Foster College of Business

All programs offered by the Foster College of Business, Bradley University, are accredited by the AACSB International: The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

• Mission and Objectives
• Courses and Curricula
• Admission and Transfer Requirements
• Graduation Requirements
• Minor in Business Administration
• Minor in Business Studies
• Undecided Business Students Program
• LAS MBA
• Cooperative Education/Internship Program
• Global Scholars Program
• BUS Courses
• Turner Center for Entrepreneurship

Mission and Objectives

The Foster College of Business is dedicated to teaching and learning. We prepare undergraduate and graduate students to meet the demands of a competitive business world and help executives and professionals to be outstanding leaders. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated by:

• Business and Accounting programs that are accredited by AACSB International;
• Superior teaching and a dedication to scholarly research.
• Highly motivated students actively engaged in the learning process and prepared to meet the ethical challenges of the modern workplace;
• Rigorous academic programs enabled by technology and enriched by a set of global opportunities;
• Collaboration, teamwork, and a broad range of learning experiences that transform students’ talents into the qualities needed for success;
• Business outreach that contributes to economic and social well being and that supports the learning and development needs of the business community.

Our mission derives from the faculty’s sense of shared values and expectations, and is manifested in our objectives:

• To develop students who communicate effectively;
• To develop students who understand the business functions of organizations;
• To develop students who appreciate the theoretical bases of knowledge and apply their knowledge in diverse situations;
• To develop students who understand the behaviors of individuals, groups, and organizations;
• To develop students who understand the impact of ethnic and cultural diversity in the workplace;
• To develop students who have an appreciation for environmental and technological issues;
• To develop students who understand the influence of political, social, legal and regulatory issues;
• To develop students who are aware of their need for life-long learning;
• To develop students who understand the dynamic, global economic forces affecting all organizations;
• To provide students with opportunities for career-oriented experiences that will be valuable to them as they seek employment;
• To provide students with a high-quality general education program which forms the basis for all professional education;
• To stimulate and maintain an active program of scholarly activities including basic scholarship and instructional development, but primarily focused on applied scholarship among faculty and selected students in the functional disciplines of business and economics and to share the findings from this research with business, government, not-for-profit, and academic communities in a mutually reinforcing exchange;
• To maintain an interactive and cooperative relationship with other units of the University by: 
  

  (a) serving on University-wide committees; 
  (b) participating in interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs where appropriate; and 
  (c) providing and utilizing service courses and programs within resource constraints;

• To provide an environment of continuous, meaningful interaction with business, government, and not-for-profit organizations through training and professional development programs, consulting services, research, and general participation in community affairs and professional organizations; and
• To maintain and continue to develop an environment of meaningful interactions for College alumni through organized alumni associations and meetings.

Courses and Curricula

The courses and curricula of the Foster College of Business are derived from the mission and objectives of the College. There are three categories of courses that enable the College to fulfill its mission: general education courses, College core courses, and courses in the major areas offered by the College.

We believe that a general education is critical for preparing students for business careers, and so business majors must participate in general education requirements. These requirements serve a number of purposes, among which are:

• To explore fundamental issues of human existence, and to help develop personal values.
• To provide an insight into the nature of intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships.
• To enhance the students’ creative and analytical capabilities.
• To develop the ability to communicate effectively.
• To develop an appreciation for diverse cultures and peoples.
• To ensure that students appreciate the importance of science and technology.
• To elucidate the development, role, and nature of business, government, and other societal institutions.

The second part of the curriculum is the common core of business courses required of all Foster College of Business graduates. This core provides an understanding of the dynamics of the firm, introduces students to the business functions of organizations, develops an understanding of how business and society interact, and gives a view of policy-making in firms. The core curriculum strives to be integrative and stresses the dynamic interaction of the areas and functions of firms. The core curriculum, along with general education courses, helps to develop the analytical skills business professionals must have.

The third category of courses is derived from the College’s mission and objectives and consists of courses in the student’s major. Majors are offered in accounting, actuarial science-business, economics, finance, international business, management, management information systems, and marketing. Courses in the major help develop the abilities and skills necessary in entry-level jobs. These courses strive to provide a background that allows for maximum professional growth in whatever profession the student chooses.

Students who choose to double major in the Foster College of Business must complete requirements for both majors and must have at least 18 unique hours in courses not used to fulfill the requirements of their first major. Students should consult their academic advisor.

Because knowledge, organizations, and societies are dynamic, the College stresses adaptability and flexibility. Students should anticipate that courses in the core curriculum and in the major will change and evolve as circumstances warrant.

There are a number of areas that are so important they are interwoven throughout the curriculum of the College. These areas include computer use, business ethics, international business, and an appreciation of the importance of diversity in the workplace. These areas are covered in a number of courses in the core curriculum and in courses in the various major areas.

Study in business, although highly structured, does allow for elective courses. All students in the College are assigned a faculty advisor. The advisor should be consulted regularly so that a coherent course of study may be developed.

The College also offers graduate study leading to the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.); M.S. in accounting; and M.S in quantitative finance. 

Admissions and Transfer Requirements

1. Students interested in applying for admission to the Foster College of Business must contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Bradley University. All students must meet the university entrance requirements to be admitted to the college.
2. Students currently registered at Bradley University who are interested in declaring a major or minor in business need to contact the associate dean.
3. Freshmen and transfer students who elect the AEP Program or a major in another college may change into the Foster College of Business during their first year if they have met the entrance requirements of the College at the time of their admission to the University. Freshmen and transfer students who did not meet the Foster College of Business admission requirements at the time of their entry into the University may change into the College after completing a minimum of 12 credit hours, earning a cumulative GPA of 2.00 and earning a 2.00 GPA in courses taken in the Foster College of Business. Students must also meet specific departmental entrance requirements.
4. Students who are transferring from an AACSB-accredited school may transfer upper-level business courses for credit.
5. Junior/senior-level business core courses or courses required in a business major, taken on the freshman or sophomore level at another institution, will not transfer into the Foster College of Business.
6. Business courses transferred from other institutions with the grade of “D” will not be accepted by the Foster College of Business.
7. The legal environment of business and international business degree requirements may be satisfied by transfer students who have completed a legal environment or international business course at a college or university that is not AACSB accredited provided that the course has been approved for transfer credit by the Foster College of Business. Once a student is enrolled at Bradley University, these courses may only be transferred to the Foster College of Business from AACSB-accredited schools.
8. Approval For Off-Campus or Correspondence Study: Students electing to take courses at another accredited institution to apply toward credit to meet graduation requirements assume the responsibility for the transferability of the credit. Students must get pre-approval from their department chair and dean of the college before enrolling in a course to be taken at another school. The student is also responsible for requesting an official transcript be sent to the Registrar’s Office once the course is completed.

Permission will be given to take junior/senior business or economics courses only at AACSB-accredited schools.

The appropriate form may be obtained in the Office of Undergraduate and Graduate Programs of the Foster College of Business. 

Graduation Requirements

Courses of Instruction

Courses numbered 100 to 199 are primarily for freshmen; those numbered 200-299 are for sophomores; those numbered 300-499 are open only to juniors and seniors, although students with 42 hours may take the 300-level gateway course into their declared first business major. Courses numbered 500-599 are open only to graduate students.

A. Curriculum Requirements

Students who maintain continuous enrollment and who complete work toward the baccalaureate degree within five years from the date of entry may graduate under either the catalog in effect at the time of entrance or under the catalog in effect at the time of graduation. A change in major could mean meeting new requirements in force at the time of the change as a condition for acceptance into that major. Students whose work has been interrupted for one or more semesters may be held to requirements in effect at the time of their re-enrollment.

1. University Requirements

a. General Education

a1. Mathematics – MTH 115, Brief Calculus with Applications I. The courses offered by Bradley that will satisfy the Foster College of Business mathematics requirements are:

1. MTH 115, Brief Calculus with Applications I, or
2. MTH 121, Calculus I.

The second option, MTH 121, is slightly more rigorous, and should be selected by students with a strong background in math who are planning a career in one of the more quantitative areas of business or future graduate study.

Math Placement – The specific math course sequence that must be taken by a student is determined on an individual basis. The program presented here is designed to accommodate the typical student; others will be advised of appropriate alternatives by their advisor. A student’s previous mathematical experience and performance on proficiency exams are used to establish an appropriate sequence. If a student has satisfied the entrance requirements and achieves an SAT math score over 580 or an ACT math score over 27, it is recommended that he or she enroll in MTH 121. Students who have satisfied entrance requirements and achieved an SAT math score over 480 or an ACT math score over 23 are eligible to enroll directly in MTH 115, but not in MTH 121. Students who do not meet these requirements may be admitted to the College with a math deficiency. They must take prerequisite courses as specified by the Mathematics Department. CLEP general mathematics credit will not be accepted in lieu of the required mathematics courses nor does the College grant any credit toward graduation for CLEP in mathematics. Students will not receive credit toward the required hours for graduation for Intermediate Algebra (MTH 100 at Bradley) or for math courses not requiring at least Intermediate Algebra as a prerequisite. Similarly these courses and CLEP mathematics will not be accepted for credit toward the general education requirement.

a2. Social Forces requirement may be fulfilled by successfully completing ECO 221/222, which are required in the business core. 
a3. The remaining General Education courses are explained elsewhere in this catalog.

b. Junior/Senior hours – 40

2. College Requirements – 50 hours

a. College Core

• ATG 157 Accounting Principles – Financial - 3 hrs.
• ATG 158 Accounting Principles – Managerial - 3 hrs.
• BUS 100 Contemporary Business - 3 hrs.
• BUS 220 Career Planning Strategies - 1 hr.
• ECO 221 Principles of Microeconomics - 3 hrs.
• ECO 222 Principles of Macroeconomics - 3 hrs.
• QM 262 Quantitative Analysis I - 3 hrs.
• QM 263 Quantitative Analysis II - 3 hrs.
• BMA 173 Information Systems Business Applications - 3 hrs.
• BMA 250 Interpersonal Effectiveness in Organizations - 2 hrs.
• BMA 342 Legal Environment of Business - 3 hrs.
• BMA 350 Managing for Results in Organizations - 2 hrs.
• BMA 353 Operations Management - 3 hrs.
• BMA 452 Strategic Management and Business Policy - 4 hrs.
• Economics Junior/Senior Elective - 3 hrs.
• FIN 322 Business Finance - 3 hrs.
• IB 206 Introduction to International Business - 2 hrs.
• MTG 315 Principles of Marketing - 3 hrs.

1. Behavioral Science Courses – 6 hours. Courses in sociology, psychology, and anthropology will satisfy the behavioral science requirement.
2. Students must complete 124 hours to receive a degree in business. International business majors must complete 130 hours to receive a degree.

B. Other Requirements

1. At least one-half of all required business credit hours must be taken in residence.
2. A minimum of 15 hours of Foster College of Business junior/senior courses taken at Bradley University.
3. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 (C) must be earned in all courses taken at Bradley University and in courses taken in the Foster College of Business.
4. It is the student’s responsibility to meet all university academic, financial, and administrative requirements and procedures as outlined elsewhere in this Catalog.

C. Exception to Policy Requiring Junior Standing for 300-Level Courses

Foster College of Business students are required to have junior standing (56+ hours) to enroll in any 300-level FCBA course. There is only one exception to this rule. Students with 42 hours may take the entry or "gateway" course into their declared first business major. This exception applies only to the following majors and associated gateway courses:

• A declared accounting first major with 42 credit hours may take ATG 301.
• A declared management or MIS first major with 42 credit hours may take BMA 350.
• A declared entrepreneurship first major with 42 credit hours may take BMA 382.
• A declared economics first major with 42 credit hours may take ECO 332 or ECO 333.
• A declared finance or actuarial science first major with 42 credit hours may take FIN 322.
• A declared marketing first major with 42 credit hours may take MTG 315.
• A declared international business first major with 42 credit hours may take MTG 315. 
  Students should consult with their academic advisor.

Minor in Business Administration

In order to serve non-business students interested in eventually obtaining an M.B.A., or who desire a limited background in business in order to facilitate their personal career plans, the Foster College of Business offers a minor in Business Administration. The following requirements must be met:

• ATG 157, 158 Accounting Principles - 6 hrs.
• ECO 221/100, 222 Principles of Economics - 6 hrs.
• QM 262 Quantitative Analysis I - 3 hrs.
• FIN 322 Business Finance - 3 hrs.
• BMA 342 Legal Environment of Business - 3 hrs.
• BMA 352 Managing in Organizations - 3 hrs.
• MTG 315 Principles of Marketing - 3 hrs.
  Total Hours: 27

Students must achieve a GPA of 2.0 (C) in the Foster College of Business hours required in the minor. Students must successfully complete at least the equivalent of MTH 115. A minimum of 15 hours for the minor must be taken at Bradley University, including FIN 322, BMA 352, and MTG 315. Written approval must be obtained from the Dean of the Foster College of Business prior to taking any business courses at another institution.

Students who elect to minor in Business Administration must declare their intention by completing the appropriate forms in the Office of Undergraduate and Graduate Programs of the Foster College of Business. Students must have a declared major and minimum of a 2.0 grade point average. Students are strongly advised to complete this math requirement in their first two years. Students who minor in Business Administration must meet the requirements for the minor in force at the time the minor is declared. Students who desire to minor in business administration must be approved by the Dean of the Foster College of Business prior to enrolling in the program. The dean must also approve recording the completion of the minor on the transcript. Transfer policies for minors are the same as those for majors. Please refer to Section 5 above. 

Minor in Business Studies

The business studies minor incorporates basic courses from most fields of business, thereby giving non-business students an understanding of basic business theories and practices. The minor provides non-business students with a firm foundation in general business studies, thereby enhancing their attractiveness to prospective employers and preparing them for further professional studies. The minor includes 21 semester hours, described below:

1. 15 hours required of all students: ATG 157, BMA 352, MTG 315, FIN 322, ECO 221 or 100
2. 6 hours of additional business course work is also required of all students. The following courses cannot be counted toward the 6 hours: BUS 201, BUS 220, BUS 301.
3. 12 of 21 hours used to satisfy the minor must be completed at Bradley.

Undecided Business Student Program – BUS-UBS

This program is limited to incoming freshmen who want to major in the Foster College of Business but are undecided as to which curriculum to pursue. Students must meet admission requirements for entrance into the Foster College of Business. A major must be chosen upon completion of his/her sophomore year by completing the appropriate form available in the Office of Undergraduate and Graduate Programs of the Foster College of Business. 

LAS MBA Program

A special program has been designed to enable students majoring in any undergraduate program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to also earn an M.B.A. in a minimum of five years, with carefully coordinated advising. Interested students should see the director of graduate programs in the Foster College of Business their freshman year.

Business Cooperative Education/Internship Program

The College participates with employers in an optional Cooperative Education/Internship Program. Students either alternate periods of full-time study with full-time employment or have part-time employment while attending classes. The program provides academic- or career-related work experiences. To be eligible, the student must have sophomore standing and a 2.0 minimum overall grade point average at Bradley and in the Foster College of Business. 

Global Scholars Program

Students enrolled in the Foster College of Business have an opportunity to earn the designation of Global Scholar in recognition of achievement in global business studies. The FCBA Global Scholars designation may be earned in conjunction with any degree and major within the Foster College of Business. Requirements of the Global Scholars Program do not add to total credits necessary for graduation.

Coursework for the Global Scholars Program has been designed to broaden student perspectives by providing enhanced preparation for careers in a global marketplace. Topics and issues taught both on the Bradley campus and in international environments will develop within students a capacity to assess international business opportunities and to understand business in the context of different cultures.

The Global Scholars Program provides:

• Recognition by the dean of the college and citation at the Foster College of Business Honors Banquet
• Recognition on the student’s transcript as having achieved the Global Scholars designation
• Opportunity to study abroad as early as a student’s sophomore year with introductory study abroad programs in China or Mexico
• A program logo for student use on resumes and in Smith Career Center files
• Seminars with experienced international business leaders including the annual Foster College of Business Chicago International Business Day
• Social interaction with guest speakers, Bradley alumni, and international students

Program Requirements

1. IB 101 International Intellectual and Cultural Events (preferably as a freshman)
2. One of the following Spring Semester Study Abroad Courses (preferably as a sophomore or junior) :
   IB 204 Business in Chinese Culture
   IB 205 Business in Indian Culture
   IB 208 Business in Mexican Culture
3. IB 400 Topics in International Business
   IB 402 Global Trade 
4. One of the following Economics courses 
   ECO/IB 390 International Monetary Economics 
   ECO/IB 391 International Trade
5. One semester of foreign language (any level)
6. Completion of an internationally focused course from Bradley’s General Education "Human Values" listing
7. Study Abroad: In addition to the IB 204 or 208 requirement, a student must also participate in a university-approved study abroad program for a minimum of 3 credit hours.
8. Maintain a 2.5 GPA overall

Full details of the FCBA Global Scholars Program are available at www.bradley.edu/fcba/gsp. 

Course Descriptions

BUS 100 Contemporary Business 3 hrs.

Business in a changing society. Ethics & social responsibility; financing, production, and distribution of goods and services. Not open to students with junior/senior standing, unless written consent of the Foster College of Business Dean’s office.

BUS 201 Cooperative Education/Internship in Business 0-6 hrs.

Initial cooperative education or internship assignment. Credit applies to non-departmental Foster College of Business electives. Pass/Fail. Repeatable to a combined total of six credit hours for BUS 201 and 301. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing in FCBA, 2.0 grade point average overall at Bradley and in FCBA, consent of FCBA Co-op and Internship coordinator and Co-op and Internship faculty advisor.

BUS 202 Sophomore Business Practicum 0 hrs.

Solving technically challenging problems with a near-term economic benefit. Pass/fail. Prerequisite: only for students approved for practicum by the Center for Business and Economic Research.

BUS 220 Career Planning Strategies 1 hr.

Prepares students for internship positions and employment after graduation; research career opportunities in business; and develops a systematic approach to employment planning. Pass/fail. Credit will not be given for both BUS 220 and ELH 301. Prerequisite: business major.

BUS 301 Cooperative Education/Internship in Business 0-6 hrs.

Continuation of cooperative education or internship experience. Credit applies to non-departmental Foster College of Business electives. Pass/Fail. Repeatable to a combined total of six credit hours for BUS 201 and 301. Prerequisites: BUS 201, junior standing in FCBA, 2.0 grade point average overall at Bradley and in FCBA, consent of Co-op and Internship coordinator and Co-op and Internship faculty advisor.

BUS 302 Junior Business Practicum 0-3 hrs.

Solving technically challenging problems under faculty supervision, with a near-term economic benefit. May involve research in collaboration with FCBA faculty, for up to three hours credit. Repeatable to a combined total of three credit hours. Not eligible for cooperative education/internship credit. Elective credit toward major will only be granted with prior approval of a FCBA department chair or program director. Prerequisites: junior/senior standing; approval by the Center for Business and Economic Research and FCBA assistant to the dean for undergraduate programs. 

The Turner Center for Entrepreneurship

The establishment of the Robert and Carolyn Turner Center for Entrepreneurship builds on the Foster College of Business’s historic strength in small business administration and family business. For nearly 30 years, the College has provided business training and technical assistance to start-up and existing businesses through counseling and training programs. The Turner Center brings together all of Bradley’s educational, research, and related resources and services to help entrepreneurs and family businesses create more successful businesses and to teach entrepreneurship skills to students. Programs and services include:

• Bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship is offered through the Department of Business Management and Administration.
• Senior Consulting Project Program allows teams of senior-level business students to serve as consultants on business-related projects, including marketing research, international trade, e-business, and organizational and operational issues.
• Turner Center Lecture Series brings prominent entrepreneurs, authors, and academics to meet with students and speak to the campus community.
• Entrepreneurship practicums involve MBA/MSA students and faculty in conducting projects for local entrepreneurs.
• Services that assist area businesses include: International Trade Center, NAFTA Opportunity Center, Asia Trade Center, Family Business Forum, and Small Business Development Center.
• The Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) is the premier provider of business indicator data for central Illinois.

 

This is the official catalog for the 2013-2014 academic year. This catalog serves as a contract between a student and Bradley University. Should changes in a program of study become necessary prior to the next academic year every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes via the Dean of the College or Chair of the Department concerned, the Registrar's Office, u.Achieve degree audit system, and the Schedule of Classes. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the current program and graduation requirements for particular degree programs.