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.
