: 4

MKT4105 - Services Marketing

The applications of marketing principles are applied to the service sector. This course focuses on customer demand for assessment of services, the employee/customer interface, service operation management, services marketing mix, and development of marketing plans for service organizations. Students will also develop service quality measures, analyze cross-function issues between marketing and operations.

Prerequisite(s): MKT3009

Credits: 4

MKT4106 - Advertising and Promotion

This course is designed to help students understand how to plan, develop, and execute integrated marketing communications programs using the tools of advertising, direct marketing, sales promotion, public relations, Internet advertising, and personal selling.

Prerequisite(s): MKT3009

Credits: 4

MKT4110 - Global Promotional Practices Acceptance

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

MKT4113 - Global Channel Management

This course explores how globalization affects marketing channels and channel management across a wide variety of organizations and industries. Topics include international production and logistical coordination, information flows via the Internet and private networks, transportation and distribution across international boundaries and within trading blocs, and national and international trading bloc regulations. Students may take this course to become more familiar with aspects of international marketing.

Prerequisite(s): MGT4027 and MKT4103

Credits: 4

MKT4130 - Importing and Exporting Operations

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

Human Resources Management (choose 4 courses)
The Human Resources Management specialization provides coursework and content applicable to the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) examinations. Students will be prepared to pursue entry-level employment in areas such as recruiting, staffing, compensation, benefits, and HR development.

HRM4010 - Employment Law

This course explores laws and regulations applicable to modern employment environments. An approach integrating and utilizing the knowledge and skills of the HR professional and the labor attorney will be stressed. Topics may include public policy applicable to employment, employee-employer relationships, compensation and wages, privacy, medical leave, discharge and termination and occupational and safety regulations. Recent changes to 21st-century employment law will be addressed.

Prerequisite(s): BUS2038 and MGT3045

Credits: 4

HRM4020 - Workforce Staffing, Recruitment and Placement

This course explores activities related to planning and managing employees' entrance into and exit from the organization. The processes associated with planning, developing, implementing, administering, and evaluating the success of recruitment and selection plans, employee orientation programs, and organization exit strategies are systematically reviewed and discussed.

Prerequisite(s): MGT3045

Credits: 4

HRM4030 - Workforce Compensation and Benefits

This course explores strategic and operational aspects of executive and employee compensation. Students learn about direct and indirect forms of compensation and benefits, as well as mandatory and nonmandatory benefits. The accountability link between compensation and performance will also be examined. Topics may include individual and group administration of compensation and benefits, initial selection and ongoing evaluation of compensation and benefit plans, performance and incentive plans, and linkage of compensation to strategic goals.

Prerequisite(s): MGT3045

Credits: 4

HRM4040 - Workforce Training and Development

This course explores strategic and operational aspects of executive and employee training and development. Students learn how training and development span the entire workforce lifecycle from initial orientation to post-retirement learning opportunities. Topics may include the linkage between training and performance, adult learning theories, development of training content, administration of training and development activities, management and organizational development and evaluation of training and development activities.

Prerequisite(s): MGT3045

Credits: 4

HRM4050 - Employee and Labor Relations

This course explores employee-management relationships in a variety of organizational situations. Topics may include unit determination and election procedures, union representation, labor contracts, performance management, employee retention and awards, workplace behavior and grievance systems, code of ethics, and collective bargaining and arbitration.

Prerequisite(s): MGT3045

Credits: 4

MGT3045 - Human Resource Management

This course represents a realistic study of the principles and practices of personnel management, major factors in personnel problems and labor relations, and the organization of personnel work. Attention is also given to the task of procuring, developing, maintaining, and using an effective team.

Prerequisite(s): MGT2037

Credits: 4

Management Information Systems (choose 4 courses)
The management information systems specialization prepares students with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in areas such as project management, systems analysis, or eCommerce.

ITS4510 - Introduction to Management Information Systems

This course is an overview of the technical foundation for understanding information systems. The role of information systems is explored with emphasis on business processes, distribution of organizational knowledge to enhance management decision-making, and the implications of ethical and social issues. An examination of electronic commerce and global business is included.

Prerequisite(s): ITS1000 or ITS1101

Credits: 4

ITS4520 - Systems Analysis and Design

Information systems development methods are covered in this course together with analysis and design techniques focusing on object-oriented analysis and design. Other topics will include the evaluation and selection of systems development, analysis, and design methodologies.

Prerequisite(s): MIS4510

Credits: 4

ITS4530 - Information System Management

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

MIS4540 - Case Studies in Management Information Systems

Real-world projects dealing with issues related to development, management and maintenance of large-scaled information systems; emphasis is on business information systems for a distributed environment.

Prerequisite(s): BUS4101 MIS3101 MIS4510

Credits: 4

Supply Chain Management (choose 4 courses)
The supply chain management and logistics specialization prepares students with the skills needed to enter careers in inventory and materials management, distribution and logistics management, procurement management, marketing channels, operations research, strategic outsourcing, and more.

BUS4101 - Quality Management

This course will introduce you to the philosophy and techniques of total quality management applied to business, governmental, and not-for-profit organizations. You will explore the fundamentals of quality management with emphasis on the best practices of high-performing organizations as measured by assessment tools, such as the Malcolm Baldrige Award. You will learn about the proper application and use of techniques such as statistical process control, Six Sigma, and process management.

Prerequisite(s): MGT2037 Principles of Management

Credits: 4

MGT3050 - Organizational Change Management

The methods and processes of planned change are examined. This course will emphasize design and implementation of continuous improvement systems and issues related to constant change. Change models are examined and students are given opportunities to apply these models to case studies and scenarios. Students are given the skills and tools to facilitate organizational change processes in organizations.

Prerequisite(s): BUS3002 MGT2037

Credits: 4

MGT4210 - Logistics and Transportation Management within Supply Chains

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

MGT4220 - Purchasing and Vendor Management

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

MGT4230 - Supply Chain and Logistical Modeling and Simulation

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

MGT4240 - Advanced Topics in Supply Chain Management

Description Pending

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 4

Real Estate (choose 4 courses)
Though other certificates or licensures may be required, the Real Estate specialization prepares students with the skills needed to enter careers in real estate, property management, brokerage and facilities management.

REA3001 - Introduction to Real Estate

This course provides students with an overview of the real estate industry. Students explore a variety of property-related professions while acquiring the requisite knowledge, terminology, and analytical skills utilized within the industry.

Prerequisite(s): FIN3030

Credits: 4

REA4001 - Real Estate Appraisal

This course explores the three primary approaches to real estate valuation. Topics may include residential and commercial construction cost estimation, sales comparison analysis, and income capitalization.

Prerequisite(s): REA3001

Credits: 4

REA4010 - Real Estate Development

Real Estate Development

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

REA4020 - Real Estate Debt Financing

Real Estate Debt Financing

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

REA4025 - Real Estate Equity Financing

Real Estate Equity Financing

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

Hospitality Management (choose 4 courses)
The Hospitality specialization prepares students with the skills needed to enter careers in the hotel industry, the restaurant industry, the amusement park industry and other related industries.

HSM3001 - Principles of Hospitality Management

This course focuses on the essentials of management practices and applications in the hospitality industry. Topics include competing within the hospitality environment, supervisory skills, marketing to the hospitality customer, utilizing technology within the industry, and crisis management within hospitality.

Prerequisite(s): None. Not available for credit to students who completed HSM1100 and HSM1200.

Credits: 3

HSM3005 - Hospitality Management Operations

This course provides the tools and techniques to manage hospitality-based operations across multiple industry segments. The student will understand the similarities and differences in managing across various hospitality-based operations, with an emphasis on the basic management functions within various hospitality-based operations. Topics may include strategies and tactics for managing various multiple units within the hospitality industry.

Prerequisite(s): and HSM2200. HSM2100 HSM3001. Not available for credit to students who completed HSM1500

Credits: 3

HSM3100 - Hospitality Law

This course examines legal precedents and cases related to specific situations encountered by managers in the hospitality industry. Topics include government licensing and record keeping requirements, taxation regulations, franchising and management contracts, tort law and liability, and public health and safety requirements as they pertain to the physical plant itself.

Prerequisite(s): HSM1100 and BUS1038

Credits: 4

HSM3200 - Managing Employee Relations in the Hospitality Industry

This course focuses on human resources (HR) practices as they relate to employees within the hospitality industry. Special emphasis will be placed on employment law compliance and employee conflict resolution. Other topics include recruitment, training, and retention of employees along with compensation and motivation techniques.

Prerequisite(s): HSM1100

Credits: 4

HSM3300 - Hospitality Facilities Planning

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

HSM3400 - Managing Conventions and Meeting Planning

This course covers the meeting and convention planners' points of view to help students identify various market segments and their marketing requirements. Topics include the organization and planning of a convention, understanding the various forms of meetings, and integrating technology and service into the meeting and/or convention functions. Students will also learn about emerging trends and current events within the meetings and conventions sector.

Prerequisite(s): HSM1100

Credits: 4

HSM4400 - Hospitality Strategic Management

This course focuses on the essentials of management practices and applications in the hospitality industry. Topics include competing within the hospitality environment, supervisory skills, marketing to the hospitality customer, utilizing technology within the industry, and crisis management within hospitality.

Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required and elective Hospitality Management courses

Credits: 4

Construction Management (choose 4 courses)
Graduates with this specialization would have integrated a solid foundation in business fundamentals with essential skills in construction management to make them suitably prepared for entry-level management positions in construction and construction-related industries. (16 credits)

CON3010 - Construction Materials, Methods, and Equipment

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

CON3020 - Construction Design Communications

This course introduces students to the design process, tools, methods, and techniques used for graphic communication and interpretation of a variety of construction project drawings and documents. Drawings and documents may include architectural, civil engineering, mechanical, electrical, and other related examples.

Prerequisite(s): CON3010

Credits: 4

CON4010 - Essentials of Construction Cost Estimation

This course provides an overview of the approximate and precise methods for estimating the costs of construction projects. Topics include preliminary estimating, material quantity surveying techniques, pricing and bidding of construction works, use of cost and price databases, and computer applications.

Prerequisite(s): and Equipment and CON3020 Construction Design Communications CON3010 Construction Materials Methods

Credits: 4

CON4015 - Construction Project Planning and Scheduling

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

CON4020 - Construction Project Management

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

CON4025 - Construction Law, Contracts and Safety

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

The Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting -
180 Credits Total

The Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting has the same Foundation, Capstone, and General Education requirements as the regular Bachelor of Business Administration above but the Major Course requirements differ. Students wishing to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting must take the following 12 courses (48 credits):

Major Curriculum for Accounting Specialization – 48 credits

Students are required to take 12 courses as follows:

ACC3010 - Accounting Information Systems

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 4

ACC3020 - Intermediate Financial Accounting I

This course explores Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) associated with preparing and reporting a corporation's balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows. Topics may include the regulatory environment surrounding financial accounting, measurement and reporting of balance sheet assets, and fundamental revenue and expense recognition principles.

Prerequisite(s): ACC1002

Credits: 4

ACC3025 - Intermediate Financial Accounting II

This course continues the exploration of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) associated with preparing and reporting a corporation's balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows. Topics include the measurement and reporting of balance sheet liabilities and equity, more advanced revenue and expense recognition situations, and accounting corrections and changes.

Prerequisite(s): ACC3020

Credits: 4

ACC3028 - Intermediate Financial Accounting III

This course continues the exploration of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) associated with complex financial transactions that are fundamental to modern corporations. Topics may include asset or utility acquisition through leases, accounting for employee pensions and post-retirement benefits, accounting for federal income taxes, and financial instruments. Students may also prepare more sophisticated financial statements to report the effect of complex financial transactions.

Prerequisite(s): ACC3025

Credits: 4

ACC3040 - Cost Accounting

This course explores cost accumulation and budgeting systems applicable to manufacturing, service, and informational organizations. Students relate cost accounting information to management planning and decision-making activities. Topics may include job order, process, and activity-based costing systems.

Prerequisite(s): ACC3010

Credits: 4

ACC3045 - Intermediate Cost Management

This course continues the exploration of cost management techniques and approaches used in manufacturing, service, and information organizations. Topics may include performance measurement and reporting systems, total quality management (TQM), cost allocations, decision support for managerial decision making, theory of constraints, and economic valued added.

Prerequisite(s): ACC3040 and BUS4101

Credits: 4

BUS3041 - Managerial Communications

An introduction to communication for managers and supervisors. Focus will be on those types of communication encountered in management functions: negotiation, conflict resolution, situational management, team building, organizational structures and communication, and motivation.

Prerequisite(s): ENG2001 MGT2037

Credits: 4

BUS3055 - Business Law for Commercial Transactions

The course presents a comprehensive study of legal topics in commercial transactions for students interested in pursuing careers in accounting or other professions that require a detailed understanding of more advanced business law concepts. Topics covered include types of business organizations, securities regulations, sales, negotiable instruments, secured transactions, bankruptcy, insurance, accountants' liability, and employment law.

Prerequisite(s): BUS1038

Credits: 4

FIN3030 - Corporate Finance

An introductory course in the financial management of non-financial corporations, this course focuses on the role of interest rates and capital markets in the economy. A variety of topics are addressed, including the structure and analysis of financial statements, time value of money circulations, and the valuation of income-producing physical assets.

Prerequisite(s): ACC1003

Credits: 4

MGT3002 - Organizational Behavior

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

MGT4027 - Global Business Management

Students study characteristics of international management and the bases for business among countries. Different perspectives on organizational behavior, human resource management, management styles and the practical aspects of international management are discussed. Business in the international environment is interpreted from a strategic management and marketing perspective that yields practical guidance concerning the management of firms and social responsibility.

Prerequisite(s): ECO2071 ECO2072

Credits: 4

MKT3010 - Marketing Management

This course provides a study of the marketing and business environment, sources and applications of marketing information, product development and distribution, promotional strategies, and pricing decisions, as well as overall marketing strategies.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Accounting (choose 4 courses)

ACC4010 - Federal Taxation I

This course explores the U.S. Internal Revenue Code applicable to individual income taxes. Topics may include taxable income, deductions, exemptions, property transactions, filings, and individual tax planning.

Prerequisite(s): ACC3025

Credits: 4

ACC4020 - Federal Taxation II

This course explores the U.S. Internal Revenue Code applicable to corporate income taxes. Topics include taxable income, expenses, equity transactions, filings, and corporate tax planning.

Prerequisite(s): ACC4010

Credits: 4

ACC4035 - Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting

This course explores accounting principles applicable to governmental (state and local), health care, educational, and other not-for-profit organizations. Topics may include the regulatory environment (which includes standard-setting bodies such as the Governmental Accounting Standards Board [GASB]), fund accounting, reporting requirements, financial management, and budgets.

Prerequisite(s): ACC3025

Credits: 4

ACC4050 - Internal Auditing and Assurance

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 4

Software Requirements:

• Adobe Acrobat Professional
• Microsoft Office Professional
• Norton Antivirus

Minimum Technology Requirements:

• PC: As a general guideline, students should not have computer specifications less than a Pentium III CPU, Windows XP with Service Pack 2, and 512 MB of RAM.
• Mac: As a general guideline, students should not have computer specifications less than a G3, G4, or G5 processor, MAC OS, and 512 MB of RAM.

Internet Requirements:

56K or faster Internet connection is required for online courses, however broadband is strongly encouraged.

Web Browser Requirements:

PC: At least one of the following browsers with Java enabled:

• Internet Explorer 6.0 (supported)
• Internet Explorer 7.0 (recommended)
• Internet Explorer 5.5 (supported)
• Firefox 1.x (supported)
• Firefox 2.0 (recommended)
• Firefox 3.0 (supported)

Mac: At least one of the following browsers with Java enabled:

• Safari 3.0 (supported for OS X)
• Safari 2.0 (recommended for OS X)
• Safari 1.2 (supported for OS X)
• Firefox 1.x (supported)
• Firefox 2.0 (supported)
• Firefox 3.0 (supported)

Software may be purchased through JourneyEd.

Ms. Karin Bogue

Ms. Bogue earned her Juris Doctor from Cecil C Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis, and her MBA and her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting at the University of Memphis. In addition to being a licensed attorney, Ms. Bogue is also a licensed customs broker with over twenty-five years of experience working in international trade and compliance. She has created and organized import compliance departments, initiated and directed cross-functional C-TPAT teams, developed training programs for import compliance and served as a consultant to major importers. She is also the author of a number of trade articles, training manuals, textbooks and online courses for international trade compliance.

Before joining South University as a full time faculty member in June 2008, Ms. Bogue spent ten years as an adjunct teaching business law and ethics and developing and teaching international compliance courses for universities. Ms. Bogue teaches courses in business law, international law, global management and general business.

Mrs. Ruth Essler

Mrs. Essler received her MBA from Bryant College and her Bachelor of Arts degree from Wheaton College. Prior to her work in Education, Mrs. Essler worked for eighteen years in human resource management where she enjoyed several key managerial positions including responsibility for a Greenfield start up manufacturing operation for a division of the Sara Lee Corporation. Upon entering the Education field, Mrs. Essler continued enjoying her passion for working with organizations; training/development efforts by conducting seminars as a part of the business consulting faculty at the Center for Management Development at Georgia Southern University. As such, she conducted public and private client training seminars in areas such as interpersonal communication skills, managing teams, conflict resolution, and time/stress management.

Mrs. Essler has enjoyed the last six years as a full-time educator for both South University Savannah campus and for South University Online. She enjoys reflecting on the growth of the College of Business and is most excited to be a part of its planned growth in the years to come. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Essler enjoys her work in developing a team of high performance adjunct instructors.

Dr. Kip Pirkle

Dr. Pirkle earned his Ph.D. in Management from Clemson University and his Accounting and MBA degrees from the University of Georgia. After graduating from the University of Georgia, he worked as a staff accountant for a CPA firm and then purchased his own accounting practice. He has been the managing partner in two real estate partnerships. While at Clemson, he was a consultant with the Small Business Development Center, assisting entrepreneurs with business plans and day-to-day operations. He has done extensive consulting in golf-related businesses, as well as with a number of other entrepreneurial ventures, primarily in strategic planning, financial forecasting, and valuation. His passion for teaching is in strategic management, with a focus on international business. He has conducted business seminars in Eastern Europe and Russia, and has spent significant time studying and visiting Europe, China, and Japan.