The mission of the Troy State University Dothan College of Business Administration is to excel in teaching, service and applied research. We will constantly strive to be the premier provider of comprehensive, high quality business education in the Wiregrass region, which encompasses southeast Alabama, southwest Georgia, and northwest Florida. We are committed to meeting the needs of students, alumni, employers, and the greater Wiregrass region.

The College of Business Administration (COBA) programs are designed to prepare students for leadership in the free enterprise system by emphasizing a combination of breadth and depth in business education. Breadth is enhanced by the completion of a core business curriculum which teaches a common body of knowledge for all business majors. Depth is achieved by career specialization in one of nine major areas of business study; degree programs are offered in:

At Troy State University Dothan, we believe that a quality business education begins with a solid understanding of the world in which businesses operate. In today's competitive job environment, small firms and large companies alike need graduates who can offer broad and creative approaches to problem solving. Our approach to business education is a practical one. We prepare students for the realities of business that exist today: increasing diversity in the work environment and marketplace; rapidly changing information processing and communication technologies; and the quality and efficiency required in all aspects of business in a competitive world economy. In short, your business education will emphasize technical learning and practical application. Two of the major goals of business study at this University are the development of intellectual curiosity and the creative capacity for independent thought and action.

The College of Business Administration at Troy State University Dothan is nationally accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) to offer the following degree programs: the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree with majors in Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Computer Information Systems, Economics, Finance, General Business, Management, Management Information Systems, and Marketing, and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Detailed information on graduate programs offered by the College of Business Administration may be found in the Graduate School section of the Bulletin. 

In addition, this section contains information on degrees and programs, not accredited by ACBSP, but offered by the University which are administered by the College of Business Administration. These programs include the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a major in Computer Information Systems and the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree with a major in Technology Management. For all degrees, students are reminded to consult the applicable graduation requirements listed in the Academic Affairs section of the Bulletin.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION GENERAL STUDIES AND CORE COURSES

To earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Computer Information Systems, Economics, Finance, General Business, Management, Management Information Systems, or Marketing, students must complete a common General Studies education requirement, a College of Business Administration Core Curriculum, and courses in their major area of study.

A major portion of a student's first and second year studies, regardless of business academic major, is a common curriculum called the General Studies program. The General Studies program is designed to provide the student with a fundamental basis for advanced studies as well as a broad knowledge of the arts and sciences. Detailed information concerning General Studies requirements is contained in the General Studies section of the Bulletin. The listing of general studies curriculum requirements is intended as a quick reference of those elements necessary in order to complete the general studies requirement for students in the College of Business Administration (COBA):

The following courses represent required courses for all College of Business Administration majors:

Students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree are required to complete the Business Administration Core Curriculum. This common professional component has been designed to provide a solid foundation for advanced business studies. The specific courses required as part of the common professional component are:

Exit Exam
Students who are entering TSUD under the 2002-2003 or later Bulletin and intend to receive the BSBA degree must take the General Business II exam as published by the Educational Testing Services (ETS) of Princeton, N.J. (or some comparable nationally normed exam as determined by the College of Business Administration) a full semester before the intended graduation date and must receive a passing score on the exam.  Cost of the exam will be assessed from the student at the time they file their intent to graduate.  Anyone failing to achieve a passing score must register for and successfully complete Senior Seminar before they will be allowed to graduate.  This course will be taken at the student's own expense.

Any student who intends to pursue a graduate degree with TSUD may take the GMAT in lieu of the ETS exam.  Students must receive a score high enough on the GMAT to allow them to be admitted unconditionally to the MBA program.

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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION CAREER SPECIALIZATIONS

Accounting (ACT) Major

A major in accounting prepares students to assume accounting roles in public and private organizations. Employing agencies include large multinational firms, regional and local firms, as well as local, state and federal government agencies. The accounting major offers students the chance to obtain both breadth of study and depth in such areas as income tax accounting, auditing or accounting information systems. This expertise may equip the student to move into management or executive positions. Course work in accounting may also aid you in pursuing the CPA designation, however, since the prerequisites for CPA exam vary, accounting majors are encouraged to check with their academic advisors about specific requirements for the CPA exam. The accounting major prepares students with a solid foundation in accounting principles and practices which enables them to perform effectively as accountants and as participants in the modern business world.

As an accounting major, you will:

• develop a comprehensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices. You will understand how to present accounting information so that the information can be used to make business decisions. You will understand how accountants use technology to analyze, prepare and present accounting information. You will understand the impact of the international, political, legal, social, economic and technological environments on accounting practices. These goals reflect the degree to which you should retain appropriate knowledge for your field.

• be able to communicate accounting information effectively in written and oral forms. You will be able to analyze, prepare and present financial statements. You will be able to solve accounting problems using commonly accepted accounting principles and practices. You will be able to use technology effectively to aid accounting work. These goals reflect the skills required of an accountant.

• have an appreciation for, and understanding of, the importance of the global free enterprise system, the profit motive, self-esteem, human diversity, ethical conduct and the responsibilities of business to their many stakeholders. You will be aware of your own values and the values espoused by organizations, as well as the effects these value systems have on individual, group and organizational functioning. These goals reflect the development of appropriate values which will guide you throughout your accounting career.

To earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a major in accounting, students must complete:

* Alabama law requires these courses or their graduate equivalents, in addition to any other two accounting courses, to sit for the CPA exam.

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Accounting Information Systems (AIS) Major

A major in accounting information systems prepares students to apply information technology to support accounting activities. The accounting information systems major enables the student to design, implement and maintain effective accounting information systems in organizations. Accounting information systems majors are in demand for their ability to understand and integrate accounting principles with the latest advances in computer technology. Organizations which seek AIS majors include large multinational firms, regional and local firms, as well as local, state and federal government agencies. The accounting information systems major offers students the chance to obtain both breadth of study in accounting principles and practices and hands-on technical training which enables them to perform effectively as accounting information systems managers and as participants in the modern business world.

As an accounting information systems major, you will:

• develop a comprehensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices. You will understand how to present accounting information so that the information can be used to make business decisions. You will understand how businesses use information technologies. You will understand how accountants use technology to analyze, prepare and present accounting information. You will understand the impact of the international, political, legal, social, economic and technological environments on accounting practices. These goals reflect the degree to which you should retain appropriate knowledge for your field.

• be able to communicate accounting information effectively in written and oral forms. You will be able to work with computer and information systems in order to analyze, prepare and present financial statements. You will be able to solve accounting problems using computer and information technologies. You will be able to use technology effectively to aid accounting work. These goals reflect the skills required of an accounting information systems manager.

• have an appreciation for, and understanding of, the importance of the global free enterprise system, the profit motive, self-esteem, human diversity, ethical conduct and the responsibilities of business to their many stakeholders. You will be aware of your own values and the values espoused by organizations, as well as the effects these value systems have on individual, group and organizational functioning. These goals reflect the development of appropriate values which will guide you throughout your career.

To earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a major in accounting information systems, students must complete:

* Alabama law requires these courses or their graduate equivalent, in addition to any other two accounting courses, to sit for the CPA exam.

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Computer Information Systems (CIS) Major

A major in computer information systems prepares students with the conceptual and technical skills needed to design and build applications for today's organizations. CIS majors learn how to create and maintain the computer systems that capture and distribute the information needed within the organization. Primary emphasis is placed upon application development within a client/server environment. CIS majors are in demand for their ability to understand and integrate computer technology to serve organizational needs. Organizations which seek CIS majors include large multinational firms, regional and local firms, as well as local, state and federal government agencies. The CIS program prepares students for careers as applications developers, programmer analysts, database analysts, systems analysts, web-site specialists and end-user support specialists. The CIS major provides students with a solid foundation in computer technology principles and hands-on technical training which enables them to perform effectively as computer information systems technicians and managers and as participants in the modern business world.

As a computer information systems major, you will:

• develop a comprehensive knowledge of computer hardware and software. You will understand how to create and maintain the computer systems that capture and distribute the information needed within the organization. You will understand how businesses use information technologies. You will understand the applications of client/server technologies and the role of computer information systems in supporting those applications. You will understand the impact of the international, political, legal, social, economic and technological environments on computer information systems practices. These goals reflect the degree to which you should retain appropriate knowledge for your field.

• be able to communicate effectively in written and oral forms. You will be able to work with computer and information systems in order to analyze, prepare and present organizational information. You will be able to solve complex hardware and software problems using computer and information technologies. You will be able to use technology effectively to aid organizational work. These goals reflect the skills required of a CIS major.

• have an appreciation for, and understanding of, the importance of the global free enterprise system, the profit motive, self-esteem, human diversity, ethical conduct and the responsibilities of business to their many stakeholders. You will be aware of your own values and the values espoused by organizations, as well as the effects these value systems have on individual, group and organizational functioning. These goals reflect the development of appropriate values which will guide you throughout your career.

To earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a major in computer information systems, students must complete:

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Economics (ECO) Major

A major in economics prepares students to make managerial decisions about the resource allocation process in the business world. Economics majors learn how businesses function amid various market conditions (competition, monopoly, oligopoly, etc.) and how those conditions affect global and local operations. A number of major themes concerning economic behavior in business and society are covered including understanding how to deal with consumer behavior, firm behavior, macroeconomic variables of monetary and fiscal policies and allocation decisions under conditions of uncertainty. A major in economics prepares students to assume roles as managers in a wide variety of public and private organizations. Economics majors will increasingly be in demand as the pace of the global economy quickens and as the effects of mergers, acquisitions and consolidations become more widespread. Economics majors come to understand how the final distribution of income in society affects society's welfare and how various tax and government transfer laws affect the operation of business in society.

As an economics major, you will:

• develop a comprehensive knowledge of consumer, firm and market performance factors and measures. You will understand the various decision making models used by managers in order to make allocation decisions. You will understand the effects of private and public pressures on the allocation of resources in society. You will understand the trade-offs associated with managerial allocation decisions. You will understand the impact of the international, political, legal, social, economic and technological environments on the economic behavior of individuals and organizations. These goals reflect the degree to which you should retain appropriate knowledge for your field.

• be able to communicate effectively in written and oral forms. You will be able to analyze local, national and global markets in order to make optimal and satisfying resource allocation decisions. You will be able to analyze market conditions and determine their impact on individual and group behavior. You will be able to communicate to various stakeholders the importance of fiscal policies and governmental objectives with regard to macroeconomic conditions. These goals reflect the skills required of an economics major.

• have an appreciation for, and understanding of, the importance of the global free enterprise system, the profit motive, self-esteem, human diversity, ethical conduct and the responsibilities of business to their many stakeholders. You will be aware of your own values and the values espoused by organizations, as well as the effects these value systems have on individual, group and organizational functioning. These goals reflect the development of appropriate values which will guide you throughout your career.

To earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a major in economics, students must complete:

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Finance (FIN) Major

A major in finance prepares students for careers as financial managers, analysts and consultants for a wide variety of public and private institutions. Finance majors learn financial forecasting, analysis, evaluation and decision making with regard to budgeting, asset and portfolio management. Preparation for employment opportunities consists of course work in business financial management, financial markets and institutions, investments and financial planning, and government finance. Finance majors initially assume positions in organizations as budget analysts, financial planners, loan officers and portfolio advisors. Business organizations need operating capital, and the finance major prepares students to identify, analyze and execute capital transactions so that the monetary needs of the organization are met. 

As a finance major, you will:

• develop a comprehensive knowledge of business financial management, financial markets and institutions, investments and financial planning, and government finance. You will understand how to read financial statements. You will understand the concepts associated with financial planning, financial forecasting, financial control, financial evaluation and financial decision making. You will understand capital budgeting requirements, security valuation and yield analysis, working capital management and merger and acquisition strategies. You will understand the effects of bankruptcy and foreign exchange rates on the operations of business. You will understand the impact of the international, political, legal, social, economic and technological environments on the financial operations of organizations. These goals reflect the degree to which you should retain appropriate knowledge for your field.

• be able to communicate effectively in written and oral forms. You will be able to analyze and interpret financial statements. You will be able to calculate the time value of money, risk and return analyses and security analyses. You will be able to determine working capital needs for organizations and any additional/external funds needed. These goals reflect the skills required of a finance major.

• have an appreciation for, and understanding of, the importance of the global free enterprise system, the profit motive, self-esteem, human diversity, ethical conduct and the responsibilities of business to their many stakeholders. You will be aware of your own values and the values espoused by organizations, as well as the effects these value systems have on individual, group and organizational functioning. These goals reflect the development of appropriate values which will guide you throughout your career.

To earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a major in finance, students must complete:

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General Business Major

The general business major provides the opportunity for business students to study in a wide range of subject matter areas which interest them. Students who major in general business are attracted by the flexibility the program offers and the prospects for pursuing many varied employment options upon graduation. As a general business major, you will select a mix of upper division courses offered by the College of Business Administration in the following areas: accounting, business law, computer information systems, economics, finance, management, management information systems, marketing or quantitative methods. Students who are considering a career specialization in general business are instructed to consult the major area descriptions and course descriptions contained in this bulletin for information on specific courses and programs. Specific knowledge and skill outcomes for the general business major depend on the courses selected, but the following reflect the broad nature of outcomes one could expect as a general business major.

As a general business major, you will:

• develop a general knowledge of accounting, business law, computer information systems, economics, finance, management, management information systems, marketing or quantitative methods. You will understand the impact of the international, political, legal, social, economic and technological environments on the operations of organizations. These goals reflect the degree to which you should retain appropriate knowledge for your field.

• be able to communicate effectively in written and oral forms. You will develop general skills in the areas of accounting, business law, computer information systems, economics, finance, management, management information systems, marketing or quantitative methods. These goals reflect the skills required of a general business major.

• have an appreciation for, and understanding of, the importance of the global free enterprise system, the profit motive, self-esteem, human diversity, ethical conduct and the responsibilities of business to their many stakeholders. You will be aware of your own values and the values espoused by organizations, as well as the effects these value systems have on individual, group and organizational functioning. These goals reflect the development of appropriate values which will guide you throughout your career.

To earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a major in general business, students must complete:

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Management (MGT) Major

A major in management prepares students to assume managerial and staff duties in public and private sector organizations. Management majors learn how to plan, organize, lead and control operations in organizations through the effective utilization of information, technology, material, time, financial and human resources. Management majors learn how to detect, analyze and solve problems, and they learn how to appreciate the importance of the global free enterprise system, human diversity and ethical conduct. Management courses will test your ability to think critically, and will help develop your skills in written and oral communications. A significant component of managerial work involves dealing effectively with people. Management classes will focus not only on learning course concepts and material, but on the application of that knowledge to situations encountered in simulations, case-studies, internships, team projects and business community involvement.

As a management major, you will:

• develop comprehensive knowledge of the management functions of planning, organizing, leading and controlling. You will understand how managers effectively utilize financial, material and human resources in order to accomplish the goals of the organization. You will understand the impact of the international, political, legal, social, economic and technological environments on organizational functioning. These goals reflect the degree to which you should retain appropriate knowledge for your field.

• be able to identify problems and opportunities, find optimal and satisfying solutions, and evaluate the efficacy of decisions and actions. You will be able to select the appropriate qualitative or quantitative decision aids and use them effectively to make proper decisions. You will be able to deal effectively with other people by participating in group work and developing your skills in leadership, negotiating and interviewing. You will demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communications through in-class graded exercises. These goals reflect the skills required as a manager.

• have an appreciation for, and understanding of, the importance of the global free enterprise system, the profit motive, self-esteem, human diversity, ethical conduct and the responsibilities of business to their many stakeholders. You will be aware of your own values and the values espoused by organizations, as well as the effects these value systems have on individual, group and organizational functioning. These goals reflect the development of appropriate values which will guide you throughout your career.

To earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a major in management, students must complete:

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Management Information Systems (MIS) Major

Management Information Systems (MIS) is the application of information technology to support business activities. The major in management information systems enables the student to design, implement and maintain effective information systems in organizations. The curriculum integrates the technical knowledge of computer hardware and software with the business and organizational knowledge from the business curriculum. MIS majors are in demand for their ability to understand and integrate computer technology and information systems to serve organizational needs. Organizations which seek MIS majors include large multinational firms, regional and local firms, as well as local, state and federal government agencies. The MIS program prepares students for careers as information systems analysts, business systems consultants, managers in information systems departments and as managers/analysts in almost any business function with special expertise in technology and information systems. The MIS major provides students for careers as information systems analysts, business systems consultants, managers in information systems departments and as managers/analysts in almost any business function with special expertise in technology and information systems. The MIS major provides students with a solid foundation in computer technology principles as they relate to business applications and hands-on technical training which enables them to perform effectively as management information systems managers and as participants in the modern business world.

As a management information systems major, you will:

• develop a comprehensive knowledge of computer hardware and software. You will understand how to create, maintain and manage the computer systems that capture and distribute the information needed within the organization. You will understand how businesses use information technologies and how to structure information systems to meet the needs of the business. You will understand the impact of the international, political, legal, social, economic and technological environments on management information systems practices. These goals reflect the degree to which you should retain appropriate knowledge for your field.

• be able to communicate effectively in written and oral forms. You will be able to work with computer and information systems in order to analyze, prepare and present organizational information. You will be able to solve complex hardware and software problems using computer and information technologies. You will be able to use technology effectively to aid organizational work. These goals reflect the skills required of an MIS major.

• have an appreciation for, and understanding of, the importance of the global free enterprise system, the profit motive, self-esteem, human diversity, ethical conduct and the responsibilities of business to their many stakeholders. You will be aware of your own values and the values espoused by organizations, as well as the effects these value systems have on individual, group and organizational functioning. These goals reflect the development of appropriate values which will guide you throughout your career.

To earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a major in management information systems, students must complete:

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Marketing (MKT) Major

A major in marketing prepares students to assume positions in a variety of fields including product management, international marketing, services marketing, cyber-marketing, marketing logistics, sales, advertising, public relations, promotions and marketing in public or private organizations. Marketing majors learn how to plan marketing campaigns by analyzing consumer/product relationships, selecting a market segmentation strategy, designing a marketing mix strategy, and implementing and controlling the desired strategy. Marketing majors study consumer behaviors and desires, market trends, distribution channels, product characteristics and logistic networks. Marketing personnel in business organizations work closely with production and finance personnel in order to design and produce a product or service which meets customer needs. Marketing majors learn how to detect, analyze and solve marketing problems through comprehensive analyses of consumer and market behavior. Marketing majors learn the importance of effective marketing research techniques for gauging consumer desires.

As a marketing major, you will:

• develop comprehensive knowledge of the marketing mix functions of product, price, promotion and distribution channels (place) and their effects on organizational marketing strategy. You will understand the advantages and disadvantages of the major promotional tools (advertising, sales promotion, publicity, and personal selling) that organizations use to inform the public of their product or service. You will understand the merits of the various distribution strategies for achieving competitive advantage. You will understand the impact of the international, political, legal, social, economic and technological environments on the organizational marketing function. These goals reflect the degree to which you should retain appropriate knowledge for your field.

• be able to identify problems and opportunities, find optimal and satisfying solutions, and evaluate the efficacy of decisions and actions concerning marketing issues. You will be able to select the appropriate qualitative or quantitative decision aids and use them effectively to make proper decisions. You will demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communications through in-class graded exercises. These goals reflect the skills required as a marketing major.

• appreciate and understand the importance of the global market and web-based systems, the profit motive, self-esteem, human diversity, ethical conduct and the responsibilities of business to their many stakeholders. You will be aware of your own values and the values espoused by organizations, as well as the effects these value systems have on individual, group and organizational functioning. These goals reflect the development of appropriate values which will guide you throughout your career.

To earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a major in marketing, students must complete:

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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Computer Information Systems (CIS) Major

Currently the BS-CIS degree is awarded through the College of Arts & Sciences.  The business core courses are not required for this degree; thus, this degree is not eligible for accreditation by ACBSP.   A major in computer information systems prepares students with the conceptual and technical skills needed to design and build applications for today's organizations. CIS majors learn how to create and maintain the computer systems that capture and distribute the information needed within the organization. Primary emphasis is placed upon programming within a client/server environment. CIS majors are in demand for their ability to understand and integrate computer technology to serve organizational needs. Organizations which seek CIS majors include large multinational firms, regional and local firms, as well as local, state and federal government agencies. The CIS program prepares students for careers as applications developers, programmer analysts, database analysts, systems analysts, web-site specialists and end-user support specialists. The CIS major provides students with a solid foundation in computer technology principles and hands-on technical training which enables them to perform effectively as computer information systems technicians and managers and as participants in the modern business world.

As a computer information systems major, you will:

• develop a comprehensive knowledge of computer hardware and software. You will understand how to create and maintain the computer systems that capture and distribute the information needed within the organization. You will understand how businesses use information technologies. You will understand the applications of client/server technologies and the role of computer information systems operators in supporting those applications. You will understand the impact of the international, political, legal, social, economic and technological environments on computer information systems practices. These goals reflect the degree to which you should retain appropriate knowledge for your field.

• be able to communicate effectively in written and oral forms. You will be able to work with computer and information systems in order to analyze, prepare and present organizational information. You will be able to solve complex hardwar