HELP 2014-2015 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG] Business and Information Technology Print-Friendly Page (opens a new window)

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Mission

The mission of the Business and Information Technology Department is to prepare tomorrow’s business leaders for the challenges of a dynamic global business environment through the innovative integration of a traditional business curriculum with state-of-the-art information technology.

Objectives

To achieve this mission, the Business and Information Technology Department is committed to providing students with:

• A curriculum that embraces a balanced, comprehensive, and well-rounded examination of the theory and application of best-practice business models;
• The opportunity to gain an understanding of business theory and practice, and to apply its concepts to real-life, practical situations through case study exercises, group projects, and academic competitions;
• The opportunity to apply analytical tools and to use information technology to solve business problems through case studies and classroom and laboratory exercises;
• The opportunity to develop and apply critical thinking skills, oral and written communication skills, and interpersonal and group dynamics skills in a business setting; and,
• The opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to challenges faced in real-life business settings through internships and research projects.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the requirements for a Business and Information Technology degree, students will:

• Be able to apply current best business practices in decision-making, management, and strategic planning;
• Be able to apply information technology and other analytical tools to a variety of business problems;
• Be able to communicate effectively using both oral and written communication skills and media tools;
• Be able to read, analyze, and interpret financial statements;
• Be an effective contributor to projects and other team efforts;
• Be prepared to pursue post-baccalaureate degrees or professional certifications; and,
• Understand and embrace the need for lifelong learning.

Outcomes will be assessed by

• Normal coursework and exams
• Successful completion of the Department’s capstone course
• By national standardized exam scores
• Surveys of undergraduates at the end of the senior year
• Successful completion of qualified internships
• Placement rates

Overview

What will strike the student entering this program is its dynamic balance between traditional business course work and information technology requirements. The curriculum integrates business and computer applications in much the same way as today’s most successful, innovative businesses. Graduates work at the interface of business and information technology, enabling them to pursue a variety of career paths. Preparation from the course curriculum encourages and supports the need for continuing education of working professionals. The recommendation of sitting for a professional examination of the student’s choosing reinforces this. Graduates from the business program will be instilled to understand and honor the concepts of ethics and diversity in the workplace. The curriculum includes all of the pre-professional courses required for admission into most Master of Business Administrations (MBA) programs.

The BIT degree offers students three educational options:

Accounting: Students under this option have the opportunity to either enter the work force after a four year degree or continue their education and sit for the CPA exam. The four year degree prepares the student for the Certified Management Accountant exam as well as entrance into a Masters of Accountancy program. Students interested in becoming Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are required to have a total of 150 semester hours to obtain this certification and have the opportunity to remain at Tech beyond the four year degree and prepare for the CPA exam.

Management: The management option at Montana Tech is designed to give the students flexibility in selecting their upper division business coursework. This gives students the flexibility to pursue additional management course work beyond the business core in the areas of marketing, human resources, or cost management. Students completing this option are prepared to enter any number of managerial based careers or continue into graduate school.

Information Technology: This option allows students to complement general business knowledge and skills with an emphasis in information technology and in particular the management of information technology systems. Students completing this option are prepared to enter information technology management positions or continue into graduate school.

Marketing: The marketing option at Montana Tech allows students to focus their upper division business studies in the dynamic world of marketing. Similar to any of the business options, a marketing option at Montana Tech is specifically designed to incorporate information technology into their business degree program. Students completing the marketing option are prepared to enter marketing positions or continue into graduate school.

Health Information Technology: The health Information Technology option is unique to Montana Tech and allows students to complete a very strong business curriculum complemented with additional coursework in health care technology. This option pairs the strengths of both the Business Department and the Department of health Care Informatics. Students completing this option are prepared to enter positions in the field of health care information or continue into graduate school.

The Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Business is also available through the department. This customized degree provides an opportunity for individuals having an Associate of Applied Science degree to apply a larger block of credit to a baccalaureate degree. Students not enrolled in the BIT program can choose to obtain one of two minors in Business Administrations: Accounting or Management. A minor in Business Administration is a valuable addition to an engineering or other technical degree. Students should check with an academic advisor to determine if the electives within a particular discipline can be fulfilled with business courses. Students in the Helena area can enroll in upper division courses taught by Montana Tech at The University of Montana – Helena College of Technology. Montana Tech’s “Helena Program” enables students to obtain a Baccalaureate business degree while working full-time.

Programs

• Business and Information Technology - UM-Helena, B.S.
• Business and Information Technology, Accounting, B.S.
• Business and Information Technology, Health Information Technology, B.S.
• Business and Information Technology, Information Technology, B.S.
• Business and Information Technology, Management, B.S.
• Business and Information Technology, Marketing, B.S.

• Business UM - Helena, B.A.S.
• Business, Accounting Track, B.A.S.
• Business, Management Track, B.A.S.

• Business Administration Minor

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