Business Administration Major
Economics Major
Business Administration Minor
Economics Minor
Equine Studies Minor
Accounting Emphasis
Finance Emphasis
Financial Economics Emphasis
International Commerce Emphasis
Marketing Emphasis
Organization Management Emphasis
Administration Management Concentration
Degree Type Offered: B.A. Major
BUS-120 Survey of Business
Credits: 3 Term Offered: Fall and Spring
Introduces a variety of business principles and practices as a foundation for students majoring in Business Administration and for non-business majors interested in acquiring basic understanding of the business world. Addresses aspects of leadership and personal assessment and development through a semester-long business plan project, helping students to assess their interest in and aptitude for various business disciplines.
MATH-140 Introduction to Statistics
Basic descriptive statistics, probability, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression. Statistical computer software is used to analyze data. Prerequisites: MATH-118, MATH-110, MATH-115, or satisfactory performance on placement test
ECON-200 Principles of Macroeconomics
Introduces scarcity, opportunity cost, and supply and demand analysis, with special emphasis on aggregate economic growth, unemployment, inflation, and fiscal and monetary policies. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: social sciences
ECON-210 Principles of Microeconomics
Analysis of individual choice and market behavior, with special emphasis on price and output relationships and the economics of the firm. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: social sciences
BUS-201 Principles of Accounting I
Accounting for sole proprietorships and corporations, accounting records, processing accounting information and financial statement content.
BUS-202 Principles of Accounting II
Accounting for partnerships, time-value of money applications, cash flows, budgeting, cost determination, responsibility accounting, and decision-driven financial information. Prerequisite: BUS-201
BUS-211 Principles of Finance
An introduction to corporate finance. It introduces how companies invest in real assets, raise funds to pay for investments, and how investments affect the value of firms. It provides an overview of capital markets, the role of financial institutions in the economy and how securities are traded and valued by investors. The course introduces ways to think analytically about financial issues that firms and individuals will likely encounter. Prerequisites: BUS-120 and MATH-140
BUS-300 Principles of Organization Management
General overview of the principles of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling human and other resources for the achievement of an organization's goals. Examines the impact and role of communication, motivation, group dynamics, and organization culture, conflict and change as the context for current management practices. Uses written and oral reports to develop student writing and speaking skills. Prerequisites: BUS-120, ENG-110 or permission of the instructor
BUS-310 Principles of Marketing
Explores the principles and practices of how goods, services, and ideas are developed and distributed in order to satisfy individual and organization needs, wants and objectives. Emphasis is placed on the micro-marketing perspectives including product, price, promotion and place. Prerequisites: BUS-120 and COMM-100, or permission of instructor; ECON-210 recommended but not required
BUS-330 Principles of Information Systems
Introduction to information system theory and application with special emphasis on information systems design in the functional areas of management, marketing, accounting, and operations management. Prerequisites: BUS-202 and-300, MATH-140 Credit may not be received for both BUS-330 and CIS-250
BUS-340 Management Science
Introduces essential quantitative techniques and their use in business decision-making, including decision analysis, forecasting, linear programming, project scheduling, inventory cost minimization, and queuing analysis. Emphasis on the practical application of these techniques to production and operations management and other business problems. Prerequisites: BUS-300 and MATH-140 or permission of instructor
-or-
BUS-385 Cost Management
Credits: 3 Term Offered: Spring Only
Preparation and utilization of financial information for internal management purposes with emphasis placed on cost behavior, cost determination, and the development of information for planning and control purposes. Prerequisites: BUS-202 and MATH-140 Offered alternate years: 2020-2021
BUS-350 Business Law
The U.S. legal and regulatory environment, including the sources of law; the resolution of disputes; the Uniform Commercial Code; the laws of torts, contracts, agency, partnerships, corporations, employment, and equal opportunity; and laws regulating competition. Prerequisite: BUS-120, ENG-110, and junior or senior standing
BUS-422X Entrepreneurship
Emphasizes general principles of entrepreneurship and small business management for students interested in developing their own business. Provides practical experience through service learning, written and oral reports. Prerequisites: COMM-100 and BUS-200 or BUS-202, BUS-300, BUS-310, and junior or senior standing; BUS-315 is recommended to be taken prior to or concurrently with the course FILA general education: experiential learning Additional costs associated with travel.
BUS-478X Strategic Management
A seminar-style capstone course for Business Administration majors that integrates the functional areas of business (accounting, finance, management, and marketing) through analysis, forecasting, and developing solutions to complex business scenarios. The course uses a combination of readings, discussion, case studies, and a team-based computer simulation to focus on managing strategically and responsibly. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW, COMM-100, BUS-300, BUS-310, BUS-320, BUS-330, BUS-340 or BUS-385, BUS-350, and senior standing; or permission of instructor FILA general education: experiential learning
Plus 6 additional credit hours in ECON or BUS courses numbered 300 or above
Credits for BUS or ECON-480X, ECON-490, ECON-491 and ECON-499 may not be applied to the requirements for the major in business administration.
Students double-majoring in business administration and economics are not eligible to select the business track for the economics major.
ECON-300 Money & Banking
Credits: 3 Term Offered: Fall Only
Focuses on the financial system, determinants of interest rates, structure and regulation of the banking system, the Federal Reserve System, and monetary policy and it's impact on aggregate economic activity and inflation. Prerequisite: ECON-200
ECON-330 Government & Business
Discussion of the role of government and market forces in promoting economic efficiency, focusing on antitrust policy, economic regulation, and socio-economic engineering. Prerequisite: ECON-200 or ECON-210
ECON-400 Intermediate Macroeconomics Theory
Analyzes economic growth, business cycles, and the impact of economic institutions and policies on aggregate economic performance and living standards. Prerequisite: ECON-200
ECON-410 Intermediate Microeconomics Theory
Theoretical and applied development of consumer choice, firm behavior, price and income determination, market behavior, and government policy. Prerequisite: ECON-210
ECON-440 International Economics
Theory of international economic interrelationships, including trade, finance, and monetary policies and institutions. Prerequisite: ECON-200 or ECON-210 FILA general education: global dynamics
ECON-460 Senior Seminar
Capstone course for majors in Economics. Investigates selected economic issues, policies, and problems, and introduces regression methods used to test economic hypotheses. Students conduct quantitative research, collect data, formulate and test hypotheses, and present their results. Prerequisites: ECON-400 and ECON-410 and senior standing, or permission of instructor
Plus 15 additional credits in ECON courses numbered 300 or above, or 9 additional credits in ECON course numbered 300 or above and one of the following tracks:
Business Track
Consists of 6 credit hours (2 three-credit courses), selected from:
Government Policy Track
PSCI-210 Politics & Government in the United States
Introduction to American politics, covering the development of American democracy, relations between the states and the federal government, elections, the role of the media, the three branches of national government, and current public policy. Corequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: social sciences
PSCI-230 Introduction to Global Politics
Introduces students to the world as a site of political activity. Examines institutions and processes on a global scale. Topics include sovereignty, power, globalization, war, multilateral institutions, the environment, trade, development, poverty and a variety of current events. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: global dynamics
PSCI-420W International Law & Organization
Explores the nature of international law and its similarities and differences with domestic law. Examines the institutions, rules, and organizations that provide the context for global interactions in an increasingly globalizing world. Case studies include issues such as human rights, the International Criminal Court, the World Trade Organization and the World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and ENG-110 FILA general education: writing intensive Offered alternate years
Graduate School Preparation Track
Consists of 6 credit hours (2 three-credit courses):
MATH-131 Calculus I
Study of differential calculus of a single variable. Applications of the derivative are made to curve sketching, max-min problems, and linear approximation, and I'Hopital's Rule. Also included are applications of the Intermediate Value Theorem and Mean Value Theorem. Credit may not be received for both MATH 130 and 131. Prerequisites: MATH-120 or satisfactory performance on placement test
MATH-132 Calculus II
Study of integral calculus of a single variable. Included are techniques of integration and numerical methods of integration. Applications of the integral are made to computing area, volume, arc length, and selected topics. Prerequisite: MATH-131
Students who choose this option should consider taking additional courses beyond MATH-132 as well.
Credits for ECON-480X, ECON-490, ECON-491 and ECON-499 may not be applied to the requirements for the major in economics.
Degree Type Offered: Minor
Plus 3 additional credit hours in ECON or BUS courses numbered 300 or above
Credits for BUS or ECON-480X, ECON-490, ECON-491 and ECON-499 may not be applied to the requirements for the minor in business administration.
Plus 9 additional credits in ECON courses numbered 300 or above
Credits for ECON-480X, ECON-490, ECON-491 and ECON-499 may not be applied to the requirements for the minor in economics.
BUS-212 Equine Farm and Stable Management
Credits: 4 Term Offered: Spring Only
Preventative health maintenance, facility management and basic sound business practices. Topics on horse selection, sanitation, routine veterinary practices, nutrition and supplements, equipment recognition and selection, facilities design, hoof care and furriery, exercise physiology, liability issues and insurance selection. Lecture and laboratory times required.
EQU-111 Introduction to Equine Science
Survey of history, breeds, characteristics, colors, disciplines, health care, facilities, equipment, anatomy, reproduction, nutrition, management and careers in equine science and industry.
EQU-211 Equine Development & Behavior
History of the horse, appreciation of the evolutionary development of the horse, including mental and physical capabilities, and the instincts which guide the horse to self-preservation.
EQU-329 Practicum
Credits: 2 Term Offered: All Terms
Practicum experience consistent with the career objectives of the student. One hundred hours of competency based work in an environment relevant to the student's chosen discipline.
Three additional courses chosen from:
BUS-358 Equine Business Management
Examination of basic business practices including business plan development, record-keeping, professional ethics, liability, insurance, resource management, evaluating and selecting staff, competitive pricing, identifying regional demographics, advertising, grant design and community development, and building a client base.
EQU-220 Theories Riding
Explanation of theories involved in the development of the riding skills necessary to become successful riders in selected disciplines. Focus on hunter seat equitation but will also identify the differences in riding styles and techniques among disciplines. Identification of the common riding faults and how those faults affect the horses' way of moving. Offered alternate years
EQU-331 Conformation: Form and Function
Demonstration of the relationship between the horse's conformation and its function or performance including methods of evaluation, confirmation in relation of usability, performance requirements of various breeds, and the methods of judging. Two lecture hours and two hours of practical application per week. Prerequisites: EQU-111 Offered alternate years: 2021-2022
EQU-350X International Equine Breeding, Training and Management
Credits: 3 Term Offered: May Term
This course is designed to enhance students' understanding of global equine industry management, training, and breeding facilities. Students will have an opportunity to study and evaluate equine selection of breeding stock and young prospects internationally. This course will travel to a selection of international breeding facilities located in the UK and Europe. In addition, the class will allow students to make equine industry contacts. The focus will be on comparison of international horses to American bred horses, concentrating on breeding stock and training stock selection; as well as how each of those practices are managed. Prerequisites: ENG-110, EQU-111 and EQU-211, or permission of instructor FILA general education: experiential learning
EQU-364 Judging and Course Design
Introduction to the process and systems involved in judging hunters, jumpers and hunter seat equitation including how to set up a judge's card, how to identify style strengths and error, the symbols used to record a performance on the card, and how to arrive at an order of award. Additionally, exploration of the design and building of hunter and jumper courses with special emphasis on the suitability of the design to skill level of competitors and level of horses involved. Offered alternate years: 2020-2021
EQU-401 Training & Schooling
Selection of suitable hunter/jumper prospects as well as teaching basic methods used in breaking horses, selecting facilities, equipment, over fences gymnastics, educating young or problem horses, preparation for horse shows, and the identification of necessary characteristics, personality traits and abilities to become a successful trainer in the horse world of today. Requires a two-hour lecture and two hours of practical application per week. Prerequisites: ES-185
This minor is designed as an excellent adjunct for students studying business, biology or pre-veterinary medicine. In addition, students interested in pursuing further study and/or careers in various equine fields will benefit from the addition of this minor to their curriculum. Facilities used in support of the equine studies minor include the Bridgewater College stables located on the eastern edge of the campus and the Bridgewater College Equestrian Center, located several miles southeast of campus and the home stable for the Bridgewater College Equestrian Program.
A student pursuing the equine studies minor is required to take many classes to fulfill the minor off-site at the Bridgewater College Equestrian Center (BCEC). It is the responsibility of the student to secure transportation to the BCEC.
Degree Type Offered: Emphasis
BUS-371 Intermediate Accounting I
A two-course examination of financial accounting issues. BUS 371 focuses on accounting theory, FASB's conceptual framework, GAAP & IFRS presentations for financial statements. Prerequisite: BUS-202
BUS-372 Intermediate Accounting II
A two-course examination of financial accounting issues. BUS 372 examines time-value of money applications, liabilities, leases, pensions and post-retirement obligations, stockholders' equity, earnings per share, accounting changes, correcting accounting errors, and comprehensive statements of cash flows. Prerequisite: BUS-371
BUS-381 Federal Tax Accounting I
Introduction to the federal tax structure, emphasizing accounting for personal income taxes, including preparation of individual income tax returns. Highlights working with tax law, determining personal and dependency exemptions, gross income, deductions, losses, depreciation, and tax credits. Prerequisite: BUS-202 Offered alternate years: offered 2020-2021
BUS-400 Advanced Accounting
Accounting for partnerships, business combinations, state and local governments, private not-for-profit organizations and other selected topics. Prerequisites: BUS-372 or permission of instructor Offered alternate years: 2020-2021
BUS-405 Auditing
Theory and practice of auditing: the techniques, standards, legal environment, and ethics of the public accounting profession. Emphasis is placed on the study of internal controls, and compliance and substantive tests of functional cycles within the firm, audit reports, accounting and review services, and other attestation services. Prerequisite: BUS-372
Majors pursuing careers in public accounting?To sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in Virginia, the Virginia Board of Accountancy requires candidates to accumulate these minimums:
120 credit hours in a baccalaureate degree that includes: 30 credit hours of accounting courses, and 24 credit hours of (non-accounting ) business courses.
To comply with Virginia Board of Accountancy eligibility rules, students should supplement the accounting emphasis with at least two of the following courses:
BUS-370 Forensic and Investigative Accounting
Introduction to the challenging field of forensic and investigative accounting. Topics include introduction to forensic and investigative accounting, forensic accounting education, institutions, and specialties, fraudulent financial reporting, detecting fraud in financial reporting, employee fraud, methods of reconstructing income, money laundering, litigation services provided by accountants, proper evidence management, computing economic damages, computer forensics, profiling the cybercriminal, cybercrime management, cybercrime loss valuations, and business valuations. Prerequisites: BUS-202 Offered alternate years: 2020-2021
BUS-382 Federal Tax Accounting II
Emphasizes accounting for preparing corporate, partnership, gift, estate, and trust returns. Focuses on corporate operating rules, organization, capital structure, distributions, S Corporation limitations, exempt entities, and tax administration and practice. Prerequisites: BUS-202 Offered alternate years: 2021-2022
BUS-448 Financial Statement Analysis and Equity Valuation
Capstone course for the finance emphasis focusing on strategic issues such as capital budgeting, the cost of capital, capital structure, dividend policy, and debt and equity financing. Case studies are used to develop analytical skills and enhance student understanding of the practical application of financial theory. Prerequisites: BUS-320 or concurrent enrollment in BUS-371 Offered alternate years: 2021-2022
To become a licensed CPA in Virginia, the Virginia Board of Accountancy requires candidates to complete 150 credit hours of education, plus the full-time equivalent of one year of relevant accounting experience.
CPA licensing requirements vary by state. If you plan to pursue CPA licensure outside Virginia, please visit that state?s Board of Accountancy website for that state?s requirements.
Consists of 18 credit hours. Majors in business administration may pursue an emphasis in finance. 6 credits from the emphasis may be applied to the requirements for the major.
BUS-430 Investments
Introduction to security selection and portfolio management in global financial markets, including the theoretical and practical aspects of asset allocation and stock and bond valuation. Prerequisite: BUS-202 or permission of the instructor Offered alternate years: 2020-2021
Students choosing to double major in economics and business administration may not earn both the financial economics emphasis in economics and the finance emphasis in business administration.
BUS-468 Contemporary Issues in Business
A senior seminar for the marketing, organization management and international emphases designed to help students integrate knowledge from general education, major and emphasis courses with current professional issues. Focus placed on issues such as international marketing, employee relations and other cross-cultural concerns; effects of cross-country financial, legal political, media and transportation variations; interpersonal vs. virtual work environments; e-commerce; professional ethics; adapting and strengthening corporate culture in dynamic environments; and integrating functional and geographic business strategies. Prerequisites: senior standing in the business administration major or permission of instructor
Plus 6 credits from two of the following electives:
BUS-305X International Business and Entrepreneurship
Examines the importance of fostering entrepreneurship as the key to economic, social, and intellectual development in a myriad of cultural settings and economic/political systems around the globe. This course will include a field study approach with visits to embassies and the World Bank on a one week trip to Washington, D.C. Prerequisites: COMM-100 and two courses from ECON-200, ECON-210, PSY-101 and SOC-101 FILA general education: experiential learning
BUS-365X Cross-Cultural Issues in Business
Explores cultural differences in business practices. Combines international travel and experiential learning with classroom discussion and reflection to enrich students' educational experience. The travel portion of the course provides opportunities for direct communication with business leaders in the selected location, facility tours, and attending business lectures at local universities. Travel destinations include Europe, South America, Japan and China. On campus, students actively reflect on cross-cultural similarities and differences in the conduct of business, cross-cultural business issues, and ways to become more sensitive to the complexities, relationships, and dialogues among different cultures. May be taken more than once provided a different location is selected each time. Prerequisites: ENG-110 and permission of instructor FILA general education: experiential learning
COMM-333X Europe Media and Culture
This course examines the historical similarities and differences between American media and European media. The course will involve approximately a week of classes on the Bridgewater campus prior to traveling to several locations throughout Europe. Three major themes will be explored: 1) the use of persuasion and propaganda techniques employed during World War II and the Cold War, 2) the development of the European television and film industry (prior to WWII and after it), and 3) issues of media conglomeration, globalization, and the influence of the American film and television industry on Europe. Cities that may be toured include: London, Munich, Prague, Berlin and Paris. (The exact cities to be visited will change each year based on availability of speakers, film festivals, and museum special exhibits.) Additional costs associated with travel. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: world cultures and experiential learning
COMM-334 Intercultural Communication
Theoretical and practical survey of intercultural communication processes. Examines intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and mass media dimensions of intercultural communication. The course specifically focuses on the distinctive cultural behaviors, expectations, values and power dynamics that affect our abilities to communicate effectively and people from diverse cultures. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: world cultures
FREN-202 Intermediate French I
Continued strengthening of the core skills with a practical approach. Emphasis given to augment professional competency in the language through career focused vocabulary and grammatical structures in key career fields. Modern cultural and literary texts are included. Prerequisite: FREN-201 or placement
FREN-340 French Culture and Civilization
Introduction to French culture and its Revolution. Emphasis is on the intellectual, artistic, political, social, economic, and educational factors. Taught in French. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW; and FREN-202 or permission of instructor FILA general education: world cultures
GER-202 Intermediate German II
Strengthening the skills of speaking, listening, reading, writing and culture at the intermediate level. Modern cultural and literary texts are included. Prerequisite: GER-201 or placement
HIST-356 East Asia
Survey of East Asia (China and Japan) from 1800 to the present. Emphasis is upon the different paths towards modernity taken by each society, the conflicts involved in the attainment of modernity, and the impact of the West during the period. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: world cultures Offered alternate years
PSCI/SOC-205 Global Identities
Interdisciplinary exploration of the power and dynamics of human similarities and differences on a global scale. Covers globalization from the perspective of identity and difference, and provides opportunities to question contemporary assumptions, values and patterns of behavior with the goal of making global interactions more constructive ad more peaceful. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: global dynamics
SPAN-202 Intermediate Spanish II
Continued strengthening of core skills with a practical approach. Emphasis given to augment professional competency in the language through career focused vocabulary and grammatical structures in key career fields. Modern cultural and literary texts are included. Prerequisites: SPAN-201 or placement
SPAN-345 Latin American Culture and Civilization
The historical development of Spanish-speaking and Latin America including consideration of geography as well as political, social, economic, intellectual, and artistic factors. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW, and SPAN-202 or permission of instructor FILA general education: world cultures
SOC-232 Campus Identities
Survey of identity-related issues and questions on college campuses today. Topics include college financing and student debt; race/ethnic relations and diversity initiatives; gender/sexuality violence and campus safety; and free speech and activism. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW
SOC-363 Cultures of Japan
An historical and cultural study of Japan, with particular attention to religion, government, and the arts. Consideration is given to daily life in Japan and current problems and changes. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and SOC-101 FILA general education: world cultures
SOC-365 Cultures of Africa
The racial, social, and cultural history of Africa in ancient and modern times. Attention is given to the impact of urbanization and to African responses to Western values and institutions as carried to the continent by the Colonial powers. Contemporary political and socioeconomic trends and problems. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and SOC-101 FILA general education: world cultures
SOC-361 Development and Underdevelopment in the Modern World
Dilemmas, tensions, and theoretical and policy issues related to the position of Third World countries in the modern world. Questions of urbanization, industrialization, modernization, westernization, and distribution of economic resources are discussed. Various theories of development and underdevelopment are critically examined. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and SOC-101 FILA general education: global dynamics
A world languages and cultures minor and participation in a one-semester cross-cultural experience are recommended. Students participating in a College-approved study abroad program or a similar approved international experience may apply up to 6 credits earned as part of their travel experience to the elective credits required above.
Consists of 18 credit hours. Majors in business administration may pursue an emphasis in marketing. 6 credits from the emphasis may be applied to the requirements for the major.
BUS-315 Marketing Research
Explores the scope of marketing research and its role in effective decision making. Students investigate, assess and conduct various types of quantitative and qualitative research, from surveys to focus groups. Prerequisites: MATH-140, BUS-310, and junior or senior standing
BUS-412W Professional Selling
Designed to develop student interaction and business skills with strategies relating to the personal selling side of marketing. Emphasis is placed on business-to-business and consumer selling strategies, as these skills are also applicable to retail selling and may be beneficial in enhancing skills necessary for selling ideas within the business, workplace, community at large or society in general. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW, ENG-110, BUS-300, BUS-310, or permission of instructor FILA general education: writing intensive
COMM-315 Persuasion
An introduction to major theories and key concepts of persuasion. Using both social science and rhetorical criticism students will learn how individuals/social movements/institutions create, adapt, and respond to persuasive messages. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of persuasive appeals based on the rhetorical situation. Throughout the course students will consider the ethical implications of persuasive strategies and contexts.
BUS-416W Advertising
A study of the wide varieties of non-personal ways an organization communicates with customers and other stakeholder groups. Primary emphasis is placed on traditional paid media. Internet and social media options are also reviewed, along with alternative advertising vehicles such as brochures, direct mail and point-of-sale contacts. Course content includes a review of the planning, design and production processes, as well as sample communications as an essential part of the learning process. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW, ENG-110, BUS-300, BUS-310, or permission of instructor FILA general education: writing intensive
Plus 6 credits from the following electives:
ART-322 Web Design and Development
Design and construct websites using current HTML and CSS standards and digital tools including Brackets, Dreamweaver and Photoshop. Emphasis on design process, content development and professional workflows.
BUS-414W Consumer Behavior
A study of purchasing patterns and habits of consumers (individual and business) from both societal and psychological sides; increases student understanding of how businesses develop marketing plans to appeal to recognized consumer needs, wants and characteristics. Emphasis is placed on observations in the retail environment including cultural, societal and personal preferences. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW, ENG-110, BUS-300, BUS-310, or permission of instructor FILA general education: writing intensive
COMM-347 Strategic Public Relations
This course will cover strategic planning and specialized public relations issues. Issues include risks, crisis management, social marketing campaigns, and corporate and non-profit communication. Students will learn and apply advanced public relations theories and skills to case studies and real-life situations. Prerequisites: COMM/PWR-255W and one of the following courses ART-322, ART-323, ART-344, ART-347
COMM-325 Communication in the Organization
Study and application of communication theories and principles in an organizational context. An explanation of organizational communication theories and principles will allow students to develop a theoretical and practical understanding of how communication affects the dynamics of the work environment. Emphasis will be placed on applying communication concepts to students' personal experience or participating in the organizational environment. Offered alternate years
COMM-327 Interpersonal Communication
Examines issues related to communication within personal and professional relationships. Students will develop theoretical and practical understandings of verbal and nonverbal communication, the role of technology in interpersonal communication and how interpersonal communication functions to develop, negotiate, maintain and terminate relationships.
COMM-332 American Television & Culture
Critical examination of the history of television and its influence on society. Includes exploration of the various methods of studying television. Topics covered include the development of the television industry, various television genres and the future of television. Special emphasis on the exploration of how television messages influence our views of social groups marked by gender, race, class, sexuality and age. Offered alternate years
COMM-335 Communicating Sex and Gender
Students will develop theoretical and practical understandings of the role of sex and gender in verbal and nonverbal communication, friendships, families, romantic relationships and professional relationships. This course also examines the issues of technology, health, power and violence as they related to sex and gender. Alternate years: offered 2019-2020
COMM-340 Representations of Gender, Race & Class
Examines the media's role in creating and re-creating our understanding of gender, race, and class. Includes a historical perspective, and traces how these representations have changed over time, the forces that have affected representations of gender, race and class, and the current state of their representation in the media. A field trip to at least one museum in Washington, D.C. is planned, depending upon exhibits available at the time (e.g. National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian's American History Museum). Alternate years: offered 2020-2021
COMM-345 Argumentation and Debate
This course provides students with a foundational knowledge of classical principles of oral rhetoric and modern theories of the conventions of argumentation. Students will engage in critical examination of issues and the use of argumentation of support and defend a position. Upon completion of this course students will be able to construct and evaluate factual, value and policy claims. Prerequisite: COMM-100 Alternate years: offered 2021-2022
COMM-349 Nonprofit Communication
This class examines the organizational structure of nonprofit and non-governmental organizations and their operations such as fund raising; social cause communication including advocacy; and leadership communication that strengthens the organization's mission. Students will prepare materials used by nonprofits - appeals, alerts, opinion letters or columns, online channels, speeches and event scripts, among others - evaluating effectiveness and adhering to ethical considerations. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and ENG 110
Required courses (6 credits):
BUS-420 Human Resource Management
Personnel administration from a managerial perspective, including recruitment, training and development, performance appraisal, compensation and motivation, employee/management relations, and various legal and regulatory issues. Prerequisite: BUS-300
One course from the following (3 credits):
PHIL-320E Professional Ethics
Pressing issues confronting professionals in a technological era. Utilizing the insights of philosophical and religious ethics, the course examines the responsibilities of the professional person in business, medicine, law education, the ministry, and other fields. Problems considered include confidentiality, accountability, whistleblowing, governmental regulation, and ethical codes. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and ENG 110 and junior or senior standing FILA general education: philosophy or religion and ethical reasoning
PHIL-322EW Ethics and Identity
Introduces ethical issues related to gender, race, and class. Surveys the development of identity-related critiques of traditional ethical theories and examines how the concept of "the good life" is related to identity. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and ENG-110 and SOC-101 or PSCI/SOC-205 FILA general education: philosophy or religion, ethical reasoning and writing intensive Offered alternate years
PHIL-340E Environmental Ethics
Examines the historical development of environmental ethics in the U.S., major ethical approaches to contemporary environmental issues, and the application of those theories to particular topics such as ecojustice, biodiversity, and global warming. Readings will be drawn from a wide range of sources, from ancient scripture to current news reports. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW; ENG-110; and one of the following courses: BIOL-100, BIOL-101, BIOL-110, CHEM-102 or CHEM-161 FILA general education: philosophy or religion and ethical reasoning
One or two courses from the following (3 or 6 credits):
ECON-310 U.S. Economics & Business History
Traces the growth and development of the U.S. economy and economic institutions from the Colonial era to the present with special emphasis on key institutions and events, such as slavery, industrialization, the rise of big business and the Great Depression. Prerequisite: ECON-200 or ECON-210 FILA general education: global dynamics Offered online 2020 summer session III
ECON-320 Labor Economics
Analysis of labor market supply and demand, wages and salaries, collective bargaining, discrimination, and macroeconomic implications of labor market issues. Prerequisite: ECON-200 or ECON-210 Offered alternate years: 2020-2021
(The major capstone course cannot be listed on this plan of emphasis.)
ES-456 Management Concepts in Health Care
Concepts of administration such as devising policy and procedures, record-keeping, budgeting, facility design, risk management and productivity standards for healthcare professionals. (Cross-listed AT-556)
PSCI-380 Public Administration
Examination of the most pressing domestic issues confronting American society in the 21st century and the institutions and legal regimes developed to administer public policy. Topics include health care, education, criminal justice, social welfare policies, immigration, environmental issues, organizational theory, bureaucratic management and budgeting. Emphasizes active learning with simulations, debates, and engagement with public policy and public administration professionals. Offered alternate years
SOC/PHIL-367 Conflict Transformation
Broad introduction to the field, familiarizes students with conflict and practical approaches to its transformation. Personal communication and conflict styles, negotiation skills, interpersonal mediation, and facilitation of group decision-making and problem-solving strategies are examined. Participation in discussions, exercises, analyses, role-plays and simulations frame the course. In addition to the regularly scheduled meeting times, one Saturday session is included. Prerequisite: SOC-101
Degree Type Offered: Concentration
And any two from the following list:
CIS-250 Introduction to Information Systems
Offers a general approach to the use of Information Systems in management, education, and government. Topics include computer terminology, data communications, system design, computer ethics, human-to-computer interfaces, and computer based decision support systems. Credit may not be received for both BUS-330 and CIS-250. Prerequisite: CIS-103 or permission of instructor
CIS-350 Database Management
This course presents concepts and applications of database management systems. Topics include physical and logical data organization, various database models, query languages, design concerns, integrity and security, and management issues. MS Access will be used for assignments. Prerequisites: CIS-250 or BUS-330 or permission of the instructor
PSCI-215 Introduction to Public Policy
A comprehensive introduction to the process of developing, implementing and evaluating public policy. Covers the policy process in both theoretical and practical terms including the structure of institutions, decisions made throughout the process, and consequences of decision-making or non-decision-making. Areas of public policy addressed include criminal justice policy, regulatory policy, and healthcare advocacy and policy. Corequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: social sciences
PSCI-390 Public Policy
Examination of the development and implementation of public policy with an emphasis on understanding change in policy regimes over time and the variety of regulatory mechanisms. Students research public policy on a topic of their choosing such as agriculture, social welfare, health care or environment. Offered alternate years
The concentration is not available to economics majors pursuing the business track, business administration majors or business administration minors.
BUS-105 Exploring Sustainability in Organization
Exploratory course in three dimensions of sustainable organizations: people, planet and profit. Emphasizes sustainability of an organization's social, environmental and economic impacts, exploring these both individually and altogether. Additional cost associated with travel.
BUS-110 Personal Finance
How to manage personal income and wealth through personal financial, tax, retirement and estate planning, personal budgeting, banking alternatives, consumer credit, insurance, home buying and investments.
BUS-115 History of Advertising
This course is a study of advertising, its roles in business, and its impacts on society, including such topics as the development of the middle class and the rise of mass consumption; lifestyle changes; changing gender roles in the family, workplace, and society as a whole; consumerism; government regulation of business; and ethical concerns about business practices. Focusing largely, but not exclusively, on advertising in the American experience, this course will explore advertising from multidisciplinary perspectives to produce a broad-based understanding of how advertising has had an impact on, and been impacted by, business, not-for-profit and public causes, societal values, politics, and other aspects of everyday life.
BUS-200 Figuring Your Small Business
Introduces the basic financial concepts and tools needed to run a business "by the numbers," focusing on using financial reports to analyze business activity, monitor financial performance, and budget for upcoming plans. Credit may not be received for both BUS 200 and BUS 201
BUS-205 Business Practicum
Credits: 1 Term Offered: Fall and Spring
Skills-and-theory based class that helps students apply critical thinking to make a difference in their community and the world by developing projects that impact the lives of others. Students are given a chance to develop leadership, organizational, communication and teamwork skills, while also enhancing project management and creative skills. Work includes a minimum of three hours outside the class and one hour inside each week. Course may be repeated for a total of 3 credits. Prerequisite: permission of instructor
BUS-345 Supply Chain Management
Examines supply chain management processes as they apply to both service and manufacturing organizations, with special consideration given to identifying ways in which the strategic use of supply chain management can create competitive advantages for firms. Topics covered include logistics, inventory management, sales and operations planning, sourcing and purchasing processes, materials planning, TQM, JIT, lean processes, and technology-enhanced supply chain processes. Requires travel throughout the Shenandoah Valley to participate in plant tours and other field experiences. Additional cost associated with travel. Prerequisites: BUS-330 and BUS-340, and junior or senior standing, or permission of instructor
BUS-360 Venture Creation
This course is a dynamic learning and business development experience focused on the professional development of young entrepreneurs. Students will develop their own creative ideas, and use the rigorous lean startup protocol to design a specific business model to launch and scale (theoretically for class purposes only, or in the real world). Emphasis is placed on the lean startup and customer development principles (e.g. innovative business models, scientific approach, hypothesis testing, rapid iteration, minimum viable product, problem-solution fit, customer discovery process and agile development). Prerequisites: BUS-120 or permission of instructor; junior standing recommended
BUS-480X Internship
Credits: 3 Term Offered: All Terms
Provides an opportunity for a student to gain field experience in an area related to the student's program of study or career goals. The learning objectives for internships include connecting academic knowledge and problem-solving processes to experiences and problems in professional settings. Supervision of an intern is provided by an appropriate faculty member and by a site supervisor of the agency or business in which the student is an intern. A student who wishes to engage in an internship must consult with the appropriate faculty member at least eight weeks in advance of the start of the term in which the internship is to be completed. A description of the internship, signed by the student and the faculty sponsor, must be filed with the director of internships by the first day of the semester prior to the start of the internship. Approval of each application for an internship is made by the director of internships based upon approved policies and guidelines. Internships are graded on an S or U basis. Students must complete 120 hours of internship-related work as well as weekly journal entries and a final reflective paper completed in accordance with approved requirements. A student may enroll in an internship program for 3 credits per semester, and internship credit may be earned in subsequent semesters subject to the limitations that no more than two internships may be pursued in any one agency or business and a maximum of 9 credits in internships may be applied toward graduation. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW, junior or senior standing, and a minimum 2.0 grade point average FILA general education: experiential learning
BUS-490 Independent Study
Upon approval of the department and the division head, a student with a cumulative grade point average of 2.20 or better may engage in an independent study or research project. One desiring to pursue independent study or research must submit a written description of the proposed work to the chair of the appropriate department and to the appropriate division head prior to the last day of the drop and add period for the semester in which the study is to be conducted. At the end of the semester, the supervising professor files with the registrar a grade for the student and a description of the work accomplished. Credit may be received for no more than three independent studies or research projects.
BUS-491 Research
Upon approval of the department and the division head, a student with a cumulative grade point average of 2.20 or better may engage in an independent study or research project. One desiring to pursue independent study or research must submit a written description of the proposed work to the chair of the appropriate department and to the appropriate division head prior to the last day of the drop and add period for the semester in which the study is to be conducted. At the end of the semester, the supervising professor files with the registrar a grade for the student and a description of the work accomplished. Credit may be received for not more than three independent studies or research projects.
BUS-499 Honors Project
An honors project is one in which a student researches a subject, by examination of relevant literature or by experimentation or both; the student reports the results in an accurately documented and well-written paper or appropriate representation of the work. Whenever the study deals with the subject of an established course, the student is expected to go well beyond the usual work of the course in research and in assimilation of the results as revealed in the report. Juniors and seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 3.40 or above may register for an honors project. One desiring to pursue an honors project must submit a written description of his or her proposed work to the chair of the appropriate department and to the appropriate division head prior to the last day of the drop and add period for the semester in which the study is to be conducted. Upon the completion of the honors project, the student must present an oral defense of his or her project. The final grade must include a satisfactory performance on the oral defense, assessed by a three-faculty member team. The project advisor will authorize the make-up of the oral defense team and will assign the final grade on the project. The honors project title will be noted on the student's transcript. It is the student's responsibility to provide a copy of the written paper or appropriate representation of the work to the library in compliance with specifications approved by the Council on Education. The library director arranges for binding and storage.
ECON-305 Contemporary Economic Issues
Discussion of contemporary economic issues from conservative, liberal, and radical perspectives. Topics include both macroeconomic and microeconomic issues. Prerequisite: ECON-200 or ECON-210 Offered alternate years: 2020-2021
ECON-327 Economics and the Environment
Examines the economic causes and consequences of environmental problems and evaluates market-based and nonmarket solutions for them, with special emphasis on pollution, overpopulation, resource depletion and sustainability. Prerequisite: ECON-200 or ECON-210 Offered alternate years
ECON-420 Development of Economic Thought
Traces the evolution of economic thought from ancient times to the present with special emphasis on Adam Smith, the classical school, socialism, Marx, marginalism, the neoclassical school, Keynes and Friedman. Prerequisite: ECON-200 or ECON-210 FILA general education: philosophy or religion Offered alternate years: 2021-2022
ECON-480X Internship
ECON-490 Independent Study
ECON-491 Research
ECON-499 Honors Project
EQU-306 Equine Lameness and Disease
Introduction to common lameness and diseases of the horse. Differentiate between true emergencies and those situations which can be handled by the trained layperson, working knowledge of health requirements for equines, ability to design a plan for wellness and emphasis on effective communication with veterinary practitioners. Offered alternate years: 2021-2022
EQU-499 Honors Project