The Department of Management offers an undergraduate major in management.
In addition, the department offers three options under the management major. These options are entrepreneurship and business development
(EBD), human resource management (HRM), and sports management. Students may choose the general management major, or they can pursue a more
focused study in one of the three options described in more detail below. For information about the required coursework, please visit the Spears School of Business Degree Requirements page.
Management Major
The major in management offers dynamic,
exciting possibilities for study and employment. It prepares students for leadership careers with business or nonprofit organizations.
It involves the study of knowledge bases and applications relevant to management
careers. The discipline of management utilizes analytical processes to apply
relevant theory and applications to creative problem solving. Some examples
of topics include leadership dynamics, strategic management, planning courses
of action, organizational behavior and performance, resource allocation
and administration, and building management systems. Majors are typically
employed by organizations of all types and sizes as managers or staff specialists.
The major has flexibility so that the student may elect work in allied fields,
including entrepreneurship and new venture development. The management major
has much to offer for those interested in leadership roles in business and
public sector organizations.
Entrepreneurship and Business Development Option
Many students today are intrigued by the idea of starting
their own business or by helping an existing business grow. Entrepreneurs are vital to our economy and are responsible for the
majority of new job creation. This option is designed to give students with an entrepreneurial spirit the business skills they need to
succeed. Students will learn about the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and managers who are attempting to expand their existing businesses.
Classes examine the important managerial actions needed to start and develop business ventures. Specific attention is given to the unique
requirements of small business, developing a business plan, securing venture capital, and managing growth. The classes under this option
emphasize the application of theory to practice and provide students with hands-on experiences with new businesses.
Human Resource Management Option
The work in
Human Resource Management is organized as an option under the Management major. It is designed to prepare students for careers in
Human Resource Management or for management careers in a variety of venues. HRM professionals may find opportunities in any size
organization. Anything that concerns the work force of an organization is the concern of the HRM professional. This includes topics
such as compensation administration, forecasting demand for personnel, labor relations and collective bargaining, recruitment of
potential employees, and training and development. For those who enjoy working with both the people and the management systems side
of organization, a career as an HRM professional offers many opportunities for career satisfaction and personal development.
Sports Management Option The sports industry is a growing segment of our economy. Whether it is at the amateur, college, minor league, or professional level,
sports organizations are in need of graduates with business savvy. Sports enterprises are becoming increasingly concerned with their
bottom lines and they need employees who have expertise in both business management and the sports industry. As a competitive advantage,
our sports management program is one of few in the country that is housed within a business management department. Our classes offer
students the opportunity to gain important business management skills, while learning about the unique nature of sports organizations.