Business Administration

The global economy offers a vast array of career opportunities for professionals with a collegiate education in business. Businesses need individuals who not only understand the fundamentals of business practice, but who can compete effectively in an increasingly sophisticated, complex world. Our business administration program has evolved to meet the needs of business firms and students by providing our students with a broad knowledge base in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, communication,mathematics and computer science, as well as in the principles of economics, accounting, management, marketing and finance.

Background Information

AACSB International, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, accredits the undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Business at North Dakota State University.The College of Business is one of only two accredited schools of business in North Dakota and the only one in Fargo-Moorhead.

AACSB International is one of higher education's most prestigious and rigorous accrediting bodies, stressing academic excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement. As a member of this select group of approximately 400 accredited business programs that represents 24 nations, the college is committed to providing high quality undergraduate and graduate business and management education.

The curriculum has been carefully designed to ensure that students will be well equipped for the highly competitive, 21st century global marketplace. It is a broad-based, professional education in all aspects of management theory and practice, integrating practical business experience as a key graduation requirement. A measure of the success of our business administration program is the successful placement of our graduates in business, industry and non-profit organizations.

The Program

Students begin the business program with two years of general education including course work in the liberal arts, quantitative methods and technology, economics and the behavioral sciences. With this broad academic foundation in place, students are then exposed to the functional areas of business--management, marketing, finance and accounting. The integrated approach to the study of business and business issues which we have built into the program demands an understanding of the interrelationship among these functional areas of business as well as sensitivity to the economic, social, technological, legal and international environment in which businesses must operate. The objective of our program is not simply to impart basic business knowledge, but to instill and nurture important qualities and skills in our students that are essential for future business leadership and organizational success. These attributes include analytical and problem solving skills, communicative capacity, interpersonal and teamwork skills, an understanding of quantitative methods and information technology, and a sense of community and civic responsibility.

Selective Admission

Students who wish to study business administration at NDSU enroll as pre-business majors in the College of Business for their freshman and sophomore years. Pre-business majors apply for admission to the professional program during their second year. Transfer students with sufficient credits and appropriate course work also may apply. Admission to the professional program is based upon the successful completion of the pre-business requirements, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and junior standing.

The Faculty

In order to provide a rigorous and timely educational experience in business administration, we have recruited and attracted faculty who are highly qualified to teach in their respective disciplines. Dedicated to student learning, our faculty have often been recognized for their teaching excellence by their students and colleagues. The faculty employ a wide variety of instructional techniques and are considered especially strong in experiential approaches to the study of organizations and management decision making. They remain current in their fields by actively engaging in research and constantly assisting firms in identifying and solving business problems.

The Practicum

Business administration majors are required to complete a three-credit practicum that consists of either practical business experience, study abroad or advanced business research and writing. The practicum is designed to enable our students to relate management concepts learned in the classroom to actual business situations and to give them a competitive edge in job placement. Most students satisfy the practicum by securing a paid professional experience with a business through the NDSU Career Center. Cooperative education experiences are most commonly taken during the junior and senior years and often include summer employment. Other alternatives for the practicum include unpaid internships with business firms, international study, a senior thesis or business consulting projects through our Small Business Institute (SBI).

Career Opportunities

Graduates of our program have been employed in business, industry, government service and the nonprofit sector in North Dakota, Minnesota and literally all around the world. Some students have had success in small business management, others in industrial sales, human resource management, insurance and security sales, retail marketing, bank and financial institution management, agribusiness, purchasing, health services management, law enforcement and government administration. Some students have also gone on to graduate study in business administration and to careers in other professions.

The Minor

Majors outside the College of Business often select a minor in business administration. A minor includes Acct. 102 or Acct. 200 and Acct. 201; Econ. 105 or Econ. 201 and 202; two of the following: Busn. 340, Busn. 350 and Busn. 360; plus 12 credits of 300- or 400- level business administration courses, excluding accounting courses and management information courses beyond MIS 370. In addition, students must earn a 2.50 cumulative grade-point average based upon the minor courses. Approval by the College of Business is required.

The completion of a minor in business administration helps to enhance the range of employment opportunities for many majors.

The College

The College of Business also offers majors in accounting.accountancy, and management information systems and an M.B.A. degree.

High School Preparation

It is recommended that high school students interested in studying business at the university level take mathematics courses at least through pre-calculus. High school electives in the social sciences, English and communication would also be of benefit.

Sample Curriculum

Students may choose a concentration in finance, marketing, human resource management or electronic commerce. A list of required courses for a concentration is available in the COB Student Service Center, Putnam Hall, room 102.

*Students must complete a practicum experience and should consult their academic adviser for further details.

**No more than six credits in accounting or management information systems.

***The international elective may satisfy one of the four specific area requirements, but cannot be double-counted towards the 130 credits that are required for graduation.

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic adviser or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Department of Management,Marketing and Finance

North Dakota State University
Putnam Hall 105A
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8651
Fax: (701) 231-7508
Email: Gerry.Macintosh@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/business

Office of Admission
North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web:http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students

(6/07)