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The Master of Business Administration

The goal of the MBA program is to prepare its participants for challenging managerial positions in ever-changing international working environments. To accomplish this, the program provides its participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective managerial decision-making, the flexibility to pursue a general or moderately specialized business curriculum, and a basis for continued personal and professional growth. The program is designed for those with undergraduate degrees in any major.

Course Requirements for the Master's Degree: 30 units

Continuous enrollment is required. A maximum of 9 semester units of transfer and/or CSU Chico Open University coursework may be applied toward the degree.

Graduate Time Limit:

All requirements for the degree are to be completed within five years of the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. See Master's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

Prerequisites to Graduate Study in Business

Enrollment in graduate (600-level) MBA courses presupposes completion of prerequisite courses covering the common body of knowledge in business, including:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
A study of financial reports, their construction and use. Procedures are introduced to the extent necessary to illustrate basic concepts. Designed to meet the needs of prospective accounting majors, students of business administration, and students seeking a general education. 3 hours discussion. (000077)
Prerequisites: ACCT 201 (or ABUS 261 for ABUS majors only).
The application of appropriate techniques and concepts in processing historical and projected economic data to assist managerial planning, controlling, and decision-making. Selected topics include cost concepts, product costing, cost behavior, budgeting, standard cost analysis, relevant cost analysis, and contribution margin. 3 hours discussion. (000078)
Prerequisites: For Business Administration majors: MATH 107.
For others: Completion of General Education Breadth Area A4 requirement. Descriptive statistics, sampling theory, statistical inference and tests of hypotheses, analysis of variance, chi-square tests, simple regression and correlation, and multiple regression and correlation. BADM 103 and MATH 108 are equivalent courses and each may be substituted for the other. 3 hours discussion. (015718)
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or JOUR 130 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.
Emphasis is on solving business problems through the strategic design of verbal, print, and electronic messages. Models for effective business documents, presentations, meetings, and interpersonal as well as electronic project interaction are applied to business communication problems. Related technology use, etiquette, cultural differences, and ethical considerations are highlighted. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (005687)
Prerequisites: At least junior standing.
Increasingly, managers are faced with legal and ethical challenges in their decision making. This course adopts an integrative strategy which explores the legal and ethical environments of business by focusing on those issues which most affect the major functional areas of business (accounting, marketing, information systems, human resource management, etc.). Students learn strategies which can later be employed not only to avoid litigation but also to pursue more effectively strategic goals of business. This course applies to those working in organizations which employ only a few employees as well as to those which employ thousands. 3 hours lecture. (001342)
An introductory survey of microeconomic analysis. Analysis of individual economic units: household, firms, and markets. Analysis of individual decision making. Supply and demand analysis. Type of market organization: competition, oligopoly, and monopoly. Discussion of current problems. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (002638)
Prerequisites: ACCT 201, ECON 103.
An introduction to financial management, providing a background in the areas of financial institutions, the time value of money, analysis of financial statements, working capital management, financial structure of the firm, capital budgeting, and related tools of financial analysis. 3 hours lecture. (003729)
Using a combination of theory and application, this course focuses on the human side of organizations, including issues of 1) making good decisions, 2) enhancing performance, 3) steering through a turbulent global environment, 4) combining and unifying multiple business functions and 5) enabling change. Students gain an understanding of management and how and why organizations are structured. The themes of quality, technology, ethics, and adaptation are emphasized. 3 hours lecture. (005704)
Nature and functions of marketing systems and marketing in the individual firm. Study of the marketing mix, marketing institutions, and the environments in which marketing decisions are made. 3 hours lecture. (005872)

Working knowledge of microcomputer applications: word processor, spreadsheet, and data base management is required.

Students with recent baccalaureates in business normally have met all prerequisites for graduate study in business. The Office of the Business Graduate Coordinator determines prerequisite completion. Upon admission to the program, such students usually begin taking the 30 units of required and elective courses for the MBA.

Students with a minor in Business Administration may have completed most of the prerequisite requirements for graduate study in business. Consult the Office of the Graduate Coordinator to determine whether unmet prerequisites remain.

Students with a non-business baccalaureate are also encouraged to consider pursuing an MBA. Often, they have met some of the prerequisite requirements within their undergraduate course work. Consult the Office of the Graduate Advisor to determine which unmet prerequisites remain.

There are two basic ways to complete prerequisites covering the common body of knowledge in business. Students who otherwise meet entrance requirements may be "conditionally classified" in the MBA program while they take prerequisite courses at California State University, Chico. Alternatively, students may choose to complete most or all of the prerequisites, here or elsewhere, prior to admission to the program. Consult the Office of the Graduate Coordinator to determine which option will best meet your needs and which prerequisites you have already completed.

Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status:

1. Satisfactory grade point average as specified in Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Admission Requirements in the University Catalog.

2. Approval by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies.

The goal of the Graduate Admission Committee is to select candidates who will become effective managers in private and public organizations. Accordingly, applicants are evaluated on intellectual ability, demonstrated managerial ability and potential, and personal characteristics conducive to academic and professional success, such as maturity, motivation, interpersonal skills, leadership, and breadth of experience.

In its deliberations, the Admissions Committee looks for responsible academic performance, for good Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, and for qualities of personal development which promise career success. Specifically, the Committee reviews:

A. The motivation to pursue graduate study in business and the potential to achieve a management position as evidenced in a written statement of purpose;

B. Collegiate-level scholastic achievements (the entire undergraduate record, with particular emphasis on junior and senior years, and graduate record, if any, is examined for content and course grades.);

C. Aptitude for business graduate education, as indicated by scores on the GMAT or GRE;

D. The personal characteristics of the candidate which are conducive to academic and professional success, such as maturity, motivation, interpersonal skills, leadership, and breadth of experience, as reported in the Letters of Recommendation.

The Admission Committee will operate in a manner consistent with and supportive of the ideals and goals of equal access and equal opportunity.

Prerequisites for Admission to Classified Status:

Students must satisfy the "common body of knowledge" prerequisites for graduate study in business identified above.

Advancement to Candidacy:

In addition to any requirements listed above:

1. Classified graduate standing and completion at the University of at least 9 units of the proposed graduate program.

2. Development of an approved program in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator.

Requirements for the Master of Business Administration:

Completion of all requirements as established by the College of Business Graduate Committee, the Graduate Coordinator, and the Office of Graduate Studies to include:

1. Completion of an approved program consisting of 30 units of course work as indicated below.

2. Completion and final approval of a thesis, a professional paper, or simulation mini-thesis as specified by the student's Graduate Advisory Committee.

3. Approval by the College of Business Graduate Committee and the Graduate Coordinators Committee on behalf of the faculty of the University.

MBA course work

24 units required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: ACCT 202.
The study of organizational uses of accounting information to implement strategies and control operations. Readings and cases emphasize the role and uses of accounting information in the new manufacturing environment, in total quality management, and in international operations. 3 hours seminar. (000120)
Prerequisites: Classified MBA student.
An examination of software products available to assist managers during decision-making. Application of several programs in the areas of statistical analysis, management science, database management systems, spreadsheets, and expert systems to business situations. Case studies requiring computer solution, professional report-writing, and conference-style presentations. 3 hours seminar. (001081)
A large variety of readings, cases, and written assignments are used to examine the role of leadership, global ethics, and corporate social responsibility in organizations, The course emphasizes the theoretical and practical application of leadership and decision-making models and their interaction with ethical and socially responsible outcomes. Effective leaders must communicate well. The course gives students the opportunity to improve their written and oral communication skills. This is a writing intensive course. Passing the course with a B- or higher fulfills the Graduate School's writing proficiency requirement. 3 hours seminar. (021186)
Prerequisites: Classified MBA student.
Survey of academic literature in managerial finance, with particular emphasis on recent developments in theory and application. 3 hours seminar. (003751)
Prerequisite: Classified MBA student.
Study of current theory and research in organizational behavior and organizational design, emphasizing managerial applications. Includes ethical, environmental, technological, and international considerations. 3 hours seminar. (005743)
Prerequisites: Classified MBA student.
A study of marketing concepts and strategies, such as demand analysis, product/market positioning, distribution, promotion, and pricing strategies. Emphasis on integrating such concepts and strategies into strategic marketing programs. 3 hours seminar. (015959)
This course provides overview of the operations management process. The operations management field includes the primary functions of business. These central functions of an organization are responsible for the creation and delivery of goods and services. This course will assist the student in developing both quantitative and qualitative skills to utilize current methodologies, systems, and technology to plan, execute, implement, and analyze performance of the organization and its resources. The topic area of quality management will be a significant segment of this course. 3 hours seminar. (007747)
Prerequisites: Classified MBA student.
A case-oriented, interdisciplinary capstone seminar. Emphasis is on the analysis of complex business problems via the integration of the subject matter of all previous program courses. Linking the firm's internal and external environments from the total-enterprise perspective of the general manager, this course undertakes a systematic inquiry into the strategic management and administrative business policy issues pertaining to the organization's performance and effectiveness. Capstone students will participate in project teams and undertake a comprehensive consulting experience with a client organization as an integral component of the course. 3 hours seminar. (001092)

BADM 693 is to be taken as part of the last 9 units, or during the last semester of the graduate program. Registration in BADM 693 must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator.

6 units selected from:

Business electives: Courses in other colleges of the University may be substituted if approved by the Graduate Coordinator. Culminating experience may count for one to 6 units, depending on option selected (thesis, professional paper, or mini-thesis).

(a) At least 24 units must be 600-level; 6 units may be at 400/500-level upon approval by the Graduate Coordinator.

(b) Not more than 9 semester units of transfer and/or extension credit (correspondence courses and U.C. extension course work are not acceptable).

(c) Not more than 9 units of Independent Study (697), Directed Internship (689), and Master's Thesis (699); not more than 6 units of Master's Thesis (699).

MBA coursework - Accounting Emphasis

MBA students desiring an emphasis in Accountancy are required to declare their intent with the Business Graduate Coordinator.

Prerequisites for Admission to Classified Status:

The "common body of knowledge" prerequisites for graduate study in business identified above, plus the following Accounting classes:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: ACCT 202; BADM 103 or MATH 105 or MATH 108.
Cost concepts, determination, control, and analysis. The emphasis is on communicating cost data for decision-making. Topics include cost behavior and estimation, direct costing, capital budgeting, inventory control, and the new manufacturing environment. 3 hours discussion. (000080)
Prerequisites: ACCT 202 (may be taken concurrently).
Analysis and evaluation of existing manual and computer-based accounting systems. Application of systems analysis and design techniques to case studies and actual organizational systems. Design of input edits and audit trial outputs as integral system components. 3 hours lecture. (000081)
Prerequisites: ACCT 202 and concurrent enrollment in, or prior completion of, ACCT 321.
Accounting theory and practice applicable to income determination and valuation of assets, liabilities, and owner's equity. Preparation of external financial reports. 3 hours discussion. (000082)
Prerequisites: ACCT 325.
Continuation of ACCT 325, including special problems of income determination, asset valuation, and financial reporting. 3 hours discussion. (000083)
Prerequisites: ACCT 201, ACCT 202.
An introduction to the study of corporate partnership, individual, and fiduciary taxation in a multi-jurisdiction environment. Emphasis is on the recognition of major tax issues inherent in business and financial transactions using integrated case studies, and developing tax research and communication skills. 3 hours discussion. (000089)

Advancement to Candidacy and requirements for the degree are the same as for the MBA.

24 units required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: ACCT 321; either BADM 103 or MATH 105; either ACCT 326 or ACCT 427.
A study of the purpose, standards, evidence, professional ethics, and legal liability attendant to the expression of an opinion as to the fairness of financial statement presentation. 3 hours discussion. (000098)

OR (the following course may be substituted for the above)

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: ACCT 421 or instructor permission.
Using SAP, this course takes a hands-on approach to attest and assurances services of IT auditors. The course emphasizes the assessment of internal and computer controls in order to identify key risks within accounting cycles. Students gain knowledge of appropriate data processing methods as well as segregation of incompatible IT functions in the system. Within several accounting cycles, students test general, application, and security controls to identify key audit concerns and focus audit effort on "most important assertions." The assessment of application controls involves a review of input, processing, and output controls. Students assess factors that contribute to IT fraud, identify seeded fraud schemes, and respond to seeded fraud-related detected misstatements. Finally, students consider methods of information system maintenance and configuration for stronger controls. 3 hours seminar. (000099)
Prerequisites: ACCT 202.
The study of organizational uses of accounting information to implement strategies and control operations. Readings and cases emphasize the role and uses of accounting information in the new manufacturing environment, in total quality management, and in international operations. 3 hours seminar. (000120)
Prerequisites: Classified MBA student.
An examination of software products available to assist managers during decision-making. Application of several programs in the areas of statistical analysis, management science, database management systems, spreadsheets, and expert systems to business situations. Case studies requiring computer solution, professional report-writing, and conference-style presentations. 3 hours seminar. (001081)
A large variety of readings, cases, and written assignments are used to examine the role of leadership, global ethics, and corporate social responsibility in organizations, The course emphasizes the theoretical and practical application of leadership and decision-making models and their interaction with ethical and socially responsible outcomes. Effective leaders must communicate well. The course gives students the opportunity to improve their written and oral communication skills. This is a writing intensive course. Passing the course with a B- or higher fulfills the Graduate School's writing proficiency requirement. 3 hours seminar. (021186)
Prerequisites: Classified MBA student.
A case-oriented, interdisciplinary capstone seminar. Emphasis is on the analysis of complex business problems via the integration of the subject matter of all previous program courses. Linking the firm's internal and external environments from the total-enterprise perspective of the general manager, this course undertakes a systematic inquiry into the strategic management and administrative business policy issues pertaining to the organization's performance and effectiveness. Capstone students will participate in project teams and undertake a comprehensive consulting experience with a client organization as an integral component of the course. 3 hours seminar. (001092)
Prerequisites: BADM 610 or SCMS 607, Classified MBA student.
The analysis of the information requirements of an organization, including the strategic use of information systems, current information technology, future technology directions, the role of data base management systems and data communication systems in modern organizations, and the analysis and design of information systems. Uses SAP R/3. 3 hours seminar. (000117)
Prerequisites: Classified MBA student.
Survey of academic literature in managerial finance, with particular emphasis on recent developments in theory and application. 3 hours seminar. (003751)
This course provides overview of the operations management process. The operations management field includes the primary functions of business. These central functions of an organization are responsible for the creation and delivery of goods and services. This course will assist the student in developing both quantitative and qualitative skills to utilize current methodologies, systems, and technology to plan, execute, implement, and analyze performance of the organization and its resources. The topic area of quality management will be a significant segment of this course. 3 hours seminar. (007747)

3 units selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: Classified MBA student.
Study of current theory and research in organizational behavior and organizational design, emphasizing managerial applications. Includes ethical, environmental, technological, and international considerations. 3 hours seminar. (005743)
Prerequisites: Classified MBA student.
A study of marketing concepts and strategies, such as demand analysis, product/market positioning, distribution, promotion, and pricing strategies. Emphasis on integrating such concepts and strategies into strategic marketing programs. 3 hours seminar. (015959)

3 units selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: ACCT 321, ACCT 325.
This course provides students with an in-depth view of the enterprisewide planning, control, and performance capabilities of SAP R/3. A comprehensive case study is created by student teams representing the value chain areas of procurement, production, and sales. The case study develops a comprehensive plan for sales, production, procurement, cost center activities, standard product costs, and product prices. Students then record actual results for a period and perform a comprehensive analysis of actual vs. planned results. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (000104)
Prerequisites: ACCT 437.
A study of federal laws, regulations, etc., pertaining to estate and gift taxation and income taxation of partnerships, corporations, and fiduciaries. Practice in tax return preparation and problem-solving is provided. 3 hours discussion. (000102)
Prerequisites: ACCT 421 or instructor permission.
Using SAP, this course takes a hands-on approach to attest and assurances services of IT auditors. The course emphasizes the assessment of internal and computer controls in order to identify key risks within accounting cycles. Students gain knowledge of appropriate data processing methods as well as segregation of incompatible IT functions in the system. Within several accounting cycles, students test general, application, and security controls to identify key audit concerns and focus audit effort on "most important assertions." The assessment of application controls involves a review of input, processing, and output controls. Students assess factors that contribute to IT fraud, identify seeded fraud schemes, and respond to seeded fraud-related detected misstatements. Finally, students consider methods of information system maintenance and configuration for stronger controls. 3 hours seminar. (000099)
Prerequisites: ACCT 326.
A study of theoretical consideration in asset measurement and income determination. Emphasis is placed on the pronouncements of recognized accounting authorities. 3 hours discussion. (000100)

BADM 693 is to be taken as part of the last 9 units, or during the last semester of the graduate program. Registration in BADM 693 must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator.

MBA course work - Management Information Systems Emphasis

MBA students desiring an emphasis in Management Information Systems are required to declare their intent with the Business Graduate Coordinator.

Prerequisites for admission to Classified Status:

The "common body of knowledge" prerequisites for graduate study in business identified above, plus the following class:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Study of fundamental database design principles and techniques, including data modeling with Entity-Relationship diagrams and normalization. Study of SQL (Structured Query Language) database management systems capabilities. Study of the relational data model and relational operations. Study of database security mechanisms. Introduction to PL/SQL. Application of concepts and techniques to practical business scenarios. 3 hours lecture. (005814)
Prerequisites: BSIS 301, MINS 235.
Study of database application development concepts and techniques. Advanced data modeling and SQL for complex business applications. Stored procedures and database triggers. Application of concepts and techniques to practical business information processing environments. Development of a fully integrated database application. Study of Web database interface capabilities. 3 hours lecture. (005821)

Advancement to Candidacy and requirements for the degree are the same as for the MBA.

24 units required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: Classified MBA student.
An examination of software products available to assist managers during decision-making. Application of several programs in the areas of statistical analysis, management science, database management systems, spreadsheets, and expert systems to business situations. Case studies requiring computer solution, professional report-writing, and conference-style presentations. 3 hours seminar. (001081)
Prerequisites: Classified MBA student.
A case-oriented, interdisciplinary capstone seminar. Emphasis is on the analysis of complex business problems via the integration of the subject matter of all previous program courses. Linking the firm's internal and external environments from the total-enterprise perspective of the general manager, this course undertakes a systematic inquiry into the strategic management and administrative business policy issues pertaining to the organization's performance and effectiveness. Capstone students will participate in project teams and undertake a comprehensive consulting experience with a client organization as an integral component of the course. 3 hours seminar. (001092)
Prerequisites: BADM 610 or SCMS 607, Classified MBA student.
The analysis of the information requirements of an organization, including the strategic use of information systems, current information technology, future technology directions, the role of data base management systems and data communication systems in modern organizations, and the analysis and design of information systems. Uses SAP R/3. 3 hours seminar. (000117)
Prerequisites: Classified MBA student.
Survey of academic literature in managerial finance, with particular emphasis on recent developments in theory and application. 3 hours seminar. (003751)
Prerequisites: MINS 335.
Logical database design using data modeling and normalization techniques. Development of complex, user-oriented business applications. Responsibilities of the database administrator. Study of multi-user environment issues, concurrency control, distributed databases, database security. Study of advanced database technology and performance issues. 3 hours seminar. (005843)
Prerequisite: Classified MBA student.
Study of current theory and research in organizational behavior and organizational design, emphasizing managerial applications. Includes ethical, environmental, technological, and international considerations. 3 hours seminar. (005743)
Prerequisites: Classified MBA student.
A study of marketing concepts and strategies, such as demand analysis, product/market positioning, distribution, promotion, and pricing strategies. Emphasis on integrating such concepts and strategies into strategic marketing programs. 3 hours seminar. (015959)
This course provides overview of the operations management process. The operations management field includes the primary functions of business. These central functions of an organization are responsible for the creation and delivery of goods and services. This course will assist the student in developing both quantitative and qualitative skills to utilize current methodologies, systems, and technology to plan, execute, implement, and analyze performance of the organization and its resources. The topic area of quality management will be a significant segment of this course. 3 hours seminar. (007747)

6 units selected from:

Any 400/500/600-level MIS courses.

Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency:

Writing proficiency is a graduation requirement.

All MBA students will be required to demonstrate their writing competency. Writing proficiency for the MBA must be demonstrated through successful completion of BADM 647.

Graduate Grading Requirements:

All courses in the major (with the exceptions of Independent Study - 697, Comprehensive Examination - 696, Master's Project - 699P, and Master's Thesis - 699T) must be taken for a letter grade, except those courses specified by the department as ABC/No Credit (400/500-level courses), AB/No Credit (600-level courses), or Credit/No Credit grading only. A maximum of 10 units combined of ABC/No Credit, AB/No Credit, and Credit/No Credit grades may be used on the approved program (including 697, 696, 699P, 699T and courses outside the major). While grading standards are determined by individual programs and instructors, it is also the policy of the University that unsatisfactory grades may be given when work fails to reflect achievement of the high standards, including high writing standards, expected of students pursuing graduate study.

Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three categories: all course work taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's program; all course work taken at CSU, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses on the approved master's degree program.

Graduate Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory each semester for all MBA students. Consult the Graduate Coordinator in the College of Business Graduate Office for specifics.

Catalog Cycle:12