BSC College Catalog

CATALOG DATE : 2004-2005

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2004-05 Comprehensive Index

Correspondence Directory and Disclaimers

An Introduction to Birmingham-Southern College

Birmingham-Southern at a Glance
Mission of the College
History of the College
Accreditation & Memberships
Consortial Associations
Philosophy of Education

Academic Policy and Information

General Information
Coursework
Grading System
Transfer Credit
Academic Progress
Academic Records
Academic Honors

Courses of Study

Academic Divisions
Academic Majors
Academic Minors
General Education
Requirements for Graduation
Curriculum
Courses Offered
Special Programs
Cooperative Programs
Graduate Program

Admission

Entrance Requirements
Application Procedures
Finances
Financial Aid
Scholarships

Campus Life

Campus Facilities
Living Accommodations
Academic Organizations
Honor Societies
Social Fraternities and Sororities

The College Register

Faculty
Administration
Board Of Trustees

Tara Sudderth, Dean

Master of Arts in Public and Private Management

The Master of Arts in Public and Private Management program is an innovative graduate program in management education designed for persons who hold or aspire to hold mid- or upper-level management or executive positions. The curriculum addresses the following themes:

Entrepreneurship—Students are challenged to think, to risk. They are encouraged to question, advance alternative perspectives and approaches, and engage in learning activities that press the boundaries of their potential through class work and independent study.

Leadership—Through participation in learning activities in which they connect theoretical and applied knowledge to complex problems, students are able to respond better to the issues and situations in the real world of organizational life: change, ambiguity, and dynamic organizational environments.

Teamwork—The program focuses on skills to enhance students’ ability to participate in group and team activities and to engage in disciplined and mutually enriching dialogue. Students are encouraged to examine assumptions and differing points of view and to generate critically informed understandings of knowledge and professional managerial practice.

Ethics—Students are required to assess decisions, approaches, and solutions in terms of ethical dimensions. Through the existence of the Birmingham-Southern College Honor Code, students experience the application of ethical choice in examinations, writing assignments, and decisions impacting peers in team or group situations.

Strategic and Critical Analysis—The curriculum fosters strategic thinking, planning and decision-making skills through developing tangible products that challenge students to draw upon strategic and critical thinking principles, practices, and skills. Through completion of core courses providing specialized knowledge and practice in case work and strategic planning, students develop critical thinking skills.

Global Perspectives—Students broaden viewpoints through increased awareness of the significance of foreign competition and the growing international focus. Students demonstrate their understanding of cultural and economic differences in countries comprising the global marketplace.

Quantitative Analysis—Effective managers must be equipped with an understanding of quantitative methods in order to make better judgments and decisions supported by statistical data rather than relying only on intuitive decision-making. The curriculum examines the concept of models and data evaluation within management settings.

Innovative and Creative Thinking—Through formal and informal activities that encourage creativity, students develop the ability to view problems and circumstances from different perspectives, to challenge status-quo approaches, and to consider the impact of technological and social change on traditional patterns of management behavior.

Communication—The curriculum fosters understanding of relevant organizational principles and theories and focuses on enabling students to make practical application in both oral and written communications. The aim is to develop management personnel who can effectively evaluate and use all forms of communications as management tools for more efficient individual and organizational functioning.

The Master of Arts in Public and Private Management requires completion of 16 three-semester-hour course units over a two-year period. The program is organized around two levels of study including foundations courses in the basic disciplines of management and electives. Electives permit the student to pursue an area of concentration in public sector management, private sector management, or health care management.

An applicant must submit the following to be considered for admission:

(1) Completed application form.

(2) Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.

(3) Scores from either the GMAT, GRE, or MAT.

(4) Application fee of $25.00.

(5) Two letters of recommendation.

(6) One essay.

(7) An interview with faculty and the Dean of Graduate Programs.

Graduate Certificate in Public and Private Management for International Students

The Graduate Certificate in Public and Private Management for International Students at Birmingham Southern College consists of a one year program for professionals with foreign degrees to learn the necessary skills to become more successful in the global marketplace.

Students take two academic courses during each term and complete a three- term internship. No more than two and one third courses may be carried in any one term. The program of study involves eight courses that may be completed in one year.

The curriculum is organized around core courses, an internship and elective courses. The internship is a twenty-hour per week opportunity to be integrated into the American business community. The electives and internships include options in managerial, legal, health care, and civil/human rights issues.

This graduate certificate program is designed for students whose undergraduate degrees have been earned at foreign colleges and universities. Admission to the program requires a completed application package which includes all official transcripts; score from either the GMAT, GRE, MAT, MCAT, or LSAT; two letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to comment on the applicant’s academic preparation and competencies; a $25 application fee; and evidence of English proficiency, in the form of the TOEFL (paper based total 550 minimum score/computer based total 213 minimum score) or comparable proof of oral and written ability in English.

For admission requirements or additional information, interested students should contact the office below:

The Graduate Office
Box 549052
Birmingham Southern College
Birmingham, Alabama 35254

Telephone: (205) 226 4803
Fax: (205) 226-4843

Master of Music

Students interested in the Master of Music degree must apply to the Graduate Program of the College, complete all requirements for admission to graduate study, and pass an audition in the specified area.

For program requirements, please consult the Music section of this catalog.