The completion of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree includes:
Students are responsible for knowing and complying with specific degree requirements. Any exception to the Program of Study requires written approval from Michele Rosenthal, Assistant Dean, Sawyer Business School.
Full-time students normally complete their degree requirements in four years. A student may shorten the time required by attending summer sessions. Part-time students normally take five to seven years to complete the requirements, depending on the course load carried.
Course descriptions may be updated periodically to reflect changes since the last published catalog.
Below is an overview of the courses and experiential requirements that BSBA students must complete and the year they are required or suggested to do so. The Business School’s curriculum is designed to enable students to acquire knowledge and skills cumulatively, building from introductory material to more specialized or advanced study in areas of major concentration. Prerequisites have been established for courses that require preparation in order for students to benefit fully from the learning experience. Students should meet with their advisors to review their program of study.
Students are responsible for taking courses in the prescribed sequence as necessary. This means:
Note: Students who entered Suffolk prior to Fall 2014 are under a different program of study and should refer to their program evaluation and/or the catalog from that year for specific requirements. The Undergraduate Academic Advising Center can provide information about completing requirements where courses are no longer offered, or additional options now exist.
SBS students with 30 credits or less only. CAS students by special permission.
1.00
SBS 100 engages students in a series of activities, discussions, and programs on campus to explore their interests and strengths and learn how courses and co-curricular experiences together help them achieve their goals. Students also develop innovation, team, and presentation skills, get involved on campus, and learn about campus resources and services that aid in a successful college experience. This is the first in a four-year sequence of career courses.
4.00
Study and practice of the writing process and revision in terms of expository writing modes for an academic audience.
WRI-101 or ENG-099 with at least a B and ENG-P099 with a P or WRI-H103
4.00
Study and practice of argumentative and research writing through further work with writing process and revision and the critical reading of a variety of texts.
3.00
This course introduces students to foundational concepts in business, including functional areas, the life cycle, competition, stakeholders and ethical considerations. Students develop critical thinking by learning and using a problem solving process through a business situation analysis model to analyze various situations that confront managers and founders of small, medium, and large organizations. Students will also develop tools for analysis, allowing them to critically view business in a new and thoughtful way. The class culminates with student- teams presenting a detailed analysis and recommendations to a panel of executives and persuading them that the recommended strategy is not only feasible, but also practical for the stakeholders involved.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Arts Admin Minor Elective
Numerous courses are offered to meet this requirement. Search for course options by using the course type "CI."
Choose one based on your Math placement score:
MATH level 2, or Mathshop, or MATH-104
4.00
From the ISBN on a book, to buying a car, from the size of small chips in a cell phone, to the size of the national debt, or just reading a graph in the daily newspaper, mathematics plays an important and vital role in countless areas of life and your future career and courses included. Mathematics is both an art and a tool created by humans. The common bond is a way of thinking and a way of reasoning to describe and solve problems of many types. This course uses the context of modern real life problems to introduce math needed for literacy and problem solving in contemporary life and work. It uses a minimal amount of algebra and focuses on math models, concepts and basic math manipulations. It encourages students to move from anxiety about math, to using formulas well, to thinking critically in the math context to use math to solve problems and pose new problems. Topics include scientific notation, basic financial math, linear, exponential and polynomial models and an introduction to probability. (Formerly Math 132)
MATH-104, or MATH-121, or MATH level 3
4.00
Linear Modeling (for example, using linear functions to model supply/demand situations), graphing, linear programming, financial functions (compound interest, annuities, and amortization of loans) sets, Venn diagrams, counting and combinatorics, discrete probability, conditional probability, Bernoulli experiments, Bayes theorem. Several sections offered each semester. *This course cannot be applied toward a departmental concentration in Mathematics by Sawyer Business School students.
MATH-104, MATH-121 or MATH level 4
4.00
A one-semester introduction to differential and integral calculus. Theory is presented informally and topics and techniques are limited to polynomials, rational functions, logarithmic and exponential functions. Topics include a review of precalculus, limits and continuity, derivatives, differentiation rules, applications of derivatives to graphing, minima/maxima, applications of the derivative, marginal analysis, differential equations of growth and decay, anti-derivatives, the definite integral, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and area measurements. This course cannot be used to satisfy core or complementary requirements by students majoring in chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or physics. Several sections offered each semester.
MATH-121 with a minimum grade of C, MATH-075, or MATH level 5
4.00
Functions, limits and continuity, squeeze theorem, limits at infinity; instantaneous rate of change, tangent slopes, and the definition of the derivative of a function; power, product, and quotient rules, trig derivatives, chain rule, implicit differentiation; higher order derivatives; derivatives of other transcendental functions (inverse trig functions, exponential and log functions, hyperbolic trig functions); applications of the derivative (implicit differentiation, related rates, optimization, differentials, curve sketching, L'Hopital's rule); anti-derivatives; indefinite integrals; Fundamental Theorem; applications (net change). 4 lecture hours plus 1 recitation session each week. Normally offered each semester.
MATH 128 or higher. REMINDER: STATS 250 is a required prerequisite MKT 220, FIN 200 and ISOM 201(prerequisite for ISOM 319)
4.00
Application of statistical analysis to real-world business and economic problems. Topics include data presentation, descriptive statistics including measures of location and dispersion, introduction to probability, discrete and continuous random variables, probability distributions including binomial and normal distributions, sampling and sampling distributions, statistical inference including estimation and hypothesis testing, simple and multiple regression analysis. The use of computers is emphasized throughout the course. Normally offered each semester.
Quantitative Analysis
3.00
This course introduces the nature and processes of globalization which define today's international business environment. The course employs a multidisciplinary perspective to explore the growing interdependence of nations in their trade, investment, technology flows, and business operations. Topic include business, geographic, economic, social, cultural, political, and other issues related to globalization. The course is experiential in its approach. Students will undertake a team research project exploring globalization issues with reference to a particular country, region or industry.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
4.00
This is the first of the two-course series of Empires and Globalization in World History. Course discusses the origins and development of globalization and capitalism from the perspective of economic history. Major issues include the formation of the medieval trade system, the development of finance and capitalism in the early modern ages, and economic changes prior to the Industrial Revolution. The specific topics may change every year due to new academic developments and publications. Cultural Diversity B
Offered Fall Term
Social & Intellectual HST
4.00
This is the second of the two-course series of Empires and Globalization in World History. Course discusses the origins and development of globalization and capitalism from the perspective of economic history. Major issues include state-making, wars, and the rivalry among early modern empires, economic development, the Industrial Revolution and the formation of the global trade system. The specific topics may change every year due to new academic developments and publications. Cultural Diversity B
Offered Spring Term
Social & Intellectual HST
SBS 100. Prerequisite will be waived with 30 or more transfer credits from another institution. SBS students with over 30 credits only. CAS students by special permission.
1.00
SBS 200 fosters active exploration of career interests, jobs and fields. Students build introductory career management, information seeking, and self-presentation skills. Students refine oral and written communication through class presentations, networking, research, and writing a resume and cover letter. This is the second in a four-year sequence of career courses.
ENT-101; WRI-102 or WRI-H103
3.00
The world is constantly changing and businesses as well as individual employees must adapt. In order to effectively leverage future communication technologies and media, you must be a critical reader and have strong foundational writing and editing skills. In this course, current business news will be read for its content and to understand the interplay of language and purpose. You will learn to write effectively for business by focusing on your audience, purpose, tone, and the design of various business documents and by revising and refining your writing.
MATH-128 or higher and WRI-102 or WRI-H103 or SBS-220
3.00
Introduces students to the accounting cycle, the financial statements, and the theory underlying accounting as information. Provides users of accounting information with a basic understanding of how to appraise and manage a business. Addresses current accounting topics, including relevant ethical and international issues found in the financial press.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Arts Admin Minor Elective
ACCT-201
3.00
Enables students to apply the concepts and skills from ACCT 201. They learn how to analyze the financial condition and performance of a firm, and how to use accounting information in business planning, decision-making, and control. Topics include cost-volume-profit analysis, costing systems, variance analysis, and the budget process. Discusses relevant current ethical and competitive issues found in the financial press.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Take MKT-210 or MKT-H210; and STATS-240 or STATS-250
3.00
Business Research Methods is a general introduction to both quantitative and qualitative business research methods. Topics covered include the purpose of research, defining research and research problems, defining an hypothesis, problem solving and knowledge discovery, methods of quantitative and qualitative research, conducting literature reviews, designing appropriate methodologies, evaluating outcomes, analysis and communicating the results. Students will use Excel and SPSS to support research analysis, implementing what was learned in statistics and going beyond as they learn new data analysis techniques. Students will discuss and present research ideas and processes orally both informally and formally.
Non-CAS majors need to have completed at least 15 credits
3.00
This course examines the workings of the national and the global economy. It will describe the determination of Gross Domestic Product, the problems of unemployment, inflation, and the determination of economic growth. It will also describe and analyze the determination of the country's exchange rate, the balance of payments, and international borrowing and lending. A particular focus will be on understanding economic fluctuations (booms, busts, and recessions) in the domestic economy and its effects on other economies. It will analyze the role of the government and the effects of government spending and taxation on the economy. Furthermore, it will describe and analyze the determination of the quantity of money and interest rates in the economy and the role of the country's central bank. It examines the basis and pattern of international trade and the effects of a country's trade policy on the economy.
3.00
Business ethics is applied ethics. Explores the roles and responsibilities of business in a global society. Teaches models of ethical decision-making that incorporate multiple points of view, including diverse cultural worldviews and legal perspectives. Addresses factors that contribute to and constrain ethical behavior in and by organizations. Students apply concepts to current business problems, such as anti-trust, accounting fraud, deceptive advertising, and environmental dumping.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
MATH-128 or higher and STATS-240 or STATS 250.
3.00
Introduces fundamental quantitative methods of using data to make informed management decisions. Topics include: decision modeling, decision analysis, regression, forecasting, optimization, and simulation, as it applies to the study and analysis of business problems for decision support in finance, marketing, service, and manufacturing operations. Practical business cases and examples drawn from finance, marketing, operations management, and other management areas are used to provide students with a perspective on how management science is used in practice. Excel spreadsheets are used extensively to implement decision models.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
At least 30 credit hours and WRI-102 or WRI-H103
3.00
This course explores the application of sociological, psychological and anthropological concepts in domestic and international business settings. Attention is given to the study of human behavior in organizational settings, the organization itself, human interaction, and small group process.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
WRI-101, WRI-102 or WRI-H103
3.00
As part of the core curriculum for the BSBA, this course provides a comprehensive, innovative, managerial, and practical introduction to marketing. Students will learn and apply basic concepts and practices of modern marketing as used in a wide variety of settings. Technological advances, rapid globalization, economic shifts and cultural and environmental developments are causing profound changes in the marketplace. As the marketplace changes, so must the marketers who serve it. These new developments signify a brand new world of opportunities for forward thinking marketers. In response to these new developments, the focus of this course is on four major themes that go to the heart of modern marketing theory and practice: 1. Building and managing profitable customer relationships; 2. Building and managing strong brands; 3. Harnessing new marketing technologies in this digital age; and 4. Marketing in a socially responsible way around the globe.
WRI-101 and ENT-101 and at least 24 completed credits
3.00
Examines the rise of information-enabled enterprises and the role of information technologies/information systems (IT/IS) and e-commerce as key enablers of businesses and social changes globally. Topics include: the effective application of IT/IS to support strategic planning, managerial control, operations and business process integration in the digital economy, IT/IS related issues of ethics, and piracy and security in the information society.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
ACCT-201, MATH-128 or higher, and STATS-240 or STATS-250 (can be taken concurrently with FIN-200); Sophomore standing
3.00
This course is a study of the functions of business finance and focuses on basic financial principles such as time value of money, risk and return tradeoffs, and asset valuation. Formally FIN 310.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
SBS 200. Prerequisite will be waived with 45 or more transfer credits from another institution. SBS students only. CAS students by special permission.
1.00
SBS 300 deepens students' career information and skills with a focus on professionalism. Students refine career documents based on personal branding with a focus on articulating the experiences, learning, and skills gained in previous internships, volunteer and work experiences, courses, and club or performance roles. Students use technology, personal networks and professional organizations to develop job search skills. This is the third in a four-year sequence of career courses.
Non CAS majors need to have completed at least 15 credits.
3.00
This course introduces students to foundational principles of microeconomic theory, with an emphasis on applications of concepts to management decision-making in specific industry and market settings. It describes and analyzes the interaction of supply and demand and the behavior of the prices of goods, services. It explains the determinations of costs, output, strategic pricing, and governance by firms under conditions of perfect and imperfect competition in a global economy. In addition, it describes the supply demand for factors of production and the impact of taxes and government regulation and intervention on firms and consumers.
MGT 217 (formerly MGT 317); does not count toward the Management Major, nor the minor for BSBA students
3.00
Leadership 360 Practicum provides a fundamental understanding of the principles of leadership and the core competencies, traits and behaviors that enable effective leadership. Students will learn relevant leadership theories and gain awareness of how today's organizations meet the challenges and opportunities that leadership brings. Through an individual leadership development project, students will conduct an in-depth self-examination of their leadership capacity and will choose a leadership skill to develop throughout the semester. Students will have the opportunity to apply their developing leadership skills in a team project that seeks solutions to a specific leadership challenge, leading to a project implementation plan. Student teams will present their solutions in class; feedback to the presenters will reinforce oral communication skills. This course is a requirement for all BSBA majors.
3.00
Introduces the field of business law. Provides an overview of the organization and operation of the American legal system, court system and legal procedure. Examines selected business law topics such as contracts, torts, criminal law,agency, and business organizations. Attention is given to the ways in which business law manifests important social and ethical precepts.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Arts Admin Minor Elective
ENT-101(formerly SBS 101) and ISOM-201 and at least 54 credits
3.00
Introduces concepts and tools for managing operations in service/ manufacturing organizations where inputs such as raw material, labor, or other resources into finished services and/or goods. Strategic and tactical issues of operations management (OM), including: operations strategy, product and process design, capacity planning, quality management, inventory management, queueing theory and work force management are addressed. Quantitative models, analytical tools and case studies are used to analyze operational problems that business managers face in both local and global settings.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Take SBS-300. 90 credit hours required. SBS students only. CAS students by special permission.
1.00
SBS 400 is the culminating career and professional experience for seniors. It focuses on career entry and transition, networking for career and job success, impression management, and related life-long learning skills. Students articulate and reflect on academic, work, and co-curricular experiences from the perspective of professionals entering or advancing their careers. This is the final course in a four-year sequence of career courses.
FIN-200, ISOM-319, MGT-217, MKT-210; Senior standing. Honors students must register for SIB-H429.
3.00
This course covers and integrates administrative processes and decision making under uncertainty in business areas of marketing, accounting, management, finance, personnel, and production. It also focuses on strategic and policy issues from the viewpoint of senior management in both domestic and international corporations. Case discussions help develop the conceptual framework for analysis and implementation of strategy and policy decisions.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Choose 1 STE (Science, Technology, and Engineering) science course. In the case of a course that is a lecture plus a lab, the student must complete both components to earn credit for the STE requirement. Numerous courses are offered to meet this requirement. Search for course options by using the course type "STE."
The Global Engagement requirement has a range of options including non-credit service courses, study or work abroad, credit-bearing courses with global experiences, global travel seminars, and more. Students choose one that best matches their personal and career interests.
0.00
Domestic students who are not planning to travel internationally may meet their Global Engagement Experience by participating in a community service program in one of Boston's ethnic or cultural communities. This will be organized by the Center for Community Engagement and opportunities may vary each semester. As part of this experience, students complete several reflective writing assignments.
Global Engagement Experience
0.00
International students studying here at our Boston campus are paired with another Suffolk student who helps them make the transition to studying in Boston. This is coordinated by the International Student Services Office. Students complete several writing assignments reflecting on their learning and experiences. Limited enrollment.
Global Engagement Experience
0.00
International students studying here at our Boston campus are matched to local families who host them for a weekend visit, including meals and recreational activities. This is coordinated by the International Student Services Office. Students complete several writing assignments reflecting on their learning and experiences. Limited enrollment.
Global Engagement Experience
0.00
International students studying here at our Boston campus may participate in this Boston-based experiential program where they attend local interactive cultural or historical programs and complete several reflective writing assignments. The opportunities vary each year. Limited enrollment.
Global Engagement Experience
Instructor's consent required
0.00
This zero credit course is for students concurrently studying abroad. It requires several reflective writing assignments related to the travel and study experience. Satisfactory completion of this co-requisite allows the study abroad experience to count toward the Global Engagement Requirement.
Global Engagement Experience
Instructor consent required
0.00
This zero credit course is restricted to students who will complete an internship, volunteer job, teaching or other short-term position working abroad in a country other than their own. It requires several reflective writing assignments related to the global work experience.
Global Engagement Experience
0.00
Students completing an Alternative Spring Break program abroad (including Puerto Rico) may register for this course in order to count it toward the Global Engagement Requirement. The Center for Community Engagement will coordinate registration after the trip is concluded (no further assignments are required). Instructor permission required.
Global Engagement Experience
[ Note: each noncredit course above has a special purpose, carries no academic credit, does not require any tuition, and is graded pass/fail.]
Courses for credit that have already been approved for the Global Engagement can be located by using the course search system. Enter course type "GLOBL" and then review the course details and prerequisites as well as the location of the course (Boston or Madrid campus). Some courses involve travel and fee, off-campus activities, or other requirements.
Global Travel Seminars are available to junior and seniors in SBS and require a course fee, separate from airfare. These can also be located using the search above or by looking for SIB 550 courses directly.
Alternative Winter Break: Students participating in the Alternative Winter Break also register for GVT 387: Reconciliation and Conflict. This four-credit course is a co-requisite for both the study trip to El Salvador or the study trip to Vietnam and provides an historic and social context. The Center for Community Engagement hosts this program, and more information can be found on the Alternative Winter Break Webpage.
Other courses: Students may petition to request that a course might count toward the Global Engagement requirement if it is proven to meet the learning goals for the Global Engagement Requirement by virtue of reflection assignments based on course-related travel outside the US or out-of-class research or course-embedded service-learning projects that involve extensive interaction with others whose country of origin differs from the student's own. See "OTher Options" below for instructions on how to petition.
Exceptions: The following courses may NOT count toward the Global Engagement requirement: SIB 101: Globalization, MKT 220: Business Research Methods, and MGT 360: Leadership Practicum. Some courses that meet the Creativity & Innovation requirement or the Diverse Perspectives requirement may double count for Global Engagement. These will be found by following the search procedure outlined above.
Other Options: Students may submit to the Undergraduate Programs Office a Global Engagement Petition to propose an alternative experience that meets the learning goals for the Global Engagement Requirement, which is not covered by the other options above. These may include extensive interaction via academic research projects, independent studies, volunteer or service projects with others whose culture, ethnicity or country of origin is different from their own in ways that meet the learning goals of this requirement. Students may be required to submit additional documentation about the experience, contact information for site supervisors, and/or proof of involvement. If approved, students would then register for SBS 180 Global Engagement– general. This zero-credit co-requisite requires several reflective writing assignments related to the experience.
The Local Engagement requirement has a range of options, including courses, co-curricular projects, tutoring, community service, and other engagement projects. Students choose one that best matches their personal and career interests.
Non-credit course options:
0.00
This zero credit course is for students concurrently volunteering in programs coordinated by the Center for Community Engagement (CCE). It requires several reflective writing assignments related to the volunteer experiences. Minimum expectations for the volunteer work are 20 hours in one semester. Volunteer hours will be documented by Center for Community Engagement. Students must maintain professional and/or appropriate behavior in all interactions with the community organization in order for this experience to count toward the Local Engagement Requirement.
Local Engagement Experience
0.00
This zero credit course is restricted to students concurrently participating in an Alternative Spring Break trip. Successful completion of the ASB trip will count toward the BSBA Local Engagement requirement. Students must abide by all ASB policies, behavioral expectations, and guidelines in order for this experience to count toward the Local Engagement Requirement.
Local Engagement Experience
0.00
This zero credit course is restricted to Jumpstart Corps volunteers. Jumpstart is a two semester commitment that involves about 300 hours of volunteer time, which includes ongoing training and working directly with children. Successful completion of Jumpstart volunteer year will count toward the BSBA Local Engagement requirement. Students must volunteer for both semesters and maintain appropriate behavior in all interactions in the grade school in order for this experience to count toward the Local Engagement Requirement.
Local Engagement Experience
0.00
This noncredit course is restricted to students concurrently participating in a sorority or fraternity on campus and volunteering 20 or more hours in one semester. It requires several reflective writing assignments related to the volunteer experiences. Volunteer hours will be documented by the chapter advisor. Students must maintain professional and/or appropriate behavior in all interactions with the community organization in order for this experience to count toward the Local Engagement Requirement.
Local Engagement Experience
0.00
This noncredit course is restricted to student athletes who participate in weekly service through programs sponsored by the Suffolk Athletics Department. It requires several reflective writing assignments related to the volunteer experiences. The advisor will monitor volunteer hours. Students must maintain professional and/or appropriate behavior in all interactions with the community organization in order for this experience to count toward the Local Engagement Requirement.
Local Engagement Experience
0.00
This zero credit course is restricted to students concurrently volunteering 20 or more hours in one semester in programs coordinated by or approved by the Center for Entrepreneurship. Most opportunities require several reflective writing assignments related to the volunteer experiences. Volunteer hours will be documented by the Center for Entrepreneurship. Students must maintain professional and/or appropriate behavior in all interactions with the community organization in order for this experience to count toward the Local Engagement Requirement.
Local Engagement Experience
0.00
This zero credit course is restricted to students in the BSBA Honors Program concurrently volunteering 20 or more hours in one semester in programs coordinated by or approved by the Honors Program. It requires several reflective writing assignments related to the volunteer experiences. Volunteer hours will be verified by the Honors Program. Students must maintain professional and/or appropriate behavior in all interactions with the community organization in order for this experience to count toward the Local Engagement Requirement.
Local Engagement Experience
[Note: each noncredit course above has a special purpose, carries no academic credit, does not require any tuition, and is graded pass/fail.]
Courses for credit that have already been approved for the Local Engagement can be located by using the course search system. Enter the course type "LOCAL" and then review the course details and prerequisites as well as the location of the course (Boston or Madrid campus). Some courses involve off-campus activities or other requirements.
Other courses: Students may petition to request that a course might count toward the Local Engagement requirement if it is proven to meet the learning goals for the Local Engagement Requirement by virtue of reflection assignments based on course-embedded service-learning projects that involve extensive interaction with others off campus. See "Other Options" below for instructions on how to petition.
Exceptions: The following courses may NOT count toward the Local Engagement requirement: MKT 220: Business Research Methods, MGT 360:Leadership Practicum, MGT 419: Capstone Project, MGT 200: Leadership and Social Responsibility, nor any courses required for the BSBA business core. Some courses that meet the Creativity & Innovation requirement or the Diverse Perspectives requirement may double count for Local Engagement. These will be found by following the search procedure outlined above.
Other Options: Students may submit to the Undergraduate Programs Office a Petition Form for Local or Global Engagement to propose an alternative experience that meets the learning goals for the Local Engagement Requirement, which is not covered by the other options above. These include, but are not limited to: internships in not-for-profits; practicum or fieldwork assignments, academic research projects or independent studies working directly with a local population; and volunteer or service projects sponsored by professional, religious or other organizations. BEFORE beginning the experience, students are encouraged to review the petition form and inquire about their proposed option to confirm if the experience will count. Students may be required to submit additional documentation about the experience, contact information for site supervisors, and/or proof of involvement. If approved, students would then register for SBS 130 Local Engagement – general. This zero-credit, co-requisite requires several reflective writing assignments related to the experience.
In addition to completing all degree program and major requirements, students have free elective (“other”) credits that they may use to complete a minor, explore topics of interest by taking courses in the College of Arts & Sciences or the Business School, take honors challenge courses, or use toward a second major. Many transfer students bring in credits that are applied as free electives when there is no program equivalent. The number of free elective credits to be completed varies by major, number of transfer credits, and other factors. Note: BSBA students must complete a total of 124 credits to graduate. Students should refer to their program evaluation for credit counts, and discuss free elective options with their advisors.
A Global Engagement Experience creates learning opportunities through meaningful interaction and reflection with people from other cultures, countries, and ethnic backgrounds who may have very diverse perspectives. A reflective component is required to ensure learning is linked to the experience.
Upon graduation from Suffolk, successful students will demonstrate an awareness of diverse perspectives and people, an understanding of why things are the way they are in terms of context and history, and an ability to adapt to and work in circumstances involving individual differences. It is expected that BSBA graduates will develop broad perspectives, understand world cultures, and work effectively across boundaries.
Employers consistently indicate that when hiring new college graduates, they seek refined interpersonal skills. These include excellent written and oral communication, project management, understanding and working with different points of view and diverse others, self and other motivation, and professionalism. In addition, the workplace increasingly relies on global operations, customers, supply chains, and distributed work teams.
Email Director of Undergraduate Programs Michele Rosenthal: undergradbusiness@suffolk.edu.
The Global Engagement requirement has a range of options. Students choose one that best matches their personal and career interests. It is not necessary to take a class to fulfill this requirement, as there are other non-course alternatives. However, a number of Suffolk’s courses do count toward it. As a faculty task force vets additional courses and co-curricular experiences in future semesters, those will be added to the current list of available options below.
Students must maintain professional and/or appropriate behavior in all interactions off campus with a client site, host country, or whichever group the course/program interacts. Trips or programs that include group discussions and reflections require full participation in order for the experience to count toward the Global Engagement Requirement.
Take an academic course that counts toward the Global Engagement requirement. These options in art, history, government, sociology, business, and languages were selected because they meet the learning goals for this curriculum requirement.
Approved Suffolk course: Options for can be found by using the course search system and entering course type “GLOBL.” A few of these courses require travel outside of the US. Review the course details to note prerequisites and travel or other requirements. Certain Madrid courses count because they involve off-campus interaction with people in Madrid and reflection within the class discussions. [Note: Though the search results may include SBS-160, SBS-170 or SBS-180, these carry no academic credit. Their special purposes are outlined below.]
Global Travel Seminar: The Business School offers Global Travel Seminars that combine class meetings with travel abroad. These courses require an additional fee to cover housing, cultural activities, business visits, and other planned activities. These courses are offered under the SIB prefix, and typically meet in Boston on Friday nights for several weeks, with travel during spring break or after finals in May.
Other courses: Students may submit a Petition Form for Local or Global Engagement to have another course count toward this requirement if it involves travel outside the US or an out-of-class research or service-learning project involving extensive interaction with others whose country of origin differs from their own and the course meets the Diverse Perspectives learning objectives. Exceptions: SIB 101, MKT 220 and MGT 360 do not count toward this requirement. Some courses that meet the Creativity & Innovation requirement or the Diverse Perspectives requirement may double count for Global Engagement. These will be found by following the search procedure outlined above.
Participate in Study Abroad through Suffolk’s Center for International Programs and Services (CIPS). When students register for study abroad through CIPS, they will be asked if they wish to be concurrently registered for SBS 160 Global Engagement – Study Abroad. This zero-credit co-requisite requires several reflective writing assignments. Madrid students who take a course that is already tagged as ‘course type’ GLOBL may request to waive the reflective writing assignments in SBS 160.
Alternative Winter Break: Students participating in the Alternative Winter Break also register for GVT 508 Study Trip to El Salvador. This four-credit course is a co-requisite to the trip and provides an historic and social context. The Center for Community Engagement hosts this program.
Global Leadership Exchange Trip: Students participating in the Global Leadership Exchange trip, offered by the Student Leadership and Involvement Office, may count it toward the Global Engagement Requirement. To have this experience count, students will request through the trip leader to be enrolled in the zero-credit course: SBS 180 Global Engagement – general.
Students approved through their major to complete an international internship for academic credit may petition to have it also count toward the Global Engagement requirement. To do this, submit a Petition Form for Local or Global Engagement. Students not receiving academic credit for an internship or volunteer position in a country other than their own may submit a petition to propose that it counts toward the Global Engagement requirement.
If approved, students then register for SBS 170 Global Engagement – Work Abroad. This zero-credit co-requisite requires several reflective writing assignments. NOTE: Madrid students enrolled in SPAN 1210 Spanish in the Workplace Internship already have that course count toward the Global Engagement requirement. Details about this internship opportunity can be found on our Madrid Campus webpage.
The above list is not inclusive. Students may submit a Petition Form for Local or Global Engagement to propose an alternative experience that meets the learning goals for the Global Engagement Requirement if not covered by the other options above. These may include academic research projects, independent studies, volunteer or service projects that involve extensive interaction with others whose culture, ethnicity, or country of origin is different from their own in ways that meet the learning goals of this requirement. Students are encouraged to get confirmation before beginning a course or experience, to ensure that it will count.
Students may be required to submit additional documentation about the experience, contact information for site supervisors, and/or proof of involvement. After reviewing the petition, students may need to meet with the Director of Undergraduate Programs. Depending on what is approved, students may then be instructed to register for SBS 180 Global Engagement– general. This zero-credit co-requisite requires several reflective writing assignments related to the experience. If it is not to be done concurrent with the experience, the petition may be denied.
A Local Engagement Experience creates learning opportunities in the Boston area or through Suffolk-sponsored regional trips and programs. The intent is to provide meaningful interaction with community members who may have diverse perspectives on a situation or need. A reflective component is required to ensure learning is linked to the experience.
Upon graduation from Suffolk, successful students will demonstrate an awareness of diverse perspectives and people, an understanding of why things are the way they are in terms of context and history, and an ability to adapt to and work in circumstances involving individual differences. It is expected that BSBA graduates will develop broad perspectives, understand world cultures, and work effectively across boundaries.
When hiring new college graduates, employers seek refined interpersonal skills. These include excellent written and oral communication, project management, understanding and working with different points of view and diverse others, self and other motivation, and professionalism.
The Local Engagement requirement has a range of options. You can choose one that best matches your personal and career interests. If want a chance to work on projects and tasks your might not normally have access to, an internship at a not-for-profit combines the goals of the Local Engagement requirement with application of skills and knowledge from a major/minor. If you enjoy volunteering, a variety of campus outreach programs will count.
Email Director of Undergraduate Programs Michele Rosenthal: undergradbusiness@suffolk.edu
An initial set of courses and experiences are listed below. Additional courses and programs will be vetted by a faculty task force in future semesters. The current list of options is listed below.
Take an academic course that counts toward the Local Engagement requirement. These options in sociology, philosophy, business, and other disciplines were selected because they meet the learning goals for this curriculum requirement.
Approved Suffolk course: Options can be found by using the course search system and entering course type “LOCAL.” Review the course details to note prerequisites, travel or other requirements. [Note: Though the search results may include SBS-120, SBS-121, SBS-122, SBS-125, SBS-126, SBS-127 and SBS-130, these carry no academic credit. Their special purposes are outlined below.]
Other courses: Students may submit a Petition Form for Local or Global Engagement to have another course count toward this requirement if it involves an out of class research or service-learning component that meets the Local Engagement Experience learning objectives. Exceptions: MGT-360, MGT-419, MGT-200, and courses required for the BSBA business core may not count toward this requirement. Some courses that meet the Creativity & Innovation requirement or the Diverse Perspectives requirement may double count for Local Engagement. These will be found by following the search procedure outlined above.
Participate in an Alternative Spring Break service trip during spring semester. Suffolk’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE) maintains a list of upcoming trips, handles applications and provides training during pre-travel meetings. A nominal trip fee is required.
After the trip, students will be asked if they wish to be registered into SBS 121 Local Engagement – ASB. This zero credit co-requisite is used to confirm the Local Engagement Experience requirement was completed.
Participate in pre-approved community service programs. Students who volunteer 20 hours in one semester may count it toward this requirement by concurrently registering for the appropriate zero credit course. Each course requires reflective writing and documentation of volunteer hours. Students must maintain professional and/or appropriate behavior in all interactions with the community organization in order for this experience to count.
General Community Service: Students who intend to volunteer 20 or more hours during one semester through Suffolk’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE) may count it toward the Local Engagement Requirement by concurrently registering for SBS 120 Local Engagement – CCE. This zero credit course requires several reflective writing assignments related to the experience. The CCE maintains a list of volunteer options and monitors volunteer hours.
Jumpstart: Volunteer for the entire academic year in Jumpstart and mentor preschool children in low-income communities on their language, literacy and social skills. This is a national program with a Suffolk branch office and a manager on campus who provides training and support. This is a two semester commitment that involves about 300 hours of volunteer time between training and working directly with children. At the end of the spring semester, the Jumpstart coordinator will register interested volunteers into SBS 122 Local Engagement – Jumpstart. This zero credit co-requisite is used to confirm that the Local Engagement requirement is completed.
Center for Entrepreneurship: Students who intend to volunteer 20 or more hours in one semester through Center for Entrepreneurship service opportunities may count it toward the Local Engagement Requirement by concurrently registering for SBS 125 Local Engagement – Entrepreneurship. This is a zero credit co-requisite that requires several reflective writing assignments related to the volunteer experience. The Center maintains a list of service opportunities and documents hours.
Honors Students: Honors students who intend to volunteer 20 hours or more of community service in one semester through the Honors Program may opt to count that toward the Local Engagement Requirement. They should notify the Director of the Honors Program of their intent and concurrently register for SBS 126 Local Engagement – Honors, which is a zero credit co-requisite that requires several reflective writing assignments related to the experience. The Director maintains a list of service opportunities and will monitor volunteer hours.
Beta Alpha Psi service events: Beta Alpha Psi members who intend to volunteer 20 hours or more of community service in one semester may opt to count that toward the Local Engagement Requirement. They should notify the BAP faculty advisor of their intent and concurrently register for SBS 127 Local Engagement – Beta Alpha Psi, which is a zero credit co-requisite that requires several reflective writing assignments related to the experience. The faculty advisor will monitor volunteer hours.
There are many other options possible. A wide range of experiences may meet the learning goals for the Local Engagement Requirement that are not covered by the options above. These include, but are not limited to: internships, practicum or fieldwork assignments in not-for-profits or local schools; academic research projects or independent studies working directly with a local population; and volunteer or service projects sponsored by professional, religious or other organizations.
To propose an alternative experience that meets the learning goals for the Local Engagement Requirement, students should submit a completed Petition Form for Local or Global Engagement BEFORE beginning the experience in order to verify if their proposed option will count. Students may be required to submit additional documentation, site supervisor contact information, and/or proof of involvement. If approved, students would be cleared to register for SBS 130 Local Engagement – general. This zero credit co-requisite requires several reflective writing assignments related to the experience. If it is not to be done concurrent with the experience, the petition may be denied.
Learning Goals |
Learning Objectives Upon completion of the BSBA, each student will be able to... |
Demonstrate information literacy, use analytical reasoning in problem-solving and decision-making situations, understand and employ theories, processes, and systems, and think and reflect critically. (Critical and Analytical Thinking) |
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Effectively articulate the role of ethics in management. (Ethics) |
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Indicate an understanding of how culture, economic and political issues differ across countries. (Global Awareness) |
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Be able to effectively communicate in oral form. (Oral Communication) |
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Communicate effectively in writing. (Written Communication) |
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Demonstrate an understanding of the core business and strategic concepts involved in management. (Depth of Knowledge of BSBA Core) |
All Accounting, Finance and Information Systems majors complete a required non-credit practicum (formerly called the experiential component). Business Economics, Entrepreneurship, Management, Marketing and Global Business majors have no required internship. However, we encourage these students to take advantage of the major elective option if they wish to receive academic credit for an internship experience. Refer to your specific major's web pages or catalog page for details. Students who wish to receive credit for a subsequent internship should ask an advisor for details.