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Sandra A. Vannoy, Dean

Mission

The Walker College of Business offers undergraduate and master’s level business programs at Appalachian State University, a public, comprehensive university in the University of North Carolina system of higher education. Our mission is to offer high quality educational experiences preparing our students to be responsible, effective leaders and professionals in a rapidly changing, global environment. To accomplish this, our focus is on instructional excellence, complemented by scholarship in practice, theory and pedagogy, and service activities that benefit the business discipline and the broader community.

Vision

The Walker College of Business aspires to have nationally recognized undergraduate business programs and select graduate programs with strong regional reputations.

Values

In fulfilling our mission and pursuing our vision, the college will:

- Support a commitment to honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior
- Seek quality, innovation, and efficiency in our efforts
- Cultivate meaningful student-faculty relationships so that each can learn, grow, and be fulfilled in their work
- Provide opportunities for multicultural learning and experiences
- Maintain a supportive, collegial learning environment that respects individuals and their uniqueness, preserves academic freedom, and promotes interdisciplinary efforts

Departments

Accounting  

Computer Information Systems   

Economics  

Finance, Banking and Insurance  

Management  

Marketing & Supply Chain Management  

NOTE: Students are advised to check with the department of their intended major early in their studies. Meeting graduation requirements is the student’s responsibility.

Degrees Offered

Through the Walker College of Business, students can obtain the following degrees:

1. Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), with majors in Accounting; Computer Information Systems; Economics; Finance and Banking; Hospitality and Tourism Management; International Business; Management; Marketing; Risk Management and Insurance; Supply Chain Management
2. Bachelor of Arts in Economics (BA)
3. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
4. Master of Science (MS) in Accounting
5. Master of Science (MS) in Applied Data Analytics

Academic Advising Services

Academic Advising for declared business majors and Bachelor of Arts in Economics majors is available through the College of Business Undergraduate Advising Center in 2126 Peacock Hall. Students should visit the College of Business Undergraduate Advising website (www.businessadvising.appstate.edu/) to make arrangements to meet with an advisor once they have declared their major in the College of Business.

Declared business majors and Bachelor of Arts in Economics majors who want to change/add/delete a business major or any minor/certificate must meet with a business advisor to begin the process. Students pursuing a major in another degree granting college who want to change/add a business major must also meet with a business advisor to begin this process.

Students are not assigned a specific advisor but rather may sign up to see any available advisor; however, neither advisement by a representative of the College of Business nor transference of records to the College constitutes admission to the College.

Although academic advising is available for all students, the final responsibility for meeting requirements for graduation remains with the student. Students should arrange to have a senior check the semester before expected graduation (or the semester prior to the last semester of course work for students planning an internship or study abroad during their last semester). Students must apply to graduate through their AppalNet accounts. Graduation application deadlines are provided by the Registrar’s Office.

Declaring a Business Major and Admission to the Walker College Of Business

To officially declare a business major and transfer records to the Walker College of Business, a student must meet the following requirements:

1. Obtain credit for at least 30 semester hours
2. Obtain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0
3. Obtain credit for R_C 1000  or an equivalent course and obtain credit for or be currently enrolled in UCO 1200  or an equivalent course if not waived by the University
4. Complete the online major declaration form through his/her Appalnet account or, if enrolled in a degree granting college, meet with a business advisor in the Walker College of Business.

To be admitted to the Walker College of Business, a student must:

1. Obtain credit for at least 45 semester hours
2. Obtain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.6 based on at least twelve graded semester hours at Appalachian State University
3. Remove all grades “I” (incomplete) from her/his academic record. Students with outstanding grades of “I” will NOT be admitted to Walker College of Business.
4. Obtain credit for R_C 1000  or an equivalent course with a minimum grade of “C” (2.0).
5. Obtain credit for MAT 1035  with a minimum grade of “C-” (1.7) (MAT 1030  or MAT 1110  can substitute)
6. Obtain credit for the following College of Business courses with a minimum grade of “C-” (1.7) in each course: ACC 2100 , CIS 1060 , ECO 2030  
7. Obtain credit for BUS 2001  with a minimum grade of “C” (2.0).

Special Note About Enrollment in Upper Level Business Courses

Enrollment in 3000/4000 level courses in the Walker College of Business is limited to business majors admitted to the College of Business. An exception is allowed for other students, including business majors not yet admitted to the College of Business, to take a maximum of five business courses at the 3000-level or above, including graduate-level courses (unless more are specifically listed as required on the Program of Study for a non-business major, a required concentration, or a required minor). No exceptions beyond this will be allowed.

Please see course descriptions for important prerequisite information for 3000 level and 4000 level business courses.

Business majors are encouraged to complete all admission requirements by the beginning of the junior year. Students who are not admitted to the College of Business will not be allowed to early register for more than five business courses at the 3000-level or above, including graduate-level business courses, even if they anticipate they will be admitted to the College of Business by the beginning of the next semester. Non business majors must get a permit from the College of Business Undergraduate Advising Office to register for any business courses at the 3000-level or above in excess of the five allowed, when required on the program of study.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)

In order for a student to earn the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, the following requirements must be met:

1. Satisfy all of the Walker College of Business admission requirements listed above.
2. Meet the following grade-point average requirement:

• All majors are required to obtain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.6 in order to be admitted to the College of Business.
• All majors are required to obtain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in order to graduate.
• All majors are required to obtain a GPA of at least 2.0 in the courses in the WCOB Lower Level Core in order to graduate.
• All majors are required to obtain a GPA of at least 2.0 in the courses in the WCOB Upper Level business core in order to graduate.
• Accounting majors are required to obtain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the 27 semester hours of required courses and major electives in the Accounting major. This does not include ACC 2100  or ACC 2110 , which are business core courses, or any course taken to fulfill a 3000/4000 level COB elective.
• Computer Information Systems majors are required to obtain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the 24 semester hours of required courses and major electives in the Computer Information Systems major. This does not include CIS 2050 , which is a prerequisite to many CIS major courses, or any course taken to fulfill a 3000/4000 level COB elective.
• Economics majors are required to obtain a minimum average GPA of 2.0 in the 15 hours of required courses and major electives in the Economics major. This does not include ECO 2030 , ECO 2040 , ECO 2100  or ECO 2200 , which are business core courses, or any course taken to fulfill a 3000/4000 level COB elective.
• Finance and Banking majors are required to obtain a minimum average GPA of 2.0 in the 24 hours of required courses and major electives in the Finance and Banking major. This does not include FIN 3680 , which is a business core course, or any course taken to fulfill a 3000/4000 level COB elective.
• Hospitality and Tourism Management majors are required to obtain a minimum average GPA of 2.0 in the 30 hours of required courses and major electives in the Hospitality and Tourism Management major. This does not include MGT 3630  or MGT 4750 , which are business core courses, or any course taken to fulfill a 3000/4000 level COB elective.
• International Business majors are required to obtain a minimum average GPA of 2.0 in the 15 hours of required courses and IB major electives in the International Business major. The IB major GPA does not include any course taken to fulfill a 3000/4000 level approved elective. International Business majors are also required to obtain a 2.0 grade-point average in the 15 semester hours of foreign language required in the BSBA degree in International Business in order to graduate.
• Management majors are required to obtain a minimum average GPA of 2.0 in the 24 hours of required courses and major electives in the Management major. This does not include MGT 3630  or MGT 4750 , which are business core courses, or any course taken to fulfill a 3000/4000 level COB elective.
• Marketing majors are required to obtain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the 21 semester hours of required courses and major electives in the Marketing major. This does not include MKT 3050 , which is a business core course, or any course taken to fulfill a 3000/4000 level COB elective.
• Risk Management & Insurance majors are required to obtain a minimum average GPA of 2.0 in the 21 hours of required courses and major electives in the Risk Management and Insurance major. This does not include FIN 3680 , which is a business core course, or any course taken to fulfill a 3000/4000 level COB elective.

4. Obtain credit for the University-wide general education curriculum. Students can count ECO 2030  and ECO 2040  (Liberal Studies requirement), MAT 1035  and one hour of ECO 2100  (Quantitative Literacy courses), CTE 3340  or ENG 3100  [Junior Writing in the Discipline (WID) courses], and BUS 4000  (Senior Capstone Experience in the major) in both general education and major requirements.
5. Obtain credit for the following 18 semester hours of WCOB Lower Level Core courses, with an overall grade point average of at least 2.0:
   • ACC 2110  with a minimum grade of “C-” (1.7)
   • ECO 2040  with a minimum grade of “C-” (1.7)
   • ECO 2100  with a minimum grade of “C-” (1.7) (STT 2810 or STT 2820 can substitute)
   • ECO 2200  (STT 3820 can substitute)
   • LAW 2150  with a minimum grade of “C-” (1.7)
   • R_C 2001  with a minimum grade of “C” (2.0)
6. Obtain credit for following 19 semester hours of WCOB Upper Level Core with an overall grade point average of at least 2.0: CTE 3340  (WID) or ENG 3100  (WID), FIN 3680 , MGT 3630 , MKT 3050 , SCM 3650 , MGT 4750 , and BUS 4000  (CAP).
7. Satisfy the Global Issues requirement through one of the following:
   • International business course (ACC 3585 , ACC 3590 , ACC 4710 , ACC 4730 , BUS 4065 , CIS 3620 , CIS 3820 , CIS 4760 , ECO 3410 , ECO 3430 , ECO 4640 , ENT 3190 , ENT 3600 , FIN 3350 , FIN 4750 , FIN 4800 , HOS 3100  , MGT 3670 , MGT 3800 , MKT 4550 , SCM 3680 , SCM 3690 , or others upon approval)
   • Business faculty led study abroad (minimum 3 hours)
   • Semester long study abroad for credit
   • Full-time 400-hour minimum international internship for credit
   • Foreign language courses at or above the 3000 level
8. Obtain credit for 27-39 semester hours of major requirements including business electives (refer to the program of study).
9. Obtain credit for 2-13 semester hours of electives as required for the specific major (refer to the program of study).
10. A minor is not required for the BSBA degree (except for the BSBA in International Business, which requires either a minor in an approved foreign language, or a minimum of 15 semester hours at the 2000 level or above in the selected language if no minor is available at ASU); however, a business major may minor in any of the following:
    • any minor outside of the College of Business
    • Accounting (except accounting majors)
    • Computer Information Systems (except Computer Information Systems majors)
    • Hospitality and Tourism Management (except Hospitality and Tourism Management majors)
    • International Business (except International Business majors)
    • Marketing Professional Selling (except Marketing: Sales majors)
    • Supply Chain Management (except Supply Chain Management majors)
    • Advanced Entrepreneurship, Business Analytics, Employee Benefits, Human Resource Management, Sustainable Business
11. Completion of all University residency requirements. At least 50 percent of the business credit hours required for the BSBA degree must be completed IN RESIDENCE at Appalachian
12. Compliance with regulations concerning the settlement of all expense accounts
13. Recommendation of the faculty

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics is a non business major offered through the Walker College of Business.

Laptop Requirement

A laptop computer is required in all Walker College of Business programs. Please see the website business.appstate.edu/students for specific hardware information. Students have access to discounted hardware and software available through the University Bookstore and on‐line resources. 

Transfer Credit Policy

The Walker College of Business (WCOB) does not award transfer credit for courses taken at the freshman or sophomore level toward courses offered at the junior or senior level at Appalachian State University.

Transfer credit for courses that were taken at the junior or senior level from an AACSB International-accredited business program at a four-year university will be considered. Students must present the following to the departmental chair of the relevant academic program in the ASU Walker College of Business: the catalog course description and/or other course materials as requested by the departmental chair. Provided ASU’s Residency Requirements and course grade requirements are met, the final decision to award transfer credit rests with the departmental chair.

Requests for exceptions to the WCOB’s transfer credit policy should be directed to the relevant departmental chair.

Honors Program in the Walker College of Business

The Walker College of Business (WCOB) offers an honors program for selected students who have distinguished themselves with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.4. To graduate with WCOB Honors, students must attain a minimum 3.4 GPA in all WCOB Honors courses and a minimum 3.4 cumulative GPA. The program consists of a minimum of nine (9) semester hours of business courses at the honors level and an honors thesis during the junior and senior years. Its purpose is to provide honors students with a more intellectually stimulating environment and a broader range of academic experiences in a smaller classroom setting than can be provided in a traditional academic program. Students must earn a grade of ‘B’ (3.0 grade points) or higher on all honors coursework taken to fulfill any honors requirements.

International Business Studies

The Walker College of Business offers numerous international business opportunities which include specialized courses, study abroad programs, and international internships. It is designed to assist students in developing skills needed to compete in world markets and to contribute to their preparation for careers in export marketing and export sales management, global sourcing, international finance and banking, international economics, international accounting and management of a multinational firm.

International Business Major

The BSBA degree in International Business is available to students interested in pursuing a more intensive, internationally focused curriculum that includes developing foreign language competency, heightened cultural awareness and multi-disciplinary business training with an international focus.

Undergraduate Minor in International Business

Business Study Abroad Programs

The interdependence of the U.S. economy with economies of other nations has made today’s business environment global. Changes in worldwide communications and distribution technologies have made the delivery of products and services from virtually any place in the world competitive on a time and cost basis with local businesses. Consequently, business leaders must incorporate an international dimension in their decision-making to be successful in this rapidly changing world. Therefore, the Walker College of Business strongly encourages its students to broaden their global vision through study abroad programs.

Students may complete short-term faculty led study abroad trips or one or two sessions of summer school in business study abroad. The College offers programs on a demand basis in many counties including, but not limited to, Brazil, Cuba, China, England, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Thailand, and Vietnam. Before departure, students meet regularly to study the country’s geography, economic, demographic and political trends, cultural differences and, where required, to learn simple expressions in a foreign language. While overseas, students have the opportunity of visiting foreign firms, government agencies and international banking, insurance and commercial centers besides cultural and historical attractions.

The College promotes interdisciplinary study abroad programs and has conducted programs in partnership with foreign languages and art. More importantly, the College’s study abroad programs are dynamic. We are constantly exploring and developing new opportunities for studying in other countries or jointly with other disciplines.

Since international study produces students with greater flexibility and adaptability in meeting the challenges of today’s economic environment, the College wants to make available this opportunity to as many students as possible. Therefore, the business study abroad programs are designed to be affordable alternatives to summer school for Appalachian students and the College provides a limited number of scholarships to help students participate in these programs.

William R. Holland Fellows Program for Business Study in Asia

Established in 1997, the Holland Fellows Program provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Walker College of Business students to join students from China in classes and on project assignments, as a way of learning about Chinese business practices and culture. Twelve students are selected in October and, after intensive study during the spring semester, travel to China in May.

Undergraduate Minor in Business Analytics

The Business Analytics minor (15 hours) is available to all BSBA majors. The minor is designed for business majors who want to strengthen their abilities to use data to make better business decisions. The minor aims to provide students with skills in collecting and managing data, designing experiments, programming, detecting patterns in data (e.g., data mining and data visualization), and using data to test predictive models and hypotheses.

Undergraduate Minor in General Business (for non-business majors only)

Students not majoring in the Walker College of Business may earn a General Business minor by completion of 18 semester hours of coursework.

Minors for non-business majors

Are also available in accounting, computer information systems, digital marketing, economics, employee benefits, entrepreneurial studies, hospitality and tourism management, human resource management, international business, marketing, marketing: sales, supply chain management and sustainable business. The entrepreneurial studies minor is administered by the Department of Management; the Supply Chain Management minor is administered by the Department of Marketing & Supply Chain Management. No more than one business minor can be declared by a non-business major.

Graduate Degrees

The Walker College of Business offers three master’s degrees: the Master of Business Administration (MBA), the Master of Science (MS) in Accounting, and the Master of Science (MS) in Applied Data Analytics. In addition, the College participates in a program leading to the Master of Arts degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management. Students interested in graduate work in the College of Business are encouraged to talk with the directors of these programs. For additional information, please refer to the Graduate Bulletin.

Scholarships

The Walker College of Business offers several scholarships to entering freshmen business students. For all renewable business scholarships, a student must maintain good academic standing to retain the scholarship. The Walker College of Business scholarship committee considers factors such as the SAT score, high school grade-point average, class rank, extracurricular activities, interest in a business career and evidence of leadership and maturity in making its selection for each of the freshmen scholarships. Freshmen finalists are invited to campus for an interview.

In addition to the freshmen awards, scholarships are available for juniors and seniors. Applicants must be full-time students making satisfactory academic progress towards a degree in business. Information about these scholarships may be obtained from the Walker College of Business scholarship coordinator or by visiting: www.business.appstate.edu/students/scholarships

Internship Programs

The Walker College of Business offers internship opportunities for juniors and seniors admitted to the College of Business. Internships are designed in the areas of accounting, computer information systems, economics, entrepreneurship, finance and banking, hospitality and tourism management, international business, insurance (actuarial science), management, marketing, and supply chain management, and must be approved by the department advisor and internship coordinator. An internship is required for students majoring in hospitality and tourism management. Students participating in the internship program must register for an internship course (see courses listed as 3900) and pay registration and tuition fees.

Executive-in-Residence Program

An executive with a business firm serves as an instructor in the Walker College of Business. Through special classes and seminars, students can interact with these business leaders to gain valuable insight into the “real world” of business.

Harlan E. Boyles Distinguished CEO Lecture Series

Each year, a chief executive officer from a corporation with a strong presence in North Carolina is invited to present a lecture to faculty, administrators, and students. During the reception that follows the lecture, students have the opportunity to interact with some of North Carolina’s top business leaders in an informal setting.

Business Advisory Council

The Council is composed of a group of business men and women who meet twice a year to advise College administrators on matters relating to the needs of the business community. The businesses represented by the members are diverse and include major accounting, manufacturing, retail, financial, legal and medical firms. Council members are given opportunities to meet with students in small focus groups.

Beta Gamma Sigma

Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest national recognition a student can receive in an undergraduate or master’s program in business or management accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

This national honorary society for business administration students was founded in 1913. The Appalachian chapter was established in 1977. Membership is limited to outstanding students who rank in the upper ten percent of the junior class, upper ten percent of the senior class, or upper twenty percent of their graduate class. Detailed information can be obtained from the College of Business Dean’s office.

Clubs and Organizations

More than twenty professional organizations and honor societies are represented in the Walker College of Business. Membership offers students the opportunity to join with other students in their specific areas of interest. For details, visit: www.business.appstate.edu/students/clubs

Walker Fellows

The Walker Fellows, a group of business students, serve as representatives to all constituents of the Walker College of Business, including students, alumni, faculty/staff, and the business community through service, events and academic programs. Visit www.business.appstate.edu/students/walker-fellows for details.

Programs

• FYG - International Business, BSBA
• International Business, BSBA

• Business Analytics Minor
• General Business Minor
• International Business Minor

Courses

• BUS 1050 - Introduction to Business (3)
• BUS 1530-1549 - Selected Topics (1-4)
• BUS 2001 - Business Career Development (1)
• BUS 2045 - Introduction to International Business Abroad (3)
• BUS 2055 - Introduction to International Sustainable Business Abroad (3)
• BUS 2500 - Independent Study (1-4)
• BUS 2530-2549 - Selected Topics (1-4)
• BUS 3045 - International Business Seminar Abroad (3)
• BUS 3055 - International Sustainable Business Seminar Abroad (3)
• BUS 3500 - Independent Study (1-4)
• BUS 3520 - Instructional Assistance (1)
• BUS 3530-3549 - Selected Topics (1-4)
• BUS 3900 - International Business Internship (1-6)
• BUS 4000 - Business Capstone Experience (1) [CAP]
• BUS 4045 - Advanced International Business Seminar Abroad (3)
• BUS 4055 - Advanced International Sustainable Business Seminar Abroad (3)
• BUS 4060 - Holland Fellows International Business Study in Asia I (3)
• BUS 4065 - Holland Fellows International Business Study in Asia II (3)
• BUS 4500 - Independent Study (1-4)
• BUS 4530-4549 - Selected Topics (1-4)

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