Dean: Eric P. Jack
Associate Dean: Karen N. Kennedy

UAB’s School of Business is accredited at the baccalaureate and master’s levels by AACSB International and holds separate AACSB International accreditation of the undergraduate and master’s programs in accounting. Professional education in business administration is offered through the Departments of Accounting and Finance; Management, Information Systems, and Quantitative Methods; Marketing, Industrial Distribution, and Economics; as well as the Graduate School of Management. In designing the school’s programs, the faculty recognizes the importance of meeting the many and diverse educational needs of the urban environment in which the school functions. Additionally, faculty members are involved in activities that (1) advance knowledge in business and assist city, state, and regional constituencies through theoretical and applied research; and (2) maintain a continuing relationship with the community through participation in professional societies, consulting, conferences, non-credit courses, and other service roles.

At the undergraduate level, the school offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Science degree with majors in accounting, economics, finance, industrial distribution, information systems, management, and marketing. Each program combines a broad exposure to the arts and sciences with comprehensive preparation in all areas of business.

At the graduate level, the Graduate School of Management offers programs of study leading to the Master of Business Administration and Master of Accounting degrees. Programs resulting in a dual degree are offered in cooperation with the School of Public Health (MPH/MBA), the School of Health Professions (MSHA/MBA) and the School of Nursing (MSN/MBA). The Ph.D. degree in administration/health services is offered in cooperation with the School of Health Professions.

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Mission, Vision and Values Statements

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Mission Statement

Located in the largest business community in the State of Alabama, the UAB School of Business creates value for students and stakeholders by producing graduates who are prepared to compete successfully in a global context. Along with the pursuit of discipline-based and practitioner-based scholarship, our faculty is also committed to teaching and nurturing students through a curriculum and pedagogy that emphasize experiential learning with broad access to teacher-scholars.

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Vision Statement

We see a future for the UAB School of Business where:

• Faculty and staff work together to create and deliver relevant, high quality, and innovative programs that serve our community;
• Businesses and other organizations seek us out for qualified employees and for partnerships to meet their educational, consulting and service needs;
• Our school is widely recognized for excellence and innovation in teaching, research and service;
• Our school is also recognized as an inclusive place where students of opportunity can be successful. 

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Values Statement

We value:

• Quality teaching, research and professional and public service by faculty, staff and students;
• Relevance and innovation in curriculum, instructional methods, research, and professional and public service;
• Intellectual growth, professional and ethical development of our students;
• A collegial environment of academic freedom and faculty governance;
• Partnerships with our internal and external constituencies;
• Diversity in our students, faculty, staff, and community;
• High standards of professional and ethical conduct;
• A climate that fosters continuous improvement.

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Admission Requirements

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Beginning Freshmen

Beginning freshmen, admitted with conditional or unconditional status, may enroll in the School of Business.

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Two-Year College Transfers

Students considering transferring to UAB from a two-year college should consult with their two-year college advisor about specific courses that are transferable to UAB and the School of Business. UAB’s School of Business requirements include those defined in the Alabama General Studies articulation program for a major in business. The public speaking requirement may be taken as part of Area II and the business calculus course may be taken as part of Area III. Students planning to major in industrial distribution should see the footnoted exceptions to the Core Curriculum requirements in regard to elective hours.

In cases where enrollment has been interrupted by one year or more, transfer students are expected to meet catalog requirements in effect at the time that they enter UAB.

Only 60 applicable semester hours of two-year college coursework can be applied toward a UAB degree.

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Transfers from Other Institutions

Admission to the School of Business is restricted to those students who are admitted to UAB as degree-seeking students. Students must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average. Before an upper-level business course may be attempted, a minimum grade of C in the stated prerequisite(s) for the School of Business course(s) is required.

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Transfers within UAB

Degree-seeking students changing their major from schools and the college within UAB will be admitted to the School of Business provided they have a minimum 2.0 overall grade point average and a minimum 2.0 UAB grade point average. Before an upper-level business course may be attempted, a minimum grade of C in the stated prerequisite(s) for the School of Business course(s) is required.

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Students Readmitted to UAB

Degree-seeking students, non-degree seeking students and post-baccalaureate students readmitted to UAB may be admitted to the School of Business provided they have a minimum 2.0 overall grade point average and a minimum 2.0 UAB grade point average.

Former students are expected to meet catalog requirements in effect at the time they re-enter UAB, when one year or more of enrollment at UAB has lapsed or when another college has been attended since last enrolling at UAB.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Admission of non-degree seeking students to the School of Business is restricted to those students who already have a four-year degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

The following policies apply:

1. Post-baccalaureate students not seeking a UAB business degree will be classified in the major that was selected on the application or as a School of Business undeclared major. They may enroll in any undergraduate business course in which the stated course prerequisite(s) has been completed with a minimum grade of C. Students having less than a C in prerequisite courses or those who completed the prerequisites many years earlier are advised to repeat the prerequisites (see specific major for any deviation).
2. Post-baccalaureate students seeking a UAB undergraduate business degree will be classified in the appropriate major. Once the decision to seek a business degree is made, post-baccalaureate students are expected to meet all catalog requirements in effect at the time of their admission or readmission to UAB.
3. Students are responsible for providing transcripts to their advisors for verification of prerequisites.

Transient Students

Transient students who wish to attempt UAB School of Business courses should be aware of the following:

1. It is the student’s responsibility to verify with the advisor at the home institution that courses taken at the UAB School of Business will transfer back to the home institution.
2. Note, that if enrolled in a business course that fills and there is degree-seeking student demand, transient students may be withdrawn from the filled class.

Considering transferring to UAB and the School of Business? Please make an appointment with one of our advisors (205-934-8813). Remember to bring an unofficial copy of all previous college work to be able to discuss your course of study with the advisor.

All information regarding our business programs is available on the web based catalog found at www.catalog.uab.edu/undergraduate or on the UAB website at www.uab.edu/business. You may check about class availability on BlazerNet, select the Student Services tab and scroll to class schedule.

Admission Classification

Undergraduate students entering the School of Business are admitted with a self-selected major classification. Should the student not select a major, he/she will be admitted with a School of Business undeclared major classification. Majors include accounting, economics, finance, industrial distribution, information systems, management and marketing.

Lower level prerequisite School of Business courses must be completed with a grade of C or better before attempting upper-level business courses (those numbered 300 or higher). Any request for deviations from the requirements must be petitioned through the academic advisor for the department in which the course resides.

School of Business advisors are available within each academic department in the Business-Engineering Complex or by telephone (205) 934-8813.

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Curriculum Outline

The School of Business reserves the right to modify curricula and specific courses of instruction, to alter requirements for graduation, and to change the majors to be awarded at any time the school may determine. Such changes may be applicable to either prospective or currently enrolled students.

The curriculum outline that follows is formatted to show how course requirements of the School of Business concur with the UAB Core Curriculum requirements. Students, in cooperation with their advisor, should sequence these requirements in a manner to meet stated prerequisite requirements for specific courses in their curriculum. 

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UAB CORE CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS 

Core Curriculum	Hours
Area I. Written Composition	6 hours
Effective written communication skills are essential in a literate society. Requirements include six semester hours in written composition. UAB students must complete EH 101 English Composition I and EH 102 English Composition II with the grade of C or better within their first 30 hours or as soon as possible thereafter. Requirements Hours EH 101 English Composition I 3 EH 102 English Composition II 3
Area II. Humanities and Fine Arts	12 hours
Study in the humanities addresses the ability to deal with questions of values, ethics, or aesthetics as they are represented in literature, philosophy, religion, and the arts, and is fundamental to general education. Requirements include at least 12 semester hours in humanities with a minimum of three semester hours in literature, three semester hours in the fine arts, and the remaining hours from the humanities and/or fine arts. In addition to literature, disciplines in the humanities include, but are not limited to, philosophy, religious studies, speech, foreign languages, art, music, theatre, and dance. As part of the common Core Curriculum, students must complete a six-semester hour sequence either in literature (Area II) or in history (Area IV). The following courses satisfy Area II of the Core Curriculum: Requirements Hours AAS 200 Introduction to African-American Studies 3 ARA 101 Introductory Arabic I 3 ARA 102 Introductory Arabic II 3 ARH 101 The Art Experience 3 ARH 203 Ancient and Medieval Art 3 ARH 204 Renaissance through Modern Art 3 ARH 206 Survey of Asian Art 3 CHI 101 Introductory Chinese I 3 CHI 102 Introductory Chinese II 3 CMST 101 Public Speaking 3 EH 216 Introduction to Literature 3 EH 217 World Literature I: Before 1660 3 EH 218 World Literature II: 1660-Present 3 EH 221 British and Irish Literature I: Before 1800 3 EH 222 British and Irish Literature II: 1800-Present 3 EH 223 American Literature I: Before 1865 3 EH 224 American Literature II: 1865-Present 3 FLL 120 Foreign Cultures 3 FLL 220 Foreign Literatures in English Translation 3 FR 101 Introductory French I 4 FR 102 Introductory French II 4 FR 108 Introductory Intensive French 4 FR 201 Intermediate French I 3 FR 202 Intermediate French II 3 GN 101 Introductory German I 4 GN 102 Introductory German II 4 GN 201 Intermediate German I 3 GN 202 Intermediate German II 3 GN 204 Readings in German Literature 3 ITL 101 Introductory Italian I 3 ITL 102 Introductory Italian II 3 JPA 101 Introductory Japanese I 3 JPA 102 Introductory Japanese II 3 MU 120 Music Appreciation 3 PHL 100 Introduction to Philosophy 3 PHL 115 Contemporary Moral Issues 3 PHL 116 Bioethics 3 PHL 120 Practical Reasoning 3 PHL 125 Introduction to Ethics 3 PHL 203 Philosophy of Religion 3 SPA 101 Introductory Spanish I /QL 4 SPA 102 Introductory Spanish II 4 SPA 108 Introductory Intensive Spanish 4 SPA 201 Intermediate Spanish I 3 SPA 202 Intermediate Spanish II 3 THR 100 Introduction to the Theatre 3 THR 105 Introduction to Dance 3 THR 200 Plays on Film 3
Area III. Natural Sciences and Mathematics	11 hours
Study in the natural sciences and mathematics emphasizes the scientific method and applies quantitative or inductive reasoning. Requirements include at least 11 semester hours with at least three semester hours in mathematics at the pre-calculus algebra level or higher and at least eight semester hours in the natural sciences. All courses in the natural sciences must include laboratory experiences. Disciplines in the natural sciences include, but are not limited to, astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. UAB students must take the required three semester hours in mathematics within their first 60 hours or as soon as possible thereafter. The following courses satisfy Area III of the Core Curriculum: Requirements Hours AST 101   & AST 111 Astronomy of the Universe    and Astronomy of the Universe Laboratory 4 AST 102   & AST 112 Astronomy of Stellar Systems    and Astronomy of Stellar Systems Laboratory 4 AST 103   & AST 113 Astronomy of the Solar System    and Astronomy of the Solar Systems Laboratory 4 AST 105   & AST 115 Extraterrestrial Life    and Extraterrestrial Life Laboratory 4 BY 101   & BY 102 Topics in Contemporary Biology    and Topics Contemporary Biology Laboratory 4 BY 111   & BY 112 Extended Topics in Contemporary Biology    and Ext Topics Contemporary Biology Laboratory 4 BY 123 Introductory Biology I 4 BY 124 Introductory Biology II 4 CH 105   & CH 106 Introductory Chemistry I    and Introductory Chemistry I Laboratory 4 CH 107   & CH 108 Introductory Chemistry II    and Introductory Chemistry II Laboratory 4 CH 115   & CH 116 General Chemistry I    and General Chemistry I Laboratory 4 CH 117   & CH 118 General Chemistry II    and General Chemistry II Laboratory 4 ENV 108   & ENV 109 Human Population and the Earth s Environment    and Laboratory in Environmental Science 4 ES 101   & ES 102 Physical Geology    and Physical Geology Laboratory 4 ES 103   & ES 104 History of the Earth    and History of the Earth Laboratory 4 MA 105 Pre-Calculus Algebra 3 MA 106 Pre-Calculus Trigonometry 3 MA 107 Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry 4 MA 109 Survey of Calculus 3 MA 110 Finite Mathematics 3 MA 125 Calculus I 4 MA 126 Calculus II 4 MA 227 Calculus III 4 MA 252 Introduction to Differential Equations 3 MA 260 Introduction to Linear Algebra 3 PH 201 College Physics I 4 PH 202 College Physics II 4 PH 221 General Physics I 4 PH 222 General Physics II 4 PHS 101 Physical Science 4
Area IV. History, Social, and Behavioral Sciences	12 hours
Study in history and the social and behavioral sciences deals primarily with the study of human behavior, social and political structures, and economics. Requirements include 12 semester hours with at least a three-semester hour course in history and at least six semester hours from among other disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. Disciplines include, but are not limited to, anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology. As part of the common Core Curriculum, students must complete a six-semester hour sequence either in literature (Area II) or in history (Area IV).  The following courses satisfy Area IV of the Core Curriculum: Requirements Hours ANTH 101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 3 ANTH 106 Introductory Archaeology 3 ANTH 120 Language and Culture 3 CMST 105 Introduction to Human Communication 3 EC 210 Principles of Microeconomics 3 EC 211 Principles of Macroeconomics 3 GEO 121 World Regional Geography 3 HY 101 Western Civilization I 3 HY 102 Western Civilization II 3 HY 104 World History to 1600 3 HY 105 World History 1600 to the Present 3 HY 120 The United States To 1877 3 HY 121 The United States Since 1877 3 ITS 101 Introduction to International Studies 3 PSC 101 Introduction to American Government 3 PSC 102 Introduction to Comparative Politics 3 PSC 103 Introduction to International Relations 3 PSC 221 American State and Local Government 3 PY 101 Introduction to Psychology 3 PY 201 Honors Introduction to Psychology 3 PY 212 Developmental Psychology 3 SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology 3 SOC 245 Contemporary Social Problems 3 WS 100 Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies 3
Area V. Pre-Professional, Pre-Major, and Elective Courses
Certain degrees/major may require students to take additional required courses and/or elective courses appropriate to the individual degree or program. Students should consult the appropriate college or school section of this catalog to see whether Area V requirements apply to them.
Total Semester Hours:	41

 

Business students should take the following courses in the Core Curriculum.

1. Core Curriculum Area II: Humanities and Fine Art CMST 101 Public Speaking.
2. Core Curriculum Area II: Humanities and Fine Art, select one of the following:
   1. ARH 101 The Art Experience
   2. MU 120 Music Appreciation
   3. THR 100 Introduction to the Theatre.
3. Core Curriculum Area III: Natural Science and Mathematics, select one of the following: 
   1. MA 105 Pre-Calculus Algebra
   2. MA 109 Survey of Calculus
   3. MA 125 Calculus I.
4. Core Curriculum Area IV: Social and Behavioral Science, EC 210 Principles of Microeconomics and EC 211 Principles of Macroeconomics.
5. Core Curriculum Area IV: Social and Behavioral Science, select one of the following:
   1. ANTH 101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
   2. PY 101 Introduction to Psychology
   3. SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology

 

 

 

 

Academic Requirements

The following general requirements and policies apply to all students majoring in the School of Business.

1. Students may enroll and receive a grade (A, B, C, D, or F) for any business course a maximum of three times. Enrollment is determined by a grade other than W on a student’s transcript.
2. A business course (upper or lower level) in which a grade has been earned at UAB cannot be repeated at another institution (including cooperative institutions).
3. Courses regularly offered at UAB may not be taken for credit at another institution (including cooperative institutions) while a student is simultaneously enrolled at UAB without prior written permission of the appropriate department chair and the Director of Student Services. Failure to receive such permission may result in the non-applicability of courses completed elsewhere.
4. To attempt upper-level business courses (numbered 300 and above), students must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 GPA at UAB. In addition, students must have a grade of C or better in the stated prerequisites for each School of Business course. Students must also meet any specific grade requirements within their major.
5. In cases where one year or more of non-enrollment at UAB has lapsed or when another school has been attended since the last enrollment at UAB, students are expected to meet catalog requirements in effect at the time they re-enter UAB. 

GPA Graduation Requirement

The School of Business GPA (grade point average) graduation requirement is in addition to the general UAB requirements.

Accounting, Finance and Information Systems Majors

1. Earn at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA in all accounting, finance, and information systems major courses.
2. Earn a minimum grade of C in all courses used in the accounting, finance, and information systems majors.
3. Earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA (transfer and UAB courses) and a 2.0 GPA at UAB

Students may opt to utilize the university’s course forgiveness policy to calculate the GPA for the accounting, finance, and information systems majors, Using this policy, courses taken at UAB may be repeated at UAB, and the grade for the first attempt will be excluded from the calculation of the GPA. Only courses for which the student has received a grade of C or below may be repeated with this option. The transcript will show the original grade for the course and the repeated grade for the course, however, only the grade points and credit hours earned when the course is repeated will be counted toward degree completion and averaged into the student’s GPA. The forgiveness policy may be used a maximum of four (4) times, only once for any course, allowing a student to use the forgiveness for four different courses.

Students should process all repeats before applying for degree to insure a correct graduation GPA calculation.

Economics, Industrial Distribution, Management, and Marketing Majors

1. Earn at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA in all courses required for the above listed majors.
2. Earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA (transfer and UAB courses).
3. Earn a 2.0 GPA at UAB.

Students may opt to utilize the university’s course forgiveness policy to calculate the GPA for economics, industrial distribution, management, and marketing majors,. Using this policy, courses taken at UAB may be repeated at UAB, and the grade for the first attempt will be excluded from the calculations of the GPA. Only courses for which the student has received a grade of C or below may be repeated with this option. The transcript will show the original grade for the course and the repeated grade for the course, however, only the grade points and credit hours earned when the course is repeated, will be counted toward degree completion an averaged into the student’s GPA. The forgiveness policy may be used a maximum of four (4) times, only once for any course, allowing a student to use the forgiveness policy for four different courses.

Students should process all repeats before applying for degree to insure a correct graduation GPA calculation. 

Residency Requirement

Of the 21 to 27 semester hours of upper-level major courses required for a departmental major, at least 15 semester hours must be completed at UAB. In addition, 50 percent (30 to 33 semester hours) of business hours required must be taken at UAB. These hours exclude nine hours of economics and six hours of statistics.

Minors in Business

The School of Business offers minors in accounting, business administration, economics, finance, information systems, management, and marketing. These minors are available to all UAB Students. A minor in international business is available to students majoring in business.

The following requirements apply to minors:

1. Students must meet the following grade point requirements:
   
   • Have a 2.0 cumulative GPA (includes all schools attended)
   • Have a 2.0 UAB GPA
2. Students must have the following:
   
   • A minimum grade of C in all lower level business courses required for the minor, including minor courses transferred. All minors allow the use of the university’s course forgiveness policy;
   • A minimum overall average of C in UAB business courses required for the minor, (check specific minor for any deviations)
   • At least 12 semester hours of the minor courses taken in the UAB School of Business (the accounting, finance, and information systems minors have additional requirements).
3. All required 200-level business courses listed for selected minor must be completed, with a grade of C, prior to enrollment in the 300 and 400- level courses listed (check specific minor for any deviations)
4. Students may enroll and receive a grade of (A, B, C, D, or F) for any business course a maximum of 3 (three) times only.
5. Students who wish to take upper-level business courses other than those specified in the selected minor must meet all prerequisites for those courses and have permission from the School of Business, Office of Student Services. (Room 202, BEC)
6. School of Business majors may also earn a School of Business minor, with the exception of the minor in Business Administration. The minor must include at least nine semester hours beyond the requirement of the student’s selected business major. The School of Business undergraduate advisors can assist School of Business majors in tailoring a School of Business minor. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UAB Professional Sales Certificate Program

Purpose

The Professional Sales Certificate is designed for undergraduate students of all majors pursuing a sales career or wishing to enhance his/her interpersonal communication skills in a business environment. This program helps students distinguish themselves as committed professionals in sales and customer service. In addition to the course work shown below, students will be involved in out-of-class activities, including job shadowing and mentorship. Students with a Sales Certificate are well-prepared for entry-level sales careers and have a competitive advantage in the job market. All majors from across UAB are eligible to compete for entrance. Classes will be kept small to ensure individual attention is provided for each student. 

Eligibility

Submission of completed application form, available in BEC 219 or from one of the contact people below:

• Resume demonstrating characteristics that support a successful sales career (strong work ethic, etc);
• Achievement of an overall 2.0 G.P.A. and be in good academic standing with the university;
• Commitment to extra-curricular involvement in the Professional Sales Program activities;
• Complete a panel interview with the Professional Sales Program Leadership Team members. 

Professional Sales Certificate Requirements 

Requirements		Hours
GPA requirement
A 2.0 overall GPA is required in certificate courses.
Certificate Courses
BUS 101	Introduction into Business	3
or BUS 102	Business Foundations
BUS 350	Business Communications	3
MK 303	Basic Marketing	3
MK 330	Professional Selling	3
MK 420	Sales Management	3
MK 425	Advanced Professional Selling	3
One course covering industry structure		3
MK 320	Industrial Distribution Management
FN 452	Management of Financial Intermediaries
MK 495	Industrial Distribution Directed Studies/Practicum (Optional, but encouraged.)	2
Total Hours		23

Benefits

In addition to the shadowing, business contacts, and internship opportunities in the program, students will graduate with valued sales and service skills. Earning a Sales Certificate differentiates students in a competitive hiring environment. 

Contacts

Ms. Kristen Craig (kcraig@uab.edu)                                  

Dr. Tom DeCarlo (tdecarlo@uab.edu)

Dr. Karen Kennedy (knk@uab.edu)                                   

Dr. Kenneth Miller (klmiller@uab.edu) 

Dr. Bob Robicheaux (bobr@uab.edu) 

Honors in Business

Purpose

The School of Business Honors Program is designated for qualified and self-motivated students pursuing business-related undergraduate degrees. Through a mentored program format, students will develop research and communication skills in preparation for a professional career and/or graduate study. Although students may focus their research into any of the disciplines in the School of Business, the Business Honors Program has overarching themes of leadership and ethics. 

Eligibility

Entry into the School of Business Honors Program is by invitation. Students may apply to be considered for an invitation.

To be eligible for the School of Business Honors Program, students must:

• Have earned a 3.5 GPA in all Business courses attempted;
• Have earned a 3.0 GPA overall;
• Have a major in the School of Business;
• Have submitted a Business Honors Program Application form or to be invited to submit an application;
• Have been selected by the Business Honors Committee from application and transcript evaluation. 

Requirements

• A 3.5 GPA in business courses;
• A 3.0 GPA overall;
• Enroll Spring Semester of junior year in BUS 300 Introduction to Leadership Seminar for 3 credit hours;
• Enroll Fall Semester of senior year in BUS 495, Business Honors Seminar I, for three credit hours and enroll Spring Semester of senior year in BUS 496 Business Honors Seminar II, for three credit hours;
• An oral presentation of a completed research project before a colloquium of other business honors students, the Business Honors Committee, School of Business faculty, and/or professionals.

Where appropriate, the Business Honors Committee may recommend that Business Honors students make formal presentations of their work at annual conference meetings. 

Benefits

In addition to intellectual research benefits and enhanced credentials for graduate school or professional pursuits, students will graduate “With Honors in Business” or “With Honors in Economics”. 

Contact

For more information and/or admission to the School of Business Honors Program, contact:

UAB School of Business Honors Program Director

1530 3^rd Avenue, South/ BEC 217A • Birmingham, AL 35294-4460 • Telephone (205) 934-8845 • E-mail: businesshonors@uab.edu