BSBA in General Business
at Nichols CollegeA general business degree is designed for students who want broad understanding within a real-world context. You can build a versatile foundation for success across industries with a general business degree (BSBA) from Nichols College in Dudley, MA.
Our program provides flexibility to customize your studies to suit your career goals.
General business majors can choose six courses from over 21 academic areas, including the following disciplines:
- Accounting
- Business analytics
- Communication
- Criminal justice
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Hospitality, Events and Tourism
- Human Resource Management
- International Business
- Leadership
- Management
- Marketing
- Real Estate Management
- Sport Management
Graduates of the general business program know a variety of specific business functions but also understand the dynamics of the entire organization.
With state-of-the-art resources like Bloomberg terminals, hands-on experience through our student-managed investment fund (the Thunder Fund) and Nichols Consulting Group, you’ll graduate with knowledge and experiences you need for success..
Why Study General Business at Nichols College?
Pursuing a general business degree at Nichols College means having the flexibility to customize your learning to suit your career goals. Here's what sets our program apart:
Plus, our program is AACSB-accredited—only six percent of institutions worldwide are accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Experiential Learning at Nichols College
Hands-on, experiential learning is a key component of a Nichols education. Every business student completes an internship, a professional certification and a research, experiential or consulting project before they graduate. Add holistic professional development to that hands-on foundation, and you get real results—95% of recent graduates secured jobs or entered graduate school within six months. All from a college ranked top 10 nationally among undergraduate business schools for mid-career salary potential and best value.
Student-Faculty Projects
From assisting with faculty research and teaching to working on an advanced project with your professor, there are many ways to extend your learning beyond the classroom at Nichols.
Student-Run Opportunities
Whether you’re managing the Thunder Fund, working with Bison Consulting clients, helping run the Nichols Dudley Hill Golf Course Club and Bison Den or pitching ideas to companies, you’ll build career-ready skills.
Holistic Professional Development
Build confidence and vital soft skills through experiences that take you into the community, paired with public speaking practice, networking etiquette and signature leadership development.
Study Abroad
Take your education global through faculty-led trips, international internships, semester abroad programs and short-term travel that let you earn Nichols credits while expanding your worldview.
Careers in General Business
A degree in general business develops a broad understanding of how organizations operate, along with transferable skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving and decision-making. Graduates can pursue roles across management, operations, sales, consulting and entrepreneurship in virtually any industry.
Career possibilities include:
- Business manager
- Operations manager
- Project manager
- Management consultant
- Sales manager
Meet Your Faculty
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Business Program
How does the general business degree at Nichols College differ from other business programs in Massachusetts?
Our general business degree program at Nichols College in Dudley, MA, stands out through its flexibility and hands-on learning opportunities. Unlike other programs, students curate their education by selecting six courses from a wide range of academic areas, creating a truly personalized academic experience. The program combines cutting-edge resources like Bloomberg terminals and the Thunder Fund with real-world consulting opportunities through the Nichols Consulting Group.
What academic club opportunities are available for general business students?
General business students can get involved with academic clubs that connect classroom learning with real-world exposure. These clubs offer opportunities to explore career paths, participate in employer site visits and engage with professionals across industries. Examples include:
- Sport Management Club traveled to New York City to meet with Madison Square Garden executives
- Criminal Justice Club students visited a prison to meet with officials and even a death row inmate
- The Marketing and Communications Club conducts site visits with a variety of companies focused on products and services
- Accounting and Finance Club have traveled to the N.Y.S.E., S.E.C. and a variety of regional and national firms
Required Courses
Required Courses
A basic course focusing on the accounting systems, preparation of financial statements, selected balance sheet items and financial statement analysis as applied in various business organizations. This course will assist the organization manager with decision making.
Examines the uses of accounting data for planning and control in organizations. Topics include cost classification, profit planning, activity-based costing, flexible budgets, marginal and break-even analysis. Computer usage is integrated. Not open to Accounting concentration.
The course introduces students to the fields of Data Science, Analytics, and Intelligent Automation. Each of these fields rely on information to understand and improve decision making and business processes. To that end, this class, through three stand-alone modules, will explore each of these fields giving students a clear understanding of how each area can impact business.
This is an introductory course of economics principles. The course covers both microeconomics and macroeconomics, along with issues within the global economy. Topics covered are supply and demand; allocation of resources; firm decision-making; imperfect competition; economic analysis of unemployment, inflation, and economic growth; the role of government in the domestic economy; global economic issues and U.S. and economic policies of the last quarter century. Students will learn and use economic tools of analysis to explore a variety of social phenomena. Primary emphasis is placed on real world examples to study microeconomics, macroeconomics and global political economy issues from alternative theoretical perspectives.
General principles of business finance focusing on markets, analysis, interest rates, the time value of money, the valuation of securities and capital allocation within the firm.
A working knowledge of business law is important to every member of society, as the law applies to us all --- from individuals to organizations. This course is a broad introduction to U.S. law, concentrating on basic knowledge of the legal system and its impacts on commerce. Business Law begins with an overview of the judicial system and alternative dispute resolution. After a brief look at criminal law and civil liability, we focus on contracts, the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), business formation, agency relationships and intellectual property. This course will also introduce students to ethical constructs and ethics-based decision making.
MGMT 227 provides an introduction of leading and managing organizations. Leadership is the ethical application of power to influence the decisions and processes of a group. Management is the attainment of organizational goals in an effective and efficient manner through planning, organizing, leading, and controlling organizational resources. MGMT 227 will explore the interrelation and differences of these two important business concepts as they apply to organizational behavior.
Students who take this course cannot also take EPS 227 Entrepreneurial Management.
This course provides a set of Operations Management concepts and tools for your use in managing your organization and in gaining competitive advantage. The course is structured to provide you with practical and relevant applications of these tools. It recognizes the key role of processes in business and explores the elements which impact these business processes. It is equally suited for either the manufacturing sector or the service sector. Key elements include operations strategy, process design and improvement and process layout, capacity management, technology, the role of quality and quality systems, and the management of the supply chain, including inventory, forecasting and scheduling.
A comprehensive introduction to the various facets of marketing in contemporary organizations. Topics include marketing strategy, product development, pricing, distribution channels, and promotion; as well as the environments in which marketers work in the United States and around the world.
Leading Strategic Initiatives provides seniors the opportunity to apply their mastery of the business core knowledge, learned during four years of study at Nichols College. Students are expected to look at their roles in business as applied to local, corporate and international level strategies. Students will demonstrate business and leadership knowledge through an intensive case study pedagogy designed to assess and reinforce key intellectual disciplines and leadership skills.
The Business Exploration class will provide students with an introduction to business concepts and vocabulary at a high-level. Students will explore the functional areas and key industries in business, and how these areas relate to Nichols College concentrations. Through the course, students will engage in the language and acumen of business using Nichols College Alumni to present current events, cases and real-world examples. The course also provides an introduction to global business concepts.
An intensive program of work experience with a business or corporation. Combines both experiential learning with traditional academic work through required term essay and presentation of internship results to an appropriate class. Internship course specifications and "learning contract" forms are available through the Office of Career Services. Students interested must be of junior or senior standing and have a 2.5 grade point average.
Elective Courses:
Choose six (6) courses from any of the following subject areas. No more than four (4) courses can be from the same subject area. (Please note: some courses have required prerequisites)
Accounting
An intensive course designed to broaden and strengthen the foundation laid in the introductory courses. Accounting principles are analyzed and applied in the preparation of financial statements, utilization of time value of money concepts, and examination of cash, short-term investments, receivables, and inventories. Includes computer applications.
A continuation of ACCT 241. Topics include long-term assets, current liabilities, long-term debt and contingencies, and owners' equity. Includes computer usage.
The accounting professional is an information specialist. As a result, the profession requires a depth of technical understanding in a dynamic and evolving business environment. This course will teach students about the fundamental technical concepts underlying corporate information. This will include how to document and follow the flow of data throughout an organization, an understanding of the systems and processes used to generate information, an explanation of the common accounting transaction cycles and how to protect information from fraud or abuse.
Students analyze cost behavior, accumulation and allocation concepts in job and activity-based costing and process costing systems. Students also examine estimated cost systems; budgetary control with standard costs; and cost and profit analysis for decision-making purposes. Computer usage is integrated.
This course is intended to make the student aware of the major tax issues that influence decision-making by businesses and individuals. Specific topics include tax planning, income determination, capital vs. ordinary income, the deductibility of expenses, and the tax implications of various forms of business entities.
An intensive program of work experience with a business or corporation. Combines both experiential learning with traditional academic work through required term essay and presentation of internship results to an appropriate class. Internship course specifications and "learning contract" forms are available through the Office of Career Services. Students interested must be of junior or senior standing and have a 2.5 grade point average.
Business Analytics
Intelligent Automation is changing the nature of work. Technology is enabling workforce automation and employee augmentation, aiming to automate repetitive tasks and reduce the number of lower value processes being performed manually. The goal for these technologies is to empower companies and their employees to invest their time in higher-yield, higher complexity tasks that can result in greater value for business, their customers and clients, and improve profits and efficiencies. Introduction to Intelligent Automation will explore the emergence and adoption of intelligent automation throughout various sectors. Fundamental concepts, vocabulary, automation tools and frameworks needed to identify, evaluate and measure opportunities will be introduced. Students will build simple automations using an automation tool.
Communication
No description available.
Economics
From competitive market environments to bargaining power to monopoly and too-big-to-fail, this course in intermediate microeconomics is part of the core of the economics discipline. This course focuses on strategy, institutions, and evolution in game theoretic environments. Students develop competence in applying microeconomic models to explain economic decision-making by individuals and firms, how markets allocate resources, how the structure of markets affects choices and social welfare, and the ways that government intervention can improve or impair the functioning of markets. Real world examples and current issues are used to illustrate concepts and to strengthen understanding of the modern economic landscape.
An intermediate macroeconomic course analyzing the determination of national income, employment, the price level, interest rates, and exchanges in the economy. Piece-by-piece, a theoretical model will be constructed that is capable of describing how each of these variables is determined. After the model is completed, the course investigates issues of business cycle theory, foreign trade, and macroeconomic policy. Special attention will be given to theoretical and policy debates.
This course is a senior level seminar concerning the historical role of labor in the American Economy. One of the major themes of the course will be the relationship between labor markets and political issues. We will be interested in the relatively stagnate wage growth of the last three (plus) decades and the rise of income inequality. Other topics of interest will be: (1) the role of Women in the US economy; (2) the issue of Race in shaping the historical development of capitalism in the US; and (3) the changing structure of labor in the Twentieth Century US American economy, and the rise of the "predator state." We will seek to better understand these trends and to explain them through history, modeling, and theoretical and political analysis.
This course focuses on the essential features and functions of money and credit in a capitalist economy operating with a fiat currency in a flexible exchange rate regime such as the U.S. economy. We study the role of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank (The Fed), the U.S. Treasurer and the commercial banking sector in the U.S. economy, the banking and financial systems. The fundamental elements of financial markets, instruments and investments, and their links to the monetary and banking systems are examined. Special attention is given to the institutional structure and the accounting procedures through which the Fed and the Treasurer coordinate monetary policy. We examine the endogenous nature of crises and financial instability in capitalist economies. Here, we study the theories provided by prominent 20th century economists - Hyman Minsky and J.M. Keynes - whose names and theoretical contributions have been widely evoked during the 2008 Financial Crisis. We identify the causes and implications of financial crises, and understand possible policy solutions. Such policies emphasize the need to understand the recent evolution of the regulatory framework in the financial and banking industry.
These courses consider a variety of topics related to the practice and science of economics. A broad array of economic issues will be studied, including the history of economic thought, behavioral economics, social issues in economics, and other courses offered on a rotating basis.
Today many cities in the United States, such as Detroit, are in Great Depression-like circumstances while others such as Atlanta are flourishing. More locally the towns of Southbridge and Webster seem to struggle economically, while Sturbridge and Cambridge thrive. This course attempts to understand these phenomena. This course will focus on several topical issues, including: urban flight, suburban sprawl, urban work and labor markets, poverty, urban education, crime, urban sociology and psychology, and issues of race (e.g., discrimination and segregation). The course is intended to familiarize students with the basic issues and policies of urban and city life. The course integrates a political economic and sociological approach to urban issues, based upon reading contemporary books and texts.
English
Intensive practice in a variety of approaches to professional writing tasks: memoranda, correspondence, proposals, and both brief and longer reports.
Entrepreneurship
This course is offered on an occasional basis and addresses topics and themes of special interest not covered in the standard course offerings of Entrepreneurship.
This course provides fundamental knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship which focus on the process of establishing and successfully operating a new business. Entrepreneurship is setting up a freestanding new business and accepting the risks of time, effort, and money associated with such a venture. Successful completion of this course will enable the student to craft an initial plan for the start-up of a new business, including a working knowledge of permits, fees and municipal registration requirements and the development of a simple business plan.
The emphasis of this course is on the acquisition and management of entrepreneurial capital and funding and on the development and management of the fundamental accounting skills and tools and systems for small business owners. Successful completion of this course would enable the student to identify and apply for funding and to set up and operate the business and accounting systems necessary for the successful control of their business.
The emphasis of this course is on the development and management of successful entrepreneurial selling and marketing skills, e-commerce, and effective communication skills and tools for entrepreneurs. Successful completion of this course would enable the student to create and execute a successful marketing plan for the introduction of their business to the marketplace, including the virtual marketplace and would provide the student with the fundamental business communication tools and skill sets necessary for the operation of their company.
Working with corporate partners, alumni and faculty, this highly competitive course, patterned after the TV show, "The Apprentice," involves intense TEAM competition and problem solving. Students will elect CEOs, negotiate to acquire team members and compete for sixteen weeks to determine the ultimate winner. We have designed a learning experience that will develop and test your skills in strategy, marketing, negotiation, management, finance -- as well as creative, innovative, entrepreneurial thinking. Your learning experiences will primarily engage you in real world business cases, including when feasible interactions with the entrepreneurs that are the subjects of the cases, or practitioners who have relevant experiences and insights to share.
Finance
Analysis of long-term corporate financial decisions, including capital budgeting, cost of capital, leverage, dividend policy, debt and equity financing, working capital management, business combinations, and international finance.
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and analytical methods used for making residential and commercial real estate finance and investment decisions. Students will gain a fundamental, real-world understanding of returns on capital with a focus on expected growth along with market and project-specific risks. Students will develop hands-on experience building financial Pro Forma Statements using a multi-year discounted cash flow analysis which will include tax implications, depreciation, capital gains and losses.
This course is offered on an occasional basis and addresses topics and themes of special interest not covered in the standard course offerings in finance.
A study of investment principles and techniques including the investment environment, evaluation of securities, current practices in the securities/investments industry, and the formulation of investment objectives.
This course introduces students to portfolio management based on theory and best practice techniques of investments. Students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of portfolios and a set of tools designed to assist them in the investment decision-making process. Students will be exposed to the basic theories of managing a portfolio of financial assets within the risk-return framework.
This course introduces basic concepts of futures, swaps and options that are frequently used by institutional investors and experienced individual investors for investment and speculation. Students will learn how these products work, how they are used, how they are priced, and how financial institutions hedge their risks then they trade the products.
This course will provide students the knowledge to build a DCF model to aid them in evaluating potential investment opportunities. Students will be in charge of rebalancing the existing portfolio, assessing risk, and ensuring that the portfolio is in compliance with the IPS. Students will engage in real world and hands-on experience in security analysis and portfolio construction and management through the management of the Nichols College Student Managed Investment Fund.
This course provides students with real world and hands-on experience in security analysis and portfolio construction and management through the management of the Nichols College Student Managed Investment Fund. Students will be jointly in charge of the investment decisions of the fund and the overall composition of the portfolio. Each student will perform various quantitative and qualitative analysis of individual securities, industries, and the overall portfolio.
No description available.
History
This course examines leadership, behavior, and style, and its potential for contributing to change in business, governmental, and nonprofit organizations. How leaders interact with the climate of the organization and its situational context, both political and environmental, will be examined through case studies of important figures in political, business, and social history.
Hospitality, Events, and Tourism
Casino/gaming operations are structured and managed differently from other hospitality operations. This course discusses the economics of gaming, rules and regulations that affect day-to-day operations, government restrictions, operations of key departments, and marketing strategies. Students will interact with casino executives and perform simulated assignments from the industry.
Events from weddings to business conferences breathe life into the hospitality industry. Hosting and managing events in the hospitality is big business. Students will explore the key business concepts behind event management in the hospitality industry including planning, coordination, execution and measurement of event success. Students will be assigned to work with a hospitality company to provide assistance with an actual event or event management related challenge.
This course will focus on day-to-day operations, addressing such issues as planning and scheduling, transportation and control of customers, layout and location of facilities, inventory management, reservation and pricing systems, quality and customer satisfaction, decision-making techniques, and process control and improvement.
Travel and tourism is one of the largest industries in the world and a strong growth segment within the hospitality management field. This course explores why and how people travel, where they go and the motives behind travel related purchases. Students are introduced to travel and tourism themes including supplier and intermediary networks, airline and cruise transportation, the psychology of travel, travel technology, safety and security, and the economic, social, and environmental impacts of tourism. Experiencing the travel and tourism industry first hand is an integral component of the course, as students create customized itineraries, participate in off campus field trips, and engage with industry guest speakers.
This course is offered on an occasional basis and addresses topics and themes of special interest not covered in the standard course offerings in Hospitality Management.
This course examines the relationship between rewards and performance on the job. Students will learn about the issues that influence how organizations set pay and benefits policies including executive bonus and deferred compensation plans. They will also examine how compensation differs by job level and by job location and how these factors contribute to decisions regarding outsourcing and offshoring of jobs.
This course is offered on an occasional basis and addresses topics and themes of special interest not covered in the standard course offerings in Hospitality Management.
Human Resource Management
Today's organizations must compete globally and their most important asset for success is a highly competent and effective workforce. This course focuses on how top businesses attract, hire, and retain the best and the brightest talent while respecting and protecting civil and employment rights.
Hiring qualified talent is no guarantee that these employees will achieve their potential. Without nurturing, much of this talent will remain untapped and wasted. High performing workforces are the result of continuous development and effective motivational strategy. Based on sound motivational theory, this course examines why people work and what organizations should know and do to create winning teams.
No description available.
This course examines the relationship between rewards and performance on the job. Students will learn about the issues that influence how organizations set pay and benefits policies including executive bonus and deferred compensation plans. They will also examine how compensation differs by job level and by job location and how these factors contribute to decisions regarding outsourcing and offshoring of jobs.
No description available.
International Business
Examines management theory and practice as applied to business activities that cross national boundaries. Emphasis is placed on an understanding of strategic, cultural, behavioral, functional, legal, and socio-ethnical aspects of international management in a global economy with multinational business enterprises.
This course provides an introduction to the field of comparative politics, the study of places other than the United States. We will analyze in-depth studies of political processes from nations all around the world to investigate debates at the heart of political science, economics, history and other fields within the Liberal Arts and Business core: Why are politicians responsive to the needs of citizens in some countries but not in others? Why do people vote on ethnic lines in some places but not others? Why do some states guarantee social protection for their citizens whereas others leave it in the hands of the market? How do political institutions and social factors shape the provision of public goods? What role do property rights play in transitions to democracy and to market economies? Discussions include topics on governance and accountability, political economy, political culture, identity politics, social cleavages, citizenship, and democratic institutions.
This course provides an overview of the unique problems faced by enterprises engaging in international activities, and the importance of understanding the international economic, social, political, cultural, and legal environment. This course also provides practical information on the mechanics of importing and exporting, joint venture, franchising, and subsidiaries, international dimensions of management, marketing and accounting, international financial management. Other subjects covered in this course includes special problems faced by multinational enterprises, recent problems of the international economic system, country-risk analysis, and the increasing use of counter trade.
This course explores the impact on project management of culture, language variations, religious, regulatory and legal practices, technology penetration, temporal orientation, gender issues, corruption, ethics, personal liberty and political contexts. Students learn how to meet global projects challenges through efficient use of practices and technology. The course provides hands-n application of project management, in line with the Project Management Institute (PMI) body of knowledge (PMBOK), and utilizes available case studies and examples from companies to help students sharpen the skills needed to recognize and foster a successful international project environment.
This is an in-depth study of a selected topic, issue, problem or trend in international business. The specific subject matter is not offered as an existing regular course or deserves more time-emphasis than is possible in a regular course. This course may be repeated once for a total of six credits.
An economic analysis of the foundations of international trade and the impact of trade on domestic and global economies. The course includes a study of the balance of payments, world debt, exchange rates, and the international monetary system. Current issues and problems are emphasized. (Previously ECON 412)
An analysis of the international business and consumer environments and the development and implementation of marketing programs across business alternatives (e.g., direct investment, joint ventures, licensing). Topics include the roles of cultural, political, technological, economic, and legal aspects of marketing in an international environment, as well as how these affect the marketing mixes likely to be successful in various international markets. (Previously MKCM 434)
This is an in-depth study of a selected topic, issue, problem or trend in international business. The specific subject matter is not offered as an existing regular course or deserves more time-emphasis than is possible in a regular course. This course may be repeated once for a total of six credits.
Virtually every US company now faces competition from abroad, and the fortunes of most US firms, large and small, are inextricably bound to the global economy. Company HR Departments must have a global perspective to remain competitive. And all managers, especially HR professionals, must develop a sensitivity to global issues and practices. This course will focus on several aspects of human resources in a global context: labor practices in developing countries; multinational companies' strategies in complying with international ethical principles; and how companies can manage global operations in a manner that results in a successful experience for both the employee and the firm. (Previously HRM 481)
Leadership
In preparation for collaborative and team-based workplaces, this course offers the opportunity for students to gain knowledge and skills that lead to successful team outcomes. The components of the course include team building, project management, and conflict management, covering topics such as group dynamics, emotional intelligence, diversity, project scheduling, and more. Students will have the opportunity to work in and lead multiple team-based projects, and learn how to maximize team productivity and potential.
This course explores the critical link between a leader's well-being and their leadership effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of both personal and team health. Students will enhance their research literacy in key wellness areas such as sleep, nutrition, and mindfulness, and investigate best practices for employee wellness plans (Previously LEAD 210)
This course explores ethical constructs of leadership focusing on values and decision-making for leaders. Leaders' decision affect not only those within the organization and those it services but can also shape the social context in which we all live. In an increasingly complex world, leaders who are grounded in values and purpose are better prepared for ethical decision-making.
This course is designed to present topics of special interest in leadership not covered in the existing course listings.
This course is designed to present topics of special interest in leadership not covered in the existing course listings.
This course is designed to present topics of special interest in leadership not covered in the existing course listings.
Management
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to project management and how the role of project manager can enhance the success of both large and small projects within a business. Students will gain an understanding of the nine different project management knowledge areas and the five process groups: initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing, and apply these as a framework and context for managing information technology projects.
This course is offered on an occasional basis and addresses topics and themes of special interest not covered in the standard course offerings of Management.
Negotiation is a critical skill in business and in life - whether it is for salary, contracts, resource allocation, or collective decision making. Knowing how to effectively and ethically negotiate is essential for leadership and for accomplishing individual and group objectives. In this course, students will learn the strategy, structure, and skills of negotiation in interpersonal and organizational contexts.
This course focuses on the strategies and tactics for conceiving, developing, initiating and managing innovation and change within an established corporate structure. Topics include attributes of corporate entrepreneurs, bases of creativity and innovation, interpersonal and interdepartmental relationships, promoting innovation and change within the corporate structure, organizational politics, strategic organizational changes, and corporate culture.
The global business world is a fast-paced environment. Maintaining relevance in the midst of dynamic change can be challenging. This seminar monitors and addresses current business leaders, fresh managerial theories, and innovative practices in a way that helps synthesize new trends with classic management models. Successful completion of this course will enable the student to craft the initial steps of their business career.
Research, analysis, and evaluation of practices, problems, or processes in management of special interest to business majors in their senior year. Offered by special arrangement.
Marketing
Public Relations (PR) is a management and marketing function that identifies, establishes, and maintains effective relationships between an organization and the audiences it services. PR used to be all about mass media, but social media has changed that. It is still about building and maintaining effective relationships, but PR is now also about having a direct conversation with your audience using paid, earned, shared, and owned channels. In this course, we will examine the strategic purpose and tactical practices of PR, including the identification of publics, planning, writing/content creation, ethical considerations, and evaluation.
Social media is constantly changing, and brands must develop, evaluate, and adapt their strategies. Building effective social media strategies enables marketers to leverage unique and original content to build their brand communities. Students will learn different software and create a comprehensive approach to create and execute social media strategy. This course will also offer students the opportunity to understand and analyze changing social media trends.
Examination of the consumer marketing process. This includes analysis and planning of consumer marketing programs with investigation of consumer decision making and buying patterns. Includes written case analyses and presentations.
The internet is a dynamic marketplace if there ever was one. This class will give you the theoretical understanding of the Internet marketplace necessary to adapt to its many changes, while also equipping you with the skills you'll need to perform vital daily functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to walk into any company with an online presence and improve their use of the internet. The course includes discussions of both B2B and B2C and looks at marketing and communications from an integrated, business-wide perspective. The goal is to appreciate principles and practice of online marketing. The classroom sessions are a combination of lectures, discussions, and experiential learning. To ensure effective utilization of lecture time and the time of your classmates, you are required to read the materials before they are covered in class.
This course examines in depth a major issue, problem, or theme in the area of marketing. It includes a specialized research paper or project, involves discussion and oral and written reports, and may include guest speakers and field trips.
A study of the application of research techniques in market analysis. Student teams design, conduct, and present a research project, including problem definition, questionnaire design, data collection, data analysis, documentation, and recommendation.
A course focusing on advertising, sales promotion, and direct marketing also known as integrated marketing communications. Topics include planning and execution of promotional programs, strategy development, and segmenting and positioning. Orientation reflects the managerial or "client" side of business rather than the "creative" or message development side.
An investigation of the functions and activities of sales managers. Topics include recruiting, organizing, training, compensating, leading, motivating, and managing the sales force.
This course examines in depth a major issue, problem, or theme in the area of marketing and communication. It includes a specialized research paper or project, involves discussion and oral and written reports, and may include guest speakers and field trips.
Mathematics
This course will introduce modern techniques of computational statistics for practical analysis of data utilizing the R programming language. Data analysis and interpretation will be emphasized, rather than statistical theory. Real world data sets will be used to illustrate statistical principles.
Political Science
We expect a lot from our presidents. Americans look to the person in the Oval Office to have a bold vision for our country's future and effectively deal with a whole host of issues such as the economy, education, the environment, foreign affairs, and more. As one political scientist has put it, "Everybody now expects the [person] inside the White House to do something about everything." Why do we have such high expectations and are they realistic? This course investigates how the presidency has evolved, especially during the past century. We will examine its constitutional origins and the historical factors that have helped expand its power and influence. We will explore what concepts like "charisma" and "character" mean and the part they have played in choosing presidents. Through case studies, we will look at examples of "effective" and "ineffective" chief executives and see if history teaching us lessons that can be applied today.
Businesses do not operate in a vacuum; what they do has an impact on their shareholders, their employees, their customers, the communities in which they operate, the nation, and even the world. This course examines the relationship between business and society, and the important role that government plays in mediating that relationship. It examines the concept of corporate responsibility and how that idea has evolved, as well as notions of business ethics. The course looks at the constitutional foundations of the American government, how Washington has developed its powers to regulate business, especially since the early-20th century, and how the business world tries to influence the political environment. Finally, the course looks in-depth at specific topics in the business-government-society relationship: consumerism, worker rights, civil rights and diversity, corporate governance, and consumer protection.
Psychology
Why wait to learn leadership in the workplace? Research in leadership indicates that anyone can be a leader, regardless of age or experience. This course challenges students to examine their own leadership potential through an on-campus experiential internship. Throughout the semester students will apply Kouzes and Posner's five practices of exemplary leadership (Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart) to enhance their own leadership experience. Students will also engage in activities, both in and outside of the classroom, that challenge them to ultimately discover the psychology behind leadership by practicing it.
Forensic psychology offers fascinating insights into the origins and motives of criminal behaviors and the practical applications of psychological principles. Perhaps you want to be a forensic psychologist, or maybe you are just curious about how people behave in criminal and legal settings, and why they behave in these ways. Either way this course is designed to meet your need for information. It provides a comprehensive overview of forensic psychology, bridges the gap between research and application, and explores the 'mystique' that surrounds the topics of the field. Through a focus on global research, examples, and real-life cases studies, you will learn about fascinating topics such as the reliability of eyewitness testimony, indicators of deception and methods of lie detection, the willingness of innocent people to confess to crimes, and our ability to profile and capture offenders.
Disclaimer: In this course you will be viewing and reading material that contains profane language and, in some cases, sexual content, racist stereotypes, and references to drug abuse/use. Should there be things you feel uncomfortable with reading or viewing - then this course may not be suitable for you.
Real Estate Management
This course introduces students to real estate fundamentals and the practice of real estate sales and appraisals as a profession. Topic areas include market valuation, land use and zoning, forms of ownership, legal aspects of real estate, financing, and property management. Students will gain valuable insight into the real estate industry and the nature of real estate transactions and have an opportunity to engage with industry guest speakers about their particular real estate specializations. This course is based on the National Real Estate exam for licensure.
Real estate touches all of us - it is where we begin and end each day, where we attend classes, where we work, where we spend time with friends and family - it is literally everywhere we go. A working knowledge of real estate law is important to every member of society as almost all of us will rent or own real property in our lifetimes. This course introduces students to the basics of real property law and then explores the various issues that arise in both residential and commercial real estate transactions. Emphasis is placed on the ways to acquire real property; the types of concurrent ownership; the limitations posed by encumbrances and liens; the various types of real estate contracts and how those contracts are negotiated; the importance of a title search and survey review; the various ways of financing a real estate purchase; the closing process; and the governmental regulations that affect real estate transactions.
This course introduces students to basic appraisal principles and procedures. A practical and theoretical overview of the appraisal process and the three valuation methods of sales, cost, and income approaches will be introduced. The social and economic determinants of value, residential construction, architectural styles, site valuation, highest and best use, and primary and secondary data base research will additionally be explored through case study analysis.
This project-based course provides the opportunity to engage with real-world applications within the real estate industry and examine current real estate trends and issues. Topics will include site acquisition and development, zoning and planning, market analysis and property valuation, investing, marketing, and vacation properties. Students will gain both a national and local perspective of the real estate industry and will have the opportunity to engage and network with leading real estate professionals.
This course is offered on an occasional basis and addresses topics and themes of special interest not covered in the standard course offerings of Real Estate Management.
his course is offered on an occasional basis and addresses topics and themes of special interest not covered in the standard course offerings of Real Estate Management.
Sport Management
This course examines the role of sports in North American culture and in a global context. The pervasiveness of sport in all areas of society will be investigated from a sociological perspective. Analysis of current issues impacting informal, organized, and professional sport will be considered. Attention will also be given to common characteristics within sport and society, including societal values and sport, social problems and sport, deviance, violence, politics, religion, the economy, mass media, ethnicity, nationality, and others. (Previously SMGT 352)
This course is designed to provide hands-on, practical involvement with a major sport event. Students will be assigned to committees for which they will plan, organize, publicize and manage all aspects of event operations during the semester. A required component of the course will include a commitment to work the actual event.
This course is offered on an occasional basis and addresses topics and themes of special interest not covered in the standard course offerings in sport management.
This course is designed to introduce the students to the role of effective communication in the sport industry. The nature and function of communication will be examined in a variety of settings. Emphasis will be placed on interpersonal communications, public relations, mass media relations, public speaking, and innovative technology. This class is designated as a writing intensive course.
This course is designed to introduce the students to the role of effective communication in the sport industry. The nature and function of communication will be examined in a variety of settings. Emphasis will be placed on interpersonal communications, public relations, mass media relations, public speaking, and innovative technology. This class is designated as a writing intensive course.
This course is designed to offer hands-on, practical experience in creating and implementing a sponsorship and sales plan. Groups will create marketing surveys, develop sponsorship proposals, identify and contact potential buyers, conduct negotiation and sales, learn activation techniques, and evaluate sponsor packages.
This course will discuss the theory, development, and application of analytics in sport. Topics covered include player performance, player management, sports data strategies, team management, and game day operations and strategies. Extensive use of statistical software will be expected.
This course is offered on an occasional basis and addresses topics and themes of special interest not covered in the standard course offerings in sport management.
Graduate Courses
Regardless of your industry or role, communication skills are vital to success. The purpose may be persuasive, motivational, organizational, managerial, or interpersonal, and the method may be written or oral, but at its core, successful communication is both effective and efficient. Like other business skills, communication abilities can be studied and developed. This course will help students to understand the underpinnings of communication, and to develop skills necessary in the 21st century.
As business practices evolve to meet the changing demands of the marketplace, leaders must constantly evaluate and make adjustments to stay on top of the field. This course is designed to help students identify, evaluate, and analyze current trends and then to make judgments on the viability and wisdom of those trends.
Free Electives
18 credit-hours of electives
Interested in Learning More?
Join us at one of our upcoming campus events in Dudley, MA, or schedule a campus visit. You can also contact our Admissions team to discuss your academic goals and how Nichols can help you reach them.
