Master Degree Programs | The Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership | University Of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Foundation Core/Executive Skills: 0-30 credit hours
EDUC 610 Socio-Historical Foundations of Leadership - 3 cr.
EDUC 516 Qualitative Research for Leaders - 3 cr.
EDUC 500 Research Methods and Statistics - 3 cr.
or

BUS 501 Research Methods and Statistics - 3 cr.
EDUC 515 Imperatives of Ethical Leadership - 3 cr.
BUS 633 Organizational Behavior - 3 cr.

BUS/EDUC TBD Field Practicum in Leadership - 1 cr.

BUS 631 Human Resource Management - 3 cr.

BUS 580 Leading Change - 3 cr.

BUS/EDUC TBD Field Practicum in Leadership - 1 cr.

BUS 623 Public Policy and Free Enterprise - 3 cr.

BUS/EDUC TBD Field Practicum in Leadership - 1 cr.

BUS/EDUC 686 Seminar for Strategic Leadership - 3 cr.

Depending upon previous academic and other educational experience, some or all of the above courses may be waived.

Emphasis/Concentration (6 hours in one of the two following areas):

Educational Leadership Concentration:

EDUC 611 Law and Ethics in Education - 3 cr.

SPED TBD Special Education and the Law - 3 cr.

Organizational Development Concentration:

BUS 542 Executive Skills II

BUS 512 Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The MBA program trains students to:

• Gain a sound base of knowledge about various functional areas to enhance their understanding of complex business issues.
• Enhance ability to approach complex problems systematically and imaginatively to develop effective solutions.
• Prepare for assuming positions of increased managerial responsibility and contributing to the creation of a high performing workplace.
• Expand capacity to perceive and adjust to changing global business environments.
• Enhance confidence and expertise to make decisions in the face of ambiguity, conflicting information.
• Obtain a set of skills that would contribute to a greater sense of fulfillment and accomplishment in addressing personal and organizational goals.

The University of Saint Francis offers and MBA at a time to fit your schedule and at your own pace. At USF, you can pursue your graduate studies in business by attending one evening per week or on Saturdays, or a combination of the two. The MBA can be attained in as little as two years (even going part time) or within your own time frame. You can begin graduate study in business at USF at any point in the year. It's even possible to begin mid-semester by taking one or two Saturday classes that meet during the second half of the semester.

Program Outline (30-51 Credit Hours)

Foundation Core/Executive Skills: 0-20 credit hours
BUS 507 Survey of Business and Global Economy - 3 cr.
ACCT 515 Managerial Accounting - 3-4 cr.
BUS 541 Executive Skills 1 - 1-3 cr.
BUS 542 Executive Skills 2 - 1-3 cr.
BUS 565 Managerial Economics - 3 cr.
BUS 575 Quantitative Methods for Decision Support - 2-4 cr.

Depending upon previous academic and other educational experience, some or all of the above courses may be waived.

Business Core: 18 credit hours
BUS 551 Financial Management - 3 cr.
BUS 633 Organizational Behavior - 3 cr.
BUS 639 Operations Management - 3 cr.
BUS 675 External Business Environment - 3 cr.
BUS 680 Marketing Management - 3 cr.
BUS *** An Integrative Business Course - 3 cr.

Emphasis/Concentration (6 hours in one of the following areas):
• Accounting
• Finance
• International Business
• Management
• Marketing

Directed Electives (6 hours):
Directed electives are selected in consultation with a faculty advisor and are aimed at making a well-rounded program for the individual.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the MBA program, the prospective students must:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Have a GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) score of at least 400 and satisfy the following: (200 x undergraduate GPA) + GMAT score equals 900 or higher OR complete 12 hours of graduate work with a GPA of 3.5 or better.
• Have on file in the Office of Admissions an application for admission, and an official transcript indicating the awarding of a bachelor’s degree.

Master of Science in Business Administration (MS)

Program Outline (30-44 Credit Hours)

Foundation Core/Executive Skills: 0-20 credit hours
ACCT 515 Managerial Accounting - 3-4 cr.
BUS 507 Survey of Business and Global Economy - 3 cr.
BUS 541 Executive Skills 1 - 1-3 cr.
BUS 542 Executive Skills 2 - 1-3 cr.
BUS 565 Managerial Economics - 3 cr.
BUS 575 Quantitative Methods for Decision Support - 2-4 cr.

Depending upon previous academic and other educational experience, some or all of the above courses may be waived.

Business Core: 15 credit hours
BUS 551 Financial Management - 3 cr.
BUS 633 Organizational Behavior - 3 cr.
BUS 639 Operations Management - 3 cr.
BUS 675 External Business Environment - 3 cr.
BUS 680 Marketing Management - 3 cr.

Directed Electives: 15 credit hours

If the student is required to take work in the Foundation Core, then no more than six (6) hours of such work may count in the Directed Electives area. If the student is not required to take any work in the Foundation Core, then 15 hours of electives are required.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the MS in Business Administration program, the prospective student must:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Have on file in the Office of Admissions an application for admission and an official transcript indicating the awarding of a bachelor’s degree.

Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Program Outline (30-47 Credit Hours)

Foundation Core/Executive Skills: 3-20 credit hours
BUS 508 Introduction to Healthcare - 3 cr.

BUS 515 Managerial Accounting - 3 cr.

BUS 633 Organizational Structure & Behavior - 3 cr.

BUS 541 Executive Skills 1 - 3 cr.
BUS 551 Financial Management - 3 cr.
BUS 575 Quantitative Foundation for Decision Support - 2-4 cr.

Depending upon previous academic and other educational experience, some or all of the above courses may be waived.

Business Core: 15 credit hours*
NURS 574 Marketing, Entrepreneurship, & Strategy - 3 cr.

BUS 566   Healthcare Economics - 3 cr.
BUS 650   Quality Management - 3 cr.
BUS 671   Healthcare Law - 3 cr.

BUS 691 Healthcare Policy & Administration - 3 cr.

* These classes are intended to be completed in chronological order.

Electives: 9 credit hours

BUS 571 Healthcare Information Systems - 3 cr.

BUS 543 Physician Leadership & Relations - 3 cr.

BUS 644 Principles of Managed Care - 3 cr.

BUS 682 Independent Study (healthcare Emphasis) - 3 cr.

Internship: 3 credit hours

BUS 694 Internship - 3 cr.

Internships are selected in consultation with a faculty advisor and are aimed at making a well-rounded program for the individual.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the MS in Business Administration program, the prospective student must:

MBA Conversion Program

This is a program designed for those students who possess a Master of Science in Business Administration (MS) and wish to pursue the Master in Business Administration (MBA).

Program Outline: 15 Credit Hours

Students must complete 15 credit hours of additional coursework. The specific courses will be chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor to enhance and build on those courses taken within the MS degree.

Admission Requirements

An application for admission and an official transcript indicating awarding of the bachelor’s and master’s in business degrees must be filed with the Office of Admissions.

Courses

Accounting Course Descriptions

ACCT 515

Managerial Accounting 3-4

A study of relevant costs, cost behavior and cost accumulation. Explores the manner in which financial and cost analysis can be of use to management in various decision making to control processes.

ACCT 530

Advanced Topics in Managerial Accounting 3

An exploration of the new trends and techniques in cost accounting and inventory management. Takes a detailed look

at relevant costs and their use in business decisions such as the determination of product lines.

Prerequisite: ACCT 515 or equivalent.

ACCT 545

Tax Consideration in Business Decisions3

A probing of the impact of income and other taxes on various business decisions ranging from form of organization to timing and structuring of transactions.

Prerequisite: Working knowledge of accounting.

ACCT 560

Advanced Topics in Financial Accounting 3

A focus on advanced topics like earning per share (EPS), pension and lease accounting, accounting for post-retirement benefits, deferred income taxes, and others.

Prerequisite: ACCT 515 or equivalent.

ACCT 575

International Accounting 3

An overview of international accounting and the impact of the international standard-setting efforts. Integrates the impact of exchange rate fluctuations in accounting for U.S. based multinationals. The role of Accounting Principles, SEC regulations, and other government regulations will be discussed as they apply to international accounting.

Prerequisite: ACCT 515 or equivalent.

ACCT 585

Analysis of Financial Statement and Disclosure 3

A survey of the techniques and processes of financial statement analysis and Interpretation by internal and external users. Corporate financial statements are analyzed for solvency, quality of earnings, and forecasting implications.

Prerequisite: ACCT 515 or equivalent.

ACCT 694-695

Seminar/Project in Accounting 3

Individualized study of selected topic(s) in accounting.

Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Business Administration

Course Descriptions

BUS 507

Survey of Business and Global Economy 3

Overview of functions and activities involved in business operations in design, creation and delivery of products and services; the environment affecting such operations; basic aspects of management processes and marketing principles; important aspects of globalization, the nature of competition in world markets, and all cross-country alliances.

BUS 508

Introduction to Healthcare

This course introduces healthcare delivery from a systems approach. The course will explore the history of healthcare, the key functional components of healthcare and the role of healthcare in a free market system. The course will include an overview of the intricacies of healthcare and the need for specialization in areas of finance, administration, quality, operations, and human resources.

BUS 512

Industrial and Organizational Psychology - 3 credit hours

Application of psychology methods and findings to the solution of industrial and business problems. Selection and placement, job analysis, testing, personnel training and development, working conditions, motivation, leadership, and organizational psychology.

BUS 515

Managerial Accounting - 3-4 credit hours

A study of the relevant costs, cost behavior and cost accumulation. Explores the manner in which financial and cost analysis can be of use to management in various decision making to control processes.

BUS 541

Executive Skills 1 - 1- 3 credit hours

The course consists of the following three modules. A student may take some or all of the following in consultation with the department chair.

Leadership: 1 credit hour

Explores the role of leadership in an organization as well as how you can become an effective leader.

Management: 1 credit hour

The distinction is made between leadership and management. Tools are presented which will enable the student to become more effective in leveraging this very important phase of organizational operations.

Developing Effective Communication Skills: 1 credit hour

Emphasis is on concepts and techniques involved in becoming a better communicator.

BUS 542

Executive Skills 2 - 1–3 credit hours

The course consists of the following three modules. A student may take some or all of the following in consultation with the department chair.

Team Building: 1 credit hour

A model for building an effective high-impact team is presented. Various ways of compensating team performance are also analyzed.

Problem Management and Creativity: 1 credit hour

Develops the student’s skill base in differentiating problem avoidance, problem selection and problem solving.

Diversity Management: 1 credit hour

Factors contributing to diversity in the workforce are explored. Examines the ability of organizational culture to embrace diversity, and the role of diversity in the strategic planning process. The importance of Human Resource Management and company training programs is emphasized.

BUS 543

Physician Leadership and Relations

This course will provide an overview of the relationships between medical practitioners and facilities. This course will include an overview of negotiation strategies and practices as well as effective conflict resolution practices within healthcare delivery systems. The course will explore and identify contemporary issues among medical groups, within healthcare facilities and between the various constituencies of the healthcare delivery system.

Prerequisite: Completed 15 credit hours of graduate work.

BUS 551

Financial Management - 3 credit hours

Nature and scope of the finance function, the business environment, valuation theory, risk concept, analysis of financial statements, long-term and short-term financing, capital budgeting under certainty and risk, working capital management, capital structure, dividend policy, leasing, mergers and bankruptcy.

Prerequisite: ACCT/BUS 515 completion or co-enrollment.

BUS 565

Applied Economic Analysis - 3 credit hours

Aspects of microeconomic theory most relevant to business decisions. Objectives of the firm, profit and values; risk analysis decision making under uncertainty; demand theory; estimation of demand; production theory, empirical cost analysis; market structure, pricing, and output antitrust regulation; program evaluation and review techniques.

Prerequisite: Working knowledge of statistics.

BUS 566

Healthcare Economics

This course will expand upon current methods and approaches to economic analysis to include the unique challenges facing managers in healthcare organizations. The course will focus on healthcare delivery equality, efficiency and quality through traditional supply and demand principles. Additional concepts of economic principles will be covered.

Prerequisite: Working knowledge of statistics.

BUS 571

Healthcare Information Systems

This course will introduce information system design and structure principles specific to healthcare delivery. The course will explore contemporary information system technologies specific to healthcare including electronic medical records, electronic reimbursement, patient information security, communication and diagnostic tools.

Prerequisite: BUS 508-Introduction to Healthcare.

BUS 572

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management - 3 credit hours

Small business operations, the balance between business and managerial functions, starting the small business financial and administrative controls, strategic planning.

BUS 575

Quantitative Methods for Decision Support - 2-4 credit hours

Develops basic competency in the application of quantitative methods to help create more effective solutions to business problems. Covers foundations of statistics, probability, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, modeling, linear programming, decision theory, simulation, queuing theory and networks. Students with adequate background in statistics may take this course for two credits.

Prerequisite: Working knowledge of algebra.

BUS 585

Analysis of Financial Statements and Disclosure - 3 credit hours

Analytical techniques necessary to evaluate present financial condition of the firm and assess its future trend. Analysis of balance sheets, income statements, funds flow, financial leverage, and return on investment.

Prerequisite: ACCT 515 or equivalent.

* BUS 591

Effective Project Management & Cost Containment - 3 credit hours

Concepts, models, and techniques as applied to solution of problems of effective project management; understanding business cost behaviors/drivers and various control methods as applied to today’s businesses to reach efficient, desired cost containment levels.

* BUS 592

TQM, Budgeting & Customer Relations - 3 credit hours

Definition, nature and scope of TQM and the quality processes in American service and mfg. industries; analysis of budgeting techniques, variance analysis, capital budgeting and business risk analysis; and, determining objectives and selecting strategies for implementation to maximize customer satisfaction in service and industrial based businesses.

* Based on previous academic or experiential learning (such as the Management Certification Program currently offered to outside businesses by USF) one or both of the above classes may be waived for credit if applicable cr. hr. payments made and with the permission of the Graduate Business Program Director.

BUS 623

Public Policy and Free Enterprise - 3 credit hours

Evolution of business and the free enterprise system, basic elements of free enterprise. Comparative review of different economic systems and underlying public policy regarding interrelations of government and major sectors of U.S. economy.

BUS 631

Human Resource Management - 3 credit hours

Human resource planning, recruiting and selection, assessment of performance, compensation and benefits, development of personnel, labor relations, safety, legal framework, human resource management (HRM) issues.

Prerequisite: BUS 507.

BUS 633

Organizational Behavior - 3 credit hours

Study of organizational environment, motivation and human relations, goals management, leadership, problem management, challenge of change.

Prerequisite: BUS 507.

BUS 637

Industrial and Labor Relations - 3 credit hours

Historical perspective, industrial and labor relations in private and public sectors, legislation, union information, collective bargaining, bargaining issues, role of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the courts in industrial relations.

BUS 639

Operations Management - 3 credit hours

Concepts, models, and techniques as applied to solution of problems in operations management. Product planning, forecasting, facility layout analysis, aggregate planning, production scheduling, inventory control, material requirement planning (MRP), PERT, CPM.

Prerequisite: 12 hours graduate work.

BUS 641

E-Commerce - 3 credit hours

Overview of electronic commerce, infrastructure issues, ISPs,

e-commerce marketing (including web page design), internet-based commerce transactions (including services and physical goods), payment mechanisms/financial services, critical success factors for e-commerce, and the future of e-commerce.

BUS 642

E-Commerce Entrepreneurship and Management - 3 credit hours

Focus on defining, building, and evolving e-business strategy from an entrepreneurial perspective. Course topics will also include the technological foundation of internet business, challenges and risks associated with building e-businesses, and development of an e-commerce website.

BUS 644

Principles of Managed Care

This course will introduce the various models of manages care programs. The course will explore the historical origins, operating systems, technologies employed, and relationships among stakeholders of managed care systems.

Prerequisite: 15 credit hours of graduate work.

BUS 649

Total Quality Management - 3 credit hours

Definition, nature and scope of Total Quality Management (TQM); historical overview; quality process in America; the Malcolm Baldridge Award.

BUS 650

Quality Management in Healthcare

This course will familiarize students with current quality initiatives in healthcare such as patient satisfaction, JACAHO accreditation, and case management. The course will introduce the role of planning and management of outcomes-based quality improvement measures and will identify the potential rewards and costs of quality management efforts. The course will include an exploration of integrated performance improvement for healthcare.

Prerequisite: BUS 508-Introduction to Healthcare.

BUS 652

Business-to-Business Marketing - 3 credit hours

Focus on analyzing issues, problems, and opportunities that are characteristic of organizational and industrial marketing situations. Topics such as marketing of high-technology products, internal coordination of marketing and manufacturing functions, and global issues are explored. Prerequisite: BUS 680.

BUS 653

International Finance - 3 credit hours

Financing problems of the international business firm. Sources of funds for international investment, exchange rates and controls, monetary reserves and international liquidity.

Prerequisite: BUS 551.

BUS 654

Mergers and Acquisitions - 3 credit hours

Corporate vertical and horizontal combinations; their effects on management, labor, stockholders, creditors, consumers, and the economy. Motives for merger financing, merger negotiations, and consequences of such corporate activities.

Prerequisite: BUS 551.

BUS 655

Investment Analysis - 3 credit hours

Alternative concepts and theories involved in management of common stock and fixed income security portfolios. Definition of investment objectives, analysis of likely risks and gains of investments, selection of portfolios as a function of securities markets.

Prerequisite: BUS 551.

BUS 657

Financial Markets and Institutions - 3 credit hours

Financial markets and the financial system. Role and functions of financial intermediaries, commercial banks, principal financial markets.

Prerequisite: BUS 551.

BUS 662

International Marketing - 3 credit hours

Methods of establishing and servicing foreign markets amid the complexities of differing cultural, legal, and business environments. Focus on market research, pricing, promotion, distribution structure, and the various modes of entry into international markets.

Prerequisites: BUS 507, 680.

BUS 670

Law and Ethics in the Business Environment - 3 credit hours

Explores business situations from both legal and ethical frameworks. The student conceptualizes and compares alternative courses of action pertinent to ethical dilemmas regarding conflicts of interest, privacy issues, safety, white collar crime, “creative” financing for buyouts, whistle blowing, marketing, and multi-national issues. Shaping an ethical corporate environment is also explored.

BUS 671

Healthcare Law

This course will explore the regulatory and governance environments within healthcare delivery. This course will explore such as informed consent, joint ventures, mergers & acquisitions, medical staff issues, liability, and corporate compliance will be covered. Additional topics in current legal affairs include EMTALA, HIPAA, and the Fraud & Abuse/Stark laws will also be explored.

Prerequisite: Completed 15 credit hours of graduate work.

BUS 675

External Business Environment - 3 credit hours

Factors influencing business conditions, and systematic study of relations of these factors to industry assessment and policy formulation.

Prerequisite: 15 hours graduate work.

BUS 680

Marketing Management - 3 credit hours

Marketing management functions of the firm, determining objectives and selecting strategies to reach those objectives; business philosophies, buyer identification, segmentation, marketing environment, planning, marketing mix development, implementation and control issues, text and cases.

Prerequisite: BUS 507.

BUS 681

Independent Project - 3 credit hours

Provides the student with an opportunity to practice theory and concepts presented in core courses by applying those to an actual business problem.

Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

BUS 682

Independent Project in Healthcare

Provides the student with an opportunity to practice theory and concepts presented in core courses by applying these to an actual healthcare administration business problem.

Prerequisite: Permission of Dean.

BUS 685

Contemporary Business Issues - 3 credit hours

Explores contemporary issues in the business and economic environments and examines their impact in the firm. Special emphasis on governmental policy and business, environmental concerns, employee rights, ethics and other current topics.

Prerequisite: BUS 507.

BUS 690

Business Policy - 3 credit hours

Development of overall strategy and supportive policies of the firm operating under competitive conditions, from point of view of general management. Course requires that the student integrate business and administrative concepts, to formulate and implement overall organization strategy within the context of a dynamic and uncertain external environment.

Prerequisite: All foundation courses, and completion or co-enrollment of BUS 551, 633, 675, and 680. Intended to be taken during the final year of the graduate program.

BUS 691

Healthcare Policy and Administration

This course will introduce healthcare policy development, formation and evaluation principles through contemporary issues in healthcare. The course will provide an understanding of policy and administration of managed care, patient-centered care and quality directives. the course will also explore value and ethical considerations in policy formation and evaluation. The course will include discussion in the role of change in healthcare, marketplace, and the interrelations between key stakeholders in the change process.

Prerequisite: Completed 15 credit hours of graduate work.

BUS 694

Internship in Healthcare Administration

An internship program will be designed to aid the student in gaining practical administrative experience within the Healthcare and/or related industries.

BUS 695

Seminar/Project in Management - 3 credit hours

Individualized study of selected topic(s) in management.

Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

BUS 696

Seminar/Project in International Business - 3 credit hours

Individualized study of selected topic(s) in international business.

Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

BUS 697

Seminar/Project in Finance - 3 credit hours

Individualized study of selected topic(s) in finance or completion of a special project.

Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

BUS 698

Seminar/Project in Marketing - 3 credit hours

Individualized study of selected topic(s) in marketing.

Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

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