Objectives
of the BSBA program
Program
philosophy
The goal of
the undergraduate business administration degree program is to
develop broadly educated business professionals. This goal is
accomplished through a four-year academic experience involving
curricular and co-curricular elements. The program consists of
three major components: professional education in business administration,
education in the liberal arts and development of a broadly defined
set of personal skills. Each component is a necessary part of
the educational experience for students, and none can be neglected
if the program is to succeed.
The professional
component of the program stresses knowledge and skill development
necessary for students to function effectively in entry-level
jobs and to enjoy productive professional careers. It develops
understandings of the "common body of knowledge" as
defined by the AACSB International—The Association to Advance
Collegiate Schools of Business. Consistent with this definition,
the background includes study and understanding of the business
functional and tool areas, the economic and legal environment,
organizational theory and behavior, and integrative strategy and
policy analysis. It also incorporates the worldwide dimension
of business administration.
Professional
knowledge and skills are developed through a common business core
curriculum and areas of specialization designed to meet students'
specific professional needs. The core develops a broad understanding
of the entire business enterprise and represents the more important
element of business majors' professional education component.
The specialization supplements the core by allowing students to
develop a deeper understanding of a more precisely defined field.
The liberal
arts component emphasizes facts, concepts and ideas that are necessary
to be a broadly educated person in our society. More importantly,
it provides a set of frameworks with which to analyze, comprehend
and enjoy these facts, concepts and ideas in a long-term perspective.
Consistent with University general education requirements, it
contains background and study of the humanities and the arts,
the natural sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and cultural
diversity in the United States. Beyond that, it develops a sense
of ethical considerations and a framework for analyzing social
issues.
Personal skills
developed through the program are designed to enhance productivity
for a long-term career and to permit the individual to engage
in lifelong learning. By enabling students to engage in self-initiated
independent learning, these skills provide the foundation for
a productive career and a satisfying life. These skills include
analytical and critical thinking, decision making, intellectual
independence, leadership, planning and organization, and problem
solving. Of paramount importance in order to manifest these skills
is the ability to communicate ideas effectively. Consequently,
the program pays particular attention to the development of students'
written and oral communication skills.
Learning
Outcomes
Upon completion
of the baccalaureate degree, students in the BSBA program are
expected to:
- Demonstrate
problem-solving, critical-thinking, oral and written communications,
and team and leadership skills;
- Apply business
tools and concepts in domestic and global contexts;
- Integrate
foundational and functional business areas in making decisions;
- Show commitment
to ethical values and behavior, continuous learning and professional
growth;
- Show understanding
and appreciation for cultural, racial and gender differences.
