Business
Central 142
541-552-6483

John Laughlin, Dean
Curtis J. Bacon, Chair

SOU CATALOG HOME : SCHOOLS AND DEPARTMENTS : BUSINESS : COURSES

Professors: Edward G. Brierty, George F. Farrimond, Harry E. Knight, Dennis L. Varin

Associate Professors: Curtis J. Bacon, Sue E. Corp, Suad Cox, Terry L. Gaston, Jon Harbaugh, William Jackson, John Laughlin, René E. Ordoñez, Dennis Powers, Milan P. (Kip) Sigetich, Janice M. Swanson

Assistant Professors: Richard Gore, Julie Heine, Joan Huntley, Carol Nemec, Elizabeth Shelby

Welcome to Southern Oregon University's School of Business. We know you have a lot of choices in higher education, and we're pleased you've taken the time to look at Southern. If you're looking for a business program that is friendly enough to know your name, professional enough to attract quality students and faculty, and flexible enough to keep up with the dynamic demands placed on universities and students by the business world, then Southern may be for you. If after reading this section you want to see more, be sure to visit our web page.

At Southern, we're changing the way we do business. Southern Oregon University's School of Business and other Schools of Business across the country have heard the demand from employers to develop students who can write clearly, think critically, work in groups, and are aware of the societal issues facing business here and abroad. We have been able to move quickly to meet this demand for several reasons. Our small class sizes facilitate group work and discussion. Our classrooms are well equipped with complete multimedia capabilities. Most importantly, our faculty is well educated, friendly, flexible, helpful, and dedicated to providing our students with the best possible education.

Our students don't sit back and watch the world go by. They bring to school an entrepreneurial attitude to which we add structure and a plan. In BA 201, Orientation to the School of Business, studentsat the very beginning of their business coursesare presented with a framework of the core business courses. This presentation includes highlights of the important topics covered in each class, and students are encouraged to challenge faculty members to address these topics in a meaningful fashion when they take those classes. Our students' business education is completed with a comprehensive business plan as a capstone project. The plan clearly demonstrates the writing, thinking, social, and fundamental business skills they have acquired and refined while working in Southern's School of Business.

Mission

The mission of the School of Business is to prepare students for challenging, socially responsible careers in a dynamic, globally competitive business environment. As part of a regional comprehensive University, the School of Business integrates a solid foundation in the liberal arts and sciences with the primary areas of business administration. The School emphasizes excellence in teaching, individual advising, and flexible course scheduling. Programs are readily accessible to students through multiple locations and small class sizes that allow for significant interaction between professors and students. Essential elements of the mission are:

1. A coherent, integrated curriculum that emphasizes the increasingly global nature of the business environment, ethical conduct in business decision making, and technological competency.

2. A requirement that students show the ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and professional manner. These communication skills are demonstrated and refined through oral class presentations, written assignments, and the development of a comprehensive business plan that serves as a senior capstone project.

3. A strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences supplemented with a required nonbusiness minor.

4. A broad variety of related academic offerings including four business concentrations, four business co-majors, and two certificate programs.

5. A requirement that students earn internship credit or engage in practical undergraduate research that is enhanced by ties between the School of Business and the community.

6. Accessible programs available to all qualified students: day and evening courses offered both on and off campus and a comprehensive degree completion program.

7. Faculty members that reflect a balance between theory and practice, teaching and research, and service to the University and the community.

Degrees

Co-Majors

Minors

Certificates

Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program

The business major is an option for students participating in the Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program. This selective program enables a student to complete a business degree in three years rather than four years. For information on this program see page 144 or visit our website.

Student Groups

Accreditation

The University is accredited by the Northwest Association of Colleges and Universities. The School of Business is an associate member of the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business.

School of Business Advisory Council

The Advisory Council (SOBAC) is made up of representatives from leading regional, private, and public organizations. The council advises the school on program and policy issues and plays an active role developing and sponsoring practica and providing speakers for classroom discussions.

Facilities

The school has equipped five classrooms with multimedia consoles that integrate the use of computers, VCRs, and overhead projectors for class presentations. A 30-station microcomputer lab is housed in the School of Business and is available for classroom teaching and individual student use. In addition, business students have access to more than 200 computers in the Computing Services Center and the Ed-Net interactive video facility.

Professional Certifications

Students may take coursework to prepare for a professional certification examination. In accounting, students may prepare for the Certified Public Accountant Examination (CPA) and/or the Certified Management Accountant Examination (CMA). In management, coursework is available to prepare for the Certified Personnel Manager Examination (CPM), the Certified Purchasing Manager Examination (CPM) administered by the National Association for Purchasing Management, and the examination to be Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) administered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). Completion of a course of study to prepare for any certification does not guarantee the receipt of the desired certificate nor does the University offer any such assurance. Professional certification examinations in business are administered by the State of Oregon or various professional organizations.

Teacher Licensing

Students who want to teach business at the middle school and/or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete a bachelor's degree in business administration before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the department chair for an appropriate advisor and also consult the Education Department regarding admission requirements for the MAT teacher education program.

This competitive program requires students to prepare in advance to enhance their acceptance into the program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences working with children in the public schools prior to application to the MAT program are required.

In addition, admission requires proficiency in a second language. This requirement can be met by successfully completing two years of a second language at the college or university level or by passing a second language proficiency test at the intermediate level.

Degree Programs

Students who have been admitted to SOU may take any lower division (100- or 200-level) course in business administration if the prerequisites for the course have been met. Students who anticipate declaring a major in business are classified as a pre-major until they are admitted to the School of Business. All business pre-majors and majors should contact the School of Business office in CE 141A to secure a faculty advisor.

Students who want to take upper division (300-level or above) courses in business administration must first be admitted to the School of Business. For exceptions, see course descriptions and Non Admitted Status. Admission forms may be obtained from faculty advisors or in the School of Business office in CE 141A or CE 144.

To be admitted to the School of Business, the student must have:

1. Completed at least 36 credits in general education to include: the University Colloquium or Wr 121, 122, 123; 4 credits in speech; 8 credits in mathematics above the level of intermediate algebra (Mth 243 is a prerequisite for BA 282); Ec 201, 202.

2. Completed all of the lower division courses in the undergraduate business core.

Transfer Students

Requirements for admission to the School of Business for transfer students are the same as those for non transfer students.

Students planning to transfer to the School of Business should contact the school before registering for classes. An advisor can then help with first-term enrollment.

Business administration courses taken at accredited two- or four-year institutions are accepted for transfer credit (except for those graded at less than C). However, courses that do not complement existing programs in the School of Business may not count toward the 56 credits of upper division business administration courses that are required for the degree.

Lower division transfer courses in business administration cannot be substituted for upper division business administration courses without formal agreement with the institution from which the credits are being transferred.

Once a student has been admitted to the School of Business, transfer credit in business administration will not be accepted as degree requirements without the prior written approval of the student's faculty advisor.

Non Admitted Status

The following students may take upper division courses in the School of Business without being admitted to the school (provided they have met the prerequisites for the courses and secured the approval of the instructor): students working toward co-major degrees in business; non business majors including those working on a minor in business administration; and students required to take specific business courses as part of a non business major. Some upper division courses may be taken without approval and without formal admittance to the School of Business. See course descriptions of upper division courses in business administration. Co-majors and majors in computer information science (CIS) may obtain approval from their major advisors to take upper division courses in business administration.

Requirements for Major

1. Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on page 31.

2. Complete Introduction to Business Computer Applications (BA 131), a required course in the undergraduate business core, which satisfies the computer literacy requirement.

3. Be formally admitted to the School of Business and take at least 36 credits of upper division business administration on this campus.

4. Choose one of the following options: accounting; management; marketing; hotel, restaurant, and resort management.

5. Work in residence: minimum 45 of last 60 credits on this campus. The final term with full-time enrollment must be completed on this campus.

6. Except for practica (BA 201, BA 209, and BA 409), no lower division business administration core courses or upper division business administration courses may be taken under the P/NP option.

7. Minimum 2.5 grade point average for business courses is required for graduation.

8. Complete a total of 180 credits. Includes a minimum of 56 and a maximum of 76 credits in upper division business administration.

9. Satisfactorily complete the following courses. (Some of these courses may also count toward general education requirements.)

At least one of the following mathematics courses: 4

10. Complete the business administration core courses. Note: Students who major in business administration are required to complete (1) a minor outside of the School of Business or (2) a Liberal Arts Enrichment Program area as listed beginning on page 70. Most departments and all schools of the University offer minors in their disciplines. Consult with your School of Business advisor for assistance with selecting or designing a minor program.

Lower Division Core Courses

Upper Division Core Courses

(Admission to the School of Business is required.)

Options

The upper division business core courses listed above may not be used to meet any other requirements for upper division business administration.

Students must choose and complete an option from the following:

Accounting

Jan Swanson, Coordinator

Students can elect to take one of two tracks:

Track I: Management Accounting

(24 credits)

For students who intend to pursue a management career and want a solid base in managerial accounting that leads to a Certificate in Management Accounting (CMA). This track is not intended to prepare students for the CPA exam. Students considering a career in public accounting should take Track II.

Track II: Public Accounting

(40 credits)

For students who intend to pursue a career in public accounting.

The State of Oregon has adopted the fifth-year requirements for licensing. Beginning with the year 2000, Oregon law will require a minimum of 225 credits of academic preparation before applicants may sit for the CPA exam. Therefore, students must complete additional coursework beyond the accounting core courses listed above in Track II. Students should consult with their accounting professors regarding the fifth-year course requirements.

Management

Curt Bacon, Coordinator

(24 credits)

In addition to the two required courses in this option, students may select any combination of four additional business management courses. Students specializing in financial, operations, or human resource management should discuss this with an advisor to ensure they select four courses that conform to their interest.

Required Courses

Business Degree Completion Program

The Business Degree Completion Program is designed for working people who have approximately two years of college coursework completed, and find it difficult to attend daytime classes on the Ashland campus. Classes are made available in the evenings and on weekends in Medford and Grants Pass. Through this program, students may pursue a BS or BA in business administration with a concentration in management. For more information, contact Joan Huntley, coordinator, at 541-552-8151.

Marketing

(24 credits)

Within the option, students can elect to further specialize in either business or consumer marketing. Students may elect to complete specialty classes in both areas.

Required Courses for Both Tracks

Track I: Business Marketing

Track II: Consumer Marketing

Hotel, Restaurant, and Resort Management

Suad Cox, Coordinator

(24 credits)

Intended for students interested in increasing their understanding of the hospitality industry.

Liberal Arts Enrichment Program

In place of a non business minor, a student may elect a preapproved interdepartmental course grouping requiring at least 21 credits, including at least 9 credits of upper division coursework drawn from one of the school's established course grouping lists. Courses taken for general education may also be counted for this requirement.

Following are the five approved enrichment groupings:

International Perspective Enrichment Area

For students interested in expanding their understanding of other regions and cultures of the world.

Required Courses (11 credits)

Additional Courses

Select a minimum of 10 credits from the following:

Cultural Diversity Enrichment Area

For students wishing to increase their knowledge and understanding of ethnic groups and women within the United States.

Required Courses (8 credits)

Language and Culture Enrichment Area

For students interested in acquiring conversational language skills and learning a different culture. The requirements below must be attained in one language. A student's first language cannot be used.

Required Courses

Marketing Communications Enrichment Area

For students wishing to increase their knowledge and skills in media presentations.

Lower Division Courses

Select three of the following:

Environmental Enrichment Area

For students interested in increasing their knowledge and understanding of environmental problems and issues.

Lower Division Courses

Select three of the following:

Co-Major Degrees

Three co-major baccalaureate degrees are available to obtain in-depth coursework in business and another discipline without having to meet the more extensive requirements involved in securing a degree in each discipline.

Business-Chemistry

Advisors: Terry Gaston (Business) and Bob Bleasdell (Chemistry)

Business-Math

Advisors: Terry Gaston (Business) and Dusty Sabo (Mathematics)

Business-Music

Advisors: Curt Bacon (Business) and Michael Turner (Music)

Business-Physics

Advisors: Curt Bacon (Business) and Panos Photinos (Physics)

For additional information about each of these degrees refer to Interdepartmental Degrees beginning on printed catalog page 136.

Minors

Business Administration

(24 credits)

Intended to provide students majoring in other disciplines an opportunity to gain an understanding of the primary functions within a business. Students enrolling in the minor are expected to be computer literate and to have completed an introductory statistics course.

Hotel, Restaurant, and Resort Management

(24 credits)

Intended for students with a strong interest in the hospitality industry who are majoring in other disciplines. Students enrolling in the minor are expected to be computer literate and to have completed an introductory statistics course.

Certificate in Applied Finance and Economics (CAFE)

The Certificate in Applied Finance and Economics (CAFE) is a program offered jointly by the School of Business and Department of Economics. The program is open to all students. In size and scope, the certificate is between a minor and a major. To be awarded a CAFE, students must meet CAFE Program requirements and requirements for a BA or BS degree at SOU or the transfer equivalent. For complete information about this program, see Interdepartmental Degrees section, page 140.

Certificate in Accounting

This program is for students who hold a baccalaureate degree and want to complete coursework to prepare for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and other certification examinations in accounting. The certificate in accounting program has been developed for a variety of career objectives such as CPA, CMA, government and industrial accounting.

The certificate is unique in that it is reserved for candidates who already possess a baccalaureate degree, but it does not require any graduate coursework nor does it result in a degree being conferred.

To be admitted to the program, you must:

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree;

2. Be admitted to SOU; and

3. Have completed the following courses or equivalent:

a) Wr 121, 122, 123, or 227

b) 4 credits in math above the level of intermediate algebra

c) 4 credits in Elementary Statistics (Mth 243)

d) Ec 201, 202

e) BA 211, 213

Students who do not meet all requirements may attach a letter of petition to their applications.

Students must have their transcripts reviewed for admission to the certificate in accounting program. Applications for admission to the program must be accompanied by proper documentation including transcripts of all college credits.

Course Requirements

(52 credits)

Required Accounting Core

Other Required Courses
At least 36 of the 52 credits for the certificate and at least 24 of the credits in accounting must be taken in residence at Southern Oregon University. Candidates must achieve a minimum grade of C in each course completed for the certificate and a GPA of 2.5 for all required courses for the certificate. All coursework from schools other than SOU must be from accredited colleges or universities.

Students working toward the certificate in accounting should choose a faculty advisor from the accounting area for assistance with program planning.