The Department of Business Academic Programs
Mr. Michael Campbell, Chairperson
McD 304B, (406) 657-1651
mcampbell@msubillings.edu
www.msubillings.edu/cob/
The Department of Business Academic Programs consists of the following options: Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Management, Marketing and an online option in General Business.
Director of Student Services: Mr. Michael Campbell
Professors: Brown, Campbell, A. Heiat, N. Heiat, Hinthorne, McNally, Steerey
Associate Professors: Harris, Larsen, Wilkinson
Assistant Professor: Adair, Johnson, Leonard, Otjen, Sah, Wheeling
Adjunct Faculty: Amundson, Fazel, Gurney, Holman
Instructor: Amaria
Emeritus: Bieber-Moses, Farsio, Gaghen, Howard, Sheridan, Spicer, Veraldi.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with options in:
Minors
Accounting, Business Administration, Business Geographic Information Systems, Finance, Information Systems, and Marketing
Teaching Minor
Economics
Accounting Option
Accounting is a system for measuring, processing, and communicating information useful in making economic decisions. Accounting, in different forms, has existed for many years, but significant changes have occurred in the past several decades and have created greater information needs for managers. In keeping pace with these changes and increased demands for information, the need for accountants has increased in recent years, thus resulting in excellent opportunities for graduates.
The MSU Billings accounting program prepares students to sit for and pass the Certified Public Accountant Examination (CPA Exam). Requirements to sit for the CPA Exam in Montana include successful completion of 24 credits of upper division accounting courses and 24 credits of other business courses, e.g., courses in management, marketing, finance, management information systems, economics, communications and ethics. After passing the CPA Exam individuals must meet an experience requirement, possess a bachelor’s degree and have earned at least 150 semester credits of college courses in order to be licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in Montana. The additional 30 credits beyond the 120 credits required for a bachelor’s degree may be in any area. Transfer students and students who have changed majors often have 150 credits by the time they complete their accounting and other business courses. Due to potential changes in laws and regulations regarding licensing as a CPA, students should be sure to consult with their accounting advisor or any accounting faculty member in planning their course schedules.
Finance Option
The Finance Option is designed to give students an understanding of the financial markets and their relation to banking and investments as well as to acquaint students with the concepts and methods relevant to financial analysis and management. Employment opportunities include careers in corporate financial management, financial institution management, or investment portfolio management.
Information Systems Option
The Information Systems Option offers students the opportunity to concentrate on modern information resource management. The Information Systems Option closely follows the Model Curriculum for Computer Information Systems designed by the Data Processing Management Association.
The computer revolution of today will have an even greater impact on business and society than the industrial revolution of the nineteenth century. Advancing computer technology provides ever more complex hardware and software necessary to process information, but to utilize it effectively business needs knowledgeable individuals to analyze, design, and implement information management systems to meet the needs and demands of the rapidly changing business environment.
The Information Systems Option is designed for the application users of computer and other technologies, rather than the developer of software and hardware technology. Information Systems students are concerned with computer information systems and data processing, systems analysis and design, and web development. Graduates are employed as application programmers, systems analysts, data base administrators, web designers and developers, end-user support personnel and MIS consultants. Our objective is to prepare students in the technical aspects of computer systems, in the applications areas in which they will work, and in the broad aspects of business so that they can both move into other areas of management and undertake the continuing education so necessary to such a dynamic field.
Students choosing the Information Systems Option may emphasize in either web development or general IS skills directed toward business applications. Students with specific interest in programming should consider computer science courses offered by the Department of Mathematics or the College of Technology.
Management Option
The Management Option is designed for students seeking management careers in a variety of both public and private organizations. The curriculum focuses on the development and application of analytical and ethical decision-making skills in solving practical problems.
The program emphasizes integration of a broad set of skills and abilities. Students in management receive a well-rounded exposure to accounting, business law, economics, finance, marketing, and computer applications. Management students are also taught management-specific topics relating to issues such as the structural design of organizations, the creation of a competitive business strategy, project management, the effect of human relation factors on organizational performance, and effective performance measurement and control. Students also are given opportunities to study and practice leadership, motivation, and team building and to become skilled writers and speakers through various classroom activities and projects.
Current job opportunities are broad, with graduates finding employment in private firms, nonprofit organizations, and government. Some students start their own businesses, while others gain employment in small entrepreneurial firms, mid-size companies, and large corporations.
Marketing Option
The Marketing Option prepares students to succeed in an integrated business environment with a focus on meeting the needs of the customer. Marketing option graduates are prepared for a position such as marketing manager, sales manager, account manager, marketing representative, professional salesperson, or advertising staff. Students completing this option will understand strategic marketing planning, the marketing mix, market research fundamentals, customer relationship management, and the financial implications of marketing within firms. The integrated sequence of courses enables students to obtain a broad education in marketing decision-making.
Online General Business Option
The Online General Business Option is designed for students who wish to complete a degree in business in a totally online environment. All courses required for this degree are offered in an online format. Students completing this option receive a well-rounded exposure to accounting, business law, economics, finance, marketing, and computer applications. For more information, please contact Gary Amundson (406-657-1610 or gamundson@msubillings.edu), Coordinator for the Online General Business Option.
NEXT: Bachelor of Science in Business AdministrationMajor in Business Administration
Accounting Option
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