Majors & Concentrations

All currently admitted William & Mary students interested in a business major or minor must apply for admission to the Undergraduate Business program. The admission process is competitive.

Core Curriculum

All majors complete coursework in the core curriculum. The core curriculum is designed to give you a strong foundation in concepts and practices central to all business disciplines. This consists of our prerequisites (16 credits), Integrated Foundation Semester (11 credits), and the upper-level core courses (11 credits).

foundation and upper-level information
Foundation Semester

Students participate in the Foundation Semester during their first semester of the Business Majors Program. The coursework consists of:

foundation semester courses
Business Perspectives and Applications

BUAD 300 | 1 credit

This course complements the core courses in the BBA program by integrating disciplines, ethical considerations, and business communications. The course includes business simulations, team interaction, and presentation skills. The course is graded pass/fail and is completed the first semester as a Business Major.

Principles of Marketing

BUAD 311 | 3 credits

A study of the role of marketing in business and the economy. Emphasis is on the examination of functions, institutions and policies.

Financial Management

BUAD 323 | 3 credits

An examination of the finance function in the firm. Topics include the theory and practice of valuation, current and long term financing, working capital management, capital budgeting and multinational finance.

Computer Skills for Business

BUAD 330 | 1 credit

This course is designed to complement functional courses in the Business Core Program providing instruction in the use of application software. Typically the course will cover presentation software, spreadsheets, and database application. Graded pass/fail.

Introduction to Business Analytics

BUAD 350 | 3 credits

The objective of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the concepts of business analytics, operations management and information systems. During this course, students will develop skills in analyzing business situations, developing visualization and decision models designed to effectively analyze and communicate, and to identify expected risks and benefits associated with decisions based on the models developed.

Upper-Level Core

Following the Foundation Semester, students must complete the following coursework:

upper level courses
Organizational Behavior & Management

BUAD 317 | 3 credits

This course develops the ability to recognize and manage human and behavioral factors in work settings. Topics include: individual differences, group dynamics, motivation, and an introduction to organizational structure and leadership.

Legal Environment of Business

BUAD 343 | 2 credits

An introduction to the law and the legal process. Substantive areas of law covered include: contracts, sales of goods and product liability; business torts and environmental law; bankruptcy and international law.

Operations Management

BUAD 351 | 1.5 credits

This course focuses on operations knowledge essential to successful management. Topics include demand forecasting, process analysis, minimizing the effects of uncertainty in supply and demand, operational decision-making and other operation topics of current interest.

Decision-Making through Visualization & Simulation

BUAD 352 | 1.5 credits

The objective of this course is to provide students with advanced skills in the most common business analytics tools of the modern workplace - namely Excel and its companion programming language called Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). During this course, students will develop visualization and decision models designed to effectively communicate the meaning of complex data sets, and to identify the expected risks and returns associated with decisions about uncertain future events through the application of probability concepts and Monte Carlo simulation methods.

Global Strategic Management

BUAD 414 | 3 credits

This course will expose students to global issues that influence the competitive behavior and performance of firms. Students will build skills for conducting strategic analysis in a variety of industry and competitive situations in the global economy. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply a general manager's strategic perspective to the resolution of major business problems, with the goal of improving organizational performance.

Majors Options

A major allows you to deepen your knowledge base in a specific discipline of business by exploring both the theoretical and technical aspects of that discipline. After being immersed in the Integrated Foundation Semester, you will choose a discipline which will serve as the primary focus of the remainder of your business education.

  • Accounting

  • Business Analytics

  • Finance

  • Marketing

Majors Descriptions and Courses

majors descriptions and courses
Accounting

The accounting major is designed to provide students with the fundamentals of business while preparing them for a variety of careers both in business and in the public sector. The accounting major requires 15 credit hours in addition to the undergraduate core curriculum. Thinking CPA? Students considering the CPA route are advised to speak with an academic advisor about ways to meet CPA exam and licensure requirements

Required Courses
accounting required courses
Financial Reporting & Analysis

BUAD 301 | 3 credits

This course focuses on the financial reporting environment: evaluating the quality of the reported information, analyzing reporting choices, and assessing the role of financial information in resource allocation decisions. Topics traditionally included in intermediate accounting are covered by analyzing key business transactions on the financial statements and measures of performance evaluations such as profitability, competitiveness, and leverage. This course is designed to be taken as either a one-semester course or as part of a two semester sequence with BUAD 302.

Advanced Financial Reporting and Analysis

BUAD 302 | 3 credits

This course focuses on an advanced study of topics in financial reporting that are traditionally considered in intermediate accounting. Reporting issues related to topics such as pensions, stock options, and deferred taxes are considered with reference to original source materials and accounting research.

Strategic Cost Management

BUAD 303 | 3 credits

Applications of cost analysis to inventory valuation and income determination and planning and control of routine operations and non-routine decisions. This course emphasizes the relevance of cost concepts to modern decision tools. Substantial use of problems and cases.

Auditing & Internal Controls

BUAD 404 | 3 credits

Application of technology, modeling, statistics and other auditing procedures within the framework of generally accepted auditing standards. Reporting, ethics, international practices and case applications are emphasized.

Federal Taxation

BUAD 405 | 3 credits

An analysis of the federal income tax laws. Development of conceptual awareness of federal income tax structure and tax planning, and gaining ability to determine solutions to problems confronting the individual and business taxpayer.

Electives
accounting elective courses
Not-for-Profit Accounting, Control and Analysis

BUAD 304 | 3 credits

This course focuses on accounting and financial management concepts unique to the nonprofit sector. Topics include: the preparation and use of not-for-profit financial statements, tax reporting, audit requirements, and managerial planning and control. Students will learn both how to create reports and how to analyze information from the perspective of nonprofit managers, board members, regulators, donors, and creditors.

International Accounting (or Advanced Accounting)

BUAD 401 | 3 credits

This course focuses on accounting related to international issues. Topics include: International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), accounting for derivatives and transactions denominated in foreign currencies, international audit issues, and international tax issues. Students will learn both the accounting for international transactions as well as hot to analyze and interpret financial information prepared using different accounting systems.

Business Analytics

In addition to the core curriculum, students majoring in business analytics may choose an emphasis in either data science or supply chain. Each major and emphasis require students to complete 12 credits in the discipline.

business analytics emphases
With Data Science Emphasis

Required Courses
data science emphasis required courses
Developing Business Intelligence

BUAD 466 | 3 credits

The course focuses on the collection, representation and analysis of evidence in support of decision making and process improvement. The course will examine hard and soft measures, criteria for evaluation, and performance measurement.

Predictive Analytics

BUAD 467 | 3 credits

This course focuses on solving business problems with data using predictive techniques, particularly in situations where the problem statement is ambiguous. The course covers five integral elements of analysis including: 1) general problem framing, 2) framing analytics problems, 3) managing, evaluating and cleaning data, 4) methodology selection and 5) model building/reporting. This approach enables students to experience a predictive business analytics problem from start to finish with a particular emphasis on providing, receiving and implementing feedback for improvement.

Prescriptive Analytics

BUAD 468 | 3 credits

This course focuses on solving business problems using prescriptive techniques. The course covers optimization models, including linear programming, and simulation models, including Monte Carlo simulation. This course will focus on how prescriptive modeling techniques can be used to make decisions for different business applications.

Electives (Choose One)
data science emphasis elective courses
Big Data Analytics with Machine Learning

BUAD 460 | 3 credits

This course is designed to equip students with the kinds of analytical skills used in the era of Big Data to reveal the hidden patterns in, and relationships among, data elements being created by internal transaction systems, social media and the Internet of Things. Students will use the open source programming language R for the development of Data Mining (and other statistically-based) analytical solutions. 

Lean Six Sigma Toolkit

BUAD 461 | 3 credits

This course focuses on developing lean processes within a variety of operating environments. Tools and strategies leading to improved process management are included. The course also focuses on Six Sigma approaches to process quality and includes emphasis on tools and procedures for implementing Six Sigma strategies within organizations.

Healthcare Informatics

BUAD 462 | 3 credits

Successful management of health delivery requires a scientific, information-driven approach. This course explores the use of information and information-based technologies to address challenges in rising costs, quality of health outcomes, and timely access to those who need healthcare. Through hands-on analysis of industry data students will diagnose issues, identify alternatives and develop a plan to deliver value-based healthcare. Topics include a comparative analysis of healthcare in other nations, digitization of health processes, health informatics exchange, accountable care organizations, and business model innovations in health sector. Students will learn about regulatory reforms in U.S. health sector and various career opportunities in health sector.

Supply Chain Analytics

BUAD 463 | 3 credits

Mathematical optimization techniques and applied solutions for problems in logistics, distribution, facility location, transportation, and supply chain networks.

Supply Chain Management

BUAD 465 | 3 credits

Over the last five years, technology, specifically the WEB, has revolutionized the way firms do business with each other. The usual stumbling blocks of poor information availability: incompatible organizational structures and information systems, and the high cost of collaboration are being "blown to bits" by tailored supply chain initiatives and web-centric software. This course will explore these initiatives and tools that firms are using to manage supply chains and B2B integration.

Advanced Modeling Techniques

BUAD 469 | 3 credits

This course is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to develop advanced decision models using a variety of programming and database tools. These models apply concepts from probability theory and statistical inference across a broad range of business disciplines. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of Monte Carlo simulation models.

Sports Analytics

BUAD 470 | 3 credits

A number of industries have been created and transformed by analytics. This course focuses on analytical techniques and their application to the sports industry. Course topics include evaluation, team ratings, scheduling, and coaching strategies. The assignments will use a variety of techniques and tools, such as data cleaning, probability, statistics, optimization, and spreadsheet modeling. A basic knowledge of spreadsheets, probability, statistics, and sports (specifically baseball, basketball, and football) is assumed.

Project Management

BUAD 482 | 3 credits

This course will focus on the concepts and tools related to the management of projects within organizations. Students will examine all phases of project management including selection, planning, scheduling, control, and termination. Topics include writing project plans, developing work breakdown structures, project scheduling, resource management, earned value analysis, and project risk management.

With Supply Chain Emphasis

Required Courses
supply chain emphasis required courses
Lean Six Sigma Toolkit

BUAD 461 | 3 credits

This course focuses on developing lean processes within a variety of operating environments. Tools and strategies leading to improved process management are included. The course also focuses on Six Sigma approaches to process quality and includes emphasis on tools and procedures for implementing Six Sigma strategies within organizations.

Supply Chain Analytics

BUAD 463 | 3 credits

Mathematical optimization techniques and applied solutions for problems in logistics, distribution, facility location, transportation, and supply chain networks.

Supply Chain Management

BUAD 465 | 3 credits

Over the last five years, technology, specifically the WEB, has revolutionized the way firms do business with each other. The usual stumbling blocks of poor information availability: incompatible organizational structures and information systems, and the high cost of collaboration are being "blown to bits" by tailored supply chain initiatives and web-centric software. This course will explore these initiatives and tools that firms are using to manage supply chains and B2B integration.

Electives (Choose One)
supply chain emphasis elective courses
Big Data Analytics with Machine Learning

BUAD 460 | 3 credits

This course is designed to equip students with the kinds of analytical skills used in the era of Big Data to reveal the hidden patterns in, and relationship among, data elements being created by internal transaction systems, social media and the Internet of Things. Students will use the open source programming language R for the development of Data Mining (and other statistically-based) analytical solutions.

Healthcare Informatics

BUAD 462 | 3 credits

Successful management of health delivery requires a scientific, information-driven approach. This course explores the use of information and information-based technologies to address challenges in rising costs, quality of health outcomes, and timely access to those who need healthcare. Through hands-on analysis of industry data students will diagnose issues, identify alternatives and develop a plan to deliver value-based healthcare. Topics include a comparative analysis of healthcare in other nations, digitization of health processes, health informatics exchange, accountable care organizations, and business model innovations in health sector. Students will learn about regulatory reforms in U.S. health sector and various career opportunities in health sector.

Developing Business Intelligence

BUAD 466 | 3 credits

The course focuses on the collection, representation and analysis of evidence in support of decision making and process improvement. The course will examine hard and soft measures, criteria for evaluation, and performance measurement.

Predictive Analytics

BUAD 467 | 3 credits

This course focuses on solving business problems with data using predictive techniques, particularly in situations where the problem statement is ambiguous. The course covers five integral elements of analysis including: 1) general problem framing, 2) framing analytics problems, 3) managing, evaluating and cleaning data, 4) methodology selection and 5) model building/reporting. This approach enables students to experience a predictive business analytics problem from start to finish with a particular emphasis on providing, receiving and implementing feedback for improvement.

Prescriptive Analytics

BUAD 468 | 3 credits

This course focuses on solving business problems using prescriptive techniques. The course covers optimization models, including linear programming, and simulation models, including Monte Carlo simulation. This course will focus on how prescriptive modeling techniques can be used to make decisions for different business applications.

Advanced Modeling Techniques

BUAD 469 | 3 credits

This course is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to develop advanced decision models using a variety of programming and database tools. These models apply concepts from probability theory and statistical inference across a broad range of business disciplines. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of Monte Carlo simulation models.

Sports Analytics

BUAD 470 | 3 credits

A number of industries have been created and transformed by analytics. This course focuses on analytical techniques and their application to the sports industry. Course topics include player evaluation, team ratings, scheduling, and coaching strategies. The assignments will use a variety of techniques and tools, such as data cleaning, probability, statistics, optimization, and spreadsheet modeling. A basic knowledge of spreadsheets, probability, statistics, and sports (specifically baseball, basketball, and football) is assumed.

Project Management

BUAD 482 | 3 credits

This course will focus on the concepts and tools related to the management of projects within organizations. Students will examine all phases of project management including selection, planning scheduling, control, and termination. Topics include writing project plans, developing work breakdown structures, project scheduling, resource management, earned value analysis, and project risk management.

Finance

In addition to the core curriculum, students majoring in finance complete 12 credits in the discipline. These credits focus understanding of finance beyond basic formulae to a more critical look at financial statements, portfolio risk and return, and corporate financial strategy.

Additionally, the Boehly Center for Excellence in Finance provides opportunities for advanced financial training, career exploration, networking, and experiential learning through financial firm-sponsored competitions as well as through industry-leader and dedicated faculty-taught courses. The Center capitalizes on William & Mary's ideal size by offering uniquely personalized programs, including alumni mentor matching and academic and career advising.

Required Courses
finance required courses
Investments

BUAD 327 | 3 credits

An introduction to portfolio management, fixed income, and derivative instruments.

Corporate Valuation

BUAD 329 | 3 credits

This course focuses on corporate valuation and credit analysis. Students will learn common methodologies for valuing corporate entities used by professionals working in investments, private equity, venture capital and investment banking. The course will familiarize students with various data sources and software used in the financial industry.

Electives (Choose Two)
finance elective courses
Applied Financial Concepts

BUAD 422 | 3 credits

The goal of this course is to expose the student to practices and developments within several specialized areas of the financial services sector through the case method of instruction. Key objectives are to develop the student's problem solving ability and oral and written communication skills through the quantitative and qualitative analysis of actual business situations. Active student participation in case discussion and analysis is required. This course is offered through the Distinguish program, and requires an application.

Corporate Financial Strategy

BUAD 423 | 3 credits

Advanced topics in the theory and practice of financial decision-making. Cases and readings are used to examine the tools and techniques of financial strategy formulation and implementation under various environmental settings.

Derivatives and Risk Management

BUAD 424 | 3 credits

An examination of the markets of derivative securities, valuation, trading strategies, and their applications in managing risk. The emphases are on financial engineering and the quantitative methods in the valuation of derivative securities.

Advanced Investments

BUAD 427 | 3 credits

An examination of the advanced topics of equity and fixed-income investments.

Behavioral Economics and Finance

BUAD 428 | 3 credits

A review of prominent psychological biases and heuristics affecting individual decision-making. Applications to economics, finance, public policy, and social science.

Experiential Electives (Choose One)
finance experiential elective courses
Student Managed Investment Fund

BUAD 421 | 3 credits

The purpose of this course is to provide portfolio management and security analysis experience through the management of the Mason School Managed Investment Fund (SMIF). Students select companies from the S&P stock universe, do research on their business model and competitive environment, make forecasts of future financial performance and perform valuation analyses, write an investment report and present orally a recommendation to their colleagues and faculty for inclusion in a real endowment portfolio of common stocks. This course may be repeated one time.

Fundamentals of Hedge Fund Management

BUAD 426 | 1 credit

This course is designed to give students a broad overview of the hedge fund industry and what is needed to launch a hedge fund and hedge fund manager by providing an overview of hedge fund structures, primary internal and external parties, and key regulatory, legal, and ethical considerations. This course is offered through the Distinguish program, and requires an application.

Special Topic - CFA Challenge

BUAD 492 | 2 credits

The CFA Challenge is a course designed around the national CFA Challenge competition. A small group of students works with a finance professor in looking for, valuing and pitching a company. As a capstone to the class, students compete in the Virginia State CFA Challenge. This course requires instructor permission.

Special Topics Courses (Experiential Finance Topics Only)

BUAD 492 | 1-3 credits

A course designed for special topics and for special opportunities to utilize the expertise of a faculty member.

Marketing

In addition to the core curriculum, students majoring in marketing complete 12 credits in the discipline. These credits focus understanding of marketing beyond basic principles to look more critically at advertising strategies, decision theory, marketing in a digital work, and consumer behavior.

Required Course
marketing required course
Marketing Research

BUAD 452 | 3 credits

Introduction to fundamentals of marketing research. Use of research information in marketing decision making. Topics include research design, interrogative techniques, data collection methods, scaling sampling and alternative methods of data analysis. Students design and execute their own research projects.

Additional Required Courses (Choose Two)
marketing additional required courses
Consumer Behavior

BUAD 446 | 3 credits

This consumer-firm relationship is analyzed through the application of concepts drawn from contemporary behavioral science to concrete business cases and practices. Relevant concepts from the fields of cultural anthropology, sociology and psychology are applied to problems encountered in marketing to various consumer groups.

Marketing Strategy

BUAD 448 | 3 credits

Managerial techniques in planning and executing marketing programs. Emphasis on decision making related to marketing segmentation, product innovation and positioning, pricing and promotion. Extensive use of cases, readings and a management simulation.

Customer Insights for Innovation

BUAD 451 | 3 credits

Many business opportunities and decisions depend on an understanding of customers' values, needs, aspirations and behaviors. These unique insights inform the development of products, services, and brands that are valued by customers and differentiated from competition. This course will be an immersive and experiential introduction to customer insights research, including fieldwork using a variety of qualitative research methods. In addition, these methods will be applied within the context of generating concepts for new products and services that address the insights identified.

Electives (Choose One)
marketing elective courses
Customer Experience Management

BUAD 447 | 3 credits

To be competitive in today's marketplace, service organizations must provide a quality experience for their customers. Customer experience management (CEM) is the process of strategically managing a customer's entire experience with a company. Specifically, this course identifies the key dimensions on which customer perceptions of service excellence are based, and describes strategies for offering superior customer service. Students will gain a better understanding of how customers evaluate service firms; they will also have a "tool kit" of ideas, measures and techniques to help improve service excellence. 

International Marketing

BUAD 450 | 3 credits

This course includes theories of and justifications for free trade, a study of environments across international markets (including the economic environments, the cultural environments, the political/ regulatory environment, and the physical/ geographic environments) and the practice of marketing including global marketing management for large, small and medium sized firms. Topics include globalization, global strategies, international service marketing and marketing in the developing world.

Sustainability Inspired Innovation and Design

BUAD 453 | 3 credits

Many companies are embracing sustainability as the inspiration and impetus for the next wave of product and service innovation. In this course, we will explore the reasons behind this growing interest in sustainability, what sustainability means to consumers, and the opportunities it presents to companies that want to "do well while doing good." This course will also emphasize the process and outcome of product and service innovation, from creative idea generation to concept evaluation. Specifically, students will gain significant hands-on experience with the tools and techniques of "Design Thinking" in a studio setting, with a focus on developing innovative ideas that promote the principles of sustainability.

Advertising and Digital Marketing

BUAD 456 | 3 credits

A study of how to use advertising and marketing communications, with special emphasis on digital media, to build and sustain relationships with consumers. Development of an integrated marketing communication campaign will emphasize the presentation of products to consumers through relevant media to include digital channels. Target market identification, situation analysis, promotional strategy and tactics, and evaluation within budgetary constraints will be stressed.

Special Topics - (Marketing Topics only)

BUAD 492 | 3 credits

Business Major and Concentration Curriculum Guide (PDF)

Concentration Options

A concentration allows Business Majors to study a business discipline outside of their major by taking 6-9 additional credits of coursework. This exposure and experience in a secondary discipline allows students to individualize their studies and enhance their degrees.

  • Accounting

  • Business Analytics

  • Consulting

  • Finance

  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship

  • Management & Organizational Leadership

  • Marketing

  • Supply Chain Analytics

  • Sustainability

Concentration Descriptions and Courses

concentration descriptions and courses
Accounting

Students majoring in another business discipline may add a concentration in Accounting by completing an additional six credits of coursework in the area beyond Principles of Accounting (BUAD 203)

Required Course
accounting required courses
Financial Reporting and Analysis

BUAD 301 | 3 credits

This course focuses on the financial reporting environment: evaluating the quality of the reported information, analyzing reporting choices, and assessing the role of financial information in resource allocation decisions. Topics traditionally included in intermediate accounting are covered by analyzing key business transactions on the financial statements and measures of performance evaluations such as profitability, competitiveness, and leverage. This course is designed to be taken as either a one-semester course or as part of a two-semester sequence with BUAD 302 - Advanced Financial Reporting and Analysis.

Electives (Choose One)
accounting elective courses
Advanced Financial Reporting and Analysis

BUAD 302 | 3 credits

This course focuses on an advanced study of topics in financial reporting that are traditionally considered in intermediate accounting. Reporting issues related to topics such as pensions, stock options, and deferred taxes are considered with reference to original source materials and accounting research.

Strategic Cost Management

BUAD 303 | 3 credits

Applications of cost analysis to inventory valuation and income determination and planning and control of routine operations and non-routine decisions. This course emphasizes the relevance of cost concepts to modern decision tools. Substantial use of problems and cases.

Not-for-Profit Accounting

BUAD 304 | 3 credits

This course focuses on accounting and financial management concepts unique to the nonprofit sector. Topics include: the preparation and use of not-for-profit financial statements, tax reporting, audit requirements, and managerial planning and control. Students will learn both how to create reports and how to analyze information from the perspective of nonprofit managers, board members, regulators, donors, and creditors.

International Accounting (Advanced Accounting)

BUAD 401 | 3 credits

This course focuses on accounting related to international issues. Topics include: International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), accounting for derivatives and transactions denominated in foreign currencies, international audit issues, and international tax issues. Students will learn both the accounting for international transactions as well as hot to analyze and interpret financial information prepared using different accounting systems.

Auditing and Internal Controls

BUAD 404 | 3 credits

Application of technology, modeling, statistics and other auditing procedures within the framework of generally accepted auditing standards. Reporting, ethics, international practices and case applications are emphasized.

Federal Taxation

BUAD 405 | 3 credits

An analysis of the federal income tax laws. Development of conceptual awareness of federal income tax structure and tax planning, and gaining ability to determine solutions to problems confronting the individual and business taxpayer.

Courses cannot double count for both a major and a concentration.

Business Analytics

Students majoring in another business discipline may add a concentration in Business Analytics by completing an additional six credits of coursework in the area.

Electives (Choose Two)
business analytics elective courses
Big Data Analytics

BUAD 460 | 3 credits

This course is designed to equip students with the kinds of analytical skills used in the era of Big Data to reveal the hidden patterns in, and relationships among, data elements being created by internal transaction systems, social media and the Internet of Things. Students will use the open source programming language R for the development of Data Mining (and other statistically-based) analytical solutions.

Developing Business Intelligence

BUAD 466 | 3 credits

The course focuses on the collection, representation and analysis of evidence in support of decision making and process improvement. The course will examine hard and soft measures, criteria for evaluation, and performance measurement.

Predictive Analytics

BUAD 467 | 3 credits

This course focuses on solving business problems with data using predictive techniques, particularly in situations where the problem statement is ambiguous. The course covers five integral elements of analysis including: 1) general problem framing, 2) framing analytics problems, 3) managing, evaluating and cleaning data, 4) methodology selection and 5) model building/reporting. This approach enables students to experience a predictive business analytics problem from start to finish with a particular emphasis on providing, receiving and implementing feedback for improvement.

Prescriptive Analytics

BUAD 468 | 3 credits

This course focuses on solving business problems using prescriptive techniques. The course covers optimization models, including linear programming, and simulation models, including Monte Carlo simulation. This course will focus on how prescriptive modeling techniques can be used to make decisions for different business applications.

Courses cannot double for both a major and a concentration.

Consulting

Students majoring in a business discipline may add a concentration in Consulting by completing an additional six credits of coursework in the area.

Electives (Choose Two)
consulting elective courses
Management Consulting

BUAD 431 | 3 credits

This course examines the management consulting process and prepares students for a role as either an internal or external consultant. The course is designed to provide a framework for understanding the art and science of providing management counsel to client organizations in the public and private sectors. The course follows the process of a typical consulting engagement in identifying key project requirements, feasibility and design alternatives.

Change Management and Organizational Transformation

BUAD 437 | 3 credits

The course will focus on effective process design, change management, and transforming the organization through changes in process, people, and technology. Topics will include stakeholder analysis, goal/strategy alignment, generating buy-in, effectively informing processes, performance measurement and incentives.

Developing Business Intelligence

BUAD 466 | 3 credits

The course focuses on the collection, representation and analysis of evidence in support of decision making and process involvement. The course will examine hard and soft measures, criteria for evaluation, and performance measurement.

Project Management

BUAD 482 | 3 credits

This course will focus on the concepts and tools related to the management of projects within organizations. Students will examine all phases of project management including selection, planning, scheduling, control, and termination. Topics include writing project plans, developing work breakdown structures, project scheduling, resource management, earned value analysis, and project risk management.

Courses cannot double count for both a major and a concentration.

Finance

Students majoring in another business discipline may add a concentration in Finance by completing an additional six credits of coursework in the area beyond Financial Management (BUAD 323). Students are required to take either BUAD 327 or BUAD 329, but may take both to fulfill the concentration requirements.

Required Courses (Choose One or Both)
finance required courses
Investments

BUAD 327 | 3 credits

An introduction to portfolio management, fixed income, and derivative instruments.

Corporate Valuation and Credit Analysis

BUAD 329 | 3 credits

This course focuses on corporate valuation and credit analysis. Students will learn common methodologies for valuing corporate entities used by professionals working in investments, private equity, venture capital and investment banking. The course will familiarize students with various data sources and software used in the financial industry.

Electives (Choose One)
finance elective courses
Student Managed Investment Fund

BUAD 421 | 3 credits

The purpose of this course is to provide portfolio management and security analysis experience through the management of the Mason School Managed Investment Fund (SMIF). Students select companies from an S&P stock universe, do research on their business model and competitive environment, make forecasts of future financial performance and perform valuation analyses, write an investment report and present orally a recommendation to their colleagues and faculty for inclusion in a real endowment portfolio of common stocks. This course may be repeated one time.

Applied Financial Concepts

BUAD 422 | 3 credits

The goal of this course is to expose the student to practices and developments within several specialized areas of the financial services sector through the case method of instruction. Key objectives are to develop the student's problem solving ability and oral and written communication skills through the quantitative and qualitative analysis of actual business situations. Active student participation in case discussion and analysis is required. This course is offered through the Distinguish program, and requires an application.

Corporate Financial Strategy

BUAD 423 | 3 credits

Advanced topics in the theory and practice of financial decision-making. Cases and readings are used to examine the tools and techniques of financial strategy formulation and implementation under various environmental settings.

Derivatives and Risk Management

BUAD 424 | 3 credits

An examination of the markets of derivative securities, valuation, trading strategies, and their applications in managing risk. The emphases are on financial engineering and the quantitative methods in the valuation of derivative securities.

Advanced Investments

BUAD 427 | 3 credits

An examination of the advanced topics of equity and fixed-income investments.

Behavioral Economics and Finance

BUAD 428 | 3 credits

A review of prominent psychological biases and heuristics affecting individual decision-making. Applications to economics, finance, public policy, and social science.

Courses cannot double count for both a major and a concentration.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Students majoring in a business discipline may add a concentration in Innovation & Entrepreneurship by completing BUAD 340 Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and an additional six credit hours.

Required Course
innovation and entrepreneurship required courses
Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship

BUAD 340 | 3 credits

This course exposes students to fundamental innovation and entrepreneurship concepts and will also provide an entry point into the Innovation & Entrepreneurship minor. Students will learn about the mindsets and tools associated with innovation and entrepreneurship and will be prepared to hit the ground running in subsequent, project-based Innovation & Entrepreneurship courses.

Electives (Choose Two)
innovation and entrepreneurship elective courses
Entrepreneurial Ventures

BUAD 443 | 3 credits

Entrepreneurial Ventures focuses on the issues, decisions, and problems faced by entrepreneurial owners and innovators who wish to create and manage new or smaller enterprises, family businesses, technology based enterprises or franchises. Students will develop the knowledge and skill set relevant for the creation, operation and ultimate success of the venture based on enterprise.

Customer Insights for Innovation

BUAD 451 | 3 credits

Many business opportunities and decisions depend on an understanding of customers' values, needs, aspirations and behaviors. These unique insights inform the development of products, services, and brands that are valued by customers and differentiated from competition. This course will be an immersive and experiential introduction to customer insights research, including fieldwork using a variety of qualitative research methods. In addition, these methods will be applied within the context of generating concepts for new products and services that address the insights identified.

Sustainability Inspired Innovation and Design

BUAD 453 | 3 credits

Many companies are embracing sustainability as the inspiration and impetus for the next wave of product and service innovation. In this course, we will explore the reasons behind this growing interest in sustainability, what sustainability means to consumers, and the opportunities it presents to companies that want to "do well while doing good." This course will also emphasize the process and outcome of product and service innovation, from creative idea generation to concept evaluation. Specifically, students will gain significant hands-on experience with the tools and techniques of "Design Thinking" in a studio setting, with a focus on developing innovative ideas that promote the principles of sustainability.

Creative Problem Solving

BUAD 457 | 3 credits

A study of the processes of creativity and innovation in complex problem-solving, informed by both business and inter-disciplinary approaches. Throughout the course, students engage in a mix of experiential, experimental, and reflective exercises designed to promote integrative and creative problem-solving, with an emphasis on the techniques, frameworks and mindsets that drive innovation in organizations.

Financing Entrepreneurial Ventures

BUAD 492 | 3 credits

This course provides real world, on-the-ground learning about how entrepreneurial ventures are financed, with a particular focus on Venture Capital & Private Equity sources of funding. Topic areas include understanding what sources of capital are available to entrepreneurial ventures, deciding how much to raise and from what sources to raise, selecting potential investors and board members, preparing ventures for profitable exits, and learning how to "craft a deal" by creating term sheets, investment pitches, and incentive plans. This course is designed for individuals with an interest in entrepreneurship, private/venture capital, corporate finance and law.

Courses cannot double count for both a major and a concentration.

Management & Organization Leadership

Students majoring in a business discipline can add a management & organizational leadership concentration by completing six credits.

Electives (Choose Two)
management and organization leadership elective courses
Teams: Design, Selection, and Development

BUAD 435 | 3 credits

This course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills to enable students to improve the performance of most teams. Working in teams has become the norm in most organizations, yet most people have many misconceptions about what makes groups effective. Groups can be exhilarating or maddening. This course will cover work in a variety of teams including: project teams, self-directed teams, research teams, consulting teams, and multinational teams. Topics include: team design, principles of selection, team performance management and rewards, managing transnational teams, and team facilitation.

Business & Society

BUAD 436 | 3 credits

This course explores the complex relationship between business and the wider social context in which it operates and the challenges leaders face in balancing their economic, ethical, legal, and citizenship responsibilities to their various stakeholders. In this era of 'globalization' corporations may be as large as nations in terms of economic and social impact. Topics include: corporate social responsibility, and citizenship, ecological and natural resource concerns, business-government relations, technological change, public relations, and corporate governance.

Change Management and Organizational Transformation

BUAD 437 | 3 credits

The course will focus on effective process design, change management, and transforming the organization through changes in process, people, and technology. Topics will include stakeholder analysis, goal/strategy alignment, generating buy-in, effectively informing processes, performance measurement and incentives.

Leadership

BUAD 438 | 3 credits

This field-based course is designed to develop the ability to work with and through others in order to make effective contributions as a member of an organization. The course emphasizes developing a leadership orientation, understanding critical leadership issues and developing appropriate leadership skills.

The Psychology of Decision Making

BUAD 442 | 3 credits

An examination and analysis of the cognitive factors that aid or hinder choosing alternative courses of action. The major emphasis will be on psychological processes underlying choice and judgment. Applications to business decision and policy making will be considered. (Cross listed with PSYC 442).

Courses cannot double count for both a major and a concentration.

Marketing

Students majoring in another business discipline may add a concentration in Marketing by completing an additional six credits of coursework in the area beyond Principles of Marketing (BUAD 311).

Electives (Choose Two)
marketing elective courses
Consumer Behavior

BUAD 446 | 3 credits

The consumer-firm relationship is analyzed through the application of concepts drawn from contemporary behavioral science to concrete business cases and practices. Relevant concepts from the fields of cultural anthropology, sociology and psychology are applied to problems encountered in marketing to various consumer groups.

Customer Experience Management

BUAD 447 | 3 credits

To be competitive in today's marketplace, service organizations must provide a quality experience for their customers. Customer experience management (CEM) is the process of strategically managing a customer's entire experience with a company. Specifically, this course identifies the key dimensions on which customer perceptions of service excellence are based, and describes strategies for offering superior customer service. Students will gain a better understanding of how customers evaluate service firms; they will also have a "tool kit" of ideas, measures and techniques to help improve service excellence.

Marketing Strategy

BUAD 448 | 3 credits

Managerial techniques in planning and executing marketing programs. Emphasis on decision making related to marketing segmentation, product innovation and positioning, pricing and promotion. Extensive use of cases, readings and a management simulation.

Global Marketing

BUAD 450 | 3 credits

This course includes theories of and justifications for free trade, a study of environments across international markets (including the economic environments, the cultural environments, the political/regulatory environments, and the physical/geographic environments) and the practice of marketing including global marketing management for large, small and medium sized firms. Topics include globalization, global strategies, international service marketing and marketing in the developing world.

Customer Insights for Innovation

BUAD 451 | 3 credits

Many business opportunities and decisions depend on an understanding of customers' values, needs, aspirations and behaviors. These unique insights inform the development of products, services, and brands that are valued by customers and differentiated from competition. This course will be an immersive and experiential introduction to customer insights research, including fieldwork using a variety of qualitative research methods. In addition, these methods will be applied within the context of generating concepts for new products and services that address the insights identified.

Marketing Research

BUAD 452 | 3 credits

Introduction to fundamentals of marketing research. Use of research information in marketing decision making. Topics include research design, interrogative techniques data collection methods, scaling, sampling and alternative methods of data analysis. Students design and execute their own research projects.

Sustainability Inspired Innovation & Design

BUAD 453 | 3 credits

Many companies are embracing sustainability as the inspiration and impetus for the next wave of product and service innovation. In this course, we will explore the reasons behind this growing interest in sustainability, what sustainability means to consumers, and the opportunities it presents to companies that want to "do well while doing good." This course will also emphasize the process and outcome of product and service innovation, from creative idea generation to concept evaluation. Specifically, students will gain significant hands-on experience with the tools and techniques of "Design Thinking" in a studio setting, with a focus on developing innovative ideas that promote the principles of sustainability.

Advertising & Digital Marketing

BUAD 456 | 3 credits

A study of how to use advertising and marketing communications, with special emphasis on digital media, to build and sustain relationships with consumers. Development of an integrated marketing communication campaign will emphasize the presentation of products to consumers through relevant media to include digital channels. Target market identification, situation analysis, promotional strategy and tactics, and evaluation within budgetary constraints will be stressed.

Courses cannot double count for both a major and a concentration.

Supply Chain Analytics

Students majoring in another business discipline may add a concentration in Supply Chain Analytics by completing an additional six credits of coursework in the area.

Electives (Choose Two)
supply chain analytics elective courses
Lean Six Sigma Toolkit

BUAD 461 | 3 credits

This course focuses on developing lean processes within a variety of operating environments. Tools and strategies leading to improved process management are included. The course also focuses on Six Sigma approaches to process quality and includes emphasis on tools and procedures for implementing Six Sigma strategies within organizations.

Note: This course combines the existing BUAD 459 and BUAD 461 courses into a single course. Students who took BUAD 459 under a previous catalog may not take the new 3 credit BUAD 461 version.

Supply Chain Analytics

BUAD 463 | 3 credits

Mathematical optimization techniques and applied solutions for problems in logistics, distribution, facility location, transportation, and supply chain network.

Supply Chain Management

BUAD 465 | 3 credits

Over the last five years, technology, specifically the WEB, has revolutionized the way firms do business with each other. The usual stumbling blocks of poor information availability: incompatible organizational structures and information systems, and the high cost of collaboration structures and information systems, and the high cost of collaboration are being "blown to bits" by tailored supply chain initiatives and web-centric software. This course will explore these initiatives and tools that firms are using to manage supply chains and B2B integration.

Courses cannot double count for both a major and a concentration.

Sustainability

Students majoring in a business discipline may add a concentration in sustainability by completing an additional six credits of coursework in the area.

Electives (Choose Two)
sustainability elective courses
Social Entrepreneurship

BUAD 441 | 3 credits

Social Entrepreneurs create innovative and sustainable solutions to critical social and environmental challenges, using strategies from business. This course integrates the concepts of social responsibility, sustainable business, nonprofit and for-profit management, and consulting practice by applying these frameworks to specific issues in domestic and international contexts.

Sustainability Inspired Innovation and Design

BUAD 453 | 3 credits

Many companies are embracing sustainability as the inspiration and impetus for the next wave of product and service innovation. In this course, we will explore the reasons behind this growing interest in sustainability, what sustainability means to consumers, and the opportunities it presents to companies that want to "do well while doing good." This course will also emphasize the process and outcome of product and service innovation, from creative idea generation to concept evaluation. Specifically, students will gain significant hands-on experience with the tools and techniques of "Design Thinking" in a studio setting, with a focus on developing innovative ideas that promote the principles of sustainability.

Sustainability/Green Supply Chain OR

BUAD 464 | 3 credits

This course focuses on the development of sustainable supply chains. Students will explore leading-edge initiatives by forward-thinking companies to (re)design and market products, source, manufacture, and eventually distribute them in an environmentally-, ecologically-, and socially-responsible way.

Note: Formerly BUAD 480.

Sustainability & Chesapeake Bay

BUAD 492 | 3 credits

Introduction to Environmental Science and Policy

ENSP 101 | 3 credits

This team-taught interdisciplinary course brings together perspectives and approaches to environmental problems from natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Examines key environmental concepts by exploring case studies such as pollution and contamination disputes, ecosystem management in the Chesapeake Bay, and biodiversity.

Courses cannot double count for both a major and a concentration.