Course Descriptions

Essentials courses have no prerequisites and can be taken in any sequence.

Required courses for the certificate

BSAD 100: Introduction to the World of Business
1 credit; Required for Essentials certificate; Instructor: Cynthia Hofacker
This course introduces students to the business environment and the operation of businesses within that environment. You will learn about the functional areas within business and how they work together.

BSAD 105: Essentials of Accounting
2 credits; Required for Essentials certificate; Instructor: Brenda Thalacker
This course teaches students how to interpret basic financial statements. You will learn the parts of annual reports issued by companies, the differences between balance sheets and income statements, and basic accounting terminology used in the financial press. CANNOT COUNT AS CREDIT IF TAKEN AFTER ACCT 201.

Electives

BSAD 115: Essentials of Human Resource Management
2 credits; Instructor: Nancy Hanson-Rasmussen
This course examines policies and practices relating to recruitment, selection, training and development, performance appraisal, reward systems, and employee relations. CANNOT COUNT AS CREDIT IF TAKEN AFTER MGMT 349.

BSAD 120: Essentials of Personal Finance
2 credits; Instructor: Tom Mihajlov
This course teaches the skills needed to successfully manage your own finances. You will learn how and why to track your spending, set up a personal budget, recognize and avoid hidden costs in everyday transactions, and save and invest for the future. You will also learn personal finance terminology used in the financial press. CANNOT COUNT AS CREDIT IF TAKEN AFTER FIN 135.

BSAD 125: Essentials of Marketing
2 credits; Instructor: Jerry Kollross
This course focuses on basic marketing principles. You will learn the role of product, price, promotion, and distribution in the marketing process. The course introduces the student to basic marketing principles, including the marketing concept, marketing mix, customer segmentation as well as target marketing. CANNOT COUNT AS CREDIT IF TAKEN AFTER MKTG 330.

BSAD 130: Essentials of Management
2 credits; Instructor: Jerry Kollross
This course introduces student to the skills needed in a management role. You will learn about planning, organizing, directing, and controlling organizational activities. CANNOT COUNT AS CREDIT IF TAKEN AFTER MGMT 340.

BSAD 135: Essentials of Business Communication
2 credits; Instructor: Cynthia Hofacker
This course introduces students to the basics of good business communication. You will learn the mechanics and the psychology of business communication. You will learn to analyze the audience; determine the most effective means to communicate; and plan, revise, and polish communication for business. The oral component will emphasize web-based meetings and presentations. CANNOT COUNT AS CREDIT IF TAKEN AFTER BCOM 206 and BCOM 207.

BSAD 140: Essentials of Information Systems
2 credits; Instructor: Kathy Shields
This course offers a focus on personal information systems to enhance your productivity in today’s digital environment. It emphasizes computer use, tool integration, and support of business processes. CANNOT COUNT AS CREDIT IF TAKEN AFTER IS 240.

BSAD 145: Essentials of Business Law
2 credits; Instructor: TBA
This course examines the business legal environment, including sources of law and forms of business ownership. You will learn basic principles of agency, contract law, warranty, and commercial paper. CANNOT COUNT AS CREDIT IF TAKEN AFTER BSAD 305 or BSAD 306.

BSAD 150: Essentials of Investing
2 credits; Instructor: Tom Mihajlov
This course teaches the basics of financial investments. You will learn tools to help you identify investments that suit your needs and how to decide when and how much to invest. Coverage will include the rent versus buy decision for real estate, financial instruments such as CDs and stocks, and insurance annuities. You will also learn basic finance terminology used in the financial press. CANNOT COUNT AS CREDIT IF TAKEN AFTER FIN 320.

BSAD 155: Essentials of Leadership
2 credits; Instructor: TBA
You will learn how “good” leadership has evolved, how to become a leader, and the roles of effective leaders. You will analyze emotional intelligence, communication skills, team facilitation, motivation, and strategy as tools to develop your leadership skills and impact your organization.