Business

(Also see Computer Information Systems, Energy Management/Landman, and Hospitality Management)

Program Description

Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a challenging degree that prepares graduates for the ever-changing business world. With a combination of theory and application of current business practices, classes provide students the opportunity to analyze actual business scenarios. See Graduate Policies and Programs section of this catalog for complete degree requirements.

Bachelor of Business Administration

The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree provides an in-depth study of the many facets of business. The program’s extensive business core provides students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to compete in both local and global business environments. The business core covers functional areas of business and offers an applied approach, providing students with an opportunity to apply concepts and theories learned in class to real-life business projects. Students choose from the listed concentrations and gain additional depth in one or more areas.

The BBA is a very versatile and valuable degree. In addition to positions in corporate America, graduates hold positions in nonprofit organizations like hospitals, schools, and theaters, as well as positions in organizations ranging from entry-level manager to Chief Executive Officer. Colorado Mesa University’s BBA graduates are entrepreneurs, small business owners, bank vice-presidents, product managers in advertising firms, and project and operations managers in manufacturing organizations.

BBA Concentrations (Students must choose at least one)

Requirements vary with the concentration selected. See program concentration options with links to program details in the Programs of Study tab and visit Degree Works for complete requirements for the major and selected concentration.

Bachelor of Applied Science: Business Administration

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Business Administration combines the technical skills and business proficiency necessary for success. A unique program, the BAS degree allows students who have already earned an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree to build upon their technical specialties with essential learning courses and junior and senior level business courses. This allows associate degree holders to gain a 4-year degree in approximately four additional full-time semesters, depending upon prior coursework. Business courses include courses in marketing, promotion, management, accounting, finance, small business management and entrepreneurship. Upon completion of the program, students will be technically and academically prepared for leadership positions in their chosen industries. Prospective students not holding an AAS degree can begin their university career at CMU in a chosen field of study with a 2-year degree and then progress to a 4-year degree using the BAS. This degree will provide students with the ability to move into supervision/management positions.

Bachelor of Science: General Accounting 

This program is designed for undergraduate students who do not wish to pursue CPA certification. The General Accounting concentration provides students with basic business skills as well as the accounting knowledge needed to work in an accounting department in private industry or government. 

Bachelor of Science: Public Accounting 

The Public Accounting concentration provides students with basic business skills as well as the accounting knowledge needed to pass the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exam. Graduates of this program have a very high CPA exam pass rate and are heavily recruited by local and regional CPA firms. Most graduates will have job offers months before they graduate. This program is designed to be the undergraduate component of the 3+2 accounting program which can earn the graduate a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in five years. The Public Accounting concentration is the required pathway for the 3+2 program and, in conjunction with the 3+2 program, will provide the curriculum needed for CPA licensure. 

Bachelor of Science: Computer Information Systems  

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems is a degree required today as organizations face the challenges of technology management. This program provides graduates with business management skills and computer information expertise to manage computer systems in today’s organizations. Graduates of this program are employed in occupations such as systems analysts, analyst/programmers, database administrators, network administrators, web page designers, help desk specialists and IT managers. Graduates assist businesses with creating, obtaining and maintaining computer information systems that solve problems and assist in facilitating routine business events. As businesses increasingly rely on technology to provide a competitive advantage, employees with an understanding of both business concepts and computer systems are necessary. Computer information systems studies require students to examine computer systems from organizational, social, psychological and technical perspectives. Graduates from this program will have taken a variety of courses that were developed based on national guidelines for quality degrees in information systems.

Associate of Arts: Business Administration

The Associate of Arts (AA) degree is designed for students who intend to continue their education and obtain a baccalaureate degree. The Business Administration AA degree, in addition to providing students with their essential learning courses, is useful in giving students an overview of business. The AA is also an appropriate choice for students who will take upper division coursework in the arts, humanities, or social and behavioral sciences. Through the acquisition of essential learning credits, the degree also positions students for completion of a four-year degree in business. The degree includes the Colorado Statewide General Education Core and meets the lower-division general education requirements at most public institutions in Colorado.

Associate of Applied Science: Hospitality Management 

The field of hospitality management combines the technical skills and business proficiency necessary for success in today’s business world.

Minors

Minors are designed to prepare non-business students with an overview of business knowledge, allowing students to combine other disciplines with necessary business skills. Four functional areas of business are covered in the minor with additional upper division courses required based upon the chosen minor.

Accounting

Accounting is the language of business and regardless of your major, the more accounting you have the better prepared you will be for a management position. This is a rigorous minor that will stand out on a resume.

Business Administration

The Business Administration minor complements many other degrees and is designed to prepare students to enter the world of business with the basic business skills needed to contribute more efficiently and effectively in the workplace. Courses in management, marketing and workplace communication provide students an opportunity to build a foundation in business. Additionally, courses in accounting, finance and computer information systems allow students to choose classes that best fit their career goals. A Business Administration minor coupled with a non-business major can increase the employment opportunities available in a variety of areas.

Business Analytics

The minor in Business Analytics is designed to prepare students for managerial level decision making based on the use of information and computer technology. Today’s world presents a wealth of data. Using data effectively requires insight and talent with a variety of tools. The Business Analytics minor is intended for students who are interested in expanding their knowledge and skills in the use of data and related technologies. A Business Analytics minor coupled with any major can increase the employment opportunities available in a wide variety of areas.

Computer Information Systems

The Computer Information Systems minor allows students majoring in other subjects to enhance their degree with information systems knowledge. Graduates may use their expertise to help solve computer system problems for businesses. Since many businesses rely heavily on computer systems as decision-making tools, graduates with this minor will have a competitive advantage over those without it when applying for positions in many organizations. This minor may also give students an advantage when attempting to advance within an organization. Additionally, many employees across numerous organizations find themselves using computer hardware and software as productivity tools within their positions on a daily basis. The Computer Information Systems minor assists students in learning skills and background information that they will need in all occupations.

Cybersecurity

Housed under the Computer Information Systems program, this is a new interdisciplinary minor in cybersecurity designed for students enrolled in various degrees and programs at CMU. Students enrolled in this minor program take six (6) courses in total; three (3) from Computer Information Systems and three (3) from Computer Science.Visit the Cybersecurity page for additional details about this minor. 

Economics

The Economics minor is designed to prepare non-business students with an overview of business knowledge, allowing students to combine other disciplines with necessary business skills. The functional areas of business are covered in the minor with additional upper division courses required based upon the chosen minor. The minor in economics is designed to prepare students with an overview of the basics of economics. Coursework includes the principle classes in macroeconomics and microeconomics, plus intermediate macroeconomics and microeconomics courses. The required coursework prepares students with the critical thinking and problem solving skills needed in today’s world, as well as the ability to apply economic rationale in the decision making process.

The Davis School of Business also offers the Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in economics.

Entrepreneurship

The minor in entrepreneurship is designed to equip students with the basic knowledge and skills needed to successfully operate a small business. The Entrepreneurship minor is intended for students in disciplines other than business who wish to begin small businesses in their major area. The minor will provide students with the basics needed as they face the exciting challenges of small business ownership.

The Davis School of Business also offers the Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship.

Hospitality Management 

For the student interested in the area of hospitality, a minor coupled with a bachelor’s degree can increase the employment opportunities available in a variety of hospitality-related areas.

International Business 

The International Business minor is designed for students who would like to combine business studies with their interest in the Spanish language and Hispanic culture. This multidisciplinary minor provides students the opportunity to develop required skills to operate in multinational firms and global markets.

Certificates

Business certificates are designed to provide entry-level knowledge, skills and abilities in a specific area. The coursework in each of the certificates can also be used as hours toward a two-year or four-year degree in that specialization. Emphasis in each certificate is on knowledge and skill development.

Computer Information Systems: Decision Support Systems  

The certificate in decision support systems is designed to expose students and business managers to the knowledge and skills needed to use computer software to solve business problems, particularly to support decision making. The certificate will provide students with an overview of information they would encounter if they went on to earn the BBA concentration in information systems or the BS in computer information systems, each of which more fully prepares students to work in or manage the information systems functions of organizations.

Cybersecurity

Housed under the Computer Science (CS) program and the Computer Science and Engineering department, the applied technical certificate degree is especially designed for CS majors to concentrate in cybersecurity fundamentals and principles grounded on the strong foundation of CS knowledge. However, working professionals with a strong background in system and network administration of computer science in general can enroll in this program independent of the major and degree. Students take three (3) security courses (along with programming remedial course(s), if required) to get their professional certificate in cybersecurity. Visit the Cybersecurity page for additional details about this certificate. 

Energy Management/Landman

The certificate in energy management/landman is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to engage in landman/energy management activities in the workplace. The certificate also better prepares students if they choose to then pursue a BBA with a concentration in energy management/landman.

Entrepreneurship

The certificate in entrepreneurship is designed to expose students and prospective entrepreneurs to the beginning knowledge and skills needed to examine and evaluate entrepreneurship opportunities. The certificate will provide students with an overview of business knowledge, which more fully prepares them to operate their own businesses.

Real Estate 

The certificate in real estate offers students invaluable knowledge of the real estate industry, knowledge that can be used both personally and professionally. With over five million people currently employed in the real estate industry, this certificate provides opportunities in many differing real estate careers. Students will be provided opportunities to learn all aspects of the industry to include: appraisal and assessment, property management, commercial and residential investment opportunities and management, real estate law, and real estate financing. Students will also learn the tools needed to analyze and evaluate both personal and professional potential real estate investment opportunities. This certificate is not intended to lead to real estate licensure.

Contact Information

Davis School of Business
Dominguez Hall 301
970.248.1778

BUGB 101 Introduction to Business3 Credits

American business system operations in the economy, business functions, and interrelations between the businessman and his environment.

Prerequisites: Can be taken for credit only by students who have completed fewer than 15 credit hours of BUGB, ACCT, HMGT, MANG, MARK, OFAD, CISB, or FINA courses.

BUGB 101A Introduction to Business: Part 1 of 31 Credit

Introduction to management, supervision, motivation, supervision and the processes of recruiting personnel in the workplace.

BUGB 101B Introduction to Business: Part 2 of 31 Credit

Introduction to marketing, pricing, quality customer service, social responsibility and ethics in the workplace.

BUGB 101C Introduction to Business: Part 3 of 31 Credit

Introduction to financial statements, financial management, and budgeting in the workplace.

BUGB 105 Freshman Business Seminar3 Credits

Overview of the Colorado Mesa University Business Department for prospective majors. Operational strategies and teamwork are developed via cases and projects. Students will gain exposure to all functional business areas through readings, discussions, and presentations. Cannot be taken for credit by students who have completed more than 15 credit hours of business courses.

BUGB 141 Business Mathematics3 Credits

Fundamental review of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Emphasis is placed on percentage applications to solving various business problems in the areas of buying and selling merchandise, inventory computations, interest computations on notes and savings, consumer credit and installment computation, home mortgage loans, and business depreciation computations.

BUGB 211 Business Communications3 Credits

Development of a non-defensive, supportive, communication system effectively applied to interpersonal and written transactions within the business organization.

Prerequisites: ENGL 111.

BUGB 211A Business Communications: Part 1 of 31 Credit

Introduction to business communications, planning and writing messages and reports.

BUGB 211B Business Communications: Part 2 of 31 Credit

Introduction to effective communications in business, including presentations and routine, negative and persuasive messages.

BUGB 211C Business Communications: Part 3 of 31 Credit

Introduction to the roles of personal styles, cultures and teams in business communications.

BUGB 221 Insurance3 Credits

Common types of protection offered by insurance, including fire, theft, comprehensive, life, automobile, accident, and health. Emphasis on application of insurance to individuals and small business firms.

BUGB 231 Survey of Business Law3 Credits

Application of law as it applies to individuals and businesses including foundations of the American legal system, legal entities and government regulations, property law, contracts and sales, negotiable instruments, agency and employment law, torts, labor law, international business law and the social environment of business. No credit allowed for degrees from Department of Business if credit already established in BUGB 351.

BUGB 249 Personal Finance: The Business of Life3 Credits

Development of financial and economic literacy to improve personal decision making in the areas of: personal budgeting; developing a personal financial plan including consumer credit, taxes and purchasing a home; money and interest rates; the market economy; free enterprise and competition; and the consequences of externalities, public goods and increasing costs in the service sector.

BUGB 293 Cooperative Education3-6 Credits

Practical workplace experience under the joint supervision of the employer and the internship coordinator. Designed for non-business majors working in the business environment.

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

BUGB 349 Legal Environment of Business3 Credits

Legal framework of business including foundations of the American legal system, anti-trust law, property law, contracts and sales, negotiable instruments, agency relationships, torts, labor law, international business law and the social environment of business.

Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.

BUGB 351 Business Law I3 Credits

Law and legal reasoning. Court systems, constitutional law, business ethics, torts, criminal law, intellectual property, privacy, internet and cyber law. Contracts, sales, product liability, and agency and employment law.

BUGB 352 Business Law II3 Credits

Business entities (formation, financing and regulation). Securities law and corporate governance, negotiable instruments; creditors' rights and bankruptcy.; administrative, consumer and environmental law. Real and personal property; insurance; wills and trusts, and professional liability.

Prerequisites: BUGB 351 or permission of instructor.

BUGB 393 Cooperative Education3-9 Credits

Cooperative Education internships provide non-business students an opportunity to put their education to practical use in the workplace under the joint supervision of an organization-based supervisor and a Colorado Mesa University faculty coordinator. Written consent of coordinator required prior to registration.

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

BUGB 395 Independent Study1-3 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.

BUGB 396 Topics1-3 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

BUGB 401 International Business3 Credits

Current international topics in the disciplines of finance, management, and marketing. Concepts, analytical tools, and models are introduced to help explain the diversity and complexity of the international business environment.

Prerequisites: Senior standing.

BUGB 405 Big Questions in Business3 Credits

Application of the requisite business skill of critical thinking as it pertains to major issues in business.

Prerequisites: Senior standing.

BUGB 435 Emerging Markets3 Credits

Traditional challenges to global product development and marketing in the world's emerging economies. Commonalities of differing regions and economic systems. Cultural and economic differences. A macro look at emerging economies. Micro applications of new emerging world markets.

Prerequisites: Business Foundation Courses.

BUGB 440 Business Ethics3 Credits

Examination of the nature and role of ethics in the business environment.

BUGB 493 Cooperative Education3-12 Credits

See description of BUGB 393.

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

BUGB 495 Independent Study1-3 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.

BUGB 496 Topics1-6 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

BUGB 500 Advanced Business Law and Ethics3 Credits

Emphasizes the regulations, statutes and cases that impact business on a daily basis. Topics covered include contract law, negotiations, labor law, the Uniform Commercial Code, and the law of business organizations to include limited liability companies.

BUGB 510 Global Business3 Credits

Explores international management concepts and procedures and their importance to modern managers. Operating in multi-national, multi-cultural managerial environment, the modern manager must understand business and management from a global perspective. Emphasis is placed on comparing and contrasting management practices in different nation-states and how this might affect decisions concerning risk, investment, human resources, finances, operations, manufacturing and production in a multi-national business.

BUGB 520 Seminar in Current Business Topics1-6 Credits

Develops topics of current interest in the business world. Areas included are effective communication strategies, ethics, and the global dimension of business.

Course may be taken 4 times for credit.

BUGB 530 Research Design3 Credits

Examines the design of research projects. Topics will include selection of the problem, secondary data, historical research, descriptive research, experimental research, the tools of research, and interpretation of data.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and permission of MBA Director.

BUGB 575 Healthcare Systems3 Credits

Examination of healthcare systems, their history, and their evolution. Comparison of U.S. healthcare systems to those of other countries and exploration of the concept of population health and the American consumer.

Prerequisites: Enrolled in MBA Healthcare Administration Track.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, Summer.

BUGB 576 Healthcare by the Numbers3 Credits

Practical knowledge of healthcare finance, budgeting, and reimbursement models for non-financial healthcare managers. Application of this information in executive decision-making.

Prerequisites: Enrolled in MBA Healthcare Administration Track.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Summer.

BUGB 577 Managing Qualitative Issues in Healthcare Organizations3 Credits

Management of qualitative issues in healthcare organizations. Topics include: past and future trends in providers’ programs and information systems; elements of ethical compliance and governing processes; quality improvement through support of compliance processes and procedures; risk identification and mitigation strategies; and application of the SWOT (Strength-Weaknesses-Opportunities-and-Threats) approach to review quality and risk issues.

Prerequisites: Enrolled in MBA Healthcare Administration Track.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

BUGB 590 MBA Thesis I3 Credits

Prerequisites: Completion of approved research design and methods course and permission of MBA Director.

BUGB 592 MBA Thesis II3 Credits

BUGB 593 Capstone3 Credits

Development of a comprehensive project that demonstrates the ability to identify, scope, and research a business-related issue and provide plausible recommendations.

Prerequisites: Permission of the MBA Coordinator.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

BUGB 595 Research Practicum3 Credits

Application of classroom theory and research methods to on-the-job experiences.

Prerequisites: BUGB 530 and permission of the MBA Director.

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.

BUGB 596 Topics1-3 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

BUGB 599 Internship3 Credits

Intern within an organization engaged in various strategic management functions.

Prerequisites: MBA major; written permission of MBA advisor and MBA Coordinator prior to registration.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.