The business, management and economics (BME) area of study consists of both professional (such as accounting) and disciplinary (such as economics) studies. Programs in this area enable students to pursue educational and occupational interests and provide a solid foundation to function in a changing world. They include studies leading to an understanding of organizations and of the interactions among consumer, government, not-for-profit and private sector interests. These guidelines should be read and understood in the context of the introduction to the area of study guidelines in the Student Degree Planning Guide.

The responsibility to research current professional and disciplinary trends and program development lies with the student. The studies chosen should support student-identified goals. In addition, effective programs must meet college requirements and must show progression, depth and diversity of study.
Business, Management and Economics General Guidelines

The general guidelines apply to all concentrations within BME. Several specific concentrations have additional guidelines. All students are expected to demonstrate knowledge in each of the following areas:

•     Communication skills: demonstration of skills that enhance the ability to function in a professional or organizational environment.
•     Information management: demonstration of a basic understanding of information technology and systems appropriate to chosen fields.
•     Economics: demonstration of the ability to solve problems using economic principles and concepts.
•     Ethical and social responsibility: demonstration of an understanding of and appreciation for ethical and social issues facing organizations and their environments.
•     Quantitative skills: demonstration of an understanding of analytical tools appropriate to chosen fields.
•     Understanding people in an organizational context: demonstration of understanding of how individuals and groups function or behave in organizations.
•     Understanding organizations within broader contexts: programs should provide a solid foundation for graduates to function effectively in their professions or organizations in a complex and changing world — to accomplish this, students might include learning that addresses diversity, political, international, technological or environmental issues.

A Broad, Effective Background

Students should be able to think critically and to analyze situations in a variety of different contexts, develop a cogent argument and substantiate their ideas. A broad selection of studies in the liberal arts and sciences will enhance a student's ability to accomplish this.

Furthermore, programs should provide a solid foundation for graduates to function effectively in their professions, or organizations, in a complex and changing world. To accomplish this, students might include learning that addresses diversity, political, international, technological or environmental issues.

Additional specific guidelines have been developed for concentrations in the following areas:

•     Accounting/accounting practices (Note: Accounting concentration guidelines are effective for students matriculated prior to the Fall 2018 term. Accounting Practices guidelines are for students matriculated beginning Spring 2019.)
•     Business administration (Note: Business Administration concentration guidelines are effective for students matriculated prior to the Spring 2020 term.)
•     Economics.
•     Finance.
•     Human resource management (Note: Human Resource Management concentration guidelines are effective for students matriculated prior to the Spring 2020 term.)
•     Information systems.
•     International business.
•     Labor relations.
•     Management (Note: Management concentration guidelines are effective for students matriculated prior to the Spring 2020 term.)
•     Marketing.
•     Public administration.