Nov 23, 2024

Lee University Catalog 2022-2023

Lee University Catalog 2022-2023 [Archived Catalog]

School of Business

Dewayne Thompson, Dean

In keeping with the goals of Lee University, the School of Business seeks to provide major programs of quality to prepare students for success in graduate and professional schools and in the early stages of their careers as they consider their calling. The School of Business offers programs of study designed to prepare men and women for professional experiences in business, government, nonprofit organizations, education, and the community at large. This is accomplished by imparting the ethical, philosophical and diversity principles upon which our society and economy rest and by equipping students with the requisite knowledge and skills. A pedagogical emphasis is placed on experiential learning bolstered by a focus on critical thinking skills. A significant dimension of the business curriculum includes the integration of a Christian worldview with the discipline.

Programs offered by the School of Business are accredited by the
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
(http://www.acbsp.org)

All programs offered by the School of Business share three student learning outcomes in addition to program specific goals. Upon completion of these programs, a student should demonstrate:

an understanding of the key elements defined in the ACBSP common professional component which includes functional areas of business, business environment, technical skills, and business policies.
proficiency in oral and written communication.
the ability to utilize an ethical decision-making framework when presented with an ethical dilemma.

The School of Business offers majors in Accounting, Business Administration, Business Education/Corporate Training with teacher certification, Finance, Management, Marketing, Healthcare Administration, and Information Systems.

A second major in the School of Business must include at least 24 unique credit hours.

Accounting

The accounting program is designed to equip students with broad training and intensive preparation for the practice of accounting. The coursework focuses on the principles and theories that support preparation of financial statements according to U.S. and international accounting principles with information that supports the decision-making process of internal and external users. The program incorporates accounting standards, financial statement preparation, managerial accounting, budgeting, taxation, accounting information systems, auditing, governmental and not-for-profit accounting concepts. The curriculum is designed with consideration given to preparation for the CPA exam.

Business Administration

The Business Administration program is designed to prepare graduates with a solid foundation in core business skills. Students will develop skills in critical thinking, data analysis, teamwork, and business strategy. The curriculum includes key concepts in accounting, economics, finance, information systems, management, and marketing. This program also includes several general elective hours, which provides students an opportunity to explore other interests or pursue a minor in a related discipline including those offered by the School of Business. Students may not major in Business Administration if they have any other major from the School of Business.

Business Education/Corporate Training

The Business Education program prepares graduates for initial employment as business teachers in secondary schools, careers in business, corporate training and for graduate school. Given the diverse and dynamic nature of today’s world, the program emphasizes decision making, problem-solving, technological skills and pedagogical skills. This program is offered in partnership with the Helen DeVos College of Education.

Finance

The finance program presents students the opportunity to analyze financial problems in a variety of settings and develop an understanding of capital structure, causes of financial growth and failure, interest rates, and investments. Students also study the properties of different markets (international financial markets, stocks, bonds, and commodities) and the relationship between financial markets and various financial institutions. This program is designed for students who desire to work in corporate finance, financial planning, or institutional investments.

Healthcare Administration

The healthcare administration program prepares students to lead and promote excellence in the delivery of healthcare services. Students will study the conceptual, analytical, and applied skills necessary to succeed in management positions within the healthcare profession. The curriculum includes healthcare informatics, clinical programming, and the unique aspects of accounting, finance, legal compliance, staffing effectiveness, marketing, and operations in healthcare organizations.

Management

Management is a broad field that focuses on the planning, organizing, leading, and controlling of an organization’s resources. This program is designed for students who desire to hold managerial positions in large or small organizations. Students are expected to develop skills in data analysis, teamwork, effective communication, problem solving, human resource management, and the development and implementation of business strategy.

Marketing

The central premise of marketing is understanding the needs and wants of a target market and delivering those needs while creating lasting customer value. Marketing focuses on communicating this value through promotion, selling, advertising, distribution, and product design. The courses in this program are designed so that students explore buyer behavior, marketing research, market segmentation, development of products and services, pricing strategies, distribution systems, advertising and promotion, and creation and implementation of effective strategies to meet consumer needs and organizational goals.

Information Systems

Information systems encompasses the components of development and support for the systems that businesses and organizations rely on to implement and manage their operations, interact with customers and suppliers, and compete in the marketplace. Students in this program learn essential skills in application development, data and network security, user support, database management, network administration, and web support. The curriculum requires students to actively engage in practical lab courses and an internship experience.

Minors

The School of Business offers five minors (18 hours each): Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Information Systems, and Nonprofit Management. All prerequisites for courses in the minor must be met in addition to the required courses. A minor must include at least 12 unique credit hours. School of Business majors may not select a minor in Business Administration.