Department of Business
The Business Department seeks to develop students prepared to be effective stewards of the Earth’s physical, human and capital resources. The curriculum has been intentionally designed to integrate Christian perspective and ethical considerations with business theory. While some may consider the pursuit of maximum profit and wealth as prime activities of business, the faculty of the Business Department consider the use of profit and wealth to serve God’s creation to be central to our mission.
The department is committed to helping students develop the skills and abilities necessary to be effective in career and service through the blending of faith, business theory and practice. Students have a wide variety of opportunities to put learning in motion through Huntington University Ventures, Inc. and via internships and other practical experiences.
The department provides opportunities for students to earn a bachelor’s degree in business with majors in accounting, economics and finance, management, marketing, entrepreneurial small business management, or sport management. The department also offers a master in business administration (MBA) degree. More information on the MBA program may be found in the Graduate and Online Programs Academic Catalog. With careful planning, students may complete an undergraduate business degree and an MBA degree on an accelerated 3 + 2 schedule.
Majors in Business
Students may earn the bachelor of science degree in business in one of six related majors: accounting, economics and finance, management, marketing, entrepreneurial small business management and sport management.
The major in accounting requires AC 241, 242, 341, 342, 361, 362, 371, 441, and 471; BA 252, 351, 421, 481, and AC/BA 495; EB 211 and 212; OA 215 (three credits) or equivalent certificate; and MA 151, and 150 or 171 (calculus recommended for those anticipating graduate school). Many states, including Indiana, allow candidates for the CPA examination to sit for the exam after graduating with at least 120 credit hours. However, most states, including Indiana, require candidates to earn an additional 30 hours of credit to become licensed as a CPA. Students should meet with their academic advisor to discuss alternatives to earning these additional credits or to review other states' requirements.
The major in economics and finance requires AC 241 and 242; BA 252, 351, 421, 481 and 495; EB 211, 212, and 18 hours from EB 321, 325, 331, 343, 346, 376, 381, 413, 421, 461, AC 341, 342, or other approved EB courses; OA 215 (three credits) or equivalent certificate, and OA 371; and MA 151, and 150 or 171 (calculus recommended for those anticipating graduate school).
The major in entrepreneurial small business management requires BA 211, 232 (or AC 241 and 242), 252, 281, 301, 331, 384, 395ENT, 431, 481, 495; EB 211, 212 and 325; MA 151; and six hours from BA 213, 264, 311, 312, 326, 351, or other approved courses. Elective hours from BA, EB, and AC offerings are available to complement a specific interest within the major.
The major in management requires the completion of AC 241 and 242; BA 252, 281, 331, 351, 421, 431, 461, 481, 495, and three additional hours from BA, EB, and AC offerings; EB 211 and 212; OA 215 (three credits) or equivalent certificate, and OA 371; and MA 151, and 150 or 171 (calculus recommended for those anticipating graduate school).
The major in marketing requires the completion of AC 241 and 242; BA 213, 252, 281, 311, 312, 326, 351, 421, 473, 481, 495; EB 211 and 212; OA 215 (three credits) or equivalent certificate, and OA 371; and MA 151, and 150 or 171 (calculus recommended for those anticipating graduate school) and one course from CO 331, BA 341, 384, or 461.
The major in sport management requires SM 111, 224, 316, 411, 461, 496SMAC (6-12 hours); BA 213, 232, 252, and 281. Students must also complete at least one of the following two tracks: corporate or media. The corporate track requires completion of 15 hours from EB 212, BA 311, 312, 351, 431, OA 371, EX 318, or other approved electives in the major. EB 211 is suggested to be taken as a core curriculum social science option. The media track requires completion of 15 hours from DM 115, 155, 231, 251, 281, 341, 395, or other approved electives in the major. DM 115 will also fulfill the core curriculum artistic appreciation requirement. A grade of B- or higher is required for SM 496SMAC.
Students may earn a minor in accounting by completing AC 241, 242, 341, 342; OA 215SP; and MA 150. The minor in economics and finance requires EB 211 and 212; and 12 additional hours in economics and finance from EB 321, 325, 331, 343, 346, 376, 381, 461, and BA 421. The minor in entrepreneurial small business requires 18 hours from BA 211, 232, 252, 281, 301, 331 (or 431), 384, 395ENT, or other approved courses. The minor in management requires BA 232 (or 421), 252, 281, and nine hours from BA 311, 331, 351, 384, and 431.The minor in marketing requires BA 252, 281, 311, 312, and six hours from BA 213, 326, 473, or other approved courses. The minor in sport management requires SM 111, 316, 411; BA 252; and six hours from SM 224, 461, BA 213, 281, or other approved courses.
Forensic Accounting
The minor in forensic accounting is available to students interested in career opportunities related to preventing and investigating white collar crime. The program is open to students from all majors but may be of particular interest to criminal justice, accounting, business and computer science majors. The forensic accounting minor requires AC 241, 242, 321, 395FA (3 hours); CJ 345; and seven hours from AC 341, 342, 471, BA 252, 331, CS 111, or 272.
Agribusiness
Students interested in adding a major in agribusiness or a minor in agribusiness may refer to the description in the Department of Agricultural Studies.
Cyber Security Management
Students interested in adding a cyber security management minor may refer to the description in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.
Certificate in Entrepreneurship
The Huntington University Business program offers a 15-hour certificate in entrepreneurship to any enrolled, degree-seeking student as an inter-disciplinary opportunity for any major area of study on campus. The seminar oriented courses in this program have been developed to attract student interest and provide key learning outcomes in the area of entrepreneurship. Students who complete the certificate program (as well as the entrepreneurial small business management major and minor) will receive a blend of foundational coursework geared toward understanding the entrepreneurial environment, creating a business plan, developing strategies, market testing and financing and will also have participated in applied learning experiences. Students may earn a certificate in entrepreneurship by completing 15 hours from BA 211, 213, 232, 264, 281, 301, 384, 395ENT, or other approved course(s). Non-business majors who are participating in the certificate program are strongly encouraged to begin their study by taking BA 211 as their first course.
Courses in Accounting
Fundamental problems of accounting are taught using modern accounting procedures, including theory of debits and credits, inventories, depreciation, revenue, expense, adjusting and closing entries, preparation of financial statements and partnerships.
A continuation of principles of accounting, including the topics of corporations, stocks and bonds, stockholder's equity, statement of change of financial position, statement analysis and managerial accounting. The concepts of automated data processing will be taught and applied.
Prerequisite: AC 241
This course will introduce the investigative tools, techniques and processes used for fraud detection and prevention. The course will cover evidence management, review historical case studies and discuss legal and ethical issues.
Prerequisites: AC 241 and 242
A review of financial statements followed by a detailed study of the theory of accounting principles. Included in the course is a study of cash, receivables, inventories, plant assets, current and non-current liabilities and alternative methods of revenue recognition.
Prerequisite: AC 242
A continuation of intermediate accounting, including equity financing, equity and debt investments, investments in non-current operating assets, taxes, leases, pensions, derivatives, EPS computations and measures of liquidity and profitability.
Prerequisite: AC 341
A comprehensive study of the federal income tax structure as it applies to individuals and sole proprietorships, including problems intended to provide a thorough understanding of the laws and regulations, as well as an introduction to tax planning.
Prerequisite: AC 341
A study of taxation of partnerships, C-corporations, S-corporations, limited liability companies and not-for-profits. Students will be introduced to tax research and tax planning for these business entities.
Prerequisite: AC 341
A focus on how cost management enables an organization to identify strategic opportunities and maintain a competitive advantage. Topics include the design and use of activity-based costing, managing costs with job order systems and process cost systems, use of cost data in decision making and managing quality to create value.
Prerequisite: AC 242
Practicum in some aspect of accounting designed to give student practical, directed experience.
Prerequisite: Consent
The student will participate in a supervised learning experience in a professional setting related to the forensic accounting minor, such as the accounting department for a local business, CPA firm, auditing firm, non-profit or government organization. A minimum of 120 contact hours must be completed, along with a written report of the experience. Students must fill out an application at least one semester in advance with the Friesen Center for Service and Experiential Learning, in coordination with the faculty advisor, and obtain appropriate background checks.
Prerequisite: AC 321 and consent
A study of the business combinations, preparation of consolidated statements, intercompany transactions, subsidiary equity transactions, international accounting standards, foreign currency translation and remeasurement, government and not-for-profit accounting and partnerships.
Prerequisite: AC 341
A study of financial statements and specialized auditing procedures are analyzed for the various types of assets and liabilities, capital stock, revenues, earnings and expenses. Attention is also given to the auditors working papers, report and certificate.
Prerequisites: AC 341 and junior standing
A study of various aspects of accounting, the subject area of which will be determined by the instructor according to student interest.
Prerequisite: Consent
A field experience in accounting which provides an opportunity for the student to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Student maintains close cooperation with the supervisory personnel in the field.
Prerequisite: Consent
Courses in Business
Personal Finance explores concepts in financial planning that will benefit individuals throughout their lives. Topics include budgeting income and expenses, managing credit and debt, purchasing a home, buying insurance, and investing in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
This course is geared toward students who desire an introduction to the principles and practices of business start-up. Key concepts discussed are: business concept ideation, concept testing, simplified business planning, action steps, and disruptive innovation. Through practical exercises and group discussion, students will develop and apply concepts relevant to starting a business venture.
This course introduces students to the theory and practical application of social media for marketing, journalistic reporting and public relations professionals.
Identical with CO 213.
This course provides students with an overview of the accounting and finance functions used by all forms of business (for-profit and non-profit) by examining account classifications, financial statements, ratio analysis, market value implications, managerial and cost accounting concepts, operating budgets, cash flows and time value of money applications. Emphasis is on reading and understanding accounting documents rather than on their preparation.
This course surveys the planning, organizing, directing and controlling functions within the business enterprise. Additional focus will be placed upon the analysis of management problems and the formulation of corrective policy. Students learn job requirements and career opportunities in business and office occupations and allied fields.
This course provides students with an overview of the gig economy and freelance opportunities and offers foundational business education to prepare them. Topics include ideation, the business model canvas, opportunity sourcing, legal business structures, financing, basic recordkeeping and bookkeeping, marketing, and small business tax considerations. Students will also learn the nuances of home-based and online businesses and the on-demand economy. This course will benefit musicians, artists, writers, filmmakers, programmers, designers, and potential entrepreneurs and small business owners.
This course surveys the role of modern marketing in today's society and economy with an emphasis on marketing's organizational and strategic roles. Marketing mix variables, target market analysis, and marketing plans are examined during the course.
Practicum in some aspect of business designed to give student practical, directed experience.
Prerequisite: Consent
This course will help students develop deeper insight into the entrepreneurial mind, how entrepreneurs approach opportunities and challenges, and how they deliver leadership to their high growth, high performance organizations. Students will complete assessment to gain insight into their specific leanings for entrepreneurship. In addition, students will apply entrepreneurial concepts through engagement in a Huntington University based business venture.
This course is designed to present selling as a basic human activity. Emphasis is given to the sales process, presentations, and professional behaviors. Professional selling includes the personal and organizational aspects of promotion and sales activities. Various prospecting, qualifying, selling, closing, and referral methods are examined throughout the course.
Prerequisite: BA 252
Theories and practices of advertising, sales promotion and public relations as they relate to the overall marketing programs. Emphasis is placed on promotion mix; decision tools; and legal, social and ethical considerations.
Prerequisite: BA 281
This course applies the principles of economic and managerial concepts to the management of farms or agribusinesses: accounting, marketing, enterprise budgets, organization and management of production inputs, operations management, human resource management, and family succession planning.
Identical with AG 320.
Prerequisite: BA 252
This course explores the field consumer choice and consumer decision-making. Consumer buying behavior will be studied with foci on both consumer choice theory and practical case study. Ethical issues related to influencing consumer attitudes and perceptions will be an important component of the course. Students will be introduced to consumer research study activities.
Prerequisite: BA 281
This course focuses on the methods through which operations management adds value to the activities, processes and efforts of the firm. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving and decision-making, production planning, scheduling, inventory management, continuous improvement and capacity utilization.
Prerequisite: BA 252
Principles of communication applied to the organizational context. Topics covered include information flow, organizational structure, leadership styles related to communication, interviewing and communication problems within organizations.
Identical with CO 346.
An analysis of agricultural marketing systems. Topics include understanding factors that determine agricultural prices; establishing marketing goals; study of government price institutions; contracts, option, and futures market analysis; establishing lines of credit; and crop insurance management.
Identical with EB 343.
Prerequisites: BA 252 and EB 211
Legal rights and obligations arising out of common business transactions. Fundamental principles of the law of contracts, negotiable instruments, agency bailment, sales and partnerships are examined.
Prerequisite: BA 252
This is an applied project course that guides students/teams through the development of their business concept and the preparation of a feasibility study to develop a viable concept (analyze the competitors, industry, environment, and market in sufficient detail) to determine the potential for their product/service. Students will culminate this course with a completed business model canvas, a written business plan, and an initial investor presentation deck.
Prerequisite: BA 232 or AC 241
Practicum in some aspect of business designed to give student practical, directed experience.
Prerequisite: Consent
Practicum in some aspect of business designed to give students practical, directed experience. Students may register for specific sections of this course related to Huntington University based ventures, such as Clear Insights (CI), Clear Distribution (CD), etc.
This is a mandatory field experience required to earn the entrepreneurial certificate.
Prerequisite: Consent
This course will survey the goals and functions of valuation and the development of financial tools for analysis and control. It will also encompass an exposure to working-capital management, investment decisions in capital assets, capital structure and dividend policies.
Prerequisites: AC 241 or BA 232, BA 252, MA 150 or MA 151, and sophomore standing at time of registration
This course presents a modern examination of the principles, policies and problems of manpower management. It addresses the areas of recruitment, placement, compensation and motivation, appraisal and development and the legal environment surrounding the staffing function.
Prerequisites: BA 252 and sophomore standing at time of registration
A study of the global environment facing business. Topics studied include international trade theory, foreign investment, the multinational enterprise and human resource, marketing and production decisions in the international arena.
Identical with EB 461.
Prerequisites: EB 211 and BA 252
This course presents market research as a key function of business, comparing various research methods and industry practices. This course is focused on the market research process, including problem definition; research design; data collection methods; data analysis; and interpretation, presentation and application of results.
Prerequisites: BA 281 and MA 150 or 151
This capstone experience for business majors is aimed at stimulating discussion and analysis of the critical issues facing business people today. Christian perspectives on work, wages and management decisions are integrated throughout the semester. A secondary focus of the seminar is an emphasis on career preparation and community service.
Prerequisite: Senior standing
A study of various aspects of business, the subject area of which will be determined by the instructor according to student interest.
Prerequisite: Consent
A field experience in business which provides an opportunity for the student to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Students will engage in career development activities as they search for internship opportunities, assisted by the department.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing at time of registration and consent
Each of these software application topics will be taught in seven-week modules. Emphasis is placed on practical applications. Students in areas outside of business are encouraged to elect modules that may be of interest.
Meets three periods per week. (Students may earn credit for software applications by demonstrating proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint via examination. Contact a Business professor for information.)
Prerequisite: Demonstrated proficiency in keyboarding
Advanced spreadsheet financial functions and analytical tools will be applied to business and financial situations.
Prerequisite: OA 215SP
Students learn to produce business and classroom presentations which incorporate pictures, charts, animations, and videos.
Students learn to create a database structure and to add or update records, generate reports, use custom screens and create mailing labels.
Students learn to use the basic functions of QuickBooks as an accounting tool that tracks income and expenses and produces financial statements.
The nature and use of spreadsheets to make calculations, create graphics and execute macros are introduced.
Commonly used commands are introduced and document creating, saving, editing, formatting and printing will be studied.
Credit available only by examination.
A study of effective communication techniques as they apply to topics such as business letters, employment messages, electronic communications, proposals and reports, visual aids, business presentations and meetings and news releases.
Prerequisite: EN 121
Courses in Economics and Finance
An introduction to macroeconomic principles, including current problems and practices in various economic systems. Economic institutions and processes necessary for the individual as citizen, housekeeper, wage earner, taxpayer and user of credit will be analyzed.
A continuation of principles of economics with an emphasis on microeconomic principles, which include price system theory of the firm, monopoly and distribution of personal income.
Prerequisite: EB 211
This course builds on macroeconomics from an agribusiness perspective. Students explore the effects of agricultural policies and regulations, international trade agreements, and the role of government on agriculture and agribusiness.
Identical with AG 315.
Prerequisite: EB 211
A study of the political economy with a focus on public policies related to government spending and taxation. Political ideologies related to funding government and providing public goods are examined. Current issues in social welfare, defense and security, public infrastructure, energy and education are studied.
Identical with PS 321.
Prerequisite: EB 211
This course involves students with the considerations of the personal and family economic issues of living, including budgeting and cash flow management, the use of credit and borrowing, auto and home purchasing, most types of insurance, financial planning, tax management, investment planning, real estate, retirement and estate planning.
Prerequisite: BA 252
An analysis of labor markets as major and unique factor markets, emphasizing the supply and allocation of labor, the incidence of unemployment, the determination of wages, the investment in training and education and the impact of globalization on laborers and labor markets.
Prerequisite: EB 211
An analysis of agricultural marketing systems. Topics include understanding factors that determine agricultural prices; establishing marketing goals; study of government price institutions; contracts, option, and futures market analysis; establishing lines of credit; and crop insurance management.
Identical with BA 343.
Prerequisites: BA 252 and EB 211
A course designed to give the student a basic familiarity with practical investment strategies and terminology from both an institutional and individual perspective. Discussion includes stock, bond, commodity and option markets as well as other investment alternatives. Significant emphasis is given to newsworthy, related developments unfolding during the course.
Prerequisite: BA 252
This course provides a broad examination of the framework and functions of the real estate business, its importance to the economy and the marketing, financing, management and ethical implications of real estate. Students will become familiar with career opportunities in various segments of the real estate business, including investing, sales, brokerage, appraisal, property management and development.
Prerequisite: BA 252
An analysis of monetary policy and the institutions of the financial sector of the economy. The commercial banking industry, financial markets, the Federal Reserve System, monetary theory and policy issues are studied.
Prerequisite: EB 211
Practicum in some aspect of economics and finance designed to give student practical, directed experience.
Prerequisite: Consent
This course examines the structure, functions, processes and change involved in rural and urban communities. The changing ecological patterns of communities are examined in conjunction with problems of urbanization.
Identical with SO 413.
Prerequisite: SO 111
This course will examine the trends and changes in world population, its composition and distribution, population movements, issues involving quality of life and approaches used by various nations in dealing with population problems.
Identical with SO 421.
Prerequisite: SO 111
A study of the global environment facing business. Topics studied include international trade theory, foreign investment, the multinational enterprise and human resource, marketing and production decisions in the international arena.
Identical with BA 461.
Prerequisites: EB 211 and BA 252
A study of various aspects of economics and finance, the subject area of which will be determined by the instructor according to student interest.
Prerequisite: Consent
A field experience in economics and finance which provides an opportunity for the student to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Student maintains close cooperation with the supervisory personnel in the field.
Prerequisite: Consent
Courses in Sport Management
Students will explore opportunities for children, youth, and adults available in sport, leisure, and recreation enterprises. The various roles that sport and recreation play in our culture will be studied. Sport and recreation enterprises from amateur athletics, community-based activities, professional sports, school, and club-based athletics will be examined.
Students will examine sport within society to evaluate how it can be used as a ministry tool. Principles of sociology of sport, historic developments within sports ministry, and biblical mandates will help students to construct a theology which integrates faith and sport. Church and parachurch sport/recreation ministry models will be reviewed. Attention will be given to methods of programming and curriculum development related to evangelism and discipleship associated with the culture of sport. Communicating the gospel within a sport setting will include student preparation and delivery of sports-specific messages and object lessons.
Identical with MI 224.
This course emphasizes the development of leadership skills through interactive classroom-field experience using group dynamic techniques. Students will be given an opportunity to experience leadership in directing individual and group games, fitness and/or community groups.
Prerequisites: SM 111 and 224
Practicum in some aspect of sport management designed to give student practical, directed experience.
Prerequisites: SM 111, 224, and consent
Planning, organizing and evaluating recreation programs. Principles of personnel management, budgeting, private fundraising and leadership are introduced.
Prerequisites: BA 252 (or concurrently), SM 111, and 224
An examination of social and legal issues which impact the field of recreation. Interpretation of state and federal legislation which apply to recreation programs. Senior writing project.
Prerequisites: SM 111, 224, junior standing at the time of registration, and sport management major or minor
A study of various aspects of sport management, the subject area of which will be determined by the instructor according to student interest.
Prerequisite: Consent
A professional experience which immerses students in an area of concentrated, sport management-related, area of interest and is supervised by faculty in the department.
Prerequisite: Consent
Applied capstone experiences are designed to be integrative and immersive experiences in areas of practical professional interest in sport management. Through the capstone, students will apply and develop their abilities to think strategically, make decisions, implement plans, communicate effectively, and apply knowledge in a professional setting.
Course may be taken in 3-12 hour increments. A grade of B- or higher is required to earn credit for the capstone.
Prerequisites: Senior standing (92 hours completed) and a minimum grade of C- in each major course