Undergraduate Programs in Business Administration
Minor Programs in Business Administration
U.S. citizens and permanent residents are accepted for both Fall and Spring admission according to the following schedule.
International students are accepted for both Fall and Spring admission.
The above dates are subject to change. Check with the Graduate Division for the latest dates.
Prospective applicants judged to be of exceptionally high potential, especially those with extensive business experience, may be considered and processed on an exception basis beyond the dates indicated. Admission of these late applicants, however, may be contingent on time limitations and the enrollment may be restricted by space availability in the courses that will be offered in the forthcoming semester. The College of Business Graduate Studies Office should be contacted (415/338-1279) for information about current enrollment conditions.
Each applicant must submit the following to the Director of Graduate Studies in Business:
The College of Business utilizes an entry index of 1100 based on a combination of undergraduate grade point average, which must exceed 2.7 (last 60 semester units or last 90 quarter units), and the GMAT test score. The index is computed as 200 times the grade point average earned in the last 60 semester units of graded course work (based on A = 4), plus the GMAT score. While normally the minimally acceptable GMAT score is 470, the average score of students who are accepted is in excess of 530. The verbal and quantitative portions of the GMAT will be evaluated separately as well as in combination, and a student must earn at least a 20% score in both verbal and quantitative sections to be considered for automatic admission. The selection committee also will consider evidence of unusual motivation, career maturity, and past success in making admission judgments.
Before undertaking any course work, the prospective graduate student should arrange to see the director of Graduate Studies in Business who is responsible for initial advising. The graduate specialization adviser works closely with the student in planning the program.
NOTE: Enrollment in graduate courses in Business (700-899) is limited to classified graduate business students and, with second priority, classified graduate students in other colleges.
Enrollment in BUS 890 and BUS 895 is limited to classified graduate students in business only.
Unclassified graduate students and undergraduate students are not allowed to enroll in College of Business graduate courses.
Phase II courses must be taken on a basis of A, B, C, D, F grading. At the instructor's discretion, pluses and minuses may be used. CR/NC grading is not allowed, except in cases of credit by examination.
Phase III courses must be taken on a basis of A, B, C, D, F grading. At the instructor's discretion, pluses and minuses may be used. CR/NC grading is not allowed.
In the College of Business, if a classified graduate business student drops below a 3.0 grade point average during a semester, s/he will be notified on the grade report by the Registrar's Office that s/he has been placed on probation. If the grade point deficiency is not made up, the student may be declassified effective the beginning of the semester following the first probationary semester. In such status, the student will not be allowed to enroll in graduate level business courses (700 and 800 level).
Any student who becomes declassified under the above provisions and who wishes to appeal such declassification must file a formal appeal within ten days of the date of notice of declassification. Such appeal must be filed with the Director of Graduate Studies of the College of Business.
Generally, the specified course requirements, including stipulated conditions thereto, for the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) may not be changed, substituted for, or altered in any way. Any exceptions to this rule must be requested, in writing, before the course work is attempted and must be approved by the Graduate Committee of the College of Business.
All students planning to complete a master's degree through the College of Business must complete on advisement the applicable requirements as specified in Phases I, II, and III below. Phase I represents proficiency requirements which must be satisfied early in the student's study in a graduate program in business. Phase II represents foundation course work which will be planned on advisement in accordance with the guidelines provided below. The number and type of courses prescribed for a student in Phase II will be determined on the basis of the student's degree objective, academic background, professional experience, and planned focus within the selected degree program. Phase III represents the advanced program that all students will be required to complete.
Written English Proficiency. Level One: all incoming M.B.A./M.S.B.A. candidates are required to satisfy the entry-level written English proficiency requirement by taking the Graduate Essay Test (GET), by the end of the second semester in the program. Level Two: demonstration of a higher level of English proficiency than the required entry level. The students should then be able to demonstrate ability to do scholarly writing in the chosen field. This is normally shown by satisfactory completion of the research project or the master's thesis.
Mathematics/Statistics Proficiency. All students entering the graduate program in business must demonstrate a basic proficiency in mathematics and statistics, by passing mathematics and statistics tests given at various times during the year or by successfully completing BA 510 and 512, respectively. This proficiency must be demonstrated before enrolling in any 800-level courses or by the end of the second semester in the program, whichever comes first.
Depending upon a student's previous academic background, the Phase II program may range from 0 to 24 units for the M.B.A. and 0 to 27 units for the M.S.B.A. The foundation requirements are met by taking the eight business foundation courses or by waivers of individual courses based on previous equivalent course work. Each equivalency will be determined by course content, grade received, elapsed time since work was completed, and supporting experience.
| Business Foundation Courses for M.B.A. and M.S.B.A. | |
| BUS 781 | Financial and Managerial Accounting |
| BUS 782 | Computer Applications and Information Systems for Management |
| BUS 783 | Economics for Managers |
| BUS 784 | The Political, Social, and Legal Environment of Business |
| BUS 785 | Financial Management |
| BUS 786 | Operation Analysis |
| BUS 787 | Marketing Management and Multinational Operations |
| BUS 788 | Management Principles and Organizational Behavior |
For M.S.B.A. only, BUS 690 is required if BUS 890 is not taken as a part of the graduate program.
For the M.S. in Taxation only, completion of intermediate accounting (ACCT 301 and 302 or ACCT 801) with a grade of C– or better is a prerequisite. These courses cannot be included on the GAP.
Before being considered for advancement to candidacy the applicant must meet all general university requirements, satisfy all foundation requirements, be certified in written English proficiency (Level One), and complete at least six units in College of Business courses in the 800 series.
When requirements have been satisfied, the graduate adviser and the director of Graduate Studies in Business may recommend to the Dean of the Graduate Division that the applicant be advanced to candidacy for the degree by filing a Graduate Approved Program.
This program is designed as a balanced preparation for managerial careers in business. Its purposes are to prepare students for responsible positions in a rapidly changing world; to develop an attitude of intellectual curiosity to foster a program of continuous learning throughout life; to assist students in their recognition and development of the initiative, imagination, and creativity needed for effective functioning as managers in a complex environment; and to study management as a unique function applicable to all types of endeavors which involve the coordination of people and material resources toward given objectives. The Master of Business Administration is accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business.
Online course descriptions are available.
| Program | Units | |
| BA/BICS 814 | Seminar in Advanced Computing Applications for Management | 3 |
| FIN 819 | Financial Analysis and Management | 3 |
| MGMT 842 | Seminar in Organization Design and Change | 3 |
| MKTG 860 | Seminar in Strategic Marketing | 3 |
| Adviser-approved elective (any 800-level course offered by the College of Business) | 3 | |
| Electives in field of specialization (all must be 800-level courses offered by the College of Business) | 9 | |
| BUS 890 | Seminar in Strategic Management | 3 |
| BUS 895 | Research Project in Business | 3 |
| Graduate Approved Program (GAP) total 7 | 30 | |
| Phase II Requirements | 0-24 | |
| Total | 30-54 | |
Graduate Advisers—Franz, Huang, Leong, Naser-Tavakolian
The M.B.A. with an emphasis in accounting includes courses in business, accounting, and tax that can be used by students to meet the 150-hour educational requirement that was recently adopted by the American Institute of CPAs. The requirement is that applicants for membership in the AICPA after the year 2000 must have at least 150 semester hours of education, including a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent.
The primary objective of this limited specialization is to provide broad-based knowledge in accounting especially directed to managerial positions in the accounting profession and business organizations. The specialization and elective graduate courses, all at the 800 level, should be selected upon advisement from the graduate course listing for the College of Business.
Graduate-level accounting courses for the M.B.A. program may be selected from 800-level accounting courses. ACCT 800 and 801 may not be taken for credit.
Graduate Advisers—Rech, Salazar, Schainblatt, Schmidbauer, Udayabhanu
The business analysis/operations research emphasis covers techniques used in forecasting, simulation, data analysis, operations research, and quality and productivity, along with other powerful quantitative and computer-based tools for analyzing business problems. All the courses focus on real-world applications rather than on abstract theory.
All graduate business analysis students must consult a business analysis graduate adviser before taking Phase III specialization courses for the M.B.A. degree.
In addition to the Phase III eighteen (18) units prescribed for this degree, students desiring a limited specialization in business analysis should take one adviser approved elective and three courses from the following group, of which at least two should have a BA prefix: BA 811, BA 816, BA 851, BA 852, BA 853, BA 854, FIN 820, FIN 822, MKTG 864. Other graduate-level courses may be taken with prior written adviser approval.
Graduate Advisers—Bhimjee, Gill, Henley, Nickerson
The computer information systems emphasis offers a program in the development, use, management, and support of information systems in businesses and other organizations.
Students desiring a limited specialization in computer information systems complete BICS 812, or the equivalent, and two (three if the BICS 812 requirement is satisfied by equivalency) of the following courses: BICS 862, 863, 864, 865, 868, 871.
Graduate Advisers—Bhimjee, Gill, Henley, Leong, Lowe, Messina, Nickerson, Perttula, Sengupta
The electronic commerce technology emphasis provides students with an understanding of various aspects of electronic commerce in businesses and other organizations. Students may elect to take courses that cover the design and development of electronic commerce web sites, Internet marketing, electronic commerce project management, marketing strategy for electronic commerce, data communications for electronic commerce, multimedia application development, and other business aspects of electronic commerce.
Students desiring a limited specialization in electronic commerce must complete three electronic commerce-related courses at the 800-level in the College of Business with adviser approval.
Graduate Advisers—Mansinghka, Platt, G.
The primary objective of the program is to provide broad management perspective as well as in-depth analytical skills and conceptual background in the various aspects of domestic and international financial management and decision-making. The courses offered are aimed at understanding, analyzing, and improving managerial decision-making process in the fields of corporate finance, financial markets and institutions, investment and portfolio analysis, financial data analysis, and international finance.
The program is designed to prepare the students for employment positions in the field of finance, which require analytical skills and decision-making abilities. Students should carefully check prerequisites for all 800-series courses.
Every M.B.A. student desiring a limited specialization in finance must complete FIN 820, Seminar in Financial Management; FIN 825, Seminar in Investments; and one elective, on advisement, from the graduate course listing for finance.
Graduate Advisers—Duerr, Evans, Lee, Spier
The program courses are designed to prepare individuals to assume managerial responsibilities in international business, to perform in a responsive and responsible way in the multinational environment, and to contribute to economic development and international understanding through investment, production, and trade.
The M.B.A. is a broadly based, highly structured, and widely recognized degree designed for the individual seeking greater managerial responsibility across the broad spectrum of business and government operations.
Specialized international business courses are found in the listings for accounting, finance, management, marketing, and transportation as well as those for international business. They include ACCT 808 and 820, FIN 835 and 836; IBUS 815, 822, 828, 830, 855, 856, 857, 859, 890, 895, and 898; and MKTG 880 at the graduate level.
Limited specialization and elective courses, all at the 800-level, are selected with the adviser's approval from the College of Business listings.
Graduate Advisers—Albert, Castaldi, Dopp, Ericson, Harrison, Jenner, Silverman, Sullivan
The specialization in management and organization provides the student with detailed knowledge of managerial functions, concepts and practices of organization design and behavior required for decision making in a wide range of managerial positions. The specialization in human resource management is designed to prepare individuals for work in personnel departments of business or governmental agencies, or for other positions in the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, The National Labor Relations Board, and similar agencies.
The specialization in entrepreneurial/small business management is designed to provide the student with the concepts, skills, and attitudes necessary to start and manage a small business. The program focuses on new venture creation, business planning, innovation, and the foundations for small business management.
Limited specialization and elective graduate courses, all at the 800 level, must be approved in advance, in writing, by the graduate adviser.
Graduate Advisers—Appell, Beall, Bhat, Bushman, Ho, Lowe, O’Donnell, Perttula, Sengupta, Wardlow
The program prepares a student for career opportunities in business firms, non-profit organizations, or governmental agencies. The combination of graduate work and specific job experience can lead to staff or line positions in general marketing, sales, Internet marketing, advertising, new product development, retail management, and marketing research.
Limited specialization and elective graduate courses, all at the 800 level, should be selected, upon advisement, from the graduate course listing for the College of Business.
Graduate Advisers—Wardlow, Wood
The program provides opportunities in the M.B.A. curriculum for students who are interested in a limited logistics specialization and whose career aspirations lie in the field of transportation carrier management, industrial traffic management, or public policy work in government agencies.
Limited specialization and elective graduate courses, all at the 800 level, should be selected upon advisement from the graduate course listing for the College of Business.
This degree is intended for students who desire a more individually designed program in business for eventual careers in business, government, trade associations, or the business functions of other agencies. It permits substantial specialization in a particular functional area or cross-disciplinary studies.
The Master of Science in Business Administration is accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business.
Students in the M.S.B.A. program must follow the Phase I, II, and III requirements listed under the general guidelines in the Graduate Degree Programs in Business section.
| Program | Units | |
| BUS 898 | Master's Thesis 8 | 3 |
| Courses offered by the College of Business reserved exclusively for graduate students (800-level courses) | 15 | |
| Courses offered by the College of Business and/or in allied fields, as approved by graduate major adviser | 12 | |
| Graduate Approved Program (GAP) total | 30 | |
| Phase II Requirements | 0-27 | |
| Total | 30-57 | |
Limitations:
Graduate Advisers—Franz, Huang, Leong, Naser-Tavakolian
The M.S.B.A. with an emphasis in accounting includes courses in business, accounting, and tax that can be used by students to meet the 150-hour educational requirement that was recently adopted by the American Institute of CPAs. The requirement is that applicants for membership in the AICPA after the year 2000 must have at least 150 semester hours of education, including a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent.
This program provides an opportunity for students to specialize more extensively in accounting, including financial accounting, auditing, managerial accounting, taxation, and accounting information systems. At least fifteen (15) units of graduate courses in the 800 series beyond the three units required (BUS 898) must be selected, upon advisement, from graduate courses offered by the College of Business.
Graduate-level accounting courses for the M.S.B.A. program may be selected from 800-level accounting courses. ACCT 800 and 801 may not be taken for credit if ACCT 301 and 302, or the equivalents, have been completed.
Graduate Advisers—Rech, Salazar, Schainblatt, Schmidbauer, Udayabhanu
The business analysis/operations research emphasis covers techniques used in forecasting, simulation, data analysis, operations research, and quality and productivity, along with other powerful quantitative and computer-based tools for analyzing business problems. All the courses focus on real-world applications rather than on abstract theory. Students also have the option of taking courses that are tied to manufacturing and service operations in public and private organizations.
Designed for students who want to develop a strong specialization in areas requiring analytical thinking and superior problem-solving skills. A background in basic mathematics through calculus is desirable. In addition to the three units prescribed for this degree (BUS 898), students desiring this specialization must take BA 811 and BA/BICS 814, at least three courses with a BA prefix from the following group, and with prior adviser approval, twelve (12) units of electives constituting an integrated specialization: BA 816, BA 851, BA 852, BA 853, BA 854.
Graduate Advisers—Bhimjee, Gill, Henley, Nickerson
The computer information systems emphasis offers a professional program in the development, use, management, and support of information systems in businesses and other organizations. Core courses provide a foundation in computer technology, in the analysis, design, and implementation of information systems; networks and telecommunications; database design and management; multimedia application development; information system management; and electronic commerce. Students may select from electives covering a variety of topics including C++ programming, Java programming, and Internet technologies.
The emphasis includes ten courses as follows: BICS 812 and BA/BICS 814, or the equivalents; three to five classes selected from BICS 862, 863, 864, 865, 868, 871; two 800-level College of Business courses from the same area other than BICS, selected with adviser approval; zero to four courses selected from the following such that a coherent program is maintained: BICS 365, 366, 375, 472, 475, 561, upper division and graduate computer science courses upon advisement, other CIS-related graduate courses upon advisement; and BICS 895 or BUS 898.
Graduate Advisers—Bhimjee, Gill, Henley, Nickerson
The electronic commerce emphasis provides students with an understanding of the planning, development, and management of electronic commerce applications. Core courses in the emphasis cover: design and development of electronic commerce websites, data communications, and network technology; management of electronic commerce projects; and marketing concepts related to electronic commerce. Elective courses allow students to pursue selected technical or non-technical topics in greater depth.
The emphasis includes eight required courses and two elective courses. The required courses are: BICS/BA 814, BICS 871, 865, 864, MKTG 869, MKTG 860 or FIN 819 or MGMT 842, BUS 890, BICS 895 or BUS 898. The two elective courses must be selected with adviser approval.
Graduate Advisers—Mansinghka, Platt, G.
The primary objective of the program is to provide broad management perspective as well as in-depth analytical skills and conceptual background in the various aspects of domestic and international financial management and decision-making. The courses offered are aimed at understanding, analyzing, and improving managerial decision-making process in the fields of corporate finance, financial markets and institutions, investment and portfolio analysis, financial data analysis, and international finance.
The program is designed to prepare the students for employment positions in the field of finance, which require analytical skills and decision-making abilities.
Students should carefully check prerequisites for all 800-series courses.
At least fifteen (15) units of graduate finance courses in the 800 series beyond FIN 819 (minimum grade of B–) and BUS 898 (Master's Thesis) must be selected with the consent of an adviser. Students must have an adviser-approved program before attempting any 800-level course work.
Graduate Advisers—Duerr, Evans, Lee, Spier
The program courses are designed to prepare individuals to assume managerial responsibilities in international business, to perform in a responsive and responsible way in the multinational environment, and to contribute to economic development and international understanding through investment, production, and trade. The M.S.B.A. provides an opportunity for greater specialization in international operations and functions.
Specialized international business courses are found in the listings for accounting, finance, management, marketing, and transportation as well as those for international business. They include ACCT 808 and 820; FIN 835 and 836; IBUS 815, 822, 828, 830, 855, 856, 857, 859, 890, 895, and 898; and MKTG 880 at the graduate level.
With an adviser's approval, the student selects courses from the 800-series in the College of Business, and supporting graduate and upper-division courses from appropriate colleges to provide: (1) a functional emphasis; (2) a functional or regional emphasis including language; or (3) a program tailored to the individual needs and objectives of the student.
Graduate Advisers—Albert, Castaldi, Dopp, Ericson, Harrison, Jenner, Silverman, Sullivan
The specialization in management and organization provides the student with detailed knowledge of managerial functions, concepts, and practices; and of organization design and behavior required for decision making in a wide range of managerial positions. The specialization in human resource management (HRM) is designed to prepare individuals for work in personnel departments of business or governmental agencies, or for other positions in the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, The National Labor Relations Board, and similar agencies.
The specialization in entrepreneurial/small business management is designed to provide the student with the concepts, skills, and attitutdes necessary to start and manage a small business. The program focuses on new venture creation, business planning, innovation, and the foundations for small business management.
At least fifteen (15) units of graduate courses in the 800 series beyond the three units required (BUS 898) should be selected, upon advisement, from the graduate courses listed for the College of Business. All selections must be approved in advance, in writing, by the graduate adviser. Special emphases are available in management, industrial relations, productivity improvement, and human resource management.
Graduate Advisers—Appell, Beall, Bhat, Bushman, Ho, Lowe, Nelson, O’Donnell, Perttula, Sengupta, Wardlow
The program prepares a student for career opportunities in business firms, non-profit organizations, or governmental agencies. The combination of graduate work and specific job experience can lead to staff or line positions in general marketing, sales, Internet marketing, advertising, new product development, retail management, and marketing research.
Every student with an emphasis in marketing must complete at least nine (9) units from the following: MKTG 861, 862, 864, 865, 867, 868, and 869. At least six additional graduate units in 800-level courses offered by the College of Business must be selected upon advisement.
Graduate Advisers—Wardlow, Wood
The program provides opportunities for students interested in more specialized preparation than is allowed in the M.B.A. curriculum. M.S.B.A. students with an emphasis in transportation and logistics must complete an adviser-approved program of at least 30 units including at least two courses offered outside the College of Business. At least eighteen (18) of the thirty (30) units must be 800-level courses offered by the College of Business.
Advisers—Daniels, Frankel, McWilliams
This degree is intended for students who want to develop the technical and conceptual skills necessary to pursue a career in tax accounting. It emphasizes not only the substantive and procedural aspects of tax law, but also policy considerations. This is a narrowly focused program for students to obtain advanced training in taxation. Program graduates will find employment in tax departments of both certified accounting firms and business corporations.
| Program | Units | |
| ACCT 811 | Introduction to Federal Tax | 3 |
| ACCT 812 | Corporate Taxation | 3 |
| ACCT 814 | Taxation of Partners and Partnerships | 3 |
| ACCT 816 | Tax Research and Computer Applications | 3 |
| ACCT 822 | Tax Policy | 3 |
| Four adviser-approved electives | 12 | |
| ACCT 898 | Master's Thesis in Taxation | 3 |
| Graduate Approved Program (GAP) total | 30 | |
| Phase II Requirements | 0-30 | |
| Total | 30-60 | |
Undergraduate Programs in Business Administration
Minor Programs in Business Administration
Footnotes