Bachelor of Religious Business Administration

General Description and Program Objective

The Bachelor of Religious Business Administration is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in business and administration. The program includes general education, technology related electives, and major courses. Major courses include but are not limited to study in accounting, business law, public policy, finance, business ethics, human resource management, international business, strategic and organizational management, statistical analysis, etc. As with our other programs, there is a strong emphasis on Biblical values and Theological education, as well as General Education.  Courses in the Business major will be taught through the lenses of Christian principles. 

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Apply ethical and legal principles to a business environment
• Conduct independent research relevant to business-related issues
• Demonstrate written and oral presentation skills expected of a business-school graduate
• Develop a global business perspective based on the knowledge of foreign business environments and cultures
• Integrate the knowledge acquired in the program to analyze a business, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and determine what changes can be made for improvement

Admissions Requirements

The criteria for entrance to the Bachelor of Religious Business Administration are:
1.   Completion of Application Form for Admission.
2.   Three letters of recommendation from faculty, counselors, school administrators, employers, or church leaders.
3.   Possession of or candidacy for a high school diploma or GED.
4.   A statement of the applicant’s Christian faith.
5.   One recent photograph.
6.   Official transcripts from all schools attended including high school.
7.   Evaluation of personal interview with a team of faculty members.
8.   A sense of calling from God for Christian ministry.
9.   Regeneration experience and baptism with water.
10. Active and fruitful church participation.
11. Minimum grade of “C”, or satisfactory, on the Korean Language Proficiency Test (translation and diagnostic); minimum grade of “C”, or satisfactory, on the Bible Admissions Test.
12. Payment of $50.00 application fee.

General Education

The Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Business Administration requires that a minimum of 56 course units be earned in General Education courses. General Education courses include courses in religion, psychology, sociology, philosophy and other fields.

Method of Instruction

Classes incorporate lectures, instructional work in class, demonstrations, one-on-one tutorials, library research, and comprehensive examinations within each course. Except for field trips, all instruction is conducted in a classroom setting.

Graduation Requirements (180 unit requirement)

The Bachelor’s degree program in Religious Business Administration requires the completion of a minimum of 196 quarter units of credit and the passage of a comprehensive exam. The units can be a combination of transfer units and completion of course work with a Grade Point Average of C (2.0). At least 25 percent of the completed work must be in general education. As much as 75 percent of the 180 quarter units (or 135 quarter units) may be satisfied through transfer credit. A minimum of 25 percent of the units must be completed at Ezra University. 

Students are also required to fulfill a requirement of six quarters of Student Ministry.  None of these are awarded academic credit, but are requirements nonetheless. 

In addition to the course work, to graduate, the student must be examined on his/her knowledge of the Bible by a written examination. To pass, a student must correctly answer a minimum of 100 out of 150 questions (75 from the Old Testament and 75 from the New Testament). 

Exam Procedure. 

The student will secure the request form to take the examination and the request shall be submitted 10 days prior to the date of the examination.  The examination shall be taken at any regularly scheduled testing period.  The student will be allowed to retake the examination as many times as the student wishes.

Course Titles and Level

All courses are at the Bachelor degree level. Courses are numbered 100 through 499. Course descriptions are provided separately.

Program Requirements
Length:                                                                                                 Approximately 12 Quarters or 4 years
General Education Course Requirements:                            56 quarter units
Bible and Theology Requirements:                              48 units (24 of which qualify as core Business courses)
Business Administration Requirement:                                  100 quarter units (24 of which qualify as Bible & Theology courses)
Student Ministry Requirement:                                                6 quarters (no credit)

Program Requirements

Sample Course of Study

General Education Requirements: 56 units

Bible & Theology: 48 units (24 units of which qualify as core Business courses)

Business Course of Study: 100 units (24 units of which qualify as Bible & Theology courses)

Course Descriptions

General Education Courses

Communications

COMM204 Oral Communication Skills (4 units)
This course is designed to develop student skills in both interpersonal and public speaking. Students will learn to improve their communication ability for academic and professional use through effective presentation techniques and vocabulary enhancement.  Pre-requisite: None

COMM103 Presentation Skills (4 units)
This course aims to develop a student’s skills, knowledge and confidence in both formal and informal presentation situations e.g. meetings, training sessions and conferences. Students will have the opportunity to explore and practice key areas in both preparation and delivery of presentations through faculty input and group discussion.  Prerequisite: None

ENG 101 English Composition (4 units)
Development of the student’s writing skills through a process of thinking, researching, planning, writing, reviewing, revising, and editing expository essays. This course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing.  Prerequisite: None

ENG102 English Literature (4 units)
This course is designed to develop student skills in reading literature, including interpretation and understanding of literary terms. Students will also learn to improve their communication skills and vocabulary for academic discussions about literature.  Prerequisite: None

SPC 1102 Fundamentals of Public Speaking (4 units)
Introduces the fundamentals of oral communication through topics including: selection and organization of materials; preparation and delivery of individual and group presentations; analysis of ideas presented by others; and professionalism.  Prerequisite: None

Humanities and the Arts

HIS 101 History of Western Civilization to 1715 (4 units)
A broad of survey of world history from the earliest time to 1715. Emphasis is given to the development of the Christian church before the reformation.  Prerequisite: None

HIS 102 History of Western Civilization 1715 to the Present (4 units)
A broad of survey of world history from 1715 to the present. Emphasis will be given to the western civilization and the relevance of the past to contemporary life.  Prerequisite: None

HIS 103 American History (4 units)
This course is an introduction to American History from its origins to the present. We will focus on the American experience and the evolving definition of “America” and what it means to be American from colonial times to the United States’ place in the post 9-11 world order.  Prerequisite: None

PHL 111 Introduction to Philosophy (4 units)
This course is a study of philosophical thought and methods and how these methods may serve as a means of integrating learning and faith.  Prerequisite: None

PHL 112 Logic (4 units)
This course is a study of deductive and inductive reasoning, elementary symbolic, logic and language structure with consideration to argument, inference, proof, fallacies and semantics.  Prerequisite: None

Social/Behavioral Sciences

HUM 111 Human Growth and Development (4 units)
An analysis of the life span of persons as it unfolds, viewed through the lenses of contemporary theories of development. Special emphasis will be given to successful transitioning into adulthood and the relational issues of young adults.  Prerequisite: None

POSC101 Introduction to Political Science (4 units)
This course presents an overview of the discipline, including the basic theories, concepts, approaches, and enduring questions of political science. It provides students with a foundation of knowledge and the analytical skills necessary to understand modern politics in historical context.  Prerequisite: None

POSC102 Introduction to American Government (4 units)
The purpose of this course is to explore the philosophical and institutional bases of American governance. Students will master the major branches and institutions of American government as well as the extra-constitutional players that make up the American political system.  Students will also become acquainted with the major policy and ideological debates that surround American politics.  Prerequisite: None

PSY 205 Introduction to Psychology (4 units)
This course emphasizes the basics of psychology. Topics include: science of psychology; social environments; life physiology and behavior; personality; emotions and motives; conflicts, stress, and anxiety; abnormal behavior; and perception, learning, and intelligence.  Prerequisite: None

SOC 202 Sociology of Religion (4 units)
This course involves a study of the development of religious attitudes and the sociological factors involved in religious cultures. This course will explore religion from a sociological standpoint, addressing the writings and thought of seminal scholars in the field of Sociology of Religion.  Prerequisite: None

SOC 301 Introduction to Sociology (4 units)
This course is an introduction to sociology as a scientific discipline. Subject matter includes sociological concepts, sociological processes, social structure, social organization and social institutions, including family, education, politics, religion and economy.  Prerequisite: None

REL101 Comparative Religion (4 units)
This course is an introduction to the academic study of religion and of world religions, and to the religious traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, as well as several other current religious trends. The course examines the historical evolution, the fundamental doctrines and beliefs, the practices, institutions and cultural expressions of these religious traditions. The course also deals with some of the essential differences and similarities which exist among each religious tradition, and points to the uniqueness of each of them. Special emphasis is placed upon how these religious traditions have emerged within the context of Los Angeles, how they have changed, grown and adapted to their new surroundings.  Prerequisite: None

Natural and Physical Sciences/Mathematics

BIO 101 Introduction to Biology (4 units)
An examination of the human body in health and disease. After examining the normal physiology of the body, the processes and symptoms of a variety of diseases will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the factors responsible for these diseases and their prevention. Prerequisite: None

MAT 102 College Algebra (4 units)
This course emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra; equations and inequalities; functions and graphs; systems of equations; optional topics including sequences, series, and probability; and analytic geometry.  Prerequisite: None

MAT 211 Essentials of Calculus (4 units)
The course deals with topics of limits, continuity, differentiation and integration of algebraic, exponential and logarithmic functions, and basic differential equations with applications to business, natural and social sciences.  Prerequisite: None

PB150 Human Anatomy (4 units)
This course is a comprehensive and systemic study of the structure of human body at the cellular, histological, and organ level.  The emphasis of study includes microscopic and macroscopic anatomy of the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, special senses, endocrine system, circulatory system, lymphatic system and immunity, respiratory system, digestive system, and the urinary system. Prerequisite: None

MATH301 Introduction to Statistics (4 units)
This course emphasizes on mathematical concepts and suitable for students of business, mathematics, education and the sciences. Topic includes measures of central tendency and spread, probability, binomial, normal, and distributions, statistical inference, and linear regression and correlation.  Prerequisite: None

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION – CORE COURSES

ACC 101 Principles of Accounting I (4 units)
Introduces the basic concepts of the complete accounting cycle and provides the student with the necessary skills to maintain a set of books for a sole proprietorship. Topics include accounting vocabulary and concepts, the accounting cycle and accounting for a personal service business, the accounting cycle and accounting for a merchandising enterprise, and cash control. Laboratory work demonstrates theory presented in class.  Prerequisite: None

PRA408 Principles of Accounting II (4 units)
Covers detailed analysis of U.S. GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) as applied to accounting for current assets, operational assets, investments, current liabilities, long-term debts, stockholders’ equity, revenues and expenses. Course focuses on accounting in a Christian business environment, according to Christian ethics.

PRA405 Introduction to Christian Business (4 units)
An introductory study of the functional areas of business to help students realize the integral role business plays in the economy and our lifestyles. Topics include the major elements in the business environment, forms of business ownership, competition in the domestic and international market, management of human and financial resources, marketing, business technology and information management, accounting, and business and personal finance. Focus will remain on practicing business according to Christian ethics.

BUS 240 Business Law (4 units)
This is a study of fundamental principles of law applicable to business transactions. The course specifically relates to the areas of legal environment of business, contracts, and sales contracts.  Prerequisite: None

BUS 250 Christian Business Ethics (4 units)
The course includes a study of ethics in business and work. The topics include: recognizing and analyzing ethical issues in business; promoting ethical behavior in corporations and institutions; the social responsibilities of business; the role of business in a free market economy; ethics in the global economy; the role of the professions in contemporary American society.  Prerequisite: None

ECO 120 Principles of Microeconomics (4 units)
This course deals with the price system, market structures, and consumer theory. Topics covered include supply and demand, price controls, public policy, the theory of the firm, cost and revenue concepts, forms of competition, elasticity, and efficient resource allocation, etc.  Prerequisite: None

PRA406 Principles of Macroeconomics (4 units)
This course provides an examination of aggregate economic activity. It includes a study of ag-gregate supply and demand, the monetary and banking systems, aggregate economic accounting, inflation, unemployment, the business cycle, macroeconomic policy, and economic progress and stability, among other things. Course is taught from a Christian worldview and ethical perspective. Pre-requisite: None

PRA310 Church Finance (4 units)
Introduces the basic principles and concepts used in the financial management of a Christian business enterprise addressed from both theoretical and practical standpoint. Emphasis is placed on the financial management of a church. Topics include money and capital markets, financial management of working capital, capital budgeting and fixed asset management, cost of capital, and short-term and long-term financing by means of debt and equity capital.  Prerequisite: None

FIN 201 Corporate Finance (4 units)
It is a study of how corporations raise and manage capital. Topics include modern financial principles, methods, policies, and institutions. It is to focus on corporate organization, creation and organization.  Prerequisite: None

PRA416 Human Resource Management (4 units)
Introductory overview of basic human resource management activities. Various functions of human resource management are explored including planning, staffing, training, compensation, motivation, employee development, benefits, performance evaluation, discipline, health and safety issues, employer-employee relationships, and compliance with employment laws.  Prerequisite: None

LEDR 311 Organizational Leadership (4 units)
An exploration of leadership as a critical skill for the 21st century, when change occurs rapidly and consistently. The objective is to be able to use leadership theory and assessment tools to evaluate one’s own leadership skills. Focus is on the leadership skills needed to develop committed and productive individuals and high-performing organizations (Prerequisite: BUS 1309 Management and Organization Theory)

MGMT 308 Principles of Management (4 units)
This course is a survey of the five basic functions included in the practice of management. Management in organizations’ theories, techniques, and concepts will be presented. The role of the manager in a technologically-oriented society will also be discussed.  Prerequisite: None

MGMT 309 Management and Organization Theory (4 units)
This course distinguishes the fundamental practices of sound management functions to the understanding of effective leadership. Organizations need both leadership and management understanding to function effectively in creating the learning organization. Students will learn to analyze and create plans for strategic management, and apply leadership concepts and approaches.  Prerequisite: None

MGMT 410 International Management (4 units)
A study of the accelerating internationalization of all business, this course introduces upper-division undergraduate students to all facets of international business within three broad subject areas: (1) the economic framework of international business, (2) the operating frameworks of multinational corporations, and (3) a framework for global strategic management. It uses case studies to illustrate concepts and methods.  Prerequisite: None

MGMT 420 Foundations of Entrepreneurship (4 units)
A study of entrepreneurship with particular reference to creating and starting a new venture. Emphasis on historical development of entrepreneurship, risk taking and entrepreneurship, innovation and marketing the plan, financial plan, organizational plan, going public, and legal issues for the entrepreneur.  Prerequisite: None

MGMT 430 Operations Management (4 units)
This course is a survey of the fundamental concepts of production and operations management. The course covers the use of quantitative methods and statistical techniques for forecasting, resource allocation, decision theory, capacity planning, project management, inventory management, and quality assurance.  Prerequisite: None

MGMT 434 Sustainable Supply Chain Operations (4 units)
Examination of how supply chain can be used to improve the sustainable operations of an organization. Specific topics would include the development and implementation of supply chain and organizational policies to meet the global requirements.

MGMT 450 Strategic Management (4 units)
A study of strategic management that focuses on integrating management, marketing, finance/accounting, production/operations, services, research and development, and information systems functions to achieve organizational success. The aim is to apply integrative analysis, practical application, and critical thinking to the conceptual foundation gained through previous study and personal experience. Emphasis is on developing an organizational vision and mission, developing and implementing strategic plans, and evaluating outcomes.  Prerequisite: None

MGMT 250 Business Plan (4 units)
The capstone course is designed to be the culminating work for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. It is an industry-sponsored, real-world project. This course is an interface between university- and work- environments. It is meant to prepare students to use the knowledge they gained during their academic studies and apply it in professional life. Through on-site work, each group of students will develop and provide a plan of action for the business they select. The plan must include: organizational culture, organizational structure, financial statements, marketing plans, operations objectives, marketing plans, advertising strategies, and human resource base, among other requirements, to plan a successful operation of a business. The projects will pertain to a business in any domain. In the process of completing the business plan, students will gain practical skills in group dynamics, public presentation skills, project management, and business behavior. A professional presentation of 15-20 minutes of the student's project is required at the end of the course.  Prerequisite: None

MKTG 289 Marketing Fundamentals (4 units)
An introductory course will study the functions of marketing in for profit service and product organization. The course will show how businesses and organizations use marketing techniques to create and promote image, develop product offerings, create banding, customer service and relations, consumer tracking, market research, vertical and horizontal integration, sales techniques, and sales management, and pricing strategies for positioning within the marketplace.  Prerequisite: None

MNSC 301 Introduction to Quantitative Analysis (4 units)
A survey of the fundamentals of management science. This course emphasizes the concepts and algorithmic techniques utilized in business and finance contexts in order to optimize the desired business outcomes.  Prerequisite: None

OBHV 110 Introduction to Organizational Behavior (4 units)
An introduction to the impact that individuals, groups, and structure have on behavior within organizations for the purpose of applying such knowledge toward improving an organizations effectiveness. The course will focus on work-related behavior with an emphasis on individual and group performance as it relates to organizational productivity and processes. A central theme will be the development of "people" skills to help all employees- staff, front-line supervision, and management- improve their effectiveness.  Prerequisite: None

BUSINESS ELECTIVES

ACC 103 Managerial Accounting (4 units)
This course is an overview of the use of financial accounting and cost accounting data for the design and preparation of reports to aid management in organizing, directing, controlling, and decision-making functions. The topics include the fundamentals of cost accounting, budgeting and responsibility accounting for cost and profit centers.  Prerequisite: None

BUS 150 Database Fundamentals (4 units)
This course emphasizes the use of database management software packages to access, manipulate, and create data files. Topics include data entry, data access, data manipulation, relational databases, database creation, and file documentation.  Prerequisite: None

BUS 120 Spreadsheet Fundamentals (4 units)
The course instructs students how to use electronic spreadsheet software in business applications. Students become proficient in creating and modifying spreadsheets in a business environment and in printing files that meet business standards. Topics include: spreadsheet concepts, data entry and modification, data analysis, analysis of charts and graphs, formatting data and content, and managing workbooks.  Prerequisite: None
BUS 246 Team Building and Interpersonal Dynamics (3 units)
An overview of the issues of quality applied to human resources management, topics include the delegation of authority and empowerment, work groups, team building, and employee involvement, reward/recognition programs and employee morale, and the importance of written and oral communication skill in the delegation, sharing, and execution of work. Students gain a clearer understanding of the ways the workplace is changing to improve productivity and profitability.

ECON 140 International Economics (4 units)
Students will apply what they have learned in previous economics courses to analyze the global economic environment. They will learn and apply the law of comparative advantage to understand how all people can gain from international trade. Trade agreements, such as GATT and NAFTA, will be discussed and analyzed. Students will learn about the currency markets and the different types of monetary systems.  Prerequisite: None

ECON 150 Economic Data Analysis (4 units)
This course prepares students for analysis of economic data found in secondary sources such as the World Bank, The International Monetary Fund (IMF), Organization of European Community for Development (OECD), and various U.S. government sources. Emphasis is placed on learning the basic tools of mathematical and statistical analysis with a goal to applying those tools to analyzing data for meaningful conclusion.  Prerequisite: None

LEDR 121 Conflict Negotiation (4 units)
Effective conflict resolution, bargaining and negotiation are addressed in this course as methods for improving the organizational effectiveness in the long term. A special focus will be placed upon creation of win-win solutions to real life organizational situations. Conflict will be examined as both a necessary and challenging workplace phenomena.  Prerequisite: None

MGMT 111 Intercultural Competence (4 units)
Overview of business communication and culture within the hospitality industry. Specifically, the ways that culture influences our communication patterns. This course will emphasize the development of both professional and personal relationships among people from different cultural backgrounds.  Prerequisite: None

MGMT 112 Global Development (4 units)
This course explores the synchronic and diachronic context for understanding human social processes in colonialism, globalization, and the current world order. Colonial and postcolonial issues such as inequality, resource competition, ethnic and national conflict, migration, and the transition from traditional subsistence-based communities to market-driven consumerism are illustrated.  Prerequisite: None

MGMT 121 Small Business Management (4 units)
An in-depth study of small to mid-sized companies with a view to preparing students for leadership roles. Emphasis on building and managing companies from the start-up phase to their growth and efficient operation. Problem solving strategies of managerial, legal and ethical issues and dilemmas particularly relevant to small business.  Prerequisite: None

MGMT 131 Service Operations (4 units)
This course provides a survey of the different types of services provided by organizations. Topics include similarities and differences between production of services and production of products, the wide variety of services produced, proportion of organizations' offerings that are services, and accountability and quality of services.  Prerequisite: None

MKTG 190 Social Media Marketing (4 units)
This course gives a foundation to the practical business applications of social media in a marketing world. Through Facebook, Linkedin, blogs, YouTube, Pinterest and other platforms, students discover that social media is for more than just making friends and that there are now only a few degrees of separation globally. Students learn that social media is about marketing at the right time, place and with the right message for existing as well as prospective customers with both legal and ethical behaviors.  Prerequisite: None

MKTG 194 Marketing Channels (4 units)
A study of all phases of management skills in the field of physical distribution with emphasis on customer service and international distribution strategies, the course covers distribution strategies for products and services. It pays specific attention to direct distribution (from manufacturing to retail), indirect distribution (agents, independent representatives, and VARs), and direct marketing (fulfillment centers).  Prerequisite: None

OBHV 112 Leadership and Organizational Change (4 units)
Examination of the application of leadership theory to groups that are diverse in gender, ethnicity, education, and functional expertise. The role of the leader in establishing effective collaboration among members; the decision making process and power will also be examined.  Prerequisite: None

OBHV 113 Theory and Practice of Organizational Development (4 units)
The course overviews how, why, and when to integrate the behavioral sciences with human resource management principles to increase individual and organizational effectiveness. Students will analyze, evaluate, and design relevant theories as they relate to practical application in the workplace.  Prerequisite: None