B.A.B.A.: Overview

The Business Administration degree program is designed to prepare students for entry into professional positions in business and government. The curriculum, which leads to a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, emphasizes critical competencies needed by students to succeed in the business environment of the 21st century. Students will learn and apply the specific skills associated with each competency in the core courses, refine and practice the competencies in their concentration, and use and demonstrate the competencies in additional coursework as they fine-tune skills for their professional careers. The five competencies are as follows:

Teamwork

Teamwork requires interdependence to achieve a common goal. Interpersonal skills that support teamwork include leading, following, managing conflict and attending to individual differences.

Communication

Communication is the ability to create and exchange meaning with others in a variety of contexts. Communication is comprised of skills in speaking, writing, reading and listening. Additional aspects include giving and receiving feedback, constructing and interpreting symbolic and nonverbal messages, and employing various media technology.

Strategic Thinking

Strategic thinking is the process of proactively recognizing, framing and analyzing opportunities and problems in a dynamic environment. Strategic thinking requires considering multiple stakeholders in creating, evaluating and implementing systematic solutions on an ongoing basis. Additional aspects include managing ambiguity and complexity and being a catalyst for change.

Integrated Business Knowledge

Integrated business knowledge is understanding and applying principles, concepts, models and skills from the various fields of business administration and their interrelationships.

Professionalism

Professionalism is adopting the social norms and standards of the business profession. Professionalism embodies ethical, accountable and socially responsible behavior and commitment to continuous individual development.

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