2017-2018 Graduate Academic Catalog

2017–18 Graduate Academic Catalog Page 53 Graduate-Level Course Descriptions BTPA-6450 – ECS-7900 BTPA-6450 Christian Apologetics 3 hours The need for disciples of Jesus to be courageous and clear about what they believe is being felt throughout the evangelical world. How will Christians engage a world that increasingly sees truth as a personal construct instead of an objective reality provided by a Creator? This course will equip students to discern faulty assertions made about the Christian faith, exposure to different streams of apologetics, and tools for active Gospel engagement with competing belief systems. (dual-listed with BTPA-3450 Christian Evidences and Apologetics) Business Administration (BUS) BUS-6100 Managerial Data Analysis 3 hours This course equips students to use statistical techniques to analyze and evaluate organizational data. Key topics of the course include: hypothesis testing, simple linear regression, multiple regression, time series forecasting, process control, and data mining. Emphasis will be made on the practical application of statistical tools and techniques within an organizational context. For operations management concentration, take BUS-6300 Operations Research. Prerequisites: undergraduate or equivalent competency in Business Statistics. BUS-6110 Global Business Perspectives 3 hours This course incorporates learning experiences in contrasting economies and integrates opportunities to learn about the social, economic, political, and cultural issues affecting the ways business is conducted around the world. This course includes visits to foreign corporations and exposure to different cultural settings. This course typically requires a minimum of eight participants (students) for the travel abroad segment. Prerequisites: undergrad or equivalent competency in Microeconomics. BUS-6300 Operations Research 3 hours This course provides an analytical and mathematical approach to model building and develops a sound conceptual understanding of the role Operations Research and Management Science play in support of the business decision-making process. The focus will be descriptive models using a variety of techniques like linear programming, nonlinear optimization, decision analysis, simulation, and project scheduling. BUS-7100 Directed Research 3 hours This course provides an opportunity to explore areas not covered in normal course structure or provides a focused project that enhances the learning experience. The topic and project outline must have prior approval by the assigned faculty member and the director of each program involved. With instructor permission, this course may be extended until the end of the next semester. Prerequisites: undergrad or equivalent competency in Microeconomics; FIN-6500 Executive Financial Management; MGMT-6710 Organizational Design and Behavior; MRKT-6200 Strategic Marketing Planning. E Economics (ECON) ECON-6400 Managerial Economics 3 hours This managerial economics course studies the role of economic theory in management analysis and decisions incorporating a Christian ethical context. This course is about economic principles and their relevance to business decision-making. We will explore the interaction of information, economic incentives, and market competition and how these interact to determine prices, products available, profits, and patterns of trade and organization. At the end of this course, students should be able to understand how basic economic reasoning can lead to improved managerial decisions. Prerequisite: BUS-6100 Managerial Data Analysis; or BUS-6300 Operations Research; undergraduate or equivalent competency in microeconomics. ECON-6450 Economics of Government Policy 3 hours This course provides a review of the macroeconomic instruments of public policy (both fiscal and monetary) and an overview of the implication to business decisions. Monetary policy will review tools of the central bank, a historical examination of the evolution of monetary policy, and the current state of monetary theory. The linkage between monetary policy and debt finance will be examined, and contemporary public finance issues will be explored. Monetary and fiscal policy impacts on interest rates, credit availability, and exchange rates will be assessed. Finally, collective decision-making will be examined with an introduction to public choice theory. Prerequisite: ECON-6400 Managerial Economics. Education Curriculum Studies (ECS) ECS-6550 Special Topics in Curriculum 1–2 hours This course offers focused instruction and project work on a current or special topic in curriculum, often provided as part of a school inservice, teachers’ convention, or specially scheduled course. Students may earn up to four credits. ECS-7000 CurriculumTheory: Analysis and Design 2 hours This course studies the philosophical basis, theoretical models, and instructional considerations necessary in curriculum design and construction. Emphasis will be given to the necessity of identifying assumptions underlying curriculum decisions, ascertaining and developing curriculum to meet the needs of various types of students, and aligning instructional techniques with curriculum goals and objectives. The historical foundations of curriculum and the role of leadership in curriculum change are also addressed. ECS-7100 2 hours CurriculumTheory: Implementation and Evaluation This course offers a study of the theoretical models, instructional considerations, and administrative issues involved in the implementation and evaluation of curriculum. Emphasis is given to the process of curriculum implementation at the district and school level and the evaluation of curriculum effectiveness in light of specified goals. Prerequisite: ECS-7000 Curriculum Theory: Analysis and Design. ECS-7900 3 hours Applied Research Project in Curriculum, Instructional, and Personnel Development Students will complete an approved applied research project designed in conjunction with a faculty advisor and/or an external mentor. The project must take place in an appropriate educational setting. The research project will be documented by a multi-media presentation and written report which will be suitable for the portfolio. Prerequisite: EDU-7200 Research Design.