Management Studies
Overview
Focused on aiding career promotion, Bachelor of Science in Management Studies degree provides a broad-based business education with a focus on industry knowledge. The Management Studies program consists of multiple sessions throughout the academic calendar with each course duration lasting 4-8 weeks. Additionally, this accelerated program also allows students seeking the Management Studies degree to complete the degree quickly by utilizing previously completed vocational collegiate coursework from approved accredited institutions (Occupational Specialization). By utilizing vocational coursework, the Management Studies degree serves the Rockford community by fostering partnerships between area institutions and industries.
The Management Studies degree is composed of the Occupational Specialization credits along with general education courses and concentration specific coursework. Students may be able to transfer credits within any of these degree components, however 60 credit hours must be earned from a 4-year institution (at least 30 of which must be upper level coursework). Additionally, 30 of the last 36 hours of coursework must be completed at Rockford University, and no more than 15 transfer credit hours may be articulated into the major area component.
Degree Information
Regarding the Occupational Specialization component, the Management Studies degree allows students to qualify with a minimum of 12, and up to a maximum of 25, credits. These credits can be earned from student coursework completed at a Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approved community college, technical school, and/or university. The qualifying coursework must be in one concentrated area. Official transcripts from prior institutions will be reviewed and approved by committee, prior to awarding credit. Many students who pursue the Management Studies program have previously completed an Associate’s of Applied Science degree and/or a certificate. Vocational coursework may be from any vocation, as a business concentration vocation is not required.
For admission into the Rockford University Management Studies program, students must meet the following criteria:
- The previous college cumulative grade point average of all institutions combined must be 2.0 or above with a minimum grade of C for each course being accepted for transfer credit.
- Submit official transcripts from CHEA accredited institutions of higher learning for evaluation.
Management Studies Degree Requirements (minimum of 124 credits)
The 124 hours must include all university degree specific general education requirements, all degree specific requirements, and all major requirements.
General Education 33-34
Supporting degree specific requirements 21
Major requirements* 36-48
Occupational Specialization/Electives 22-34
*Students may transfer in no more than 15 credits within the major. BSMS 490 and BSMS 495 must be taken at Rockford University.
**Students will be required to complete 9 credits of upper-level liberal arts requirements as part of the major. These courses will be offered on a regular basis within the cohort format.
Note: The minimum GPA for the Management Studies program is 2.0, and students are required to earn a passing grade in all major courses.
Degree Requirements
General Education Courses (33-34 credits)
Composition - 6 credits (2 courses)
Social Sciences - 9 credits (3 courses)
Arts/Humanities - 12 credits (4 courses)
Science/Math - 6-7 credits (2 courses)
Degree Completion Core Courses (21 credits)
May count towards General Education.
Required Major Courses (45 credits)
No more than 15 credits allowed in transfer for major.
Occupational Specialization/Electives (22-34 credits)
Transfer credit and/or general electives as approved by academic advisor.