Apr 19, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Business Administration, BS


Program Mission Statement

Offering a unique combination of traditional business courses and options that incorporate technology, problem-based learning, and hands-on and team-based projects, the BS: Business Administration degree is designed to challenge students to acquire the practical, intellectual, technological, problem-solving, and communications skills necessary for successful participation in a diverse, dynamic, and global society. While the program is delivered using a small business, rural context, graduates are well prepared for joining a large corporation as well as pursuing a master’s degree in business administration.

Graduate Outcomes

Program graduates demonstrate:

  • Understand and apply fundamental concepts and practices of business administration, primarily management, marketing, finance, and operations.
  • Understand and apply economic principles.
  • Develop an ability to identify problems, collect and assess data, and present solutions using innovation and organizational skills.
  • Utilize computer software and hardware tools for problem-solving, decision-making, and communication.
  • Exhibit effective oral and written communications skills for successful interactions in business settings.
  • Demonstrate creative, ethical behavior in individual and team-based projects while learning to stay focused and use personal initiative to accomplish established goals.
  • Recognize and respect the diversity implicit in global society.

Assessment

The University of Montana Western has received specialized accreditation for its Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Applied Science degree programs in Business through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), Olathe, Kansas.

Graduate outcomes are assessed using both direct and indirect measures: oral/written communications skills assessed at beginning, midpoint, and end of the BS: Business Administration program, nationally recognized and normed standardized exam administered to all senior students, internship evaluation from supervisors, exit interviews with graduating seniors, alumni surveys, and cumulative evaluation of faculty performance. An assessment plan can be obtained from the Department of Business & Technology.

Business Administration Fourth Year Experience

Students who seek a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree with a Minor in Small Business Management can, with approval from the Business and Technology Department1, complete the classes required for the Small Business Management minor online. Students are typically on campus for the first three years to complete their general education classes and business core classes and then use2 their 4th year to complete the requirements for the minor. The 4th Year Experience allows eligible students to complete the Small Business Management minor classes online while starting a business, working in their chosen career, or completing an internship. This is a unique opportunity for students to apply their course work while simultaneously gaining meaningful work experience.

Credit Requirements


General Education: 32 Credits


General Education 

Select the following course for Behavior & Social Sciences


Minors: 28-34 Credits


Select one of the following option areas:

Electives: 2 Credits


Select from any general education category for which prerequisites have been met to bring degree total to 120 credits. (must be non-business courses. The following rubrics shall not be used to meet this requirement: ACT/ACTG/ACTV/CAPP/COMS/DANC/EDU/EQUH/EQUS/HTR/IT)

BS: Business Administration Total Credits: 120


Fourth Year Experience Opportunity


Students who seek a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree with a Minor in Small Business Management can, with approval from the Business and Technology Department1, complete the classes required for the Small Business Management minor online.  Students are typically on campus for the first three years to complete their general education classes and business core classes and then use2 their 4th year to complete the requirements for the minor. The 4th Year Experience allows eligible students to complete the Small Business Management minor classes online while starting a business, working in their chosen career, or completing an internship. This is a unique opportunity for students to apply their course work while simultaneously gaining meaningful work experience. 

To gain departmental approval to take advantage of the 4th year experience a student must have completed their general education and business core courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher and be actively working in their chosen career, completing an internship or starting a business.  In addition, as part of the approval process, students will need to submit a proposed class and work schedule for the 4th year experience for approval by the department.  The business core requirements of BMGT 499  Capstone course and an BGEN 498  Internship can be completed during the 4th year experience.

Secondary Education


Secondary Business Education Teaching Option: Student who have completed the BS: Business Administration and would like to obtain a teaching license in business education must complete Secondary Education requirement.

Recommended Four Year Course Sequence


This list includes the major, minor, and option core classes as guidelines to complete in four years. It is one example of how the program can be completed in four years; faculty advisors assist students in choosing among the options in a given semester to insure progress towards completion of the program. Students should complete general education and elective requirements while working with these guidelines.

Freshmen Year Business Administration Courses


Sophomore Year Business Administration Courses


Junior Year Business Administration Courses


Senior Year Business Administration Courses