A study of undergraduate business administration core curriculums in selected colleges and universities.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine typical content of the core programs of undergraduate business administration at selected colleges and universities, and to survey the methods presently in use for changes in programs to meet the needs of business, government, and graduate and professional schools. Ninety members of the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business were selected for study of their undergraduate core programs in business administration. Of the 90 institutions which were selected, 30 graduated fewer than 100 students per year, 30 graduated from 100 to 299 students, and 30 graduated 300 or more students. The selection Was further based upon a somewhat regular geographical distribution across the United States. The catalog from each college or university was studied for business administration core requirements and course description. A questionnaire was sent to the deans of the schools of business to determine the accuracy of the core programs listed in the catalogs. It was also determined from the questionnaire the criteria which were used to make program revisions. The data from the catalogs and questionnaires were tabulated and compared with the data and recommendations of previous studies. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The common method for maintaining program evaluation Was with a committee. 2. The common method for determining program changes was by faculty opinion. 3. The mean student/teacher ratio Was 25 to 1 with a standard deviation of 8 to 1. 4. Most schools are not complying with the AAOSB standards which suggest that Introduction to Business be included in the business core. 5. The common courses in the business core as indicated by 61 AACSB member schools are listed below: Corporate Finance Statistics Accounting I Economics II Economics I Marketing PrinciplesBusiness Law I Management Principles Accounting II Data Processing 6. There is little difference in the course offerings between the smaller and larger schools.