Business - General Information
Historical Note
In September 1926, a two-year program of courses in business was offered to qualified students who had completed two years in Arts and Sciences. The success of this program prompted the establishment of Business in the spring of 1927. Degrees of Bachelor of Science in Business were awarded to the first graduates of the program in June 1928. During the next two years the program of professional subjects was again revised and extended to a four year curriculum of business and cultural courses. The first class to complete this curriculum conducted totally within Business was graduated in 1932. In 1933 the degree designation was changed to Bachelor of Business Administration. In 1970, as a result of an extensive curriculum revision which emphasizes a balance of humanities, mathematics, science, social sciences, and professional business courses, the degree was changed to the Bachelor of Science (Business Administration). At the same time, the baccalaureate degree program in the Evening Session was merged into Business.
The School of Business is accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the premier accrediting agency for business programs globally.
Mission Statement
The School of Business shares with the rest of Manhattan College a commitment to the development and growth of each student. Inspired by Lasallian tradition, the mission of the School of Business is to prepare students from diverse backgrounds for the challenges that they will face as business and community leaders. The faculty of the School, as teachers, scholars and mentors, foster the development of the whole person by integrating a values-based education with current business theory, skills and practices.
Curriculum and Programs
In order to accomplish the mission of Business, the curriculum is structured to achieve a balance of liberal arts courses and professional business courses, thus bringing together liberal education and professional business preparation. The program in liberal arts is divided among the areas of humanities, mathematics, sciences, and social sciences. The professional business program, which includes core courses required of all students and the study of a major field, offers the student a balanced approach to the two aspects of the various business disciplines—theory and application to practical problems. This practical/theoretical approach heightens the ability of the student to reason and analyze a situation in the context of a given environment thus developing in him or her a practical outlook that reflects business reality. In addition, the School provides its students with an exposure to the world of business. The societal considerations of the firm and the behavioral aspects of the managerial function are interwoven throughout the business curriculum. The focus in the professional area is on executive action in business and non-business organizations.
The program of liberal arts courses, which comprises approximately one-half of the total curriculum, blends humanistic knowledge with professional career preparation. The sequence of general business-related courses examines topics of broad business knowledge and practice. The sequence includes introductory courses in accounting, economics, computer information systems, law and statistics, each relating to the fundamentals of business. Other courses in this sequence include management, marketing, finance and operations In each of these courses emphasis is placed on essential analytical tools and their use in various business areas. Course work emphasizing strategic planning, societal development, and global business is also included in the business core curriculum and helps prepare students to enter a career in a functional field or undertake graduate studies. The major disciplines are accounting, computer information systems, economics, finance, management, and marketing. Business Analytics and Global Business Studies may be taken as co-majors.
Majors
Accounting
The major in accounting centers on financial and operational communications for business and governmental units. The program prepares students for careers in public accounting, industrial or private accounting, governmental and institutional accounting, or for a general business career. Accounting education provides a sound basis for advancement to managerial positions and is a desirable background for other non-business professions, such as law.
Students who want to follow careers in public accounting should pursue the five-year B.S. in Professional Accounting/MBA Program. All accounting students should speak to their academic advisor about eligibility for the New York State CPA examination and the five-year program requirements.
Business Analytics
Business analytics helps the business evaluate their performance, gain insights in their operations, and predict market trend via analytical and statistical data analyses. The analytical techniques emerge from a variety of disciplines such as operations research, statistics, computer science, etc. The business analytics co-major program helps students develop skills in these areas, enhances their knowledge and marketability, and pursue careers in financial services, healthcare services, environmental and life sciences, retail and media, and other industries where analytical skills are in high demand. The program is open to students who already have a business major. Business Analytics is an ideal co-major for students who have the aptitude for information technologies and quantitatively oriented materials, and would like a career in highly collaborative and rapidly evolving environment.
Computer Information Systems
This area of specialization enables a student to determine the informational needs of an organization and identify the patterns of information flow which satisfy those needs. The program includes studies in computer hardware and software, programming, computer decision systems, file and communication systems, operations analysis and simulation, management information systems, and the analysis and design of information systems. The CIS major will find excellent career opportunities in systems analysis and management information systems. Combining the CIS knowledge with business functional areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, or management, provides the CIS graduate with a competitive advantage in careers related to system development and analysis.
Economics
A major in business economics is designed for those students whose primary interest is oriented towards an examination of economic relationships. Students seeking a broad global economic background for government, industry, or law would benefit from this program. This program is also suitable for students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in Economics.
Finance
The major in finance enables the student to examine the tasks and techniques of financial management within business and government units and to study the elaborate structure of financial institutions and the broad range of financial instruments. The course work emphasizes the knowledge and tools needed to understand and participate in the global economic system. The program stresses financial analysis and decision-making and prepares students for careers in financial management and analysis.
Global Business Studies
This program develops in the student a thorough and rigorous global perspective and understanding of the international environment and markets. Such understanding is essential for any American business person who competes domestically and in the international arena. This field is interdisciplinary in nature and includes studies in economics, finance, marketing, management and government. Students who are interested in pursuing careers in the international aspects of business or government may pursue it only as a second major. Proficiency in a foreign language is strongly recommended.
Management
The management program examines theories and concepts of organizations, describes the skills used by managers in fulfilling their roles and functions, provides an opportunity for students to apply quantitative methods to solve management problems, and seeks to arouse interest in management as a growing field. The major emphasis is on behavioral aspects of organizations and administrative actions, in both business and nonprofit organizations. Special attention is given to the social responsibilities of the business executive and the role of the modern corporation in society. Students also learn to master the latest technologies, which allows them to graduate with a functional knowledge of the tools that will be used in their careers.
Marketing
Marketing represents a key function and managerial philosophy of contemporary organizations. It is essential for the effective managing of both for profit and nonprofit organizations. Marketing involves creating products and services, communicating their value, and managing customer relationships based on a thorough understanding of customers’ needs and wants. The tasks of marketing managers include determining the firm’s competitive market position and strategy, and formulating the optimum marketing mix: the product portfolio, communication, pricing and distribution strategies.
The marketing program emphasizes a managerial approach and is designed to train marketing professionals who are globally-oriented business leaders. The curriculum stresses analysis, critical thinking and decision making in the marketing process.
Double Majors
The business curriculum provides eight major fields of study from which the student can select one or more for in-depth study. A student who opts to major in two areas must complete the requirements for both major. Students may use business and free electives toward a the second major.
BS/MBA
The B.S. Business / Masters of Business Administration Program offers students an option to complete a five-year multiple award program. The successful completion of the five-year program leads to two awards: a B.S. in Business (in one of six majors) and an MBA. The program consists of a total of 150 hours in undergraduate and graduate credits, planned over a five-year period, including coursework during ten semesters and one summer session. The program is designed for students who are academically competitive. Students may use the free electives to commence with the masters level classes in their fourth year.
Minor Programs for Non-Business Majors
Students who are in Schools other than Business may pursue a minor in Business. Students must obtain the permission of the School in which they are enrolled. The minor in Business for non-business majors requires the completion of 15 credits. The five course sequence consists of:
| ACCT 201 | Principles of Accounting I | 3 |
| ECON 203 | Microeconomics | 3 |
| MGMT 201 | Introduction to Management | 3 |
| MKTG 201 | Essentials of Marketing | 3 |
| Business Elective (with proper prerequisites) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Students in the Business minor who are specifically interested in Finance may select FIN 301 Principles of Business Finance I as their elective, but must meet the prerequisite for the course, CIS 227 Business Statistics, or its equivalent. Students interested in a minor in Business must consult with the School of Business advisor.
Non-Business majors may also pursue 15-credit minors in specific areas of business such as Economics, Finance, Management, and Marketing. Please consult the department section of the catalog for more information. The specific area minor must be approved by the chair of the department.
Minor Programs for Business Students
In order to provide an opportunity for the student to broaden her or his educational experiences, students in Business are able to minor in a discipline other than their major field. Through special arrangements with Arts and Sciences, a student may take a minor program consisting of approximately 15 credits in the humanities, mathematics, sciences, or social sciences. Business students who are interested in pursuing a minor outside the school of business must contact the academic advisor of the school for further information. Business students may also take a minor in any of the major fields offered by Business. This program consists of three courses in the discipline. Details of these programs may be found under the heading “Minor Fields” in the pages to follow.
All major and minor credits must be taken at Manhattan College. A minimum grade of C is necessary to receive major or minor credit. Also, all 300 and 400 level Business courses must be taken at Manhattan College.
Advisement
Advisement for students in Business is conducted by an Academic Advisor in conjunction with the Department Chairs and faculty. The Academic Advisor counsels all first-year students, sophomores, and transfer students, as well as any juniors and seniors when necessary. All students select their major at the end of their sophomore year. Programs of study for first-year students, sophomores, and transfer students, as well as co-approval of athletes, are approved by the Academic Advisor. Programs of study for juniors and seniors are approved by the Department Chairs who act as advisors to the students in selecting a major. Department Chairs and faculty are responsible for advising upper level students. The faculty are closely associated with professional business organizations and industrial groups carrying out related activities, thus assuring maximum service to the student in preparing to meet the requirements for the degree, for advanced professional study, and for placement.
Business students who plan to enter law should consult with the Prelaw Advisor. The Advisor will guide the students through the preparation and application process required for law school admissions.
Internships
Students in the School of Business are encouraged to complete a business internship. Students can complete an approved internship experience for academic credit. Interested students must consult with the Internships Coordinator for guidance on the process of securing an appropriate internship and obtaining the required faculty sponsorship. Faculty supervisors will define appropriate academic activities in parallel to the work requirement in order to provide a complete internship experience. Credit bearing internships must be approved by the Department Chair and the Dean.
Tutorial/Reading and Research
Under very special circumstances and with the approval of the Dean, students may register for a specific course on a tutorial basis or may submit a proposal and ask a faculty member in an appropriate department to supervise a well-defined course of study that involves reading and research in a specific discipline. Topics, projects, methods of research and course requirements, e.g., term papers, quizzes, exams, etc., must be worked out with the supervising professor and approved by the department chair. Students wishing to pursue a course on a tutorial basis must register for a specific course, while students pursuing reading and research must register for departmental course No. 470.
Student Organizations
Organizations of special interest to the students in Business include: The Society of Accountants; American Marketing Association, Student Chapter (Marketing Club); Beta Alpha Psi, an honor organization for financial information professionals; Beta Gamma Sigma, National Honor Society in Business; Computer Information Systems (CIS) Club; Alpha Iota Delta, The National Honor Society for Computer Information Systems and Decision Sciences, Delta Chi Chapter; Economics-Finance Society; Omicron Delta Epsilon, the National Honor Society in Economics, Beta Chapter; The IDEA Investment Club; Mu Kappa Tau, the National Marketing Honor Society; and Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE).
Study Abroad
Students interested in studying abroad should discuss their interest with the Academic Advisor by the beginning of sophomore year. It is best to plan the semester of study abroad for the second semester of sophomore year or the first semester of junior year. Further information about study abroad opportunities is available through the Study Abroad Office. The School of Business also sponsors a study tour each January intersession to one European nation - France, Italy, Spain, or England. The study is linked to a course, MKTG 414 International Field Study Seminar, conducted each spring semester for three credits. The course can be used towards fulfilling the requirements of the Marketing major or as one of the student’s free or business electives.
Curriculum
I. Arts and Science Courses
| A. Humanities Courses | ||
| ENGL 110 | College Writing | 3 |
| CIS 110 | Introduction to Information Systems | 3 |
| ENGL 211 | Written Communication | 3 |
| ENGL Literature Elective | 3 | |
| PHIL 201 | Ethics | 3 |
| RELS 110 | The Nature and Experience of Religion | 3 |
| RELS 3XX The Religious Traditions | 3 | |
| RELS 4XX Religion and Contemporary Thought | 3 | |
| B. Social Sciences Courses | ||
| ECON 203 | Microeconomics (Microeconomics) | 3 |
| ECON 204 | Macroeconomics (Macroeconomics) | 3 |
| HIST History Elective | 3 | |
| PSYC 203 | Introduction to Psychology I | 3 |
| SOC 201 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| C. Mathematics and Science Courses | ||
| MATH 153 | Linear Math Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 154 | Calculus Business Decisions | 3 |
| SCI Science Elective 1 | 6 | |
| Liberal Arts Elective 2 | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
| 1 | Science requirements: 6 credits from the following: Astronomy & Earth Science 201, 202, Science 203-204, Science 207; other science courses only with the approval of the dean and chair of the department. |
| 2 | Approved Arts and Science courses. |
II. Business Courses
A. Business Core Program for all Students
| ACCT 201 | Principles of Accounting I | 3 |
| ACCT 202 | Principles of Accounting II | 3 |
| CIS 227 | Business Statistics | 3 |
| FIN 301 | Principles of Business Finance I | 3 |
| ECON 305 | Money and Banking | 3 |
| LAW 203 | Business Law I | 3 |
| MKTG 201 | Essentials of Marketing | 3 |
| MGMT 201 | Introduction to Management | 3 |
| MGMT 307 | Operations and Quality Management | 3 |
| MGMT 406 | Strategic Management | 3 |
| MGMT 430 | Business, Government, and Society | 3 |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
B. Business Program for Non-Accounting Majors
| Major Field | 21 | |
| Free Electives * | 6 | |
| Business Core Courses | 33 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
*Students interested in pursuing the five-year B.S./MBA program can use the free electives in their senior year to complete courses toward the MBA program.
C. Business Program for Accounting Majors
| Accounting Major Courses | 27 | |
| Business Electives * | 3 | |
| Business Core Courses | 33 | |
| Total Credits | 63 | |
*Students interested in pursuing the five-year B.S./MBA program can use the business elective in their senior year to complete a course toward the MBA program.
Total Credits for Graduation:
| Non-Accounting Majors | 120 | |
| Accounting Majors | 123 | |
Major Fields
Accounting Major
Required courses
| LAW 304 | Business Law II | 3 |
| ACCT 301 | Intermediate Accounting I | 4 |
| ACCT 302 | Intermediate Accounting II | 4 |
| ACCT 303 | Cost Accounting | 4 |
| ACCT 401 | Auditing | 3 |
| ACCT 405 | Advanced and International Issues in Accounting | 3 |
| ACCT 409 | Income Taxation | 3 |
| Select one of the following courses: | 3 | |
| Financial Statement Analysis | ||
| Information Technology Assurance and Audit | ||
| Corporate Taxation | ||
| Accounting Theory and Research | ||
| Ethical Issues in Accounting | ||
| Accounting Field Study Internship | ||
| Business Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Business Analytics (Co-Major Only)
Required courses
| BUAN/CIS 310 | Business Data Management | 3 |
| BUAN 327 | Advanced Business Statistics | 3 |
| BUAN 410 | Data Mining for Business Intelligence | 3 |
| BUAN 427 | Analytical Decision Making | 3 |
| Select one of the following gateway courses:* | 3 | |
| Financial Statement Analysis | ||
| E-Commerce and Web Development | ||
| Seminar in Macroeconomics and Financial Markets | ||
| Financial Modeling | ||
| Managerial Planning and Decision Making | ||
| Management of Marketing Databases and Analytics | ||
| * | The students need to take the additional 3 credits from the program in their own major. |
Computer Information Systems Major
Required courses
| CIS 201 | Computer Hardware and Software | 3 |
| CIS 205 | Introduction to Programming with Business and Mobile Applications | 3 |
| CIS 310 | Business Data Management: | 3 |
| CIS 326 | Business Data Communications and Telecommunications | 3 |
| CIS 431 | Analysis, Design, and Implementation of Information Systems | 3 |
| Approved CIS or Business Elective | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Economics Major
Required courses
| ECON 301 | Intermediate Price Analysis | 3 |
| ECON 302 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 334 | International Economics | 3 |
| ECON 433 | Econometrics | 3 |
| Approved Economics Elective | 3 | |
| Business Elective | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Finance Major
Required courses
| FIN 308 | Investments | 3 |
| FIN 340 | Corporate Structure & Financing (Previously FIN 420) | 3 |
| FIN 436 | Multinational Finance | 3 |
| FIN 408 | Financial Intermediaries | 3 |
| or FIN 416 | Options and Futures Markets | |
| Finance Elective | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Global Business Studies (Co-Major Only)
Required courses
| MGMT 309 | Management of International Business | 3 |
| ECON 334 | International Economics | 3 |
| MKTG 412 | International Marketing | 3 |
| Two of the following: * | 6 | |
| The Japanese Economy | ||
| Multinational Finance | ||
| International Field Study Seminar | ||
| Comparative Politics | ||
| International Relations | ||
| United States Foreign Policy | ||
| Senior Seminar | ||
| * | No more than three elective credits may be taken from any one discipline. |
Management Major
Required courses
| MGMT 309 | Management of International Business | 3 |
| MGMT 315 | Human Behavior in the Organization | 3 |
| MGMT 320 | Human Resource Management | 3 |
| MGMT 461 | Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| Select two of the following courses: | 6 | |
| Working with Businesses in Nicaragua | ||
| Managerial Planning and Decision Making | ||
| Going Global: Business in BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) Economies | ||
| Small Business Management Seminar | ||
| Negotiation and Conflict Management | ||
| Management Seminar | ||
| Managing a Diverse Workforce | ||
| Contemporary Topics and Issues in Human Resource Management | ||
| Business Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Marketing Major
Required courses
| MKTG 303 | Marketing Research | 3 |
| MKTG 307 | Consumer Behavior | 3 |
| MKTG 403 | Marketing Management | 3 |
| MKTG 412 | International Marketing | 3 |
| Select one of the following courses: | 3 | |
| Direct Response Marketing | ||
| Sales Management | ||
| Retail Management | ||
| Advertising and Communication Management | ||
| Marketing Honors Seminar | ||
| International Field Study Seminar | ||
| Contemporary Marketing Issues | ||
| Management of Marketing Databases and Analytics | ||
| Business Elective | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Minor Fields
Accounting
| ACCT 301 | Intermediate Accounting I | 4 |
| ACCT 302 | Intermediate Accounting II | 4 |
| Three credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Cost Accounting | ||
| Financial Statement Analysis | ||
| Auditing | ||
| Income Taxation | ||
| Total Credits | 11 | |
Computer Information Systems
| CIS 201 | Computer Hardware and Software | 3 |
| CIS 205 | Introduction to Programming with Business and Mobile Applications | 3 |
| CIS 310 | Business Data Management: | 3 |
| or CIS 326 | Business Data Communications and Telecommunications | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Economics
| ECON 301 | Intermediate Price Analysis | 3 |
| ECON 302 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3 |
| Approved Economics course | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Finance
| FIN 416 | Options and Futures Markets | 3 |
| or FIN 408 | Financial Intermediaries | |
| FIN 308 | Investments | 3 |
| FIN 340 | Corporate Structure & Financing | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Global Business Studies
| MGMT 309 | Management of International Business | 3 |
| ECON 334 | International Economics | 3 |
| MKTG 412 | International Marketing | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Management
| MGMT 315 | Human Behavior in the Organization | 3 |
| MGMT 309 | Management of International Business | 3 |
| or MGMT 320 | Human Resource Management | |
| Approved Management courses | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Marketing
| MKTG 307 | Consumer Behavior | 3 |
| Approved Marketing courses | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Business students who are interested in pursuing a minor outside the School of Business must contact the academic advisor of the school for further information.