541-552-6484

Introduction

SOU’s Business program is friendly enough to know your name, professional enough to attract quality students and faculty, and flexible enough to keep up with the dynamic demands the business world places on universities and students.

At SOU, we are changing the way we do business. The SOU Business program has heard the demand from employers for graduates who can write clearly, think critically, and work in groups that are aware of the social issues facing business in the U.S. and abroad. We have been able to move quickly to meet this demand for several reasons:

1. Our small class sizes facilitate group work and discussion.
2. Our classrooms are well-equipped with complete multimedia capabilities.
3. Our faculty members are well-educated, friendly, flexible, have years of private sector business experience, and are dedicated to providing our students with the best possible education.

Our students are active learners. They bring to school an entrepreneurial attitude, to which we add a structure and a plan.   Students are presented with a framework of the core business courses at the beginning of their business study. This course includes highlights of the important topics covered in each class, and students are encouraged to challenge faculty members to address these topics in a meaningful fashion. Students complete their business education with a comprehensive business plan as a capstone project. The plan clearly demonstrates the writing, thinking, social, and business skills students have acquired and refined while working in SOU’s School of Business.

Mission

The mission of the Business program is to prepare students for challenging, socially responsible careers in a dynamic, globally competitive business environment. As part of a contemporary liberal arts university, Business integrates a solid foundation in the liberal arts and sciences with the primary areas of business administration. The program emphasizes excellence in teaching, individual advising, and flexible course scheduling. Programs are readily accessible to students at multiple locations and in multiple formats (face-to-face, on-line and hybrid). Small class sizes allow for significant interaction between professors and students. Elements essential to the mission include:

1. A coherent, integrated curriculum that emphasizes the increasingly global nature of the business environment, ethical conduct in business decision making, and technological competency.
2. A requirement that students show an ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and professional manner. These communication skills are demonstrated and refined through oral class presentations, written assignments, and a comprehensive business plan that serves as a senior capstone project.
3. A strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences approved SOU certificate.
4. A broad variety of related academic offerings.
5. A requirement that students earn internship credit or engage in practical undergraduate research, which is enhanced by ties between the Business program and the community.
6. Programs that are accessible to all qualified students through on- and off-campus day and evening courses and a comprehensive degree completion program.
7. Faculty members who reflect a balance between theory and practice, teaching and research, and service to the University and the community.

Professional Certifications

Students may take coursework to prepare for a professional certification examination. In accounting, students may prepare for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination or the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Examination. Completion of a course of study to prepare for any certification does not guarantee receipt of the desired certificate, nor does the University offer any such assurance. Professional certification examinations in business are administered by the state of Oregon and various professional organizations.

Teacher Licensing

Students who would like to teach business at the middle school or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete a bachelor’s degree in business administration before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the department chair for an appropriate advisor and the School of Education regarding admission requirements for the MAT teacher education program.

Students must prepare in advance to increase their chances of acceptance into this competitive program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences in the public schools prior to application to the MAT program are required.

Student Groups

Hospitality and Tourism Club

Accreditation

The University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Additionally, SOU Business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Facilities

Business has multimedia-equipped classrooms and facilities. The computer lab is available exclusively for classroom teaching and individual use by business administration majors. In addition, students enjoy access to computers at the Computing Services Center and Hannon Library. The University offers wireless Internet access for students who wish to use their own laptops or mobile devices.

Degree Programs

Students interested in majoring in Business should contact the School of Business at 541-552-6484 or e-mail Business@sou.edu to get in contact with an advisor.  Students may take any course in Business Administration if they have met the course prerequisites.

Students who wish to take upper division (300-level or above) courses in business administration should first complete the following lower division business and non-business courses, or their transfer equivalents:

1. WR 121Z, 122Z, 123; EC 201, 202, STAT 243Z
2. Students must earn a grade of at least C- in the above BA (Business Administration) classes taken at SOU or transferred from another institution.

For exceptions, see course descriptions and Non-admitted Status (two sections below). 

Transfer Students

Students planning to transfer to SOU to the major in Business should contact Business@sou.edu for advising help before registering for classes.

Business administration courses successfully completed at accredited two- or four-year institutions are accepted for transfer credit. However, courses that do not correspond with existing programs in the SOU Business program may not count toward the 52 credits of upper division business administration courses required for the degree.

Lower division transfer courses in business administration may not be substituted for upper division business administration courses without a formal agreement with the institution from which the credits are being transferred.

Once a student has been admitted to SOU as a Business major, transfer credits in business administration will not be accepted toward degree requirements without prior written approval from the student’s faculty advisor.

3+1 and 4+1 Pathway to MBA Program

The 3+1 Pathway to Evening MBA program is a seamless pathway toward the Evening MBA program for undergraduate students who are participating in the three-year Accelerated Baccalaureate and Oregon Pledge (JackJo) Programs who are pursuing Business or Music and Theater Arts degrees. Likewise, students who are in the regular four-year Business, Music and Theater, or Innovation and Leadership (INL) programs are eligible to join the 4+1 Pathway to the Evening MBA program. 

Students who intend to join the program are encouraged to make their intentions known as early as possible and to work with their faculty advisor in coordination with the MBA Coordinator to develop a program plan for completing the curricular requirements of their undergraduate degree program and the MBA degree.   Students who wish to join the pathway programs must officially apply for admission to the MBA program at the end of their junior year and must have at least a 3.0 overall SOU GPA by the application date. 

Students who are participating in these programs will receive their undergraduate Bachelor’s and the MBA degrees simultaneously upon completion of the curricular requirements in each program. For the Baccalaureate degree, please refer to the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements listed under your particular field of study.  For the MBA degree, the requirements include completing at least 45 graduate credit hours, an overall MBA GPA of at least 3.0, and the completion of ten core MBA courses (33 credit hours) and at least 3 elective courses (at least 12 credit hours). All MBA courses taken must receive a minimum grade of B- for the credits to count. 

If students take a split-level course at the 400-level, its credits will not count toward the 45-credit requirement for the MBA degree and will have to be repeated as a 500-level. However, any split-level courses taken at the 500-level will count as part of the minimum 180-credit and curriculum requirement for the undergraduate degree. More details on the MBA program requirements are listed in sou.edu/MBA.  

Students who wish to discontinue participation in the program can still earn the Bachelor’s degree provided they fulfill the credit and curriculum requirements for the degree.

All classes counting toward the MBA degree must be taken at the 500-level.  However, any split-level courses taken at the 500-level will count as part of the minimum 180-credit and curriculum requirement for the undergraduate degree. More details on the MBA program requirements are listed in sou.edu/MBA.

Certificates

The certificate programs are open to undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate students. Some certificates require that students meet both the program requirements and the requirements for a BA/BS or BAS degree at SOU or already have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.  The Certificate in Wine Business, the Certificate in the Management of Human Resources, and the Certificate in Nonprofit Management. As interdisciplinary programs, the certificates may utilize coursework students complete as part of University Studies or required by their major or minor program. All courses taken for the certificate must be completed with a grade of C- or better.

Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program

Business administration majors may participate in the Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program (Acc Bacc). The Acc Bacc is a course reduction program that allows qualified students to waive up to 24 general education and 21 elective credits. As a result, these students are able to complete a business degree in three years. For more information see www.sou.edu/abp.

Program for Working Adults

Business Degree Completion Program

The Business Degree Completion Program is designed for working people who have completed approximately two years of college coursework and who find it difficult to attend daytime classes on the Ashland campus. Students in this program may pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  The program may be taken completely online or as a combination of online and face-to-face. For more information, contact the Business Program at 541-552-6484 or email Business@sou.edu.

Financial Mathematics, BA/BS

Many sectors of business require strong quantitative analytical training. The Financial Mathematics co-major provides students with training in both areas, and is an excellent option for those looking to work in the financial sector. For more information on requirements, go to Financial Mathematics, BA or BS  in the catalog.  

Innovation and Leadership, Bachelor of Science

This interdisciplinary B.S. degree is designed for working professionals who have one to two years of previous college experience, at least five years of work experience beyond entry level, and a desire to lead, innovate, collaborate, and think creatively.  For more information on requirements go to Innovation and Leadership, Bachelor of Science .

International Dual Degrees (Undergraduate)

Students in this program earn both a business degree from SOU and a degree from one of our partner universities in Germany (Hochschule Harz or HTW Saarlandes). The program of study can be completed in four years, with a year of study at one of the German universities during the student’s junior or senior year. Business classes are taught in English.

International Dual Degrees (Graduate)

MiM

Students in this program earn a Master in Management degree from SOU and a Master in Management degree from our partner university in Mexico (University of Guanajuato). This dual degree program can be completed in approximately two years, with core courses taken at the University of Guanajuato in Guanajuato, Mexico and remaining courses taken at Southern Oregon University. All MiM courses in Guanajuato are taught in English.

MBA

Students in this program earn an MBA from SOU and a Master of International Management from HTW Saarlandes in Germany. The program of study can be completed in one year, with two quarters of study at SOU and one semester at HTW. All classes in Germany are taught in English.

Program Requirements

Programs

• BAS in Management
• Business Administration, BA or BS
• Innovation and Leadership, Bachelor of Science
• Sustainable Tourism Management, BS

• Financial Mathematics, BA or BS

• Certificate in Accounting
• Certificate in Applied Finance and Economics (CAFE)
• Certificate in Business Analytics
• Certificate in Internet Marketing and E-Commerce (CIMeC)
• Certificate in Management of Human Resources (CMHR)
• Certificate in Nonprofit Management (CNPM)
• Certificate in Sustainable Tourism
• Certificate in Wine Business

• Business Administration Minor
• eSports Management Minor
• Marketing Minor
• Tourism Management Minor

• Master in Management, MiM - SOU & UG Dual Degree
• Master of Business Administration, MBA

Courses

• BA 101Z - Introduction to Business
• BA 131 - Business Computer Applications
• BA 199 - Special Studies
• BA 208 - Introduction to Sustainability and Tourism
• BA 211Z - Financial Accounting
• BA 213Z - Principles of Managerial Accounting
• BA 217 - Career Exploration
• BA 218 - Personal Finance
• BA 226 - Business Law
• BA 230 - Wine Appreciation
• BA 282 - Applied Business Statistics
• BA 291 - Introduction to Viticulture
• BA 292 - Introduction to Wine Production
• BA 293 - Introduction to Wine Business
• BA 294 - Introduction to Wine Sensory Evaluation
• BA 295 - Viticulture Practice
• BA 313 - Accounting for Managers
• BA 324 - Business Communication
• BA 330 - Principles of Marketing
• BA 374 - Principles of Management
• BA 380 - Operations Management
• BA 382 - Management Information Systems
• BA 384 - Introduction to Databases Using Access
• BA 385 - Principles of Finance
• BA 386 - Advanced Excel Applications
• BA 399 - Special Studies
• BA 402 - Internship (for BAS majors)
• BA 405 - Reading and Conference
• BA 407 - Seminar
• BA 409 - Internship (for BA/BS Majors)
• BA 410 - Event Management
• BA 411 - Sustainable Tourism
• BA 412 - Accounting Career Preparation
• BA 413 - Tourism Economics
• BA 414 - Nonprofit Fund Development
• BA 415 - Tourism Policy and Planning
• BA 420 - Applied Data Science
• BA 427 - Business Policy and Strategy
• BA 428 - Applied Business Research
• BA 429 - Applied Tourism Research I
• BA 430A - Nonprofit Grant Writing
• BA 430B - Board Governance and Volunteer Management
• BA 431 - Consumer Motivation and Behavior
• BA 432 - Promotion Policy
• BA 434 - Sales Management
• BA 435 - One-to-One Marketing
• BA 436 - Internet Marketing and E-Commerce
• BA 438 - Intermediate Accounting I
• BA 439 - Intermediate Accounting II
• BA 440 - Intermediate Accounting III
• BA 441 - Marketing Channels Management and Pricing Strategy
• BA 444 - Product Policy
• BA 446 - Retail Management
• BA 447 - International Marketing
• BA 450 - Using GIS in Business
• BA 451 - Cost and Management Accounting
• BA 453 - Individual Taxation
• BA 454 - Accounting Information Systems
• BA 455 - Auditing I
• BA 456 - Auditing II
• BA 457 - Taxation of Corporations and Other Entities
• BA 458 - Consolidation and Segment Reporting
• BA 459 - Financial Analysis and Advanced Accounting
• BA 460A - Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting
• BA 460B - Nonprofit Accounting and Financial Management
• BA 462 - Nonprofit Program Development and Evaluation
• BA 465A - CPA Review I
• BA 465B - CPA Review II
• BA 468 - Building a Nonprofit Brand
• BA 470 - Financial Markets and Institutions
• BA 471 - Financial Management
• BA 472 - Investments
• BA 473 - International Financial Management
• BA 475 - Organizational Behavior
• BA 476 - Business Ethics
• BA 477 - International Business
• BA 478 - Corporate Law
• BA 479 - Small Business Start-up and Management
• BA 480 - Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations
• BA 481 - Principles of Human Resource Management
• BA 483 - Sustainability Leadership
• BA 484 - Process Improvement
• BA 485 - Compensation Management
• BA 486 - Strategic Staffing
• BA 487 - Property and Casualty Risk Management
• BA 488 - Fundamentals of Project Management
• BA 489 - Organizational Leadership
• BA 490 - Case Studies in Corporate Sustainability
• BA 492 - Working with Emotional Intelligence
• BA 495 - Applied Research II
• BA 496 - Building Decision-Making and Business Analysis Models Using Excel
• BA 497 - Business Analytics
• BA 499 - Business Planning
• BA 505 - Reading and Conference
• BA 507 - Seminar
• BA 509 - Internship
• BA 510 - Event, Meeting and Convention Management
• BA 511 - Sustainable Tourism
• BA 513 - Tourism Economics
• BA 514 - Nonprofit Fund Development
• BA 515 - Tourism Policy and Planning