Friends University

Campus Programs

Using a unique blend of cross-disciplinary components, students will be prepared to enter or continue in the exciting and fast-paced field of business growth and development. The Business Management program includes components focused on managerial concepts as well as quantitative controls at both the strategic and operational levels through exploration in the disciplines of improved processes, quantitative decision-making, problem-solution development, information systems, accounting, business law, project development, communications, and marketing. Domestic and global aspects of business management in diverse cultures as well as ethical issues are integrated throughout various courses.

Mission Statement for the Business Management Major:

“Develop highly effective business professionals, empowered to achieve their educational goals”

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management provides you with the confidence and knowledge you need to get ahead in the challenging field of professional commerce. Held in the evenings, one night per week, classes take place on-site at the Friends University main campus in Wichita and at convenient regional locations including Topeka and Kansas City, as well as various community college campuses throughout the state of Kansas.

The Business Management curriculum provides relevant course work for today's strategic thinkers in business as well as for those aspiring to enhance their value within an organization. Today's business management professionals assume a broad range of responsibilities involving interpersonal activities, decision-making, the use of technology, strategic communications, and teamwork. Individuals in managerial positions are challenged to bring higher skills and knowledge to the workplace than ever before. Emphasis is placed on developing efficient and effective means of knowledge management as well as problem solving and critical-thinking skills.

Graduates of the Business Management major, along with their professional experience, could be qualified for a wide variety of management-related careers in small to large businesses, corporations, and governmental agencies or to meet education requirements leading to an MBA or other graduate degree in business.

Students advance through the major as a cohort of adults, with diverse backgrounds and experiential knowledge, in a highly supportive learning environment. You will also have access to Friends' extensive resources, including library and academic and support services.

Program Purpose Statement(s)

• To provide a learning environment that encourages open communication, collaboration, exploration of social and ethical differences, as well as the benefits of life-long learning
• To provide the opportunity for improved critical-thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and research analysis skills
• To encourage exploration in the application & evaluation of concepts and theories in actual business situations
• To provide a professional atmosphere that is appropriate for a diverse population of students

Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Business Management Program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of managerial concepts and quantitative controls in the business environment by satisfactorily completing specific course work.
2. Locate information sources applicable to meet the requirements within the major as well as select appropriate technologies to analyze and interpret data.
3. Use written and oral communication guidelines based upon APA style and accepted business practices to clearly express ideas, concepts, and demonstrate the ability to apply in the appropriate business setting.
4. Identify business opportunities/problems, develop alternative solutions, formulate plans to implement and evaluate solutions.

Friends University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In 2005, Friends University was accepted into the Higher Learning Commission's Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), a voluntary alternative process for maintaining accreditation by infusing the principles, practices and benefits of continual improvement into the University's culture.

Additionally, several of Friends University's programs are accredited by specific accrediting bodies:

• Friends University's Carnegie classification is Masters L.
• The Friends University Department of Music is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The requirements for entrance and for graduation are in accordance with the published regulations of the National Association of Schools of Music.
• The Teacher Education program at Friends University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This accreditation includes the undergraduate and graduate levels of professional education programs offered at the institution. In addition, the education programs at Friends University are approved by the Kansas State Department of Education.
• The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Friends University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).