Courses in the Business Minor--take them in any order!

Discover how to lead and manage others

• BA 390 Leading and Managing with Minds and Hearts

Course Description: Provides students with a solid background in management and leadership theory. This course will develop concepts in social responsibility, law, ethics, and individual roles within organizations. It will also identify characteristics of a successful organization in terms of basic management strategy, leadership, motivation, organizational culture, effective communication, and ethical practices. This course includes hands-on workshops showing how to develop a professional resume, discover career options, and interview successfully.

Understand how money works in the real world . . . and how you can manage it for success

• BA 391 Managing Money and Evaluating Business Results

Course Description: Focuses on financial and accounting skills for evaluating business results and making investment decisions. Students will learn to read financial and accounting statements as well as understand balance sheets, income statements, and profit and loss statements. From the finance perspective students will investigate the time value of money, the cost of capital, and the sources of financing available to investors. Other course topics include evaluation of various types of investments, market reaction to news and developments, and financial projections based on discrete data.

Learn proven ways to create products and services . . . and how to attract customers to buy them

• BA 392 Producing and Selling Things People Want

Course Description: Introduces the basic elements of marketing and systems management. Students will learn fundamental marketing concepts and theories, including their application in various business environments. The course develops skills in competitive analysis, including an understanding of market segmentation, product positioning, brand and product management, pricing strategies, advertising and promotion, and channels of distribution. Students will also be introduced to production systems, which rely on the integration of human, technical, and information systems for the creation and distribution of goods and services. Supply chain management, process design, project management, and quality control theories will also be discussed.

Strategize for company and career success at home and abroad

• BA 393 Competing Locally and Globally

Course Description: This course focuses on the impact of globalization and the macroeconomic forces that drive the world’s economies. The impact of offshoring, sustainable business, and other current issues will be discussed. Students will investigate the strategies by which businesses remain sustainable and competitive in a local and global economy. In addition, this course will introduce the concepts and practices of entreprenuership in a global marketplace.

Explore business topics that interest you most

• Business Elective(s) – 4 units of any business course(s)

Here's What BusinessWeek Says About Your Business Minor

If you've chosen a Business Minor at USF or are considering one, you'll be interested in what BusinessWeek (March, 2007) has to say:

"The Major Attraction of a Business Minor:
While arts and science degrees still lure recruiters, undergrads find a secondary specialization in business gives them an edge in the job hunt "

Click here for the entire article on why a Business Minor makes sense for Arts & Sciences majors

What's Your Opinion? The Effects of Facebook and Myspace

People born between the years 1982 - 1999 have recently been termed "millennials." By 2012, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, they will make up 60 percent of the American workforce. In other words, you will soon be running the show!

Do you think social networking (Facebook, Myspace, etc.) will carry over into your career? Will you use your Internet social network of friends and acquaintances in any way connected to your job search and eventual career?

Any thoughts are welcome here on how social networks will influence your future.

Leadership and Communication in the Business Minor: What's Happening on the Campaign Trail?

We have a wonderful opportunity to observe high-stakes, high-pressure leadership and communication behaviors during the Presidential campaign. Let us all know what you like or dislike about a particular candidate's leadership and/or communication style. (We won't make the assumption that the candidate you mention is necessarily your choice for President.)