Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Archive 2018-2019

Academic Catalog Archive 2018-2019

BSBA Degree Requirements Archive 2018-2019

The completion of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree includes:

  • A minimum of 124 semester hours of coursework and satisfaction of all degree requirements;
  • 2.0 overall cumulative average;
  • 2.0 average in major and minor fields of study;
  • A minimum of 30 semester hours of business coursework must be completed at Suffolk University; and,
  • An overall minimum of 45 semester hours of coursework must be completed at Suffolk University to be eligible to be considered for degree.

Students are responsible for knowing and complying with specific degree requirements. Any exception to the Program of Study requires written approval from the Sawyer Business School Dean's Office.

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.


Freshman Year Requirements Archive 2018-2019

Prerequisites:

ENT-101 to be taken concurrently or previously. SBS students with 30 credits or less only. CAS students by special permission.

Credits:

1.00

Description:

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.

Credits:

4.00

Description:

Study and practice of the writing process and revision in terms of expository writing modes for an academic audience.

Prerequisites:

WRI-101 or ENG-099 with at least a B and ENG-P099 with a P or WRI-H103

Credits:

4.00

Description:

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.

Credits:

3.00

Description:

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.

Creativity and Innovation: 3 credits

Numerous courses are offered to meet this requirement. Search for course options by using the course type "CI."

Math 4 credits

Choose one based on your Math placement score:

Prerequisites:

MATH level 2, or Mathshop, or MATH-104

Credits:

4.00

Description:

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)

Prerequisites:

MATH-104, or MATH-121, or MATH level 3

Credits:

4.00

Description:

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.

Prerequisites:

MATH-104, MATH-121 or MATH level 4

Credits:

4.00

Description:

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.

Prerequisites:

MATH-121 with a minimum grade of C, MATH-075, or MATH level 5

Credits:

4.00

Description:

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.

Requirements Also Recommended to be Taken During the Freshman Year

Social, Cultural, and Global Perspectives (1 course)

Numerous courses are offered that will meet this requirement. Search for course options by using the course type, "PERSP."

Globalization Requirement

Choose one of the three (3) courses offered to meet this requirement. However, Global Business majors must take SIB 101. All other BSBA students may choose from the following:

Credits:

3.00

Description:

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.

Credits:

4.00

Description:

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.

Credits:

4.00

Description:

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.

Sophomore Year Requirements Archive 2018-2019

Prerequisites:

SBS 100 or SBS-H100. MKT-210 (concurrently or previously).

Credits:

1.00

Description:

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.

Prerequisites:

MKT-210. WRI-102 or WRI-H103. SBS 300(concurrently or previously)

Credits:

3.00

Description:

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.

Prerequisites:

MATH-128 or higher and WRI-102 or WRI-H103 or SBS-220

Credits:

3.00

Description:

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.

Prerequisites:

ACCT-201

Credits:

3.00

Description:

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.

Prerequisites:

Take MKT-210 or MKT-H210; and STATS-240 or STATS-250

Credits:

3.00

Description:

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.

Requirements Also Recommended to be Taken During the Sophomore Year

Requirements to be Completed by End of Junior Year Archive 2018-2019

Prerequisites:

SBS 200. SBS 220(concurrently or previously) Prerequisite will be waived with 45 or more transfer credits from another institution. SBS students only. CAS students by special permission.

Credits:

1.00

Description:

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.

Prerequisites:

Non CAS majors need to have completed at least 15 credits.

Credits:

3.00

Description:

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.

Prerequisites:

MGT 217 (formerly MGT 317); does not count toward the Management Major, nor the minor for BSBA students

Credits:

3.00

Description:

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.

Credits:

3.00

Description:

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.

Prerequisites:

ENT-101(formerly SBS 101) and ISOM-201 and at least 54 credits

Credits:

3.00

Description:

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.

Requirements to be Completed by End of Senior Year Archive 2018-2019

Prerequisites:

Take SBS-300. 90 credit hours required. SBS students only. CAS students by special permission.

Credits:

1.00

Description:

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.

Prerequisites:

FIN-200, ISOM-319, MGT-217, MKT-210; Senior standing. Honors students must register for SIB-H429.

Credits:

3.00

Description:

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.

Science, Technology and Engineering (4 credits)

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."

Additional Requirements Archive 2018-2019

Experiential Components to be Done Any Time

Global Engagement Experience

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.

Credits:

0.00

Description:

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.

Credits:

0.00

Description:

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.

Credits:

0.00

Description:

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.

Prerequisites:

Instructor's consent required

Credits:

0.00

Description:

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.

Credits:

0.00

Description:

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.

Prerequisites:

Instructor consent required

Credits:

0.00

Description:

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.

Credits:

0.00

Description:

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.

[Note: each noncredit course above has a special purpose, carries no academic credit, does not require any tuition, and is graded pass/fail.]

Credit-Bearing Options

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 juniors 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 a historical 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 towards 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 towards 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 SBS Dean's Office a Petition Form for Global Engagement to to propose an alternative experience that meets the learning goals for the Global Engagement Requirement but that 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 will 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.

Local Engagement 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

Credits:

0.00

Description:

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.

Credits:

0.00

Description:

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.

Credits:

0.00

Description:

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.

Credits:

0.00

Description:

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.

Credits:

0.00

Description:

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.

Credits:

0.00

Description:

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.

[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 towards 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 towards 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 SBS Dean's Office a Petition Form for Global Engagement to propose an alternative experience that meets the learning goals for the Local Engagement Requirement but that 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 will 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.

Major Requirements Minimum (18-24 hours)

Other Credits and Free Electives: Credit Varies

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.

Internship/Practicum Requirement Archive 2018-2019

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.