Department of Business and Leadership
| Department Links
|
 |
| |
|
Academic Programs
Bachelor's Degree in Business
Students earning the Bachelor of Science degree in Business will enter the
business world with a sound understanding of the nature
and practices of contemporary business, the basic skills
needed to begin their professional careers, and the
broad educational foundation necessary to facilitate
long-term professional development.
The degree offers a distinctive and flexible curriculum
that provides opportunity for students to:
- Build a sound understanding of the nature and practices
of contemporary business
- Develop the basic skills needed to begin their professional
lives
- Pursue a concentrated course of study in an area of interest
- Establish a broad educational foundation to facilitate
long term professional development
The Bachelor of Science in Business requires 120 credit
hours. Sixty-six credit hours are devoted to courses
in business and related areas. All students take a common
core of courses in business and related areas and select
a major area of specialization (accounting, economics, law & commerce,
management, marketing) to allow each student to develop
a particular area of expertise in business or a related
field of study. The program begins by establishing a foundation
in mathematics, statistics, computer technology, communication, and economics.
On this foundation the student will build a working knowledge
of basic business functions of accounting, finance, marketing,
organization behavior and management.
The program integrates this knowledge with an understanding
of the social, legal, international and economic contexts
within which business operates as a strategic entity.
An additional 60 credit hours are focused on providing
a sound general background. The general
education component of the program is designed
to provide the basic skills in communications and quantitative
analysis needed for success in the program and in positions
in business. It includes a number of courses in a wide
range of areas intended to provide the breadth of background
needed to provide a foundation for long-term career
development.
The program's curriculum is flexible. Students work
with a faculty advisor to develop a program of study
that reflects their own interests within business or a related field. It is also flexible in accommodating
both full-time and part-time students. Courses are offered
at a number of different times and locations.
Bachelor's Degree in Organizational
Leadership
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership was designed with the active assistance
of business and industrial leaders. It provides a
practical, people-oriented approach to the practice
of leadership and was established to meet the educational
needs of:
- Individuals currently employed who desire to develop
leadership skills
- Students that are majoring in fields which have
limited job opportunities who desire to increase their
employability by developing leadership as well as
technical skills
- Graduates from associate degree programs who desire
to continue their studies
The OL curriculum provides a comprehensive approach
that fosters the development of leadership skills
applicable in a wide variety of settings. In addition to
the leadership core, students also pursue coursework in
a variety of business-related topics as well as general
education components. The plan of study is also flexible
enough to accommodate the pursuit of a minor or other
area of interest.
Graduates of the OL program are prepared for
successful careers in business, education, retail,
service, government, health care and
industry/manufacturing. Depending upon how their
coursework was structured, graduates may be working in
positions such as management, human resources, training,
accounting, customer service, field engineering, plant
engineering, production or process control, purchasing,
quality control, sales or technical writing. The OL
degree is also well positioned to serve students who
have already completed an AS degree in a technical field
who wish to go on to complete their BS degree with the
intent of advancing to leadership positions within their
chosen profession.
Degrees, Certificates, and Minors Available
Bachelor’s Degree in Human
Resources
The demand in Indiana for human resource
professionals is high. The Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resources is designed to help students develop
core competencies in all aspects of human resources
management. Students are also encouraged to further
develop their skills by working within the business
community through internship and service learning
opportunities. In addition to providing a solid
background in human resources, the program also provides
students with a comprehensive general education
foundation as well as the opportunity to develop other
business related skills. A graduate with a BS degree in
Human Resources may work in one or more of five key
areas: staffing, training and development, occupational
safety and health, compensation and benefits, and
employee and labor relations.
Students with a BS degree in human resources will be
prepared for the national certification exam offered by
the Human Resources Certification Institute which is
becoming increasingly required for employment.
Degrees, Certificates and Minors Available
Master of Business Administration
The Purdue University North Central Department of Business
offers a Master of
Business Administration degree that will prepare
students for leadership positions in a variety of business
and professional settings.
Certificate in Economic Development
The pace of economic change, fueled by globalization, is accelerating and communities who wish to remain viable must take the lead in developing and applying strategies that can recognize and respond to emerging trends. An active strategy that is regionally focused is essential. The Graduate Certificate in Economic Development was created to support the activities of local professionals involved in regional economic development. Although the program is academically based, it is grounded in practice since applications of the literature and region's resources and capabilities are emphasized. Participants can elect to take the program for credit, or on a non-credit, continuing education basis. The certificate includes three courses designed to:
- Provide an overview of the latest literature on regional economic development
- Review and critically assess regional assets that can attract and retain business investment
- Provide an opportunity for participants to develop a compelling case for one of our communities desiring to attract a potential new investment project.
