| Business Administration (MBA) | |
| 608 | Business Communications (3). A study of effective presentation skills necessary for successful business communication. The course will include the development of both writing and speaking skills. |
| 610 | Mobilizing Technology (3). A study of the use of computer and information systems technology in business operations and management. This technology is a strategic management tool that can be used to reduce uncertainty and enhance the effectiveness of the decision-making process. Major topics include the uses and types of information systems, computerized business applications, ethical issues, and the acquisition, development, implementation, and maintenance of information systems as well as e-commerce. |
| 615 | Business Foundations (3). An introduction to business fundamentals including Financial Accounting, Business Math and Statistics and Economics. Application of the Christian worldview to the field of business is also discussed. |
| 618 | Statistics for Business Decisions (3). The application of sampling and statistical control procedures to the managerial decision-making process. |
| 624 | Ethical Problems in Business (3). A study of the basic ethical principles as applied to the major problem areas facing economic systems and to decision-making in the corporation and in the household. The basic ethical principles and the accompanying value system used are biblically-based. |
| 640 | Advanced Organizational Behavior (3). A course designed to develop an understanding of behavioral concepts for effective management of organization. Topics include theories related to work environment, group dynamics, motivation, leadership, and organizational change strategies. |
| 643 | Financial Analysis (3). Prereq: MBA 615, Business Foundations or Business Finance. An in-depth analysis of corporate financial management activities related to acquisition of financial resources, short and long term financial planning, management of working capital, and evaluation of financial profitability. Major components related to financial markets and government fiscal policies and cash flow / break even analysis will be used to determine firm’s viability within the marketplace. |
| 646 | The Legal Environment of Business (3). A study of the legal environment within which business firms must operate and how it affects the decision-making process. The relationship between Law and ethics is explored throughout the course. |
| 658 | Managerial Economics (3). The application of methods of economic analysis to the decision-making process of business firms and other organizations. |
| 664 | Marketing Management (3). An analytical approach to the marketing functions of business firms. The course includes the study of topics such as the design of marketing strategies, choices of channels of distribution, and competitive practices. |
| 682 | Principles of Executive Leadership (3). (Formerly Principles of Executive Management). A study of the behavioral sciences as they apply to management and leadership. The course includes such topics as leadership, participative management, group dynamics, and motivation. |
| 688 | Business in a Global Environment (3). A study of the institutions and operations of international businesses. Emphasis will be on managerial policies and practices of firms operating in the global environment. |
| 690 | Business Planning & Entrepreneurship (3). This course provides an overview of the information and skills necessary to launch and to maintain a successful entrepreneurial venture or small business. It presents an overview of managing small businesses and developing entrepreneurial ventures, including the requirements of a business plan, marketing strategies, customer service practices, and basic financial and managerial functions. A business plan will be required of all students. |
| 696 | Business Policy and Strategy (3). A capstone course which integrates all of the functional areas of business into the decision-making process. Emphasis will be placed on the setting of goals and the formulation and implementation of strategies to successfully manage a firm. Case studies and computer simulations will be required. |
| Business Management (MSM) | |
| 601 | Introduction to Graduate Study (1). A review of the basic concepts and skills necessary for success in graduate study. Concepts of teamwork and team learning are covered along with an overview of the M.S.M. program. |
| 635 | Management Project I (1). An introduction to the primary course and management project that is the capstone of the M.S.M. degree. This course introduces students to the project process, the selection of topics, and elements of business planning and strategy. |
| 640 | Organizational Leadership (3). An advanced study of the interplay among individuals, groups, and organizations as they interact to meet organizational goals and expectations. Factors and forces related to individuals, groups, and the organization are reviewed. Among the topics covered are political behavior, conflict and stress, and organizational culture. |
| 643 | Finance and Accounting for Leaders (3). This course centers upon executive level managers and how they make use of finance and accounting methods in designing strategy and making decisions. Major finance and accounting tools are reviewed as well as the acquisition and allocation of financial resources and accounting systems. |
| 650 | Advanced Strategic Management (3). Using firm-centered, value-based logic, this course enriches the analytical, conceptual, and decision-making skills that guide executives and entrepreneurs to more profitable interpretations of key environmental data. Case analyses are used to simulate strategic management in action, particularly in formulating and implementing functional, competitive, corporate, and global strategies. |
| 655 | Management Project II (1). A continuation of the project started in MSM 635. Students deliver an oral and written summary of their progress that includes the history and selection of the project topic, methods selected to investigate and collect information, and preliminary conclusions and recommendations. Includes individual meetings with professor guiding the project. |
| 658 | Executive Leadership in the Workplace (2). A seminar format in which executives from a wide variety of local organizations address students about organizational and leadership challenges, new trends and techniques in leadership, and examples of leadership strategies in action. Students prepare response papers applying the concepts to various organizations and submit a personal plan for their own leadership development. |
| 660 | Current Issues in Human Resources (3). An advanced study of the utilization and challenges of human resources in contemporary organizations. The emphasis is upon external trends in law, society, and competitors. In addition, issues related to today’s workforce are discussed and include topics such as diversity, values, recruiting and developing today’s employee. |
| 668 | Leadership and Organizational Change (3). This course assists the executive-level manager in designing learning organizations capable of rapid changes in structure, strategy, and policy. Some key topics include monitoring forces of change, planning appropriate responses, developing needed personnel skills and other resources, communicating and shepherding change, and the tools managers may use to monitor organizational performance and capabilities. |
| 685 | Management Project III (3). The conclusion of the capstone project started in MSM 635 and MSM 655. Each student presents the results of his/her project to faculty and fellow learners. Projects are evaluated according to their comprehensiveness in covering the various areas of the M.S.M. program including accounting and finance, human resources, change strategies, and leadership. |
| Education (EDU) | |
| 501 | Measurement and Evaluation Strategies (3). A study of assessment and evaluation theory based on developmental criteria from cognitive, social, language, motor, and affective domains. Students use strategies for analyzing both group performance and individual needs using authentic and ecological measures. Theoretical foundations for evaluation are applied to a practicum experience at one of four levels of licensure: primary, elementary, middle, and secondary. |
| 502 | Dimensions of Learning I (3). Preq: Full Admission (MS – teaching in field of license) Supervised internship which provides an emphasis on the application of principles and theories of education using field-based experiences. |
| 503 | Dimensions of Learning II (3). Preq: Full Admission (MS – teaching in field of license) A study of the foundations of school law, social and cultural aspects of the school setting. Includes applications in the field. |
| 506 | Classroom Management and Organization (3). Emphasis on the development of strategies for establishing effective classroom organization and for managing and monitoring student behavior. Strategies encourage the intellectual, personal, and moral development of students. |
| 602 | Psychology of the Exceptional Child (3). A study of the child who follows atypical patterns. Includes assessment practices and teaching techniques applicable to students with various disabilities. |
| 610 | Research Methods and Procedures (3). An introduction to educational research methodologies that are used to improve instructional decision-making. Research techniques are applied to classroom situations with an introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics. |
| 611 | Children’s Literature in the Elementary School (3). A study of literary materials and resources that are appropriate for elementary instruction. Emphasis will be given to integrating literature into all curriculum areas. |
| 612 | Curriculum Planning and Organization (3). The development, analysis, and evaluation of the school curriculum with emphasis upon input from the school and community and current research. |
| 614 | Effective Teaching Strategies in the Elementary School (3). A study of the characteristics of effective teaching in the elementary school with emphasis on research methodology. Emphasis is placed on inquiry and problem-solving strategies, and cooperative learning and research of current trends and practices. |
| 615 | Effective Teaching Strategies in the Secondary School (3). A study of the characteristics of effective teaching in the secondary school with emphasis on research methodology. Emphasis is placed on inquiry and problem-solving strategies, and cooperative learning and research of current trends and practices. |
| 617 | Teaching Reading in the Secondary School (3). The methods and materials for teaching reading through the content areas in secondary schools; attention to techniques for teaching reading, assessment, and individualization. |
| 620 | Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum (3). A study of theories, strategies, and current literature about reading and written communications throughout the content areas. |
| 621 | Assessing Student Learning (3). An exploration of instructional assessment measures: traditional assessment, norm/criterion-referenced testing, and alternative assessment (performance, portfolio, and product). |
| 622 | Teaching Reading Skills and Comprehension (3). An advanced study in the selection and use of materials and methods of teaching reading in the elementary schools with emphasis upon current research. |
| 623 | Technology in Education (3). Utilization of the computer and other technology to enhance practical applications that support classroom instruction. |
| 624 | Issues and Innovations in Education (3). A study of current research into critical issues in the elementary school curriculum, organization, and innovations that affect achievement potential. |
| 625 | Instructional Leadership Skills in the Classroom (3). Prereq: 614/615 The development of skills and attributes necessary to establish and maintain a positive learning environment that maximizes student achievement. Teaching strategies and models of behavioral management and instruction are emphasized. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards are examined as part of the exit requirement for the program. |
| 626 | Seminar in Child Development (3). An in-depth study of the development of the child with emphasis upon current research in the field. Study includes examination of the theories of development and learning of the elementary child. |
| 630 | Diagnostic and Remedial Strategies Across the Content Areas (3). A study of diagnostic instruments and procedures for identifying learning problems and planning remedial instruction appropriate for students in all subject areas. |
| 631 | Individual Instruction for Children with Learning Problems (3). A study of strategies for providing appropriate educational services for children with mild to moderate learning problems by the use of intervention techniques. |
| 633 | Special Problems in Education (3). Prereq: EDU 610 Study of selected topics related to elementary education with emphasis upon current issues and trends or content specific emphasis. |
| 634 | Designing Instruction (3). Prereq: EDU 612 The study and development of multidisciplinary approaches to instruction including the integration of content areas, the use of appropriate technologies as tools for teaching and learning, and the application of new teaching strategies and resources. |
| 636 | Supervision of Instruction: Collaborating for Accountability (3). (Formerly EDU 632 - Supervision of Instruction). Emphasis is on developing leadership skills in the classroom and with peer teachers, teaching assistants, and other community and school personnel. |
| 639 | Ethical Issues in Education (3). A study of basic ethical principles as applied to the major problem areas facing educational systems and to decision-making in educational systems and in society in general. The basic ethical principles and the accompanying value system used are biblically based. |
| 640 | Practicum in Education (3). Prereq: Approval of Director Provides an opportunity for the student to complete field work which will be tied into research course, if needed. Gives the student an option for practicum based on individual needs. |
| Public Administration (MPA) | |
| 601 | Introduction to Public Administration (3). Introduces the field of public administration. Topics include political, social, and economic environments of public administration; bureaucratic politics and power; law, ethics, and comparative administration. |
| 602 | Effective Professional Communication (3). A study of the various means of effective organizational communication by administrators and public servants. Covered are written and oral skills in the organizational environment, with an emphasis on Christian servanthood and empathy in dealing with the public. Students participate in individual and group exercises to improve their communication skills. |
| 603 | Research Methods in Public Administration-Project I (2). An introduction to basic quantitative and qualitative research methods. Presents the primary course project which is the capstone of the MPA degree. Provides students with experience in planning, design, and performance of applied research project dealing with a practical administrative or policy problem. Students learn to formulate research questions, design research projects, apply research methodologies, and produce a professional research report. |
| 604 | Organizational Theory and Behavior (3). A study of the classical and contemporary theories of organization, management, and administration in public and private institutions. This advanced study of group dynamics examines the forces in individuals, groups and organizations which affect the achievement of organizational goals and objectives. Issues include organization culture, organizational design, individual and collective motivation, developing the learning organization, political behavior, conflict and resolution. |
| 605 | Principles of Executive Leadership (3). A study of the behavioral sciences as they apply to various leadership theories and models, both classical and contemporary. This course examines the distinction between leadership and management, servanthood leadership from a Christian perspective, participative management, group dynamics and motivation. |
| 606 | Human Resources Development and Administration (3). Develops skills in techniques of personnel administration and management. Examines recruitment, selection, training, motivation, performance evaluation, compensation, discipline, and career development. |
| 607 | Ethics and Society (3). The relevance and application of biblically based ethical principles to the issues facing today’s leaders. Christian value systems are contrasted with post-modern relativism and other conflicting worldviews as the student is challenged to review and refine individual values. Included are obligations of the organization to employees and the public-at-large (society). |
| 608 | Management Research-Project II (1). The continuation of the research process initiated in MPA603. Students deliver an oral and written summary of their research efforts to date. Elements included this progress report include the history and selection of the project topic, methods selected to investigate and collect information, and preliminary conclusions, recommendations and bibliographical resources. |
| 609 | Administration of Financial Resources (3). Surveys the organization, processes and functions of public financial management, including budgeting, accounting, expenditure control, and revenue collection. Examines federal, state, and local fiscal policies, intergovernmental financial relations, credit and debt management, and related topics. |
| 610 | Economics and Public Policy (3). Examines economics both as a determinate of public policy and as a tool of public administration and policy implementation. Topics include how markets allocate resources, role of government in a market economy (fair trade vs. free trade, protectionism, etc.), market failures and responses to them; and, problems of efficiency vs. effectiveness and efficiency vs. equity. |
| 611 | Public and Administrative Law (3). Examines law in society and legal setting of public administration (public interest social responsibility when all of society is a stakeholder, process oriented versus outcome-based, results oriented). Includes regulatory process, administrative adjudication, administrative procedure acts, administrative due process, judicial review, liability, and citizen’s rights. |
| 612 | Public Policy Analysis (4). Examines processes of policy formulation and implementation- how policies are made, who makes them, and why implementation must be viewed as a critical phase of policymaking. Topics include problem recognition, agenda setting, analysis, adoption, implementation, evaluation, and succession. Emphasizes the politics of policymaking and case study analysis. |
| 613 | Management Research-Project III (2). The integrative capstone presentation of the research project initiated in MPA603 and MPA608. Each student delivers both an oral presentation and written terminal thesis (or case study) to faculty and fellow learners. Applied research projects are evaluated on comprehensiveness and quality of a professional terminal product. |
