School of Business

Mission Statement

By providing a rich, diverse and supportive learning environment, the Franklin Pierce University School of Business prepares students to be inquisitive and creative problem-solvers who are highly valued professionals.

Values

The School of Business is guided by the following values:

  1. Providing a student-focused educational experience;
  2. Promoting ethical and sustainable business practices; and
  3. Continuous program improvement which is reflective of the needs of all stakeholders.

Academic programming is provided on the Franklin Pierce University main campus for undergraduate day students as well as online and hybrid formats for both undergraduate and graduate students. Course work is offered in 15-week traditional semesters on the main campus while online undergraduate terms are 8 weeks in duration. The graduate business program is offered in 8-week terms.

Broad-Based Student Learning Goals

  • Students will develop the ability to apply business concepts and theories and use analytical and quantitative techniques to solving challenging problems in the business world (academic excellence).
  • Students will develop skills in the use of information and communication technologies and be able to communicate effectively regarding business-related information (information technology)
  • Students will develop team membership skills and be able to work ethically and responsibly in a diverse environment (team membership skills). 
  • Students will gain an awareness of global changes affecting the business world and be able to use this knowledge in business decision-making (global awareness).
  • Students will update their skill sets constantly, being innovative and a life-time learner (life-long learning).

Independent Study

Independent study offers an opportunity to explore an area of study not included in the Catalog listing of approved courses. The topic of an Independent Study should be selected and carefully designed by the student and faculty sponsor, and must meet with the approval of the Program Director and Dean no later than the end of the add/drop period of the term in which the Independent Study is to occur. Normally, the student will be expected to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 and possess the appropriate background and interest to pursue the proposed area of study. The Proposal for Independent Study form is found online.

Undergraduate Program Information

Undergraduate Degree Programs

To complete degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree, the student must successfully complete the General and Liberal Education core requirements, the School of Business core course requirements and major requirements. A student may not major in more than one area within the School of Business.

The School of Business offers six undergraduate business majors. Degrees awarded are a Bachelor of Science in: Accounting, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Management, Marketing, and Sports and Recreation Management. An Associate of Arts in Business is also available to online students.

Students wishing to major in other specific areas such as Entrepreneurship/Small Business may follow the procedures outlined under Student-Designed Majors, and design an appropriate program tailored to their goals through electives, independent studies and internships.

Note: School of Business policy requires that a grade of C– or higher be obtained in the applicable Principles course before upper-level courses may be taken.

Sigma Beta Delta

Sigma Beta Delta is the Honor Society for business students. Candidates must rank in the upper 20% of their class at the time of invitation to membership. Students may be inducted as early as their junior year. The purpose of the society is to promote higher scholarship in training for business and to recognize and reward scholastic achievement in business subjects.

Graduate Program Information

Fundamental Competencies

Students who do not receive advanced standing based on undergraduate coursework, but who have substantially mastered the foundational competencies by other means, such as life experience, may prepare documentation of these competencies at the time of application or at any time before taking the graduate level coursework requiring the competency.

Financial Accounting

This foundational competency emphasizes the interpretation, analysis, and use of key financial issues, which include an understanding of the balance sheet, the income statement, statement of cash flows, as well as cash budgeting and financial forecasting. This competency is required for GM541 and GM561. Students may demonstrate this competency through academic coursework, or by completing a program of self-study administered by the business faculty.

Statistics

This foundational competency includes an overview of the use of statistics and statistical procedures, with emphasis on probability theory and its applications. Topics covered include computational measures of central tendency; measures of dispersion; probability distribution functions; multiple and bivariate regression; decision theory; population parameters; and statistical inference. This competency is required for GM542 and GM564. Students may demonstrate this competency through academic coursework, or by completing a program of self-study administered by the business faculty.

Course Sequence

Graduate students normally begin their studies with GM511. Students are encouraged to take courses generally following the numbering hierarchy.GM691 is the capstone course in the MBA program and is intended to be the final course in the sequence. Generally, a student will not be advised to register for the capstone course unless all 500 level courses have been completed. No transfer of GM511 or GM691 is allowed.