Academic Catalog 2020-2021

BUS 4623 Data Communications Study data communications of modern information systems and data transmission con- cepts. Prerequisite: BUS 2313 and another programming language. (Alternating Spring) BUS 4643 Internet Technologies History of the Internet, business and educational uses, hardware and software applications, programming languages, and Webpage design and development. (Alternating Fall) BUS 4933 Management Information Systems Examines managerial decision-making and related information processing concepts, data collection, analysis for MIS design and operation. Prerequisite: BUS 2323 and JR/SR Standing. (Spring) The MBA degree will require 15 credit hours of core courses, and culminate with a six- hour action research practicum. The MBA program requires 36 credit hours that include a common core of 15 credit hours, with an additional 15 credit hours in each specialization. Courses are offered as 8-week sessions. The curriculum builds upon the foundation of competencies attained by the undergraduate student and expands pedagogical knowledge, leadership skills, and business acumen to increase overall business outcomes and perfor- mance. The program has two official starts, fall and spring. Students admitted during these start times will attend a 1.5-day orientation seminar at the beginning of each semester. This time will be spent on: 1) orientation of courses and eLearning platform; 2) teaching/ learning interactions that are best achieved by on-site participation; and 3) activities that promote graduate culture and collegiality. A key differentiator of the MBA program is the six credit hours of practicum experience, which is achieved through project-based activi- ties. Integration of practicums is designed with the student’s faculty advisor and/or work supervisor or if the student is unemployed with a local business or hospital/clinic facility. Essential Competencies of a Master’s Business Administration and Industry-based Core Competencies align with the Criteria for Evaluation of Business programs by Ameri- can Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and BC policies and proce- dures for online learning. Current Bluefield College students majoring in Business Administration could elect to participate in a 5-Year BS/MBA program option. Students would select a five-year pro- gram leading to the appropriate bachelor’s degree and a Master in Business Administration in Leadership, Healthcare Management or Finance, spring semester of the junior year. Stu- dents need a 3.0 overall GPA, 3.5 GPA in business courses, and successful completion of all general education courses, 79 credit hours that includes BUS 3013 Management, BUS 3023 Marketing, BUS 3513 Business Finance, and BUS 3223 Business Communications before completing 95 credit hours. Students accepted into the program will complete BUS 5303 Management Theory and Leadership, BUS 5343 Marketing Management, and one of the following: BUS 5393 Financial Management or BUS 5373 Managerial Economics, or an elective in either spring of junior or their senior year which will count no more than nine credit hours toward the master’s degree. Students will complete 127 undergraduate credit hours and 36 graduate credit hours to receive the combined B.S./Master’s in Business Ad- ministration. MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION GRADUATE PROGRAM

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