Program Overview 

The Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in business administration. The program includes general education courses, technology-related courses, and courses in the business major. Major courses include (but are not limited to) studies in accounting, business ethics, business and corporate finance, business law, economics, entrepreneurship, human resource management, international management, marketing, operations management, organizational leadership, organizational behavior, organizational theory, quantitative analysis, statistical analysis, and strategic management, among others. As with our other programs, there is a strong emphasis on Biblical values and Theological education, as well as General Education.  Courses in the Business major will be taught through the lenses of Christian principles.

 

Program Requirements Summary

Length:	Approximately 12 Quarters or 4 years
General Education Course Requirements:	68 quarter units
Bible and Theology Course Requirements:	20 quarter units of interdisciplinary business courses to fulfill the Bible and Theology requirements)
Core Major Courses	76 quarter units
Free electives in Major	16 quarter units
Total Units Required for Graduation	180 quarter units

 

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon the completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA) degree program at Sierra States University, the student will be able to demonstrate the following competencies:

1. Apply ethical and legal principles to a business environment
2. Conduct independent research relevant to business-related issues
3. Demonstrate written and oral presentation skills expected of a business-school graduate
4. Develop a global business perspective based on the knowledge of foreign business environments and cultures
5. Integrate the knowledge acquired in the program within a life of Christian service to the local and global community.

 

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission to the

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration program, submitting proper documentation to the office of admission by the appropriate deadline:

6. Applicants for admission must be in possession of, or have candidacy for, a high school diploma or GED, and must submit official transcripts and/or copy of diploma for their high school degree, as well as any college level work they have completed, if applicable.
7. A completed application form for admission
8. Students whose native language is not English must meet the language proficiency requirements delineated elsewhere in the catalog.
9. Application fee
10. Recommendation Form

 

Unit Transfer Policy

A maximum of ninety (90) quarter units may be transferred into the program from a nationally or regionally-accredited college or university. The acceptance of credit hours is at the discretion of Sierra States University, depending upon the academic rigor of the prior course experience.

 

General Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration requires that a minimum of 68 course units be earned in General Education courses. General Education courses include courses in religion, psychology, sociology, philosophy and other fields.  A total of 20 units are to be taken within the Bible and Theology disciplines, strictly speaking; student may take up to 8 units of interdisciplinary Business courses to fulfill the Bible and Theology requirements, enrolling in selected courses within the Business curriculum.  These are courses which address certain aspects of Business Administration from a Christian standpoint and perspective.  Courses eligible to qualify for this are listed below.

 

Program Graduation Requirements Chart

Degree	General Education	Bible & Theology	Core MajorCourses	FreeElectives in Major	TotalUnits
Bachelor of Arts  inBusiness Administration	68	20	76	16	180

 

Sample Course of Study

General Education Requirements: 68 units

Categories	Code	Course Title	Units
Communication (3 courses)	COMM204	Oral Communication Skills	12
	COMM1103	Presentation Skills (4 units)
	ENG 1101	English Composition (4 units)
	ENG102	English Literature (4 units)
	SPC 1102	Fundamentals of Public Speaking (4 units)
Humanities and the Arts (5 courses)	HIS 1101	History of Western Civilization to 1715 (4 units)	20
	HIS 1102	History of Western Civilization 1715 to the Present (4 units)
	HIS 1103	American History (4 units)
	PHL 1101	Introduction to Philosophy (4 units)
	PHL 1102	Logic (4 units)
Social/ Behavioral Sciences (Three courses from at least two disciplines) (5 courses)	BIO1101	Introduction to Biology (4 units)	20
	POSC101	Introduction to Political Science (4 units)
	POSC102	Introduction to American Government (4 units)
	PSY 1101	Introduction to Psychology (4 units)
	REL 1102	Comparative Religion (4 units)
	SOC 1102	Sociology of Religion (4 units)
	SOC 2010	Introduction to Sociology (4 units)
Natural Sciences/ Physical Sciences/ Mathematics (4 courses)	BIO101	Introduction to Biology (4 units)	16
	MAT 1111	College Algebra (4 units)
	MAT 2111	Essentials of Calculus (4 units)
	PB150	Human Anatomy (4 units)
	STAT 1230	Introduction to Statistics (4 units)
Total			68

 

Bible & Theology: 20 units 

Categories	Code	Course Title	Units
Biblical Studies (4 courses)	OT 101	Survey of the OT (4 units)	16
	NT 101	Survey of the NT (4 units)
	NT 203	Synoptic Gospels (4 units)
	NT 205	Life & Teaching of Christ (4 units)
	NT 305	Pauline Epistles (4 units)
	NT 320	Gospel According to John (4 units)
	NT321	Acts (4 units)
	OT 220	OT Historical Books (4 units)
	OT301	Introduction to the Old Testament (4 units)
	OT 305	The Pentateuch (4 units)
	OT 320	The Prophets (Major) (4 units)
	OT 321	The Prophets (Minor) (4 units)
	BT303	Biblical Interpretation (4 units)
Theology (1 courses)	THE 301	Christian Doctrine I (4 units)	4
	THE 302	Christian Doctrine II (4 units)
	THE 303	Christian Doctrine III (4 units)
	THE 304	Christian Doctrine IV (4 units)
	REL101	Comparative Religions (4 units)
	PSY 206	Psychology of Religion (4 units)
	THE309	Apologetics (4 units)
			20

 

 

Business Course of Study: 92 units (* indicates courses which qualify as Interdisciplinary Bible courses)

Categories	Code	Course Title	Units
Business Administration Course Requirements (19 courses)	ACCT1101	Principles of Accounting I (4 units)	76
	ACCT1102	Principles of Accounting II (4 units)
	BUS1299	Introduction to Christian Business (4 units)*
	BUS2240	Business Law (4 units)
	BUS 2250	Business Ethics (4 units)*
	ECO1120	Principles of Microeconomics (4 units)
	ECO1130	Principles of Macroeconomics (4 units)
	FIN1120	Business Finance (4 units)
	FIN 1201	Corporate Finance (4 units)
	HRMN 1101	Human Resource Management (4 units)*
	LEDR 1311	Organizational Leadership (4 units)*
	MGMT1308	Principles of Management (4 units)
	MGMT 1309	Management and Organizational Theory (4 units)
	MGMT 1410	International Management (4 units)
	MGMT 1420	Foundations of Entrepreneurship (4 units)
	MGMT 1421	Small Business Management (4 units)
	MGMT1430	Operations Management (4 units)
	MGMT 1500	Strategic Management (4 units)
	MGMT 2250	Business Plan (4 units)
	MKTG1289	Marketing Fundamentals (4 units)
	OBHV 1110	Introduction to Organizational Behavior (4 units)
Business Administration Electives (4 courses)	ACC 1103	Managerial Accounting (4 units)	16
	BUS1150	Database Fundamentals (4 units)
	BUS 1246	Team Building and Interpersonal Dynamics (4 units)
	BUS2120	Spreadsheet Fundamentals (4 units)
	BUS2226	Webpage Design and Development (4 units)
	BUS2261	Legal and Ethical Issues in Business (4 units)
	ECON 1140	International Economics (4 units)
	ECON 1150	Economic Data Analysis (4 units)
	LEDR 1321	Conflict Negotiation (4 units)
	MGMT 1411	Intercultural Competence (4 units)
	MGMT 1412	Global Development (4 units)
	MGMT 1431	Service Operations (4 units)
	MKTG 1290	Social Media Marketing (4 units)
	MKTG 1294	Marketing Channels (4 units)
	MSNC 1401	Introduction to Quantitative Analysis (4 units)
	OBHV 1112	Leadership and Organizational Change (4 units)
	OBHV 1113	Theory and Practice of Organizational Behavior (4 units)
	CS 1201	Introduction to Computer Information Systems (4 units)
	CS 1250	Introduction to E-Commerce
	BUS2351	Field Education I
	BUS2352	Field Education II
	BUS2353	Field Education III
Total			92

 

 

 

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION – CORE COURSES

ACC 1101 Principles of Accounting I (4 units)

Introduces the basic concepts of the complete accounting cycle and provides the student with the necessary skills to maintain a set of books for a sole proprietorship. Topics include accounting vocabulary and concepts, the accounting cycle and accounting for a personal service business, the accounting cycle and accounting for a merchandising enterprise, and cash control. Laboratory work demonstrates theory presented in class. Prerequisite: None

 

ACC 1102 Principles of Accounting II (4 units)

This course covers a substantial portion of the U.S. accounting standards known as G.A.A.P. (generally accepted accounting principles). In particular, it entails a detailed study of the principal financial statements, accounting concepts, revenue and expense recognition, accounting for cash, receivables, and inventories.  Prerequisite: ACC 1101 Principles of Accounting I

 

BUS 1246 Team Building and Interpersonal Dynamics (4 units)

An overview of the issues of quality applied to human resources management, topics include the delegation of authority and empowerment, work groups, team building, and employee involvement, reward/recognition programs and employee morale, and the importance of written and oral communication skill in the delegation, sharing, and execution of work. Students gain a clearer understanding of the ways the workplace is changing to improve productivity and profitability.  Prerequisite: None

 

BUS 1299 Introduction to Christian Business (4 units)

An introductory study of the functional areas of business to help students realize the integral role business plays in the economy and our lifestyles. Topics include the major elements in the business environment, forms of business ownership, competition in the domestic and international market, management of human and financial resources, marketing, business technology and information management, accounting, and business and personal finance.  Prerequisite: None

 

BUS 2240 Business Law (4 units)

It is a study of fundamental principles of law applicable to business transactions. The course specifically relates to the areas of legal environment of business, contracts, and sales contracts.  Prerequisite: None

 

BUS 2250 Business Ethics (4 units)

The course includes a study of ethics in business and work. The topics include: recognizing and analyzing ethical issues in business; promoting ethical behavior in corporations and institutions; the social responsibilities of business; the role of business in a free market economy; ethics in the global economy; the role of the professions in contemporary American society.  Prerequisite: None

 

ECO 1120 Principles of Microeconomics (4 units)

This course deals with the price system, market structures, and consumer theory. Topics covered include supply and demand, price controls, public policy, the theory of the firm, cost and revenue concepts, forms of competition, elasticity, and efficient resource allocation, etc.  Prerequisite: None

 

ECO 1130 Principles of Macroeconomics (4 units)

This course provides an examination of aggregate economic activity. It includes a study of aggregate supply and demand, the monetary and banking systems, aggregate economic accounting, inflation, unemployment, the business cycle, macroeconomic policy, and economic progress and stability, among other things.  Prerequisite: None

 

FIN 1120 Business Finance (4 units)

This course deals with a survey of the basic principles and concepts used in the financial management of a business enterprise addressed from both theoretical and practical standpoint. Topics include money and capital markets, financial management of working capital, capital budgeting and fixed asset management, cost of capital, and short-term and long-term financing by means of debt and equity capital.  Prerequisite: None

 

FIN 1201 Corporate Finance (4 units)

It is a study of how corporations raise and manage capital. Topics include modern financial principles, methods, policies, and institutions. It is to focus on corporate organization, creation and organization.  Prerequisite: None

 

HRMN 1101 Human Resource Management (4 units)

Introductory overview of basic human resource management activities. Various functions of human resource management are explored including planning, staffing, training, compensation, motivation, employee development, benefits, performance evaluation, discipline, health and safety issues, employer-employee relationships, and compliance with employment laws.  Prerequisite: None

 

LEDR 1311 Organizational Leadership (4 units)

An exploration of leadership as a critical skill for the 21st century, when change occurs rapidly and consistently. The objective is to be able to use leadership theory and assessment tools to evaluate one’s own leadership skills. Focus is on the leadership skills needed to develop committed and productive individuals and high-performing organizations (Prerequisite: BUS 1309 Management and Organization Theory)

 

MGMT 1308 Principles of Management (4 units)

This course is a survey of the five basic functions included in the practice of management. Management in organizations’ theories, techniques, and concepts will be presented. The role of the manager in a technologically-oriented society will also be discussed.  Prerequisite: None

 

MGMT 1309 Management and Organization Theory (4 units)

This course distinguishes the fundamental practices of sound management functions to the understanding of effective leadership. Organizations need both leadership and management understanding to function effectively in creating the learning organization. Students will learn to analyze and create plans for strategic management, and apply leadership concepts and approaches.  Prerequisite: None

 

MGMT 1410 International Management (4 units)

A study of the accelerating internationalization of all business, this course introduces upper-division undergraduate students to all facets of international business within three broad subject areas: (1) the economic framework of international business, (2) the operating frameworks of multinational corporations, and (3) a framework for global strategic management. It uses case studies to illustrate concepts and methods. Prerequisite: None

 

MGMT 1420 Foundations of Entrepreneurship (4 units)

A study of entrepreneurship with particular reference to creating and starting a new venture. Emphasis on historical development of entrepreneurship, risk taking and entrepreneurship, innovation and marketing the plan, financial plan, organizational plan, going public, and legal issues for the entrepreneur.  Prerequisite: None

 

MGMT 1430 Operations Management (4 units)

This course is a survey of the fundamental concepts of production and operations management. The course covers the use of quantitative methods and statistical techniques for forecasting, resource allocation, decision theory, capacity planning, project management, inventory management, and quality assurance.  Prerequisite: None

 

MGMT 1434 Sustainable Supply Chain Operations (4 units) 

Examination of how supply chain can be used to improve the sustainable operations of an organization. Specific topics would include the development and implementation of supply chain and organizational policies to meet the global requirements.  Prerequisite: None

 

MGMT 1500 Strategic Management (4 units)

A study of strategic management that focuses on integrating management, marketing, finance/accounting, production/operations, services, research and development, and information systems functions to achieve organizational success. The aim is to apply integrative analysis, practical application, and critical thinking to the conceptual foundation gained through previous study and personal experience. Emphasis is on developing an organizational vision and mission, developing and implementing strategic plans, and evaluating outcomes.  Prerequisite: None

 

MGMT 2250 Business Plan (4 units)

The capstone course is designed to be the culminating work for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. It is an industry-sponsored, real-world project. This course is an interface between university- and work- environments. It is meant to prepare students to use the knowledge they gained during their academic studies and apply it in professional life. Through on-site work, each group of students will develop and provide a plan of action for the business they select. The plan must include: organizational culture, organizational structure, financial statements, marketing plans, operations objectives, marketing plans, advertising strategies, and human resource base, among other requirements, to plan a successful operation of a business. The projects will pertain to a business in any domain. In the process of completing the business plan, students will gain practical skills in group dynamics, public presentation skills, project management, and business behavior. A professional presentation of 15-20 minutes of the student’s project is required at the end of the course.  Prerequisite: None

 

MKTG 1289 Marketing Fundamentals (4 units)

An introductory course will study the functions of marketing in for profit service and product organization. The course will show how businesses and organizations use marketing techniques to create and promote image, develop product offerings, create banding, customer service and relations, consumer tracking, market research, vertical and horizontal integration, sales techniques, and sales management, and pricing strategies for positioning within the marketplace.  Prerequisite: None

 

MNSC 1401 Introduction to Quantitative Analysis (4 units)

A survey of the fundamentals of management science. This course emphasizes the concepts and algorithmic techniques utilized in business and finance contexts in order to optimize the desired business outcomes.  Prerequisite: None

 

OBHV 1110 Introduction to Organizational Behavior (4 units)

An introduction to the impact that individuals, groups, and structure have on behavior within organizations for the purpose of applying such knowledge toward improving an organizations effectiveness. The course will focus on work-related behavior with an emphasis on individual and group performance as it relates to organizational productivity and processes. A central theme will be the development of “people” skills to help all employees- staff, front-line supervision, and management- improve their effectiveness.  Prerequisite: None

 

 

 

BUSINESS ELECTIVES

 

ACC 1103 Managerial Accounting (4 units)

This course is an overview of the use of financial accounting and cost accounting data for the design and preparation of reports to aid management in organizing, directing, controlling, and decision-making functions. The topics include the fundamentals of cost accounting, budgeting and responsibility accounting for cost and profit centers.  Prerequisite: None

 

BUS 1150 Database Fundamentals (4 units)

This course emphasizes the use of database management software packages to access, manipulate, and create data files. Topics include data entry, data access, data manipulation, relational databases, database creation, and file documentation.  Prerequisite: None

 

BUS 2120 Spreadsheet Fundamentals (4 units)

The course instructs students how to use electronic spreadsheet software in business applications. Students become proficient in creating and modifying spreadsheets in a business environment and in printing files that meet business standards. Topics include: spreadsheet concepts, data entry and modification, data analysis, analysis of charts and graphs, formatting data and content, and managing workbooks.  Prerequisite: None

 

ECON 1140 International Economics (4 units)

Students will apply what they have learned in previous economics courses to analyze the global economic environment. They will learn and apply the law of comparative advantage to understand how all people can gain from international trade. Trade agreements, such as GATT and NAFTA, will be discussed and analyzed. Students will learn about the currency markets and the different types of monetary systems.  Prerequisite: None

 

ECON 1150 Economic Data Analysis (4 units)

This course prepares students for analysis of economic data found in secondary sources such as the World Bank, The International Monetary Fund (IMF), Organization of European Community for Development (OECD), and various U.S. government sources. Emphasis is placed on learning the basic tools of mathematical and statistical analysis with a goal to applying those tools to analyzing data for meaningful conclusion. Prerequisite: None

 

LEDR 1321 Conflict Negotiation (4 units)

Effective conflict resolution, bargaining and negotiation are addressed in this course as methods for improving the organizational effectiveness in the long term. A special focus will be placed upon creation of win-win solutions to real life organizational situations. Conflict will be examined as both a necessary and challenging workplace phenomena.  Prerequisite: None

 

MGMT 1411 Intercultural Competence (4 units)

Overview of business communication and culture within the hospitality industry. Specifically, the ways that culture influences our communication patterns. This course will emphasize the development of both professional and personal relationships among people from different cultural backgrounds.  Prerequisite: None

 

MGMT 1412 Global Development (4 units)

This course explores the synchronic and diachronic context for understanding human social processes in colonialism, globalization, and the current world order. Colonial and postcolonial issues such as inequality, resource competition, ethnic and national conflict, migration, and the transition from traditional subsistence-based communities to market-driven consumerism are illustrated.  Prerequisite: None

 

MGMT 1421 Small Business Management (4 units)

An in-depth study of small to mid-sized companies with a view to preparing students for leadership roles. Emphasis on building and managing companies from the start-up phase to their growth and efficient operation. Problem solving strategies of managerial, legal and ethical issues and dilemmas particularly relevant to small business.  Prerequisite: None

 

MGMT 1431 Service Operations (4 units)

This course provides a survey of the different types of services provided by organizations. Topics include similarities and differences between production of services and production of products, the wide variety of services produced, proportion of organizations’ offerings that are services, and accountability and quality of services.  Prerequisite: None

 

MKTG 1290 Social Media Marketing (4 units)

This course gives a foundation to the practical business applications of social media in a marketing world. Through Facebook, Linkedin, blogs, YouTube, Pinterest and other platforms, students discover that social media is for more than just making friends and that there are now only a few degrees of separation globally. Students learn that social media is about marketing at the right time, place and with the right message for existing as well as prospective customers with both legal and ethical behaviors.  Prerequisite: None

 

MKTG 1294 Marketing Channels (4 units)

A study of all phases of management skills in the field of physical distribution with emphasis on customer service and international distribution strategies, the course covers distribution strategies for products and services. It pays specific attention to direct distribution (from manufacturing to retail), indirect distribution (agents, independent representatives, and VARs), and direct marketing (fulfillment centers).  Prerequisite: None

 

OBHV 1112 Leadership and Organizational Change (4 units)

Examination of the application of leadership theory to groups that are diverse in gender, ethnicity, education, and functional expertise. The role of the leader in establishing effective collaboration among members; the decision making process and power will also be examined.  Prerequisite: None

 

OBHV 1113 Theory and Practice of Organizational Development (4 units)

The course overviews how, why, and when to integrate the behavioral sciences with human resource management principles to increase individual and organizational effectiveness. Students will analyze, evaluate, and design relevant theories as they relate to practical application in the workplace.  Prerequisite: None

 

BUS2351 Field Education I (4 units)

This course is an educationally-directed practicum through which students are expected to progress in their professional development from one quarter to the next. A course focused on important principles of Christian business leadership with an appropriate field experience under the supervision of a competent supervisor. Cognitive, affective, and experiential learning experiences are designed to foster the student’s formation in business field and community service.

 

BUS2352 Field Education II (4 units)

This course is a continuation of field education I. This course requires weekly involvement in community service with satisfactory completion of student’s self-evaluation form and supervisor’s evaluation form.

 

BUS2353 Field Education III (4 units)

This course is a continuation of field education II. This course requirements weekly involvement in community service with satisfactory completion of student’s self-evaluation form and supervisor’s evaluation form.