B.S. Business Administration

B.S. Business Administration Program Information

Available onsite at Franklin University , online at Franklin University .

Business Administration is a diverse field encompassing business strategy, management and operations, marketing, accounting, finance and economics, business ethics and corporate responsibility. Today's dynamic business environment requires professionals with the most current and relevant skillsets.

The major in Business Administration provides students with a foundational curriculum including quantitative and qualitative methods for decision-making, management skills, business and professional writing, and critical communication and technology skills. Students will benefit from a focus on the following concepts that are integrated throughout the program: . Ethics in action . Current management issues . Global business perspectives . Conflict and change management . Personal and professional management development

The flexible Business Administration major allows students to pursue specific career interests through focused coursework in accounting, finance, human resources, management, marketing, operations and supply chain management, and other fields.

Curriculum & Course Descriptions

124 Semester Hours
Fundamental General Education
English Composition
ENG 120 - College Writing (4)

In this course, students acquire the writing competencies necessary for completing analytical and argumentative papers supported by secondary research. A variety of assignments, beginning with personal reflections, build upon one another, as students develop ideas that respond to, critique, and synthesize the positions of others. Students systematize and organize knowledge in ways that will help them in all their courses. The course also emphasizes the elements of critical reading, effective writing style, appropriate grammar and mechanics, clarity of language, and logical and cohesive development. It culminates in submission of an extended, documented research paper.

Mathematics
MATH 215 - Statistical Concepts (4)

This course introduces you to statistics with applications to various areas. The course covers both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics included are: sampling techniques, data types, experiments; measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, graphical displays of data, basic probability concepts, binomial and normal probability distributions, sampling distributions and Central Limit Theorem; confidence intervals, hypothesis tests of a mean, or a proportion for one or two populations, and linear regression.

AND

Choose either MATH 140 Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning or MATH 150 Fundamental Algebra as the prerequisite to MATH 215. Course can count as a University Elective.

Social and Behavioral Sciences
ECON 220 - Introduction to Macroeconomics (4)

An introduction to economic theory involving the basic underlying causes and principles of the operation of an economic system. Emphasis is placed on studying the economy as a whole. Issues of inflation, unemployment, taxation, business cycles and growth are discussed in the context of the global economic system.

AND

2 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from the Anthropology, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology disciplines.

Science

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Two courses from the Science discipline. One course must have a lab component.

Arts & Humanities

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from the Art, English Literature, Fine Arts, Humanities, Music, Philosophy, Religion or Theater disciplines.

Additional General Education
PF 121 - Basic Learning Strategies (2)
This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferrable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for time management, goal setting, reading comprehension, and advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments.
OR PF 321 - Learning Strategies (2)
This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments. The assignments and activities in the course are created to closely simulate teamwork found in the workplace.

AND

COMM 150 - Interpersonal Communication (4)
By using applied critical and creative thinking, students in this course will develop a set of communication skills that will enhance their personal and professional relationships and endeavors. This course will focus on skill development in key areas such as self, perception, listening, verbal messages, conversations, relationships, conflict management, persuasion, and presentation skills.
OR SPCH 100 - Speech Communication (4)
This basic public-speaking course intends to improve the student's ability to think critically and to communicate orally. Theory and practice are provided in various speaking situations. Each student is required to speak before an audience, but class work also involves reading, gathering and organizing information, writing, and listening.

AND

ENG 205 - Business & Professional Writing (4)

This is an advanced composition course focusing on writing for business and professional purposes. Students will review the writing conventions commonly expected within business and professional environments, as well as strategies for analyzing rhetorical situations within those environments. Coursework includes analysis, revision, and research exercises, as well as substantial practice in composing business correspondence. The final project is an extensive, researched business proposal developed in stages and presented to the class. Students will be encouraged to relate course materials to their major programs and workplace experiences.

Major Foundational
ACCT 202 - Financial/Managerial Acct for Non-Majors (4)

This course is an introduction to financial and managerial accounting. It is designed for non-accounting majors. Financial accounting emphasizes how general purpose financial statements communicate information about the business's performance and position for users external to management. It emphasizes how the accountant processes and presents the information. The course also examines the major elements of the financial statements. The managerial accounting portion of the course studies internal reporting and decision-making. The course assists those who wish to learn "what the numbers mean" in a clear, concise and conceptual manner without focusing on the mechanical aspects of the accounting process.

BSAD 220 - Business Law (4)

A study of the everyday legal problems encountered in business with emphasis on the areas of legal procedure, contracts, agency, employment law, business organizations and torts, with cases relating to these and other areas.

ECON 210 - Introduction to Microeconomics (4)

An introduction to economic theory involving the examination of how decision making by firms and individuals is shaped by economic forces. Emphasis is placed on demand, supply, market equilibrium analysis, and basic market structure models. The invisible hand as the driving force for economic decisions as well as market externalities are discussed. The class concentrates on providing a balanced approach to studying economic agents' behavior and the global implications and outcomes.

FINA 301 - Principles of Finance (4)

This course is designed to survey the field of finance and provide the foundation for more advanced finance coursework. Topics include sources of business and financial information, financial statement analysis, the time value of money, the nature and measurement of risk, financial institutions, investments and corporate finance.

MGMT 312 - Principles of Management (4)

This course explores the basic concepts and processes of management. Students will explore the functional roles and processes of planning, leading, organizing, and controlling comprising the manager role. Students develop skills related to the manager function that are required in today's competitive environment.

MKTG 300 - Marketing (4)

Theory, strategies and methods are foundational to the informed practice of marketing. Students investigate the importance of marketing to an organization or cause, the interrelationship of the difference phases of marketing, the marketing of goods versus services, analysis and identification of markets, pricing strategies and digital marketing tactics.

AND

Completion of ACCT 215 - Financial Accounting & ACCT 225 - Managerial Accounting can fulfill the ACCT 202 requirement.

Major Area Required
BSAD 320 - Quant & Qual Methods for Decision Making (4)

This course focuses on the development of individual and team decision-making and problem solving skills. Real world domestic and global issues will be analyzed, diagnosed, and evaluated through the application of a variety of quantitative and qualitative tools and techniques used to arrive at effective decisions and solutions.

BSAD 474 - Advanced Business Acumen (4)

This course will focus on the areas of business leadership, innovation, communication, and global awareness. Students will explore how to build a strong personal brand, develop leadership skills, and use innovation to solve problems in organizations. The main emphasis will be how to improve your presentation and communication abilities, understand cultural differences in the workplace, and develop strategic decisions for business challenges.

BSAD 305 - Business and AI (4)

This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the use of AI in business and its potential benefits and limitations. Students will explore the use of AI in marketing, supply chain management, finance/accounting, and human resources, as well developing an AI strategy and the future of AI use in business. By the end of the class, students should have a solid understanding of the ways in which AI is being used in business and the responsibilities that businesses have in ensuring its responsible use. Not open to students who have earned credit for BSAD 488.

BSAD 495 - Business Administration Capstone (4)

This course serves as the Capstone for the Business Administration major. The purpose of the course is to integrate all prior learning in business administration, related coursework, and workplace experiences to individually assess an organization. This is a time intensive team-oriented simulation course and it is recommended that students take this course at the end of their business program and as a stand-alone course. Three major components comprise the course: the strategic analysis of an organization; the development of a forward-looking strategy with competitive, ethical, and global considerations; and the development of an implementation plan.

Major Electives

20 credits from the following subjects: ACCT, AMGT, BSAD, COMM, ECON, EGMT, ENTR, FINA, FPLN, HCM, HIM, HRM, MGMT, MKTG, OSCM, PBRL, PSYC, RMI, SPM, excluding levels 100-200.

AND

In addition, any 300 or 400-level courses used to fulfill a minor as listed in the Academic Catalog may be used as well. To determine if a course other than those listed could be used as a Major Area Elective, consult with an academic advisor.

AND

Students may take a graduate level course to fulfill requirements in an undergraduate program. Please review the academic policy and speak with your academic advisor for more details. Students should choose from the following graduate courses: Any graduate introductory course, e.g., MGMT 707.

University Electives

28 credits from the following types of courses:
Any undergraduate courses offered by the University except developmental education courses.

Optional Focus Areas

Students may complete a focus area to fulfill the Major Elective requirement.

OR

Digital Marketing:

MKTG 340 - Digital Marketing (4)
Students investigate and evaluate various digital marketing and communication strategies and tactics. An emphasis is placed on critical evaluation skills, as well as social media, search marketing, websites, email, and the evaluation of digital marketing initiatives. Students create a full digital marketing plan for a real-world company.
MKTG 345 - Social Media Marketing (4)
In this course, students will explore and experience the techniques for integrating Social media marketing as an integral component of a robust digital marketing campaign. Through an investigation of tools which include Internet forums, message boards, blogs, wikis, podcasts, picture sharing, video sharing, and social networking, students will have the opportunity to create and present a written plan for achieving business goals through the use of a social media marketing campaign. Also, by actively engaging in a hands-on simulation, the student will see the results of their social media marketing decisions.
MKTG 415 - Search Engine Marketing (4)
In this course, students will learn the components of search engine optimization and evaluate the processes that bring websites to the top. Students will also learn how to choose the best keywords and phrases to target and how to monitor and maintain successful search engine rankings for those keywords.

OR

Management and Leadership:

MGMT 325 - Organizational Behavior (4)
This course focuses on the organizational processes and theoretical constructs related to organizational behavior. The roles of leaders, followers, and teams, and their influence on the culture and performance of an organization are addressed through the analysis of key organizational behavior concepts and related cases. Topics will include: values, perception, attitudes, assumptions, learning, motivation, conflict, diversity, and change.
MGMT 440 - Organizational Culture & Performance (4)
This course focuses on the relationship between an organization's culture and its performance. The challenges and opportunities presented to both leaders and followers in adapting to and implementing organizational cultural change are addressed in this course. The impact culture has as a mediating factor between a leader's style and the effective performance of an organization is examined in this course.
MGMT 470 - Organizational Leadership (4)
Leadership is the ability to influence people towards a goal. This course will focus on the key factors and theories in leadership. You will develop skills to navigate your organization and determine how effective leaders or followers influence and motivate others in their organization. Students will build a foundation upon which to build lifelong learning practices for leadership development using both theory and application.

OR

Financial Management:

FINA 340 - Money, Banking, & Financial Markets (4)
This course provides an overview of the financial system. The roles of money, financial intermediaries, financial markets, and central banks are discussed in the context of global economy.
FINA 403 - Advanced Financial Management (4)
An introduction to advanced concepts and methods of financial management. Topics include risk and return, asset evaluation, capital budgeting, capital structure, business financial planning and working capital management.
FINA 450 - Global Finance (4)
Global Finance is an examination of financial management in the global economy. Topics include international financial markets, exchange rates, interest rates and inflation, exchange rate risk management, working capital management, capital budgeting, country risk analysis, long-term financing, and global strategic planning.

OR

Human Resources Management:

HRM 300 - Human Resources Management (4)
This course is an introduction to the human resources function and related elements and activities. The course outlines the roles and functions of members of the human resources department, as well as educating others outside human resources, in how their roles include human resources-related activities. The student will learn about the evolution in human resources management as we know it today. Emphasis is placed on the modern day importance of HRM and the new “corporate view” of the function. Additionally, the student will be exposed to the view of HRM from the perception of both management and subordinate employees. The importance of maintaining fair and equitable compensation and benefit programs will be discussed. The student will be exposed to practical situations and problem solving regarding areas of employee counseling, discipline, and termination. Equal Employment Opportunity will be discussed in order for the student to understand its need, importance, and the legal issues surrounding it. Other critical areas of training and development, staffing, and strategy will also be explored.
HRM 400 - Performance Management (4)
This course uses a systems perspective to identify, select, develop, and evaluate solutions to document and improve the performance of individuals, groups, and organizations. Students will learn how to analyze performance problems and make recommendations at the employee, job, and organizational level that will assist the organization and its employees in achieving organizational goals and managing change. Students will also learn how to bridge the gap between organizational strategy, individuals, and departments.
HRM 402 - Employee & Labor Relations (4)
This course evaluates the current environment of employee and labor relations. Students will compare and distinguish the differences between employee relations and labor relations environments. Topics such as handbooks versus contracts, employee discipline versus grievance procedures, and workplace compliance laws, such as ADA, FMLA, sexual harassment, and the Civil Rights Act are discussed.

OR

Performance Management:

MGMT 325 - Organizational Behavior (4)
This course focuses on the organizational processes and theoretical constructs related to organizational behavior. The roles of leaders, followers, and teams, and their influence on the culture and performance of an organization are addressed through the analysis of key organizational behavior concepts and related cases. Topics will include: values, perception, attitudes, assumptions, learning, motivation, conflict, diversity, and change.
MGMT 425 - Organizational Change (4)
This course analyzes the forces that drive organizations to change, examines impediments to change, and surveys a range of approaches for making organizational change more effective. Students will develop an understanding of change processes and develop practical skills for becoming an organization change agent.
HRM 420 - Principles of Organizational Development (4)
This course provides students with an overview of the emergence and development of organizational development as a field, processes for diagnosis and intervention, and basic skills needed to facilitate individual, small group, and organizational change. The course will also cover key concepts in organizational transformation, organizational development in global settings, and future directions in the field.
Additional Requirements

All students are required to pass College Writing (ENG 120), and either Basic Learning Strategies (PF 121) or Learning Strategies (PF 321) prior to enrolling in any course at the 200 level or above. Students who enroll at Franklin with 30 or fewer hours of transfer credit are required to pass PF 121 Basic Learning Strategies in place of PF 321 Learning Strategies. Interpersonal Communication (COMM 150) or Speech Communication (SPCH 100) must be taken prior to enrolling in any course at the 300 level or above. Students must also meet the University algebra competency requirement.