College of Business

"The world of business is one of dynamic and continuous change.
 We live in a highly competitive global marketplace in which economic
forces pay little heed to regional or national boundaries. The College of
Business will prepare students to compete successfully in this new
economic arena. The college ensures the currency of its programs by
maintaining a structure that embraces change; developing systematic
contact with regional, national, and international business communities;
and encouraging faculty growth. The college enhances the excellence of
all its activities through rigorous evaluation of its programs, services, and
operations."

Philosophy Statement
Dean Pegnetter

 

Mission

The College of Business serves the educational and economic vitality of Southwest Florida and the nation by providing undergraduate and graduate programs in business which will prepare students to successfully contribute to the professional needs of business, non-profit, and government organizations. Students will be prepared to make immediate contributions and adapt to and facilitate change which leads to future personal growth and organizational success.

Goals

The College of Business will provide the necessary education for initial entry into the labor market and for continued lifelong professional growth. This is accomplished through a unique mixture of faculty resources, integrated business learning, and technological strategies driven by the highest levels of academic quality. To accomplish these goals, the college will:

• continuously improve its programs and methods of instruction to provide an outstanding education and an environment that facilitates learning;

• seek input and feedback from employers to ensure that its program prepares students to meet immediate and long-term needs;

• ensure that students have a firm foundation of liberal arts and sciences courses, which enable them to think critically and to communicate effectively;

• integrate the use of technology throughout its programs so that students are proficient and comfortable with its use;

• provide opportunities for students to participate in teams and develop interpersonal, leadership and decision making skills within the learning environment;

• ensure that students are educated in the strong values associated with the core tools of accounting, finance, marketing, human resource development, management information systems, business communication, and economics;

• include knowledge of international, ethical, quality, and environmental issues within the students' general and discipline specific education;

• integrate interdisciplinary opportunities across and within traditional academic disciplines; and

• expose students to the issues of new organizational structures and the successful adaptation to constant change which characterizes successful careers and lifelong learning;

Program Objectives

Accounting (B.A./B.S.): The accounting program will prepare students for career opportunities as accountants in public accounting, tax accounting, industry, and government. The program will build its focus on accounting skills from a base of general liberal studies and core business areas. Leadership, communication, technical, and interpersonal skills will be integrated throughout the accounting and business curriculum. Students who wish to qualify to take the CPA examination for certification must take an additional 30 credit hours to comply with the Florida CPA Exam Education Requirements for accounting education in the state.

Finance (B.A./B.S.): The finance curriculum will prepare students for careers in financial management, banking, investments, real estate and insurance. The program will develop analytical and behavioral skills necessary for success in dynamic domestic and global financial environments. Students will be exposed to basic humanities courses and core business foundations across all business disciplines. The program will prepare students to be leaders in applying finance tools in private- and public-sector organizations. The appropriate use of technology, new organizational structures, entrepreneurial thinking, and international awareness will be integrated throughout the program.

Management (B.A./B.S.): The undergraduate management program will prepare students in a variety of general or specialized management careers. These include general management and leadership roles, human resource management, and organizational development. The management major will build on a general base of liberal studies and core business disciplines of accounting, finance, marketing, information systems, and policy. Communication, computer skills, and international business concepts will be integrated throughout the management curriculum.

Management Information Systems (B.A./B.S.): The management information systems (MIS) program will prepare students for professional and leadership roles related to computer applications in business and service organizations. The MIS major will build on a general base of liberal studies and core business disciplines of accounting, finance, marketing, management, and policy. Communication, general management skills, and international business concepts will be integrated throughout the MIS curriculum.

Marketing (B.A./B.S.): The marketing curriculum will prepare students for careers in the marketing and distribution of products and services by developing an understanding of economic and social forces at work in national and global economies. The program will emphasize the use of analytical and behavioral skills in approaches to market position, consumer behavior, product development, and marketing management. Students will be exposed to basic humanities courses and core business foundations across all business disciplines. The appropriate use of technology, new organizational structures and international awareness will be integrated throughout the program.

Master of Business Administration: The master of business administration (MBA) program will prepare students for leadership in careers across all types of business, service and public organizations. The MBA program will develop an understanding of the economic and social forces at work within local, national, and global economies and will prepare students to succeed in dynamic work environments. The program will emphasize the application of analytical, technical, and behavioral tools to solve administrative, economic, production, market, and organizational problems. With the course work required for the degree, students will be exposed to core foundation concepts across all business disciplines. The appropriate use of technology, entrepreneurial approaches, understanding new organizational structures, and international awareness will be integrated throughout the program.