College of Business
Office in Rockwell Hall, Room 125
(970) 491-6471
Professor Ajay Menon, Dean
Professor John Olienyk, Senior Associate Dean
Professor Susan Athey, Associate Dean
Professor John Hoxmeier, Associate Dean
MAJOR IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH CONCENTRATIONS IN
UNDERGRADUATE MINOR
The College of Business is accredited by the AACSB, the International Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Undergraduate and graduate programs offered include bachelor of science and master of science degrees in business administration as well as the master of business administration degree (MBA), master of accountancy (M.Acc.), and master of management practice (M.M.P.).
The programs of study offered provide functional business education in accounting, finance, information systems, finance, marketing, organization and innovation management, and real estate to undergraduates. The skills acquired help prepare students for entry-level positions in a wide range of both private and public enterprises and provide a solid foundation for further academic study. The program follows a philosophy of linking theory with practical application.
Study Abroad
Study abroad programs are available to students in the College of Business. Because the knowledge of at least one other culture is valuable in understanding our own, students are strongly encouraged to take a summer or semester to study outside the United States as part of their overall program at Colorado State University. Students interested in study abroad should plan far in advance by discussing opportunities with their academic adviser and by visiting the Office of International Programs in Laurel Hall or the Web site, http://www.international.colostate.edu/
Major in Business Administration
The College of Business prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to become effective leaders and decision makers in today’s dynamic business environment.
The four-year curriculum leads to a bachelor of science degree with a major in business administration. The program focuses on global orientation, technology, business processes, and corporate social responsibility.
Lower-division work provides a cultural and analytical foundation. Upper-division work provides specialized work in business disciplines to prepare students to enter their chosen fields in the business world. At the same time, the program develops the attitudes and analytical abilities required for future professional advancement.
The College of Business has a strong reputation among regional, national, and international employers. As a whole, graduates from the College of Business are better prepared to enter challenging positions. The program centers on an approach which emphasizes: knowledge of concepts, processes, and institutions; understanding of the financial, economic, legal, ethical, social, and organizational influences; information systems; and interpersonal communications. The senior capstone course offers an opportunity for students to apply these skills in a learning environment.
All undergraduate business majors must complete the All-University Core Curriculum as part of their graduation requirement. Coordinated with this general education, all business students take business core subjects plus a concentration with its specified course sequence. Fifty percent of the total credits required for the business core and concentration must be completed at Colorado State University.
Each student selects an area of concentration in one of the following fields: accounting, finance, information systems, marketing, organization and innovation management, or real estate. Additionally, students may qualify to teach business subjects at the secondary and postsecondary levels by completing the requirements for the business education and marketing education teacher licensure and credentialing program. Admission to teacher licensure is through the School of Education, College of Applied Human Sciences.
Admission
Direct entry as a new freshman or transfer to the College of Business is highly selective and only those students meeting academic requirements will be accepted. For details contact the Office of Admissions. Other students may be admitted to the College of Business provided conditions for admission have been met.
Colorado State and the College of Business use holistic review when determining eligibility for admission to the College of Business as a new freshman. An example of a strong candidate for admission to the College of Business is one who is actively involved in their high school and community, has at least a 3.5 GPA with a 1200 or higher on the SAT or a 27 or higher on the ACT. For current admission criteria, contact the CSU Office of Admissions.; New freshmen not admitted directly to the College of Business will be admitted as “Undeclared” and must meet the requirements below. To be eligible for admission to the College, CSU students (including Undeclared) must have a 3.000 cumulative GPA on a minimum of 15 graded credits at Colorado State and grades of B- or higher in ECON 202 and MATH 141.
External transfer students who have completed a minimum of 15 graded credits with MATH 141 and ECON 202 with grades of B- or higher and a 3.000 cumulative GPA will be admitted directly to the College.
External transfer students who do not meet the above criteria will be admitted to Undeclared and must complete the requirements stated above.
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
· Be proficient in the use of office productivity tools and have a broad understanding of the role of information technologies in organizations.
· Recognize the near-term and long-term legal and ethical issues related to customers, employees, shareholders, and larger communities in the development of sustainable business practices.
· Communicate effectively to a targeted audience, employing the correct channel of communication, and are able to professional present in appropriate written and oral presentation formats.
· Develop and demonstrate and understanding for the unique opportunities and challenges associated with global business practices.
· Have fundamental knowledge within business disciplines necessary to identify and solve business problems.
Course Requirements
The first two years of study include completion of the All-University Core Curriculum and the lower-division business core courses as outlined in the core curriculum below. Some lower-division specialized course work is required in the computer information systems concentration. Students must have junior or senior status and be admitted into the College of Business in order to take specialized course work in the business concentrations.
Core Curriculum
The following core curriculum sets the minimum course requirements for all business majors. With recommendations of the student’s adviser, supplementary courses are selected to meet the total minimum of 120 credits required for the bachelor of science degree.
The College of Business requires a minimum grade point average of 2.000 in business and economics courses as a graduation requirement. A student who has less than this average at the end of any term is subject to referral by the department head or college dean to the Faculty Council Committee on Scholastic Standards of the University for consideration of academic dismissal from the College of Business.
Minor in Business Administration
The College of Business offers a minor in business administration to students in other colleges. A minor in business administration will give students a basic understanding of the functional areas of business to add to their specific major area. Students can expect to develop competencies to understand the language of business and use these skills in businesses in a wide variety of majors.
DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING
Office in Rockwell Hall, Room 205
(970) 491-5102; (970) 491-2676 (fax)
Professor Barry L. Lewis, Chair
This program is designed to give students an understanding of the theory and practice of the major fields of accounting: financial reporting, managerial accounting, taxation, and auditing. Accountants provide financial information and documentation about businesses to managers, investors, creditors, and other interested parties. Accounting can be categorized into management accounting, which provides information for internal decision makers (e.g., managers); and financial accounting, which provides information for external decision makers (e.g., investors, analysts, and creditors).
Accounting is an ever-evolving field with growing importance in most businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Today, accountants are business leaders and participate in business decisions and strategy formulation. Accountants must be able to explain and analyze business data, excel in communications, teamwork, leadership, and possess technical and computer-based skills. The accountant in an increasingly global society is rapidly becoming both an information specialist as well as a business advisor. Accountants also act as the moral and ethical compass for business practices.
The accounting curriculum at Colorado State University satisfies current educational requirements to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Colorado. (Requirements to become a CPA are unique to each state and students should be aware of requirements of the state in which they intend to practice.) The curriculum also prepares students to become a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
The accounting curriculum is designed to meet the needs of those who seek professional education and training to practice as public, private, or governmental accountants, or expect to work in business managerial positions requiring an understanding of fundamental accounting concepts and principles. The curriculum offers considerable flexibility in designing a program of study that will meet a variety of career interests. In addition to the All-University Core Curriculum and the College of Business Core Curriculum, students are particularly encouraged to take additional course work in both finance and computer information systems.
Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate:
· Knowledge of the principles of auditing and attestation
· Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of financial accounting and reporting
· Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of managerial accounting and decision making
· Knowledge of taxation (federal, state, personal) and its application to business decisions
· Knowledge of business ethics and principles of social responsibility
· Knowledge of business organization, processes, and understanding of accounting-based systems integration issues
Potential Occupations
Some examples include, but are not limited to: accountant or auditor of publicly or privately held companies, government agencies, or not-for-profit institutions; consultant in firms providing professional management services; public, private, or personal tax specialist; financial analyst; finance and real estate planning; bank administration.
In addition to the business administration core courses, the following must be completed:
Business Education Option
Students interested in pursuing a teaching license through Colorado State University may refer to the School of Education section in the College of Applied Human Sciences chapter in this catalog for general information. Detailed information about the Educator Licensing Program and licensure requirements are available on the program’s Web site (http://soe.cahs.colostate.edu/Licensure) or in room 100 of the Education Building.
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Office in Rockwell Hall, Room 154
(970) 491-6203
Professor Jon Clark, Chair
Information Systems Concentration
This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of computer information systems along with the skills necessary for effective decision making in a business environment that is diverse, global, and highly competitive. The information systems curriculum provides students with a broad understanding of business and a sound foundation in computer fundamentals and programming, systems analysis and design, networking, database design and implementation, project management, Web applications, and systems integration. Graduates acquire an ability to apply computer technologies to solve business problems, providing a wide variety of career opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes in the CIS program use a tiered model based on year in school. Learning outcomes build on the previous year’s learning outcomes. Upon graduation all of the learning outcomes will be achieved.
Students will demonstrate:
· Ability to design, write, and test computer programs written in various computer languages by the end of their sophomore year.
· Ability to design, implement, and test a database; construct a project plan for technology implementation; understand, implement, and administer various network protocols and implementations by the end of their junior year.
· Ability to integrate and implement previously learned technologies in a Web-based environment by the time they graduate.
Potential Occupations
Computing-related careers are characterized by a rapid rate of change driven by technological developments. Participating in paid or voluntary work, internships, and cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended, to keep students abreast of new developments and to help them benefit from networking to enhance employment opportunities.
Examples of career opportunities include, but are not limited to: applications programmer; programmer/analyst; systems analyst; systems consultant; PC specialist; systems or network manager/administrator; database administrator; IT project manager; webmaster.
In addition to the business administration core courses, the following must be completed:
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE
Office in Rockwell Hall, Room 305
(970) 491-5062
Professor Vickie Bajtelsmit, Chair
This program is designed to provide undergraduate students with comprehensive knowledge to effectively apply financial quantitative skills in specific areas such as time value of money and risk analysis. Finance students learn to apply market concepts, security analysis, and forecasting to the management of financial assets. The field is complex, constantly evolving, and action oriented.
Finance refers to the financial management of businesses and the management of their investments. The finance program prepares students to make and defend decisions in financial planning, control, and policy. Students develop an understanding of the strategy and policies of financial institutions as well as the responses of firms to changing conditions in money and capital markets. The program also focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of corporate securities investment, mutual funds, and other investment instruments relevant to individual and institutional investors. Computer applications and disciplines such as economics, accounting, and statistics are extensively used to evaluate investment alternatives and to construct asset portfolios to meet private and public investment objectives.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the program, students will have demonstrated how to:
· Solve time value of money problems.
· Value securities.
· Measure and manage risk.
· Analyze the financial health of companies.
· Manage investment portfolios.
Potential Occupations
Finance students are prepared for a number of different careers in business. Internships and volunteer experiences enhance skills and marketability.
Examples of fields in which graduates can find finance-related occupations include, but are not limited to: commercial and investment banking; corporate finance; investments; portfolio management; financial analysis; securities analysis; loan analysis; insurance; stock brokerage; government banking and securities regulation; government finance; teaching and research.
In addition to the business administration core courses, the following must be completed:
Corporate Finance Option
Financial Planning Option
Investment Analysis Option
Real Estate Concentration
Real estate is the largest industry in the world representing nearly 50% of the world’s wealth. The real estate profession offers one of the most diverse career selections in the business world today. It is a multi-disciplinary profession that coordinates architecture, construction, law, finance, marketing, property management, and urban dynamics. Real estate professionals help find, provide, and manage space for people to work sleep, shop, eat, and play. Those who choose careers in real estate are typically goal-oriented, persevering, self-motivated, and possess an entrepreneurial spirit. Furthermore, they must be creative and able to research, analyze, negotiate, and pay attention to details. No two projects or investments are ever the same. Rewards of a real estate career include potential for high earnings, status in the community, independence, flexibility, and an opportunity to help people.
Learning Outcomes
Students will have gained skills and demonstrated understanding of:
· Physical real estate evaluation (land and building analysis)
· Financial real estate analysis (including time value of money)
· Assessment and management of risk
· Market analysis and opportunity identification
· Management of properties and portfolios.
Potential Occupations
Real estate graduates find professional employment in many fields. Students interested in commercial real estate may find employment in property and land development; property acquisition; property management; commercial mortgage lending; commercial real estate brokerage; asset management; government housing; commercial construction; or Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) analysis, investment, or management. Students interested in real estate finance may find employment in commercial real estate investment banking; residential real estate lending for both development and loan underwriting; financial analysis; real estate securities analysis; insurance underwriting; commercial real estate brokerage; government housing finance and investment; or construction lending and research. Students interested in residential real estate may find employment in residential brokerage; residential marketing; residential appraisal; residential finance; residential home inspection services; home construction consulting; or residential development.
In addition to the business administration core courses, the following must be completed:
Commercial Real Estate Option
Real Estate Finance Option
Residential Real Estate
DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT
Office in Rockwell Hall, Room 213
(970) 491-5323
Professor Lisa Ellram, Chair
Organization and Innovation Management Concentration
This program is designed to provide its students with a comprehensive knowledge of organization and innovation management along with the skills necessary for effective decision making in a business environment that is diverse, global, and highly competitive. Managers are dynamic individuals who are responsible for projects, teams, and processes. They coordinate, motivate, strategize, plan, budget, initiate action, evaluate performance, and control process and activities. They are commonly responsible for overseeing a budget and the activities of others to ensure that the organization’s goals and objectives are met. Managers are employed in every industry. It is essential that a manager learn and master key knowledge, skills, and abilities including how to handle conflict, communicate effectively, negotiate, create positive and productive work environments, and effectively manage the numerous issues associated with the human resources of an organization.
Certificates are available to provide concentrated course work in entrepreneurship; supply chain management; leadership communication; and human resource management. These are designed to help students acquire skill sets so that, upon graduation, they will be able to “hit the ground running.” In addition to the All-University Core Curriculum, course work for a concentration in organization and innovation management includes the College of Business Core and various management electives that allow the student to structure a program around their educational and/or career interests.
Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate:
· Knowledge and skills adequate to assume entry-level management positions in the broad spectrum of organizations so they can pursue careers in a wide variety of organizations and industries.
· Ethical decision making skills.
· Skills in change management and innovation.
· Application of business principles/practices in an international context.
Potential Occupations
Some examples include, but are not limited to: account management; analyst; client services; consultant; logistics management; supply management; management trainee; warehouse manager; corporate recruiter; business owner; events planner; executive assistant; human resource specialist; project management; recruiter; relationship management; retail management; team leader; trainer/facilitator.
In addition to the core courses in business administration, the following courses must be completed:
Business Education Option
Students interested in pursuing a teaching license through Colorado State University may refer to the School of Education section in the College of Applied Human Sciences chapter in this catalog for general information. Detailed information about the Educator Licensing Program and licensure requirements are available on the program’s Web site (http://soe.cahs.colostate.edu/Licensure) or in room 100 of the Education Building.
DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING
Office in Rockwell Hall, Room 111
(970) 491-5063
Professor Thomas N. Ingram, Chair
This program will provide its students with a comprehensive knowledge of marketing along with the skills necessary for effective decision making in a business environment that is diverse, global, and highly competitive. As defined by the American Marketing Association, marketing is an organizational function and a set of processes for creating, communicating, and delivering value to customers and for managing customer relations in ways that benefit the organization and its stakeholders. Both profit and nonprofit organizations engage in marketing activities such as conducting market research, planning, and developing new products and services, advertising, selling, and retaining satisfied customers. Marketing is people-oriented and ever changing. A person’s analytical abilities, imagination, and creative potential are brought to bear on continuously evolving tasks and goals. In addition to the All-University Core Curriculum, course work for a major in business administration-marketing includes calculus, economics, statistics, and business principles along with courses that specifically examine marketing and management issues and practices.
Learning Outcomes
By the completion of their degree, marketing students will have demonstrated:
· Ability to identify a marketing problem and key influences on that problem, to use appropriate qualitative and quantitative analysis to evaluate the marketing problem, and to evaluate alternative solutions by assessing their strengths and weaknesses.
· Ability to make a final recommendation that thoroughly addresses the problem/opportunity based on: making reasonable assumptions; considering appropriate customer, competitor, and company constraints; clearly addressing the marketing issues; and demonstrating an understanding of the interrelationships of marketing concepts.
· Ability to use marketing terminology correctly.
Potential Occupations
Between one-fourth and one-third of the civilian labor force is employed in marketing-related positions. These positions are excellent training for higher level jobs because of the knowledge gained about products, customers, and decision making. Internships and volunteer experiences often enhance skills and marketability.
Examples of possible careers include, but are not limited to: advertising; brand and product management; customer affairs; industrial marketing; international marketing; marketing management science and systems analysis; market research; physical distribution; purchasing; retailing management; sales and sales management; wholesaling management; service marketing; promotion management; brand management and distribution.
In addition to the business administration core courses, the following must be completed:
Marketing Education Option
Students interested in pursuing a teaching license through Colorado State University may refer to the School of Education section in the College of Applied Human Sciences chapter in this catalog for general information. Detailed information about the Educator Licensing Program and licensure requirements are available on the program’s Web site (http://soe.cahs.colostate.edu/Licensure) or in room 100 of the Education Building.
Graduate Programs in Business
The College of Business offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of master of science (M.S.), and master of business administration (M.B.A.), master of accountancy (M.Acc.), and master of management practice (M.M.P.). Master of science degrees are offered in accounting and computer information systems. The college also offers three platforms for the M.B.A.: on-campus/evening, distance education, and an executive M.B.A. program in Denver.
Colorado State University reserves the right at any time, without notice, to change, modify, or cancel any course, program, procedure, policy, financial requirement, or disciplinary arrangement set forth in this catalog whenever, in its sole discretion, it determines such action to be appropriate. Furthermore, Colorado State will not be responsible for any failure to present or complete any course or program or to perform any other activity, function, or obligation mentioned in this catalog. Since changes may occur at any time, students must check the relevant website (as noted throughout various chapters in this catalog).
