2024-2025 Academic Catalog

BA - Business and Accounting

BA 100 Introduction to Business

This course is designed for the student with little or no experience in business and its related fields. This course helps the student to build the necessary understanding of the myriad of business terms that exist today. Topics covered include management, marketing, capitalism, computers, accounting, finance, ethics, and international business.

BA 178 Entrepreneurship Lecture Series

Seminar class sessions that will run consecutively with the 3 credit Practicum course. Each year the Lecture series date will change to reflect the year. This will give students the opportunity to receive credit for taking the course more than once (each year will be a different lineup of speakers). Will include speakers, outside activities and individual meeting with entrepreneur mentors. Students will be required to attend all presentations and have the option to work with students from the 378 course in the development of their business ideas. It will also be required that BA 178 students are actively involved in Enactus for this semester, giving them the opportunity to apply the skills they are learning in class.

BA 189 Special Topic

Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.

BA 203 Principles of Financial Accounting

Principles of Financial Accounting explores the principles of recording, analyzing, and communicating information about the economic activities of organizations. Preparation of financial statements (i.e., income statement, retained earnings and stockholders' equity, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows) and interpretation of data for decision-making is explored. Sophomore Standing.

BA 204 Principles of Managerial Accounting

This course introduces the principles of managerial accounting and the development of data for use in planning, control, and decision making. Managerial accounting topics include product costing, cost-volume-profit analysis, budgeting, variance analysis, capital budgeting, and decision analysis tools.

BA 218 Basics of Personal Finance

Basics of Personal Finance is an elective personal finance class geared to those students who are not Financial Planning or Accounting and Strategic Finance majors and have little to no existing financial literacy. This course introduces the student to the basics of adult day-to-day financial issues with an emphasis on those that most adults should master and comprehend, such as savings, credit, and investments, in order to function and thrive in their future financial lives.

BA 289 Special Topic

Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.

BA 301 Business Law

An introduction to the study of law designed to acquaint the student with the legal controls under which modern business is conducted. The course topics include law of contracts and agency, bailment, sales, negotiable instruments, partnerships, and corporations.

BA 303 Intermediate Financial Accounting I

Course emphasis is on accounting theory and concepts, as well as analysis of the problems that arise in applying these underlying concepts Course Descriptions to financial accounting. Attention is focused on the use of accounting information as a basis for decision making by management, stockholders, creditors, and other users of financial statements and accounting reports.

BA 304 Intermediate Financial Accounting II

Course emphasis is on accounting theory and concepts, as well as analysis of the problems that arise in applying these underlying concepts to financial accounting. Attention is focused on the use of accounting information as a basis for decision making by management, stockholders, creditors, and other users of financial statements and accounting reports.

BA 306 Marketing

An introduction to marketing and management decision making in the pricing, promotion, and distribution of products. Consideration of the behavioral, legal, ethical, competitive, and economic environments as they affect decisions in domestic and international business organizations.

BA 307 Accounting & Finance for the Entrepreneur

Accounting and Finance for the Entrepreneur/Small Business Owner. This course examines accounting and finance for the entrepreneur or small business owner. Topics include the basics of cash flow management, financial management, record keeping, banking services, credit reporting, risk management, insurance, income tax, and selling or planning for succession.

BA 308 Human Resource Management

This course covers contemporary issues in human resource management. Topics include development of human resources, strategic human resource planning, job analysis, compensation issues, policies and procedures, laws and regulations, performance evaluation, personnel conflict resolution, and achievement of organizational goals.

BA 309 Operations Research

This course provides an introduction to quantitative modeling methods used in business and economics. The course focuses on computer implementation of the models, the application of these models to practical decision-making scenarios, and sensitivity analysis of the model assumptions. Operations research tools including optimization, queuing, simulation, forecasting, and decision analysis are covered.

BA 312 Fed Taxation: Corporation & Partnership

This course covers aspects of corporate and partnership taxation.

BA 313 Managerial Finance

Managerial Finance is the first of a series of finance courses of the financial planning major and a general requirement for all majors within the business department at Carroll College. The course will teach principles of fundamental concepts of corporate finance, fixed income securities, stocks, projects and their valuation, corporate valuation, the cost of capital, and capital budgeting decisions.

BA 314 Foundations of Investment Planning

Foundations of Investment Management is a required course for financial planning certificate students. This course replaces the Managerial Finance undergraduate course for those pursuing the Financial Planning Certificate. Students will learn and/or implement the fundamentals of investment planning in various topic areas including risk and reward, basic valuation calculations for equities and debt instruments, and examine the Financial Crisis of 2008- 2009.

BA 315 Cost Accounting

This course considers how management teams use accounting information in decision making to fulfill the organization's goals in a sustainable manner. Topics covered consider the measurement, analysis, and reporting of financial and non-financial information useful for decision making and development of organizational strategies. Cost accounting for resources used in the organization, product costing, budgeting, and capital asset decisions are discussed.

BA 318 Foundations of Financial Planning

Foundations of Financial Planning is a course designed to give students a first-hand look at the various components that make up an individual's personal financial situation.

BA 320 Market Research

This course deals with the gathering of information and knowledge to help managers and marketers make better decisions. This course will introduce the student to the research process and various methods for collecting and analyzing data to solve marketing problems.

BA 322 Consumer Behavior

This course focuses on the understanding of consumer behavior, how and why buyers make purchase decisions, how they think, feel, and act before, during and after the purchase. Discussion will deal with the influences that affect these behaviors and how the firm can make decisions about the 4Ps that will ultimately lead to the consumer's purchase.

BA 324 Marketing Communication & Promotion

This course is developed around how to think about, critically evaluate and ultimately manage various forms of marketing communications based not only on their individual roles in the process of communication but also on their overall alignment with the company's integrated marketing communication program.

BA 326 New Product Development

This course focuses on the sequence of events that take place starting with the original idea for a new product/service to actual commercialization. It emphasizes the understanding of the various "stages" of development that any new product must pass, and the various activities each functional area of the firm must contribute, in order to have a successful product launch.

BA 328 Personal Selling

This course is a study of the skills needed to develop and manage long-term relationships with customers and suppliers. Emphasis is placed on relationship selling, presentation, prospecting, handling objections and closing techniques with consideration given to differences in the global marketplace. Personal Selling covers professional selling practices and philosophies, provides a basic introduction to the activities of sales management, training and recruitment, performance evaluation, compensation, budgeting as well as time and territory management.

BA 338 Intro to Nonprofit Organizations

This course examines the role of the nonprofit sector in the United States and its relationship to governments and the business sector. Topics include the unique characteristics of nonprofit organizations such as donated revenue, volunteer boards of directors, multiple revenue sources, and a combination of volunteer and paid staffing. The course investigates governance and management responsibilities and functions. The course is open to students in all majors. Knowledge gained in the course will be useful for future vocations in nonprofit organizations, philanthropic activities, or service on nonprofit boards.

BA 351 Banking Management

This course is designed to disseminate information to students interested in acquiring more knowledge in the areas of lending and banking operations including the roles, duties and responsibilities of bankers to their customers as well as their industry.

BA 360 Accounting & Finance Information Systems

This course acquaints students with accounting and finance information systems. Topics include business processes, transaction processing, internal controls, data security, systems documentation, information technology, and software applications.

BA 365 Financial Analysis Using Excel

This course assists students to become proficienct in making financial decisions and analyzing financial statements using software solutions. Students will create templates for a variety of financial problems and investment decisions. Students will also explore capabilities for a wide range of data presentation solutions.

BA 375 Fundamentals of Management

An introduction to effective management practices, including planning, staffing, organizing, leading, and controlling organizational functions.

BA 377 Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship will provide students with the opportunity to engage in an experiential learning exercise in which the student will develop a substantial business plan in order to implement the knowledge gained within the class to a meaningful application of the class material.

BA 378 Entrepreneurship Practicum

Sed Vitae. Application and experiential learning opportunities, based upon business plan ideas that were developed in BA 377. Experiential learning that will enhance entrepreneurial leadership skills, strategic business planning, exploration of funding options and professional communication. Students will work with faculty members, SBA, MBAC, SCORE and an Entrepreneur in Residence to help master these skills. Practicum students will be required to enroll in the Cengage Small Business Management online curriculum, giving them access to resources and a framework for developing and implementing their business venture. There will be a limit of 10 students per semester. Only students pursuing the entrepreneurship certificate will be able to enroll.

BA 389 Special Topic

Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.

BA 392 International Business

This course is intended as the student's introductory course in international business. Topics included will be how managers deal with the international monetary system, as well as the various environments, organizations, and uncontrollable factors that make up the foreign environments. It will also deal with these factors' impact on the business and the functions of management.

BA 393 India: Socioeconomic Issues(GDorND)

One in six individuals is Indian. The socioeconomic status of these individuals is framed by the country's rich traditions and developed through a combination of education, occupation, and income. Students exploring global diversity will examine India's delicate balance between tradition and modernization including globalization's impact on traditional gender roles, the family, and related socioeconomic issues. In this process, students will develop an appreciation of Indian culture and its influence over business relationships. Students exploring national diversity will consider socioeconomic issues experienced by Indians living in the United States along with possible biases faced due to religious or cultural heritage.

BA 395 Study Abroad

This course entails traveling abroad to a designated country or countries. The class will help the student explore in order to understand business practices as well as the culture, religion, geography and social practices of the foreign country(ies); all necessary prerequisites in the understanding of international business. The length of the trip will determine credit.

BA 402 Project Management & Process Improvement

Sed Vitae. All firms have processes, most of which can be improved or optimized. The ability of managers to identify costly variation in their processes and to reduce that variation using project management tools and methods is a key skill set and, combined with leadership, can enhance the success of a firm. This course is designed to help students understand the theoretical and practical demands of project management and process improvement within an organization. Students will learn how to gain support and drive change using a well-defined tool-based methodology. Using simulations, case studies and real projects sponsored by internal and external clients, students will use the Six Sigma D-M-A-I-C (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methods and tools and classic project management methods to drive measurable changes in processes. Students will learn a valuable skill set and be awarded industry recognized Six Sigma Belt Certification upon successful course completion.

BA 405 Auditing

Advanced Writing. This course is an introduction to the principles of auditing with a focus on financial statement audits for both public and non-public entities. The course presents conceptual consideration of the environment and philosophy of auditing and practical aspects of auditing techniques and procedures. Topics include professional standards and ethics, audit evidence, internal controls, audit procedures, and audit opinions.

BA 408 Human Resource Management

This course deals with the functions of the human resource office. Topics include but are not limited to compensation administration, wage and salary administration, legal constraints, policies and procedures, and collective bargaining. While theory is discussed, emphasis is on practical application.

BA 410 Strategic Management

Advanced Writing. Capstone course for business majors. Students apply the lessons learned from courses in accounting, business, and economics to contemporary problems in business. Analysis includes tools and techniques learned in the business curricula. Investigation of issues is accomplished in a case approach context. Contemporary business readings are used. Final assessment test for majors in Business Administration will be given in this class.

BA 411 Investment Planning

Investment Planning. A study of the basic concepts of investing. Topics covered include the stock and bond markets, commodities, options, money market funds, and mutual funds. An analysis of investment strategies and portfolio management as they apply to both the small and large investor.

BA 412 Insurance Planning

Insurance Planning is a course designed to give students a comprehensive knowledge base of insurance products and their role in a person's overall financial well-being.

BA 413 Organizational Behavior

Allows student to gain insight and knowledge concerning the behavior of individuals and groups in organizational settings in order to predict likely future behavior and aid in the accomplishment of organizational goals.

BA 414 Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits

Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits is a course designed to give students a working knowledge of the details and nuances of the vast array of retirement planning vehicles and strategies.

BA 415 Federal Taxation

An application of federal income tax law for individuals and small businesses. Covers common aspects of typical 1040 tax returns including income, deductions and losses, and property transactions.

BA 420 Governmental & NFP Accounting

This course covers terminology and transactions encountered in governmental and not for profit organizations. Preparation of financial statements according to GASB or FASB standards and decision-making from those statements are included in the course.

BA 421 Estate Planning

This course explores complex tax issues with particular focus on federal income tax law related to trusts, estates, and gifts. Also, this course focuses on estate and gift planning as it relates to satisfying the requirements of the CFP exam.

BA 425 Internship

Internship Experiences recognize that learning can take place outside the classroom. Carroll College allows its students to participate in opportunities that relate to their area of study. This opportunity must relate directly a student's program of study in order to qualify for an internship. Close cooperation among Carroll and the participating organizations ensures an experience that contributes significantly to the student's overall growth and professional development. Juniors and seniors in any major area may participate with the approval of faculty internship advisor and/or department chair, Career Services, and a site supervisor. Students will receive academic credit and may or may not receive monetary compensation for an internship. A student may apply a maximum of 12 semester hours to degree requirements; academic departments will determine the number of credits that may count toward the major (most majors accept 6 hours total). Enrollment in the course must be during the same semester in which the experience takes place. Interested students should contact their academic advisor and Career Services prior to the start of an experience.

BA 451 Advanced Financial Analysis & Planning

Advanced Writing. CAPSTONE COURSE FOR FINANCIAL PLANNING MAJOR. Advanced Financial Analysis and Financial Planning is the capstone course in the Financial Planning major and fulfills the writing intensive requirement for the major. All 72 CFP Board learning topic areas will be addressed during this course.

BA 485 Independent Study

The Independent Study form is available in the Registrar's Office or MyCaroll Document Center. Independent study is open to junior and senior students only. At the time of application, a student must have earned a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. A student may register for no more than three (3) semester hours of independent study in any one term. In all cases, registration for independent study must be approved by the appropriate department chairperson and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

BA 489 Special Topics

Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.

BA 499 Senior Thesis

The senior thesis is designed to encourage creative thinking and to stimulate individual research. A student may undertake a thesis in an area in which s/he has the necessary background. Ordinarily a thesis topic is chosen in the student's major or minor. It is also possible to choose an interdisciplinary topic. Interested students should decide upon a thesis topic as early as possible in the junior year so that adequate attention may be given to the project. In order to be eligible to apply to write a thesis, a student must have achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 based upon all courses attempted at Carroll College. The thesis committee consists of a director and two readers. The thesis director is a full-time Carroll College faculty member from the student's major discipline or approved by the department chair of the student's major. At least one reader must be from outside the student's major. The thesis director and the appropriate department chair must approve all readers. The thesis committee should assist and mentor the student during the entire project. For any projects involving human participants, each student and his or her director must follow the guidelines published by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Students must submit a copy of their IRB approval letter with their thesis application. As part of the IRB approval process, each student and his or her director must also complete training by the National Cancer Institute Protection of Human Participants. The thesis is typically to be completed for three (3) credits in the discipline that best matches the content of the thesis. Departments with a designated thesis research/writing course may award credits differently with approval of the Curriculum Committee. If the thesis credits exceed the full-time tuition credit limit for students, the charge for additional credits will be waived. Applications and further information are available in the Registrar's Office.

BA ACOMP Accounting Comprehensive Exam

The Business Department, in addition to Carroll's regional accreditation, has a specialized business accreditation through IACBE. As a requirement of this accreditation, students graduating with any Business major are required to take a comprehensive exam at the end of their curriculum. Grading is automatically P/F only.

BA BCOMP Business Comprehensive Exam

The Business Department, in addition to Carroll's regional accreditation, has a specialized business accreditation through IACBE. As a requirement of this accreditation, students graduating with any Business major are required to take a comprehensive exam at the end of their curriculum. Grading is automatically P/F only.

BA FCOMP Finance Comprehensive Exam

The Business Department, in addition to Carroll's regional accreditation, has a specialized business accreditation through IACBE. As a requirement of this accreditation, students graduating with a major in Business, Accounting or Finance are required to take a comprehensive exam at the end of their curriculum. Grading is automatically P/F only.

BA MCOMP MA of Accountancy Comp Exam

The Business Department, in addition to Carroll's regional accreditation, has a specialized business accreditation through IACBE. As a requirement of this accreditation, students graduating with a Master in Accountancy are required to take a comprehensive exam at the end of their curriculum. Grading is automatically P/F only.