Business, Marketing, and IT Education Degree

Educator preparation core (33 credit hours)

• EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education

  Credits: 3
  
  Description: Students are introduced to teaching as a profession through the historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations of educational systems. Students will explore various aspects of education, as well as their beliefs and values about teaching and learning through the exploration of professional knowledge, practice, and values. This course may include a field experience.

• EDU 245 Preparing for Level 2: Teacher Candidacy

  Credits: 0

  Description: This course is designed for students in Level 1 of WSC’s educator preparation programs who are progressing into Level 2. Students will receive valuable information including, but not limited to, admission, program progression, degree and certification requirements, the use of portfolio software, professional dispositions for success, etc.
  
  Notes: Graded S/NC

• EDU 250 Human Development and Cognition

  Credits: 3

  Description: Students construct a conceptual basis for understanding the growth and development of learners. Theories of physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development are explored in order to better understand the importance of the nurturing role of the teacher in human development and learning. Students begin to understand the human learning process and individual differences in how learners think and behave based on their unique characteristics. Students study theoretical models and the integration of models for planning and facilitating effective and differentiated experiences for diversified learners. This course will include field experience.

  Prerequisite: EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education
  Corequisite: EDU 245 Preparing for Level 2: Teacher Candidacy

• EDU 275 PK-12 Instructional Design

  Credits: 3

  Description: Students will practice instructional design methodologies or analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. To explore and learn to recognize their biases, including but not limited to sexism, racism, prejudice, and discrimination, students will develop an awareness of the impact such biases have on their interpersonal relations. Students will be challenged to reflect on how they can relate more effectively to other individuals and groups in a pluralistic society in order to promote equitable approaches to instructional design. This course fulfills the human relations component established by the Nebraska Department of Education. This course may include a field experience.

  Prerequisites: EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education and EDU 250 Human Development and Cognition must be taken concurrently or prior to this course.

• EDU 310 Reading, Writing, and Assessment in Content Areas

  Credits: 2

  Description: This course outlines the essentials of the reading processes and skills necessary for secondary students to become proficient learners of content, the incorporation of reading instruction into content delivery, and examination of the Nebraska Language Arts standards. The course also provides candidates with a solid foundation in educational assessment.

  Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)

• EDU 409 (Business Education) Content Area Methods and Assessment

  This course must be taken to meet the requirement for 3 semester hours of professional education coursework in pedagogical content knowledge.

  Credits: 3

  Description: This course examines the essential knowledge, skills, dispositions, and innovative applications of content needed for effective teaching in the 21st century. Specific content-area topics include instructional planning for differentiated instruction; effective strategies, techniques, materials, and assessment methods; reading and writing in the content area; classroom management; and the relationship of the content area to standards-based curriculum. To be taken concurrently with EDU 414 Content Area Practicum Experience.

  Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)

• EDU 414 Content Area Practicum Experience

  Credits: 1

  Description: This 80-clock hour minimum content specific clinical experience (60 hours in classroom plus 20 hours in activities related to teaching) is designed to induct students into classroom teaching and develop an awareness of the many roles of a professional educator. Under the mentorship of a practicing K-12 educator, students will assist/co-teach/teach. Students will also actively participate in school-related activities commonly encountered by professional educators.

  Prerequisites: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks), and successful completion or concurrent enrollment in EDU 409 Content Area Methods and Materials

• EDU 445 Preparing for Level 3: Clinical Practice

  Credits: 0

  Description: This course is designed for graduate students in Level 2 of WSC’s educator preparation program who are progressing into Level 3 and those completing clinical practice to change endorsement levels. Two virtual sessions will be held at the beginning of each academic session for graduate teacher candidates planning to student teach in the following semester. Graduate teacher candidates will attend one of the two virtual sessions to receive valuable information including, but not limited to, how to apply for Clinical Practice, an overview of Clinical Practice requirements, rules regarding placement choices and department approval requirements.
  
  Dual-listed: EDU 545
  Notes: Graded S/NC

• EDU 456 Clinical Practice and Seminar for the Secondary School

  Credits: 12

  Description: A semester course of full-day learning experiences in a secondary setting under the supervision of a cooperating 7-12 classroom teacher, a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and a faculty member from the appropriate content area. On-campus seminars will be offered periodically throughout the semester. This is the culminating experience of the secondary pre-service educator preparation program. Students in the Career Scholars Program will enroll for 3 credit hours in their first semester and 12 credit hours in their second semester (this course may be repeated by residency students only). All other students will enroll in 6 or 12 credit hours in one semester. Graded S/NC.

  Prerequisite: Acceptance to Clinical Practice (successful completion of Level 2 Benchmarks)

  Notes: Graded S/NC. Students in the Growing Together residency program will enroll for 3 credit hours in their first semester and 12 credit hours in their second semester (this course may be repeated by residency students only). All other students will enroll in 6 or 12 credit hours in one semester

• SPD 302 Inclusion and Co-teaching in General Education

  Credits: 3

  Description: The course will explore applications of methods and strategies within elementary and secondary settings to provide equitable learning opportunities within least restrictive learning environments for all students. An emphasis is placed on communication and collaboration among professionals and families to ensure the needs of all students are met.

  Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)

• SPD 435 Classroom Management through Social Emotional Learning 7-12

  Credits: 3

  Description: Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment; promotion of social competence; awareness of prosocial skills; and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of elementary learners.

  Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)

• BUS 122 Personal Finance in Modern Society

  Credits: 3

  Description: A study of how the interconnected socioeconomic, business, financial, and informational systems affect our personal lives as well as the culture in which we live. Students will be encouraged to develop and articulate a personal perspective on the financial aspects of their lives.

• BUS 208 Business Communications

  Credits: 3

  Description: Development of critical communication skills used in business and industry. Emphasis on assisting Business students to become more effective and efficient writers. Includes instructions, reports, memos, and letters.

  Prerequisite: ENG 102 Composition Skills

• BUS 222 Business Law I

  Credits: 3

  Description: Introduction to the study of law, the law of contracts, agency and employment, negotiable instruments, personal property and bailments, and the laws governing the sale of goods.

• BUS 240 Accounting I

  Credits: 3

  Description: A study of the role of accounting in the business environment. Emphasis is on applying basic terminology, concepts, processes, and outputs of the modern accounting system; development of an understanding of the nature and purpose of the major financial statements; and development of the ability to evaluate financial accounting information in problem-solving and decision making.

• BUS 241 Accounting II

  Credits: 3

  Description: Continuation of BUS 240 Accounting I. Emphasis is on further study of items reported within major financial statements and development of the ability to evaluate managerial accounting information in problem-solving and decision making.

  Prerequisite: BUS 240 Accounting I

• BUS 262 International Business

  Credits: 3

  Description: Survey of the problems and opportunities involved in conducting business operations across national boundaries. Analysis of the concepts, tools, institutions, and environmental factors controlling international flows of money, personnel, information, goods, and services.

• BUS 270 Principles of Marketing

  Credits: 3

  Description: This course facilitates students in conquering the essential concepts of product, price, promotion, distribution, segmentation, ethics, and social responsibility, while addressing the evolving digital and social media influences. The fundamentals will be stressed allowing for useful decision processes by managers while encouraging the development of the marketing specialist as one of the key decision makers in a firm. Marketing is critical to implementing strategy, gaining competitive advantages, and ensuring positive organizational results.

• BUS 307 Office Systems and Technologies

  Credits: 3

  Description: Business procedures applicable to the secretarial, office management, and/or business education professions. Emphasizes practical application of office skills and knowledge, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications in Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, OneNote, digital media, cloud computing, and emerging technologies.

• BUS 367 Foundations of Human Resource Management

  Credits: 3

  Description: This course identifies the foundations of human resources in an organizational setting. The course introduces students to the history of human resource management and its role and provides an overview of human resource management, including: workforce planning and employment; employee recruitment, selection, orientation, performance appraisals; human resource development; job analysis and design; compensation and benefits; employee relations; and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS).

• BUS 372 Selling and Sales Management

  Credits: 3

  Description: The philosophy and tools of relationship selling are stressed in this course. Use of current sales research with interactive direct sales techniques and training will develop the student's fundamental sales skills while providing the foundation for career advancement as a sales executive. The sales executive's duties and responsibilities include planning, recruiting, and training of the sales force.

  Prerequisites: BUS 270 Principles of Marketing

• BUS 374 Advertising and Integrated Marketing

  Credits: 3

  Description: Students will develop a foundation in the essentials of marketing within social media. Designing, developing, and creating social media marketing strategies and campaigns will be the focus of this course. Students will learn key marketing concepts utilizing the major and current social media platforms in the industry.

  Prerequisites: BUS 270 Principles of Marketing

• CED 423 Coordinating Techniques

  Credits: 3

  Description: The study of cooperative programs in career and technical education with emphasis in the areas of business, family and consumer sciences, and skilled and technical sciences. Comparative philosophies of career and technical (vocational) and general education and their relation in the comprehensive school program. Stresses the organization of the cooperative program, supervision techniques, functions of the coordinator, selection and placement of students, and the evaluation of training situations and vocational competencies.

• CIS 132 Principles of Computing and Information Systems

  Credits: 3

  Description: An introduction and overview of modern computer systems, software design, information systems, and related technologies. Topics include computer hardware, software, communications, introductory algorithm design, basic networking concepts, computer ethics, and various other timely topics from the fields of computer science and/or computer information systems.

• CIS 430 Management Information Systems

  Credits: 3

  Description: Emphasis is on providing breadth of knowledge in the organizational concepts and considerations surrounding the use of information systems technologies such as computer systems and communications systems. Topics include role of information systems in managerial functions, general systems theory, design and implementation of Management Information Systems (MIS), decision support systems, expert systems, and artificial intelligence.

• CSC 165 Introduction to Web Development

  Credits: 3

  Description: An introduction to the development and implementation of pages for the World Wide Web. Introductory use of web programming language(s) and web development tools will be introduced. This course will also address introductory-level development methodologies, layout, functionality, content creation, and basic content management.

• Marketing electives

  Select one of the following courses:

  • BUS 470 Marketing Management (3 credits) – The capstone marketing course designed to help the student with the transition to the marketing world. Included in the course will be current literature and research, in-depth study of marketing plans and strategies, and/or marketing cases / marketing simulations. Prerequisites: BUS 270 Principles of Marketing and completion of 105 semester credit hours
     
  • BUS 475 Consumer Purchasing and Motivation (3 credits) –Understanding a customer's needs, wants, trips, and triggers to buy will set apart the successful marketing professional. Students will expand upon their knowledge of marketing with social psychology and marketing research in identifying market segments and writing psychographic profiles to build effective customer relationships in a competitive business environment. Analyzing target market use of social media is a valuable source of information about the consumer. Attention is placed on recognizing market influences to help shape consumer purchasing preferences in successfully reaching the organization's marketing objectives. Prerequisites: BUS 270 Principles of Marketing
     
  • BUS 476 Omnichannel Retailing Management (3 credits) –Explores the various retail platforms of omnichannel retailing including ecommerce, social media networks, and brick-and-mortar retail. Focusing on key strategic issues that emphasize merchandise management, retail strategy, store management, online retailing, and retail promotions, students will gain an understanding of the importance of utilizing a multichannel retail platform. The use of both small and large retailers will be explored to stay abreast the current trends of retail. Prerequisites: BUS 270 Principles of Marketing
     
  • CIS 375 Introduction to E-Commerce (3 credits) - This course is an introduction to the world of electronic commerce and various other forms of electronic interaction. The course provides an overview of the basic technology of the internet and World Wide Web. It also discusses strategic, tactical, and operational issues faced by online business firms and various other types of organizations. Marketing, financing, infrastructure, choice of online business model, and many other considerations are explored.