Doctor of Jurisprudence and Master of Business Administration

In addition to separate degree programs in law and business, the School of Law, the Graduate School and the Bill Greehey School of Business also offer a joint program of study leading to the simultaneous awarding of graduate degrees in law and business, the JD/MBA. The joint degree allows a student to complete the requirements for both degrees in three to four years, depending on business prerequisite requirements.

The JD/MBA is designed for law students who desire to broaden their knowledge and skills to include an in-depth understanding of business. This knowledge and the skills and abilities which will be developed are very important for the student who is interested in working in a corporate legal department (in the office of the general counsel), in representing corporations as a corporate law practitioner or who aspires to be managing partner of a large firm or who plans to own their own firm at some future date.

For students with the appropriate business background, the JD and MBA degrees may be earned in the joint program with the completion of 108 hours of law and business courses, 12 hours less than the normal requirements for both degrees if pursued separately. To satisfy the 90 hours of law courses for the JD degree and the 30 hours of business courses for the MBA degree, 6 hours of law courses are transferred as elective credit for the MBA degree and 6 hours of MBA courses are transferred as elective credit for the JD degree.

Students credited with law courses must complete a minimum of 24 hours for the MBA degree at St. Mary's University (exclusive of any prerequisite requirements) after acceptance into the MBA program to satisfy the MBA program residency requirement. Students must complete the six MBA core courses [BA 6355 (Human Resources Core), BA 6375 (Marketing Management Core), BA 6385 (International Business Core, BA 7325 (Managing Information & Technology), BA 7355 (Accounting for Decision Making) and BA 7365 (Financial Management)], BA 9375 (Leaders, Strategy & Society: MBA capstone) and three hours of MBA electives.

For additional information related to St. Mary's Law School please visit their Web site.

MBA Prerequisite and Admission

In addition to demonstrating high potential for success, requirements for admission include satisfactory completion of the following courses or their equivalent prior to enrolling in the related graduate-level core or elective course. These requirements are normally satisfied by students who have earned an undergraduate degree in business from an accredited institution. A minimum grade of C is required to satisfy these requirements with undergraduate courses; a grade of B- is required for all 631x courses. Students do not receive graduate-level credit for MBA prerequisite-knowledge courses.
Courses (hours)

• BA 6311 Fundamentals of Accounting (3 hours) [or AC 2310 and AC 2320, 6 hours]
• BA 6312 Fundamentals of Economics and Markets in the Global Economy (3 hours) or [EC2301 and EC 2303, 6 hours]
• BA 6313 Fundamentals of Management and Marketing (3 hours) [or BA 3325W and MK 3310, 6 hours]
• FN 3310/5310 Fundamentals of Finance (3 hours)
• QM 3320/5320 Fundamentals of Statistics (3 hours)
• QM 3330/5330 Fundamentals of Management Information Systems (3 hours)

Total Hours: 18
Students also may satisfy prerequisite requirements by completing the following undergraduate courses (normally taken when pursuing an undergraduate business degree from an AACSB-accredited institution) with a grade of C or better or by satisfactorily completing the related CLEP or DANTES exam. The Accounting II (Managerial Accounting) CLEP exam is no longer offered.
Courses (Exam)

• AC 2310& Accounting I [Financial Accounting] (CLEP)
• EC 2301 Introductory Macroeconomic Theory (CLEP)
• EC 2303 Introductory Microeconomic Theory (CLEP)
• HR 3325W Managing People and Organizations (CLEP)
• MK 3310 Principles of Marketing (CLEP)
• FN 33l0 Corporate Finance (DANTES)
• QM 3320 Business Statistics (DANTES)
• QM 3330 Management Information Systems (CLEP)

Undergraduate prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better; graduate prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of B- or better. Prerequisite knowledge also may be satisfied by other means that may be deemed acceptable by the Program Director. Prerequisites must be completed prior to enrolling in the related graduate-level course. If a student completes an MBA course prior to completing the relevant prerequisite course, the prerequisite must still be satisfied by one of the methods described above.& Students admitted to the MBA program do not receive graduate credit for prerequisite courses. Students electing the Financial Planning Track or the Professional Accountancy Track are required to complete additional undergraduate prerequisites as described in the track-specific section.

Admission

Regular admission allows a student to pursue an MBA on either a part-time or full-time basis. It is expected that part-time students will complete the MBA in three years of study, exclusive of prerequisite requirements. Admission as a Greehey Scholar requires an undergraduate degree in business and has higher admission standards. Students admitted as Greehey Scholars must commit to the one-year MBA which requires full-time study and provides a full scholarship with a research assistantship commitment by the student.
Requirements:

1. An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
2. A minimum GMAT score of 525
3. An acceptable undergraduate GPA
4. Letters of reference and a current résumé
5. International residents also must have a minimum TOEFL score of 570 (paper), 230 (computer) or 67 (Internet) [87 including speaking]. A minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS English-language proficiency test (Academic or General) also will be accepted.

The GMAT is a basic aptitude test and does not require previous knowledge of business subjects. For additional information related to the GMAT please click here. For scheduling options for this online test please click here.

Courses

MBA Core Courses and Business Electives

AC 5306G Accounting for Governments and Not-for-Profits (3 sem. hours)

A study of financial accounting concepts and practices for state and local governments and not-for-profit entities such as hospitals, educational institutions, and voluntary health and welfare organizations. Activities include study of theory research on practices, as well as in depth analysis of financial statements of actual organizations, including the City of San Antonio. This course also emphasizes related current issues and the developing nature of accounting for these entities. Prerequisite: Intermediate Accounting I (AC3310 or equivalent).

AC 5344G Corporate Accounting & Governance (3 sem. hours)

This course covers the basics of corporate governance, including the structure of a corporation, board and audit committee requirements, relevant financial statement reporting requirements, the effect of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act on governance, the role of the board in takeover situations, management compensation issues, corporate governance in other countries, the legal framework of the SEC, and the preparation of SEC required forms for publicly traded companies. Students admitted to the MBA program may enroll in the course for graduate credit if they did not previously receive credit for AC4344 (or the equivalent) as an undergraduate.

AC 5375G Accounting Internship (3 sem. hours)

The accounting internship provides students with an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience through hands-on experiential activities. It represents cooperation among the University and business, public and government institutions in monitoring and gaining experience that supplements the learning process. Prerequisites: Completion of all undergraduate accounting prerequisites, minimum GPA in graduate-level courses of 3.0, consent of the Chairperson of the Accounting Department and the MBA Program Director.

AC 6100, 6200, 6300 Selected Topics in Accounting (1 to 3 sem. hours)

Selected topics vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite: Completion of all undergraduate accounting prerequisites.

AC 8303 Contemporary Accounting Problems (3 sem. hours)

This course synthesizes the broad accounting knowledge students have obtained from prior accounting and business courses into specific problem-solving tasks. The course focuses on current accounting issues and on preparing the students for successful completion of the uniform certified public accountant (CPA) exam. Prerequisites: Completion of all undergraduate accounting prerequisites.

AC 8305 Advanced Accounting (3 sem. hours)

A study of the consolidation process for parent and subsidiary relationships, both domestic and foreign, including the purchase and the pooling-of-interests methods of accounting for business combinations. Foreign transactions are also emphasized. Prerequisite: Intermediate Accounting II (AC3320 or equivalent).

AC 8315 Auditing II (3 sem. hours)

Emphasis is on statistical sampling and use of electronic data processing in the conduct of the audit process. Auditing and review services by the CPA and the ethical and legal liabilities in these engagements. Prerequisite: Auditing (AC4330 or equivalent).

AC 8321 Selected Topics in Auditing (3 sem. hours)

Selected topics vary from semester to semester Prerequisite: AC8315 and completion of all undergraduate accounting prerequisites.

AC 8344 Advanced Management Accounting (3 sem. hours)

An in-depth study of accounting data relevant to managerial decision making, profit planning, and control. Emphasizes application of mathematics and statistics to accounting. Prerequisite: Introductory Cost Accounting (AC3341 or equivalent).

AC 8350 Research in Federal Taxation (3 sem. hours)

A study of the tax materials available and their use in tax research, including the Internal Revenue Code, tax services, case reporters, and treasury publications. Emphasizes understanding and solving tax issues of current importance and the communication of such information. Prerequisites: Personal Income Tax (AC4350 or equivalent) and Business Income Tax AC4360 or equivalent).

AC 8351 Taxation for Corporations (3 sem. hours)

A study of the federal income taxation of corporations and their shareholders. Emphasizes formation, capital structure, distributions, liquidations, personal holding companies, accumulated earnings tax, and the alternative minimum tax. Prerequisite: Business Income Tax (AC4360 or equivalent).

AC 8352 Taxation for Partnerships and Subchapter S Corporations (3 sem. hours)

A study of the federal income tax consequences of doing business as a partnership or Subchapter S Corporation. Emphasizes formation, operation, distributions, and dissolutions of these organizations. Prerequisites: Personal Income Tax (AC4350 or equivalent) and Business Income Tax AC4360 or equivalent).

AC 8354 Selected Topics in Taxation (3 sem. hours)

Selected topics vary from semester to semester Prerequisite: Research in Federal Taxation (AC8350) and completion of all undergraduate accounting prerequisites.

AC 8356 Advanced Income Tax Planning (3 sem. hours)

An examination of complex individual income tax concepts with an emphasis on planning considerations. Subjects include sources of tax authority tax compliance, tax characteristics of business entities, passive losses, property transactions, alternative minimum tax, accounting periods and methods, deferred compensation, taxation of investments, and charitable contributions. Prerequisite: Personal Income Tax (AC4350 or equivalent).

AC 8357 Estate Planning (3 sem. hours)

A study of the principles of planning for the use, conservation, and efficient transfer of an individual’s wealth. Estate planning seeks to arrange future wealth transfers and management to maximize financial well being for the client and the client’s survivors. Prerequisite: Personal Income Tax (AC4350 or equivalent).

AC 8360 Business Law II (3 sem. hours)

An in-depth study of both legal and ethical concerns involving agency, partnerships, corporations, and bankruptcy. Policy, rationale, and legal concepts of areas such as property, wills, trusts, and estates, insurance, partnerships, and corporate law are emphasized. Prerequisite: Business Law I (AC3350 or equivalent).

AC 8361 Financial Accounting Research and Communication (3 sem. hours)

Students will examine both complex and contemporary financial accounting issues as well as learn how to use the more common financial accounting research databases. Written and oral communication of research findings will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Intermediate Accounting II (AC3320 or equivalent).

BA 5333G Business and Professional Ethics (3 sem. hours)

This course is designed to meet the requirement of the state of Texas for CPA candidates to have a business and professional ethics course before sitting for the CPA exam, and to provide a broader discussion of ethics issues that are important to business and the free enterprise system. Students will develop a fundamental understanding of the moral reasoning process and learn to recognize the impact of various approaches to moral reasoning on moral behavior in accounting and business. The course is also intended to inculcate in students the importance of integrity, objectivity, and independence to the proper functioning of the accounting profession and the free enterprise system. The course will provide students with a balanced understanding of the variety of ethical issues in accounting and business, provide exposure to relevant codes of professional conduct, particularly for CPAs, and prepare students for coverage of professional ethics topics on the CPA exam and other professional accreditation exams. It is open to all upper division business majors and to other upper division students by permission of the instructor. Students admitted to the MBA program may enroll in this course for graduate credit if they did not previously receive credit for BA 4333 (or the equivalent) as an undergraduate.

BA5350G Exploring Entrepreneurship (3 sem. hours)

This course is offered to junior, senior and graduate students to increase awareness and understanding of essential qualities for business success. This is primarily accomplished through and executive speaker series featuring highly successful entrepreneurs and senior executives. Students also have the opportunity to read about and discuss the 10 essential qualities for business success. BA6000X Matriculation (0 semester hours) Students must register for this course the semester they plan to graduate if they are not already registered for other courses. $25.00 fee.

BA 6100, 6200, 6300 Selected Topics in Management (1-3 sem. hours)

Selected topics vary from semester to semester.

BA6323 – The Strategic Importance of the European Union: Implications for U.S. Firms

This course provides a comparative overview of the business and legal environment of the European Union [EU]. Discussion will focus on the economic, legal-political and social-cultural dimensions of EU-member countries. The impact of these dimensions on business practice, regulation and global strategy implications for U.S. firms will be the major focus of research and writing in the course. Cross-listed with IR 6323.

BA 6355 Human Resources Core (3 sem. hours)

This course develops students’ skills in assessing and managing the contemporary business environment at individual, group, and organizational levels. Topics include issues such as motivation, communication, leadership, human resource policy, external business analysis, and strategy formulation and implementation. The course also explores the dynamic interaction of these levels by focusing on topics such as organizational culture, human resources management, teams, job design, organizational development, and change. Prerequisites: HR3325W or BA3325W or BA6313G or equivalent.

BA 6365 Accounting/Finance Core (3 sem. hours)

This quantitative course serves two purposes. It assists the non-financial manager in understanding and using financial information to make decisions related to investing, financing arrangements, and operating alternatives. It serves as a foundation for the MBA and more advanced finance courses. Prerequisites: AC2310 and AC2320 or BA6311G and FN3310/ 5310G or equivalent.

BA 6375 International Business Core (3 sem. hours)

This course serves two objectives. First, it introduces the student to the major institutions and organizations that affect the international economic and political context in which firms operate, the international economic, political, and cultural milieu, the growing globalization of business, and the growing complexity of doing business within the rapidly changing international context. Second, it serves as a foundation for more advanced courses that include an international dimension.

BA 6385 Marketing Management Core (3 sem. hours)

This course focuses on preparing students to develop and implement the major strategic decisions facing marketing executives in their attempt to harmonize the objectives and resources of the organization with the needs and opportunities in the global marketplace. Through case analyses and the development of a comprehensive marketing plan, students analyze the functional areas of marketing, including market analysis and research, marketing communications, distribution, and pricing. Current topics in marketing are integrated into the course. Topics vary but may include current political/legal, social/cultural, or technological (e.g., eCommerce) issues surrounding marketing. Prerequisite: MK3310/5310G or BA6313 or equivalent.

BA 7311 Managing Business Projects (3 sem. hours)

This course provides a management perspective on managing projects. It examines the basic nature of managing business, public, engineering, and information systems projects, including the specific insights and techniques required. Issues such as the selection and management of the project team, project initiation, implementation, and termination are addressed.

BA 7322 eCommerce (3 sem. hours)

This course examines infrastructure and technologies of eCommerce, including Internet and intranets, languages, and security systems. It addresses business models associated with eCommerce, including media & communities, B2B, B2C, and C2C and examines other issues facing e-commerce companies, including electronic payment systems, public policy issues (e.g., privacy, intellectual property, free speech, ethical issues, taxation), and global implications.

BA 7325 Management of Information and Technology (3 sem. hours)

This course examines a broad range of topics in the management of technology, information systems and organizational issues in exploiting new technology. The course explores concepts of applying computer information systems and communications technology to provide an effective framework for managing competitiveness in an environment of rapid global change. Managing R&D, systems acquisition, decision-making, and links to other functional areas in the corporation are emphasized. Prerequisite: BA6316 or QM3330/5330G or equivalent.

BA 7331 The Management of Quality (3 sem. hours)

This course provides the student with (1) an awareness of the history and evolution of the Quality Management philosophy and its principles and methodologies, (2) a thorough knowledge of the quality design and planning process, (3) the ability to deploy basic and advanced quality methods and functions in various organizational settings, and (4) the skills to analyze and develop strategies using relevant case studies and ways to transition organizations to the quality.

BA 7342 Leadership (3 sem. hours)

This course examines historical and contemporary leadership theories from trait, behavioral, emotional, and situational approaches. It examines moral and ethical leadership practices. Students develop a personal and applicable leadership plan.

BA 7344 Organizational Culture, Power, and Politics (3 sem. hours)

This course examines the linkages between organizational culture and strategy, types of power, and politics that exist in organizations. Students conduct an organizational cultural analysis.

BA 7347 Creative Thinking (3 sem. hours)

This course exposes students to various creative thinking techniques applied to business and management problems.

BA 7370 Investment and Portfolio Analysis (3 sem. hours)

Alternative investment opportunities, types of securities, security markets, investment theories, and workable criteria for selection of issues. Prerequisite: BA6365.

BA 7375 MBA Internship (3 sem. hrs.)

The MBA internship enables students in the full-time MBA program to gain hands-on experience with either a for-profit or not-for profit organization during a 12 week period during the summer. Students must successfully complete a minimum of 20 hours weekly over a 12-week period (mid-May through mid-August) and other course requirements to receive three (3) hours of graduate credit. To be eligible for an internship for elective credit, MBA students must complete the Application for MBA Internship and have it signed by the MBA Director to verify that they meet the following requirements: they must be enrolled in regular status in the One-year MBA, not be actively employed, not be receiving tuition reimbursement, did not receive more than three hours of credit for internships as an undergraduate, have completed all prerequisite-knowledge requirements and a minimum of 12 hours of MBA core courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.25.

BA 8312 Marketing Research: Methods and Applications (3 sem. hours)

This course provides students with current methodology and applications in research with a focus on marketing and marketing research. The three phases of the course are qualitative marketing research, quantitative data analysis, and special topics such as the Internet, international issues, and measurement instruments. Prerequisite: BA6385.

BA 8314 Improving the Performance and Productivity of Teams (3 sem. hours)

This course provides the student with intensive exposure on how work groups can be led and developed into high-performance teams through the self- management process. The three phases of the course include planning and preparation, organizational requirements and changes, and detailed steps of creating, developing, and leading teams at the lowest level of the organization. The course emphasizes leadership, job redesign, and the dynamics of interpersonal and group interaction.

BA 8316 Nonlinear Concepts, Methods, and Business Applications (3 sem. hours)

This course provides innovative yet practical methods based on nonlinear systems theory which can be used in a wide variety of business applications. Students review traditional statistical approaches and compare them to nonlinear assumptions. They then review the concepts of wholeness and dialogue, and examine the nonlinear metrics which facilitate the analysis of whole systems. Using these concepts and methods, students examine the dynamics of a practical business system.

BA 8317 Services Operation Management (3 sem. hours)

This course is designed to provide graduate students with an understanding of operations management in service industries. Topics include issues such as forecasting demand, service design, quality, location planning, facility layout, inventory planning and management, work measurement, technology and information systems, scheduling, and project management.

BA 8318 Supply Chain Management (3 sem. hours)

This course provides an understanding of the strategic role of supply chain management, key drivers of supply chain performance, and analytical tools and techniques for supply chain analysis. The course focuses on the interrelationship of these concepts. Topics include issues such as supply chain planning, design, and operation; inventory, transportation, information, and technology; and logistics and supply chain methodologies.

BA 8319 NAFTA Law (3 sem. hours)

This course provides coverage of the North American Free Trade Agreement “NAFTA” along with the legal and business issues that surround the treaty.

BA 8321 Management Control Systems (3 sem. hours)

This course examines the design and implementation of formal performance measurement and management control systems within the organization. The examination includes the design and implementation of profitability and cost management systems at the organizational and sub-organizational levels. It also includes consideration of the characteristics of measurement systems and their compatibility with the organization’s competitive strategy. Prerequisite: BA6365.

BA 8322 Manager’s Guide to Financial Statement Analysis (3 sem. hours)

This research course facilitates the judicious use of financial statements and other sources of company financial information in various management decisions. Students examine opportunities for earnings management and management of other information possible in today’s regulatory and economic environment, enabling them to identify company reality which is often hidden by allowable reporting choices. Course activities include identifying reporting latitude, exploring recent company attempts at information management, and documenting the relative transparency of company financial information in the US and abroad. Prerequisite: BA6365.

BA 8323 Corporate Social Responsibility (3 sem. hours)

This course provides an understanding of the theory and practice of companies that choose to fulfill social responsibility roles in addition to traditional profit- oriented activities that maximize shareholder value. Students study the philosophical and economic rationale for such activities, identify sources of information about participating companies, and document the extent of reported company activities related to the environment, the community, and employees and their families. Companies in the US and abroad are examined.

BA 8324 Employment Law (3 sem. hours)

This course examines the rights and responsibilities of organizations and workers regarding the employment laws that shape the workplace in the United States. General intellectual considerations are also addressed.

BA 8342 Inter-Cultural Skill for International Entrepreneurs (3 sem. hours)

This course examines the cultural dimensions of conducting business in the international environment. Topics include effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills, diversity, differing values, culture shock, effective strategies for international negotiating, and cross-cultural training.

BA 8344 International Market Assessment (3 sem. hours)

This course addresses the issues and challenges associated with the identification, analysis, and selection of foreign market opportunities. Special attention is given to the development of market attractiveness measures for emerging markets and the tradeoffs that may be necessary when selecting from a number of attractive markets. Prerequisite: BA 6375.

BA 8345 International Entrepreneurship (3 sem. hours)

This course provides a holistic approach to entrepreneurship. It focuses on opportunities to initiate new ventures, how to develop a business plan, and how to grow and manage a small business in the global market place. Sources of capital funding and financial issues are discussed along with international opportunities and obstacles. Prerequisite: BA 6375.

BA 8352 Business Intelligence (3 sem. hours)

Business intelligence (BI) is an environment in which business users receive data that is reliable, consistent, understandable, easily manipulated and timely. With this data, business users are able to conduct analyses that yield overall understanding of where the business has been, where it is now and where it will be in the near future. BI monitors the financial and operational health of the organization, including reports, alerts, alarms, analysis tools, key performance indicators and dashboards. Data Mining is a primary (but not the only) tool to achieve these goals. Students will learn to use software that searches for significant patterns or correlations in the data and to interpret results.

BA 8363 Quantitative Techniques in Finance (3 sem. hours)

This course is an introduction to many of the quantitative techniques that are used across a wide spectrum of financial applications. Topics include statistical analysis, asset pricing models, option pricing, and cost of capital, value at risk, duration, convexity, immunization, and portfolio theory. The course includes many Excel exercises and an introduction to VBA programming. Prerequisite: BA6365. QM3320 strongly recommended.

BA 8367 Risk Management and Insurance Planning (3 sem. hours)

This course is a review of risk management and insurance concepts and techniques, including personal and business insurance and life and property-liability risks. It covers the fundamentals of insurance, insurance taxation, law, and policy selection.

BA 9301 Topics in International Relations: International Field Studies (3 sem. hours)

The primary focus of the course is sustainable, economic development and a second focus is the relationship of sustainable economic development to security and conflict resolution. The course is normally taught in Summer 1 or Summer 2 and includes a required international field trip that is designed to give students an exposure to governmental, not-for-profit, educational, micro-entrepreneurial, small business, and co-operative organizations in less-developed countries that are struggling with sustainable, economic development. Cross-listed with IR 9301.

BA 9325 Seminar in Financial Planning (3 sem. hours)

This course is a review, analysis, and application of the financial planning process. It examines insurance coverages applicable to financial planning. The course includes case application of the tools learned in several courses to accomplish the goals of individual financial planning. Information development, risk management, investment strategies, retirement planning, tax planning, and estate planning are reviewed. Prerequisites: Students must have completed all prerequisite courses, all MBA foundation or core courses (BA6355, BA6365, BA6375, BA6385 and BA7325) and AC8356, AC8357, BA7370 and BA8367 and be within nine (9) hours of graduation to register for this course. Permission of the MBA Program Director required.

BA 9375 Leaders, Strategy, & Society (3 sem. hours)

As the capstone course for the General Management Track of the MBA degree, students will examine and gain an understanding of the role of a firm’s leaders, approaches to strategic management and interactions with ethics and social responsibility. A grade of B+ or better on a designated component of this course satisfies the University’s general examination requirement. Prerequisites: Students must have satisfied all prerequisite knowledge requirements, all MBA foundation or core courses (BA6355, BA6365, BA6375, BA6385 and BA7325) and be within nine (9) hours of graduation to register for this course. Permission of the MBA Program Director required.

BA 9395 Applied Business Research (3 sem. hours)

In this course, the student will conduct and submit an applied research paper covering a topic approved by the instructors that will be useful and of value to an organization’s management. This will require that the student examine and apply what they have learned in graduate business-level coursework, especially as it relates to research, project analysis and management and evidence-based decision making. It is intended that the paper prepared for this course serve as a lead-in to the student’s graduate thesis. Schmalkalden joint-degree students who successfully complete this course will satisfy the University’s comprehensive/general examination requirement. The course may be taken by an elective by St. Mary’s MBA-General Management track students; these students will receive course credit but also would be required to complete BA9375 (MBA capstone course) which includes a component that enables those students to satisfy the University’s comprehensive/general examination.

Non-Business Graduate Electives

CM 7332 Public Relations Writing and Campaigns (3 sem. hours)

The study, analysis, and application of principles of and formats used in public relations communication to consumers. Participants learn how to collect, prepare and distribute information through the mass media, reports, and other forms of public information campaigns. Additionally, the course offers experience in the preparation and execution of campaign strategies, presentation of position papers, and scenarios to work out realistic and efficient solutions to communication and public relations problems.

CM 7341 Interpersonal Communication Skills (3 sem. hours)

Explores the theory and research pertaining to interpersonal communication skills in dyadic, group, and organizational contexts with emphasis on developing the skills necessary for effective personal and professional relationship building and maintenance, listening, problem solving, and conflict management. Other topics include the dynamics of culture and power in communicative interactions, the ethics of interpersonal communication, and differences in communicative styles.

CM 7343 Business Communication (3 sem. hours)

A study of style, organization, and formats used in business communication — both corporate and non-corporate — including interoffice communications, major letter formats, and business report writing. Emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, and maturity in handling tone and style.

CM 7345 Applied Persuasion (3 sem. hours)

Explores the theory, practice, and research methodology of persuasion with the dual purpose of providing a scholarly understanding of persuasion and practical knowledge of the principles and tools of persuasion.

CS 6315 Artificial Intelligence (3 sem. hours)

An advanced study into the area of artificial intelligence including expert systems, intelligent tutoring systems, and robotics. The course will also cover predicate calculus, learning theories, natural language processing, and system implementation. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.

CS 6320 Files and Database (3 sem. hours)

Development and application of databases with emphasis on topologies, normalization, and queries. Prerequisites: CS6310 and proficiency in Pascal or Pascal- like language.

CS 6325 Computer Graphics (3 sem. hours)

An advanced study into the development and implementation of computer graphics. The course will cover windowing, shear, transformations, fractals, shading, and animation. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.

EG 6304 Reliability and Maintainability (3 sem. hours)

Statistics of reliability. Reliability estimation and decision making. Reliability models. Redundancy. Experimentation and testing. Seminar type presentations featuring the review of research work in the area. Prerequisites: Engineering calculus and MT 4331 or EG 3322.

EG 6306 Soft-ware Project Planning and Management (3 sem. hours)

Introduction to software process and its management. Planning and control of a software project. Software project economics. Metrics for software quality, schedule, budget, and progress. Cost factors and cost estimation models (COCOMO, Putnam, and function point models). Cost benefit trade-offs, risk analysis, software project scheduling, role of the project manager and organization of the project team. CASE tools for project planning, cost estimations, and project management.

EG 6354 Computer Systems Management (3 sem. hours)

Introduction to the computer systems in special references to realtime systems. Technical and managerial problems of such systems are analyzed and remedies to such problems are discussed. Case studies from literature are introduced.

EG 6358 Stochastic Control Theory (3 sem. hours)

Analysis and synthesis of dynamic systems, stochastic processes, stochastic state models, parameter optimization, and minimal variance control strategies, prediction and filtering theory, linear stochastic control theory. Emphasis is given to discrete-time systems. Prerequisite: MT4331.

EG 7306 Total Quality Systems (3 sem. hours)

Total quality management philosophy, with emphasis on statistical quality strategies; statistical process control; supplier certification; benchmarking; simultaneous engineering; re-engineering; quality teams; quality audits; Kaizen; customer relationships; mistake proofing; total productive maintenance; quality function deployment, Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award guidelines. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

EG 7353 Project Management (3 sem. hours)

This course covers all aspects of the management of research and development projects: principles, problem resolution, supervision of personnel, marketing, proposal preparation, reliability estimation of large technological systems, cost estimation and forecasting, and application of systems engineering principles.