Southern Christian University Academic Catalog

Amridge University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; Telephone number 404.679.4501) to award Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

Amridge University is authorized by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education to operate a private school pursuant to the Alabama Private School License Law.

Amridge University is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility.

Amridge University’s Turner School of Theology is an Associate Member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada.

Amridge University is authorized by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education to operate a private school pursuant to the laws of the State of Arizona.

Amridge University is authorized by the Idaho Higher Education Commission. This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility.

Amridge University is authorized by the Utah Higher Education Commission. This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility.

Amridge University is a 501(c) (3), non-profit corporation as determined by the United States Department of Treasury and incorporated in the State of Alabama.

Amridge University is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Amridge University is a private Christian university open to any qualified student. In a manner consistent with all applicable laws and regulations including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 or other federal, state or local laws, or executive orders, Amridge University does not discriminate in admission, employment or administration of its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap except where necessitated by specific religious tenets held by the institution.

In addition, in compliance with federal, state, or local laws, or executive orders, Amridge University does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs on the basis of religion, creed, ancestry, belief, age, or veteran status except where necessitated by specific religious tenets held by the institution. The University does maintain its religious freedom and rights. Inquiries concerning application of these statements should be directed to: Dr. Rex A. Turner, Jr, President, Amridge University, 1200 Taylor Road, Montgomery, AL 36117-3553.

PAPER AND ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS CATALOG PUBLISHED BY:

Amridge University

1200 Taylor Road

Montgomery, AL 36117-3553

Telephone Number: 800.351.4040

http://www.AmridgeUniversity.edu

The programs, policies, regulations, curricula, fees, and other information as set forth in this catalog are subject to change at any time at the discretion of Amridge University. Because of the possibility of change or undetected error, important points of fact and interpretation should be confirmed by the appropriate University official.

Section 10: Course Descriptions

This section includes a specification of course descriptions for all courses offered on a for credit basis at Amridge University. Exceptions may be noted in the respective sections for specific programs and services specified elsewhere in this publication, noted in later editions of this publication, and/or published addenda (paper- and web-based) [Version 1.3, Effective 9.23.2008].

UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

AR – ART

AR 1405 – Photography (4 Semester Hours)

An introductory course in photography which approaches the medium as an art form and unique means of human communication, as well as a technical skill. The student is introduced to basic mechanical principles of the camera, is shown how photography influences human perception and communication, and is taught guidelines and techniques for selecting the content and structure of photographs. Students are given specific photographic assignments throughout the course.

AR 1409 – Art Appreciation (4 Semester Hours)

An introduction to great works of art from all over the world, as well as an observer’s introduction to the artistic process of critical thinking and problem solving. Perceptual skills will be enhanced to encourage insight and understanding of the visual experience.

AR 1415 – Art History (4 Semester Hours)

A survey of visual arts of the west.

BS – BUSINESS

BS 1401 – Introduction to Business (4 Semester Hours)

A comprehensive view of the contemporary business environment that delves into the complex functions of a business, exposing students to the detailed internal and external operations affecting both large and small businesses. The course encompasses five general areas: foundation and forms of American business; organization and management of a business; the internal workings of a business; the environment of a business; and the challenges of business. Many of the

principles and methods included can be applied to the administration of the local church. A research paper is required.

BS 1403 – Business Math (4 Semester Hours)

An innovative business mathematics course that focuses on the math that students encounter in their professional and personal lives. The content begins with mathematical foundations and basic business concepts, then moves on to mathematics of retailing, mathematics of finance, business accounting concepts, and communication with numbers.

BS 1405 – Computers in Business (4 Semester Hours)

This foundations course provides skills training and assessment for a broad range of computing concepts and techniques, including competency in computer hardware and software, operating systems, word processing and spreadsheet functions, networks and the Internet, electronic mail, and an understanding of the impact of computing and the Internet in society.

BS 1406 – Accounting Principles I (4 Semester Hours)

An introduction to analysis and recording of business transactions; accounting for sales, purchases, cash disbursements, and receivables; includes end-of-fiscal period work, adjustments, financial statements, and closing procedures. Prerequisite: CO1405

BS 1410 – Contemporary Issues in American Business (4 Semester Hours)

Students in the course will study management techniques and their application to issues of the workplace. Organizations and management evolve to meet social and technical changes. Organizations and managers face various issues today and must be able to adjust continually. This course will explore the issues that effect how organizations and managers adapt. A research paper is required. Prerequisite: CO1405

BS 2400 – e-Commerce (4 Semester Hours)

This course introduces the model for conducting business-to-business and business-to-consumer electronic transactions. Major topics include the Basis of the Internet, Entrepreneurship, Creation of a Business Plan, Financing, Web Site Design, and e-Business management. An e-business plan is required.

BS 2405 – Principles of Organizational Behavior (4 Semester Hours)

This course emphasizes the fundamental concepts of organizational behavior. Emphasizes the human problems and behavior in organizations and methods of dealing with these problems. Focuses on motivation, informal groups, power and politics, communication, ethics, conflict resolution, employment laws, technology and people, and managing change.

BS 2406 – Accounting Principles II (4 Semester Hours)

This course is a continuation of BS 1406 addressing accounting concepts, assumptions, and principles. This course progresses to evaluation of accounting data for merchandise inventory, deferrals and accruals, plant assets, intangibles, payables, and payroll. Introduces accounting for corporations as related to stocks, bonds, and corporate earnings. Introduces partnership accounting and, in addition, introduces the statement of cash flows. Prerequisite: BS 1406.

BS 2408 – Management: Theory, Practices and Application (4 Semester Hours)

This course is explores the field of management in theory and practice and as both a science and an art. The course also addresses the role of managers in the current world of rapid change, increased competitive forces, and increased expectations for the successful performance of employees and organizations. The focus is on ways and means of achieving desired goals. The student will leave this course with a solid background in the nature and work of management and managers.

BS 2410 – Business Policy (4 Semester Hours)

Provides opportunities for students to integrate management principles, techniques, and theories by applying previously acquired knowledge of accounting, law, personnel, economics, and statistics. Utilizes cases from the federal government and private industry with emphasis on problem identification, analysis, business, and decision-making within the organization.

BS 2412 – Financial Management (4 Semester Hours)

This course teaches the concepts and skills of financial planning within a business. The student will be learning how to use financial statements and how to plan appropriate action. The student will prepare budgets, analyze investment options, and determine the best means of financial business endeavors. The student will also discover ways of assessing both the return and the risk involved in business finance decisions. A research paper is required.

BS 2418 – Marketing: Principles and Practices (4 Semester Hours)

This course involves the role of marketing within the total organization. The major areas of study include: the consumer and industrial markets, research techniques, product decisions, and customer motivation. A research paper is required.

BS 2420 – Principles of Marketing (4 Semester Hours)

An introduction to the fundamentals of marketing that cover product development, distribution, promotion, and pricing, with emphasis on developing a managerial point of view in planning and evaluating marketing decisions. Addresses key marketing concepts such as consumer decision making, market segmentation, and development strategies and their significance in domestic and international activities.

BS 2430 – Principles of Finance (4 Semester Hours)

Study of the finance function of the firm. Topics include financial statement analysis, ratios, cash budgeting, cost of capital and capital budgeting, debt and equity, capital structures, types and evaluation of securities, and overview of securities markets. Also addresses the effects of multinational operations, multiple currencies, international tax laws, money and capital markets, and political risk environments.

BS 3400 – Leadership and Organizational Dynamics (4 Semester Hours)

Human beings are social by nature and, as a result, spend much of their time in groups. On a large scale, group theory can be applied to the scope of organizations, where individuals join together to form a complex organizational structure. This course blends current and traditional management topics and organizes them around the functional or process approach to the study of management. The course addresses the fundamentals of management by focusing on the manager, international management, information technology, ethics and social responsibility, planning and decision making, organizing, leading, and controlling. A research paper is required.

BS 3401 – Principles of Management (4 Semester Hours)

A survey of the functions of modern management, planning, leading, organizing, and controlling. Contemporary management highlights the functions, inter-relations, and context of what managers do every day.

BS 3405 – Business Statistics (4 Semester Hours)

This course introduces the concepts of statistics and their applications to business decisions. Topics include hypothesis testing, elements of probability, descriptive statistics, random samples, and point and interval estimation. Emphasis is on collection and analysis of data needed to evaluate reported results of statistical studies and to make sound business decisions in accounting, finance, marketing, management, and economics.

BS 3406 – Financial Accounting (4 Semester Hours)

This course covers the fundamentals of financial accounting. Topics include measurement, identification, and the reporting of financial events on a business. Financial information is examined from the perspective of effective management decision-making with emphasis on planning and controlling. Prerequisite: BS 2406.

BS 3415 – Basic Accounting Principles (4 Semester Hours)

This course focuses on accounting concepts, principles, and terminology. Emphasis is on the accounting cycle and equation as they relate to different types of business ownership. Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate accounting procedures used in a proprietorship, partnership, and corporation.

BS 3420 – Accounting for the Non-Accountant (4 Semester Hours)

A review of accounting principles from a manager’s position with an emphasis on the effect of transactions on a financial statement, how to interpret the financial statement, how to make objective accounting decisions that will assist a manager in making satisfactory business and economic decisions.

BS 3425 – Introduction to Accounting (4 Semester Hours)

An introductory course for persons interested in learning accounting principles.

BS 3427 – Introduction to Managerial Accounting (4 Semester Hours)

This course is a continuation of Basic Accounting Principles (BS 3415). This course prepares students to understand the internal accounting procedures of how costs flow through the system. Although emphasis is on a manufacturing environment, the information learned can be applied to all types of businesses including governmental and non-profit organizations. Perquisites: BS 3415 and BS 3420.

BS 3430 – Business Law (4 Semester Hours)

An overview of business law and the world of business as it relates to contracts and the legal system. Topics treated include the law of sales, commercial paper, agency, property, legal government regulations and environmental topics, employment practices, reorganization and liquidation under the bankruptcy laws, and consumer and environment protection.

BS3434 Current Issues in International Business (4 credit hours)

This course is designed for non-business majors. This course will examine current trends in the for-profit and non-profit global business environment and issues facing international companies of various regions around the world. While providing an excellent foundational awareness for business majors this course presents a broad overview of international business issues and trends, is non-technical in nature, and therefore especially beneficial for the non-business major. A research paper is required.

BS 3440 – Economic Environment of Organizations (4 Semester Hours)

Economics is not only an academic discipline with its own body of theoretical insights and empirical data, but it is also a way of thinking. Introduces economic approaches to thinking and managerial decision-making, specifically focusing on the challenges of aggressive international competition and fast paced technological innovation. In addition, students are challenged to reflect on how economic thinking illuminates specific social problems facing the United States and the world.

BS 3442 – Effective Decision-Making Strategies (4 Semester Hours)

This course equips students with concrete skills in critical thinking and decision making that will allow them to identify and solve organizational problems, as well as provide strategic direction. Emphasis is placed on preparing students to deal clearly, rationally, and creatively with a diverse workforce and dynamic workplace. A research paper is required.

BS 3450 – Business Policy and Strategy (4 Semester Hours)

This course focuses on the formal decision making process called “strategic management.” The primary course objective is to acquaint student with the process of developing a business strategy and how to implement that strategy. Case studies are an integral part of the course. A research paper is required.

BS 4406 – Managerial Accounting (4 Semester Hours)

This course looks at how users of financial information interpret accounting reports when making business decisions. Emphasis is on profitability concepts and performance evaluation. A research paper is required. Prerequisite: BS 3406

BS 4420 – Wireless Technologies in Business Applications (4 Semester Hours)

An in-depth course in the technology of wireless communications and their respective business applications. Specific content includes treatment of fundamentals to advanced concepts, hands-on projects of various levels of difficulty, and the design of business operations utilizing wireless technologies. This course will require a minimum of one design project. Prerequisite: CO 3424.

BS 4423 – Research Seminar III (4 Semester Hours)

In this seminar, complete the research project continued from BS 4422. This phase involves analysis of the research data, development of a final research report and presentation of the findings.

BS4435 The International Business Environment (4 credit hours)

This course is designed for business majors. The course will examine the political, economic, and cultural environment including the topics of international trade and global financial markets, investments, and exchange rates. This course will also cover global corporate strategy and organizational structure and how firms carry out their production, supply chain, human resource, marketing and financial management activities. The impact of regionally diverse cultural and ethical issues on these management activities will be covered as well. A research paper is required.

BS 4444 – Project Management (4 Semester Hours)

This course is a study of total project management. The student will prepare to plan, design, staff, allocate resources, develop project time line and lead personnel in project development and implementation

BS 4446 – Technology Enhanced Business Marketing (4 Semester Hours)

This course is a study of the use of technology that can be utilized to help business marketing. Through this course, the student will learn about technology-related advertising and Marketing, Online and Offline Market Research, Data Collection, Domain Names, Advertising Options, Email Marketing, Search Engines, Web Site Monitoring, Incentives. Research paper required.

BS 4448 Human Resource Management Effectiveness (4 semester hours)

Human resource management is the study of managing a workforce to perform at optimum capacity. The Human Resource Management Effectiveness course focuses on the positive effects that an effective human resource management strategy may have on organizational culture, job satisfaction, recruitment and retention, and organizational performance. Students will select an organization and complete a Human Resource Management Audit of existing HR management practices and extrapolate the effects of alternate HR management practices on the organization and its performance in the marketplace.

BS 4450 – Organizational Communication (4 Semester Hours)

This course demonstrates how essential communication is in conjunction with the practices that each organization, both for profit and not-for-profit, can employ to become more efficient and effective in everyday activities. While strengthening reading, writing, and presentation skills, topics presented include basic communication principles, interpersonal communication with in the organizational structure, literacy and employee communication, current and controversial issues including ethical issues, crisis communication management, and the effects of emerging communication technologies. A research paper is required.

BS 4452 – e-Portfolio in General Business (4 Semester Hours)

Note: This is a capstone course that should be taken at the end of the program. The program exit exam will be administered as part of this course. As a general business student you must be able to integrate the knowledge and skills you have learned in other administration and business courses such as accounting, finance, marketing, and management. (E-Portfolio in General Business should be the last course taken in the Bachelor of Science, General Business degree program). Prerequisite: Within 12 hours of graduation.

BS 4453 – e-Portfolio in Information Communication (4 Semester Hours)

Note: This is a capstone course that should be taken at the end of the program. The program exit exam will be administered as part of this course. As a capstone course utilizing products and learned concepts from concentration specific courses including starting a business – real or simulated, writing a business plan, developing operating instructions, constructing a budget, building a web site to advertise, determining number of employees, outfitting the company with hardware and software, designing brochures, creating an advertising plan) using skills/concepts learned throughout this program. Prerequisite: Within 12 hours of graduation.

BS 4454 – e-Portfolio in Information Systems Management (4 Semester Hours)

Note: This is a capstone course that should be taken at the end of the program. The program exit exam will be administered as part of this course. A personal and professional development course, e-Portfolio in Information Systems Management will require a student with Senior Standing to prepare a full, professional portfolio of the student’s go